Freshwater Catfish Care Guide

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

2 inches – 4 feet depending on species (Some get very large!)

WATER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS 

72-78 F

TANK REQUIREMENTS 

5+ gallons depending on species

SWIM LEVEL

Bottom level

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Freshwater Catfish range in a variety of sizes so it is important to choose a species that will live comfortable in your aquarium once it reaches adult size. Most catfish have passive temperaments, but larger catfish will eat smaller species. Freshwater Catfish should only be kept with similar sized fish. Some species like Corydoras need to be kept in schools, others should be kept alone due to territory aggression.

FEEDING

Offer your Freshwater catfish sinking shrimp pellets, appropriately sized tropical fish pellets, or frozen or freeze-dried insect larvae or brine shrimp daily. Catfish are naturally bottom feeders and will spend their day foraging the bottom for left over foods. Most aquariums should be offered food twice a day in a quantity that can be completely consumed by its inhabitants within 1-2 minutes. Left over foods should be removed from the aquarium to avoid rotting. Stock level and types of species may require adjustments to these feeding recommendations. 

SUPPLEMENTS

While supplements are not usually needed for Freshwater Catfish if they are fed a varied diet, a lot of research has been done to suggest giving Vitamin C to a fish helps in disease prevention and healing.

ENVIRONMENT

The most important factor in a Freshwater Catfish’s environment is space. Catfish kept in aquariums to small will have stunted growth issues and usually die prematurely due to this. Multiple hide spots should be available for your catfish. Catfish do all have in common a sensitivity to dirty tanks, so weekly water changes are usually recommended.

ACCLIMATING & QUARANTINING NEW FISH

We recommend water acclamation and 24 hours of quarantine (if possible) for your new Freshwater Fish. To achieve this float the bag containing the new fish in your aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes to equalize temperatures. At this point you can add small amounts of your tank water to the fish bag every 15 minutes or so 3-4 times. At this point, catch your new fish out of the bag and release it into your quarantine aquarium.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Tropical pellet or sinking shrimp pelleted foods 
• Frozen or freeze-dried insect larvae or brine shrimp 
• Aquarium décor to provide hide spots 
• Fine mesh net to avoid spiny fin damage

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.