Giraffe Catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) CareSheet

The Giraffe Catfish is a tough and adaptable species with a characteristic spotted pattern that may be found over most of West and Central Africa. It lives in the wild in shallow, slow-moving sections of rivers and lakes, where it sifts for food in the sand and muck using its huge barbels. They are undemanding in the aquarium and make good tankmates for other big fish that are also placid.


Origin: Wild Nigeria
Diet: Insect eater and scavenger, will readily accept most sinking foods
Adult Size: 30"
Recommended Tank Size: 300 gallons
Compatibility: Generally peaceful toward tankmates. Smaller fish may be at risk of being eaten
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.8 - 7.8
Temp: 76-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 30ppm