All fish / Akysidae

Chameleon Catfish

Acrochordonichthys rugosus

Also known as chameleon catfish, stream catfish, rugose catfish, warty catfish

A small, flattened catfish with rough, warty brown skin and mottled markings that let it blend in with the stones and leaf litter of forest streams. It is kept by catfish enthusiasts who like unusual, secretive species for a well-oxygenated stream-style tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

21 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group

Diet

Carnivore: bloodworm, blackworm, small shrimps and sinking meaty foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and Java

Breeding

There are no reliable reports of captive breeding, so nearly all fish sold are wild-caught.

Good to know

It is nocturnal and hides most of the time, so it needs caves and should not be kept with fish small enough to swallow. It needs clean, well-oxygenated water with some current, and new imports can be delicate.