Giant Talking Catfish (Megalodoras uranoscopus) CareSheet

The Irwin's Catfish, also known as the Giant Talking Catfish, is a unique and well armored catfish found across the Amazon and its tributaries. It is normally a peaceful giant in the aquarium, ignoring most species and being well protected from even the most hostile tankmates. Their natural diet consists mostly of aquatic snails, crustaceans, fruit, and foliage, although they will eat practically any sinking food. They're a wonderful scavenger for leftover food in large cichlid or predatory fish displays, but they do become big as adults and will need at least a 180 gallon tank. Although this species is not widely imported, it is attractive because of its color pattern, which persists with age. Catfish pellets and tablets, prawns, and frozen bloodworms are also part of the diet. This species necessitates a large aquarium, but it is otherwise peaceful, hardy, and compatible with most medium- to large-sized fish. It's best to form a group of three or more people. It's important that the lighting isn't too harsh. These fish should be supplied with hiding places.



Origin: Wild Peru
Locale: Rio Amazonas outside Iquitos
Diet: Feeds primarily on invertebrates and crustaceans in the wild. Will usually accept frozen and prepared foods in the aquarium
Adult Size: 24"
Recommended Tank Size: 180 Gallon
Compatibility: Generally not aggressive, even toward smaller fish.
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.5 - 7.5
Temp: 78-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 30ppm