All fish / Ariidae

Colombian shark catfish

Ariopsis seemanni

Also known as columbian shark, colombian shark, black fin shark catfish, silver tip shark catfish, jordan's catfish, tete sea catfish, west american cat shark, shark catfish, ปลาฉลามโคลัมเบีย, コロンビアシャーク, ikan colombian shark, 哥伦比亚鲨

This is a sleek, shark-shaped sea catfish with a silvery grey back, white belly, black-edged fins and long barbels. It is kept for its active schooling behaviour and striking looks, and is often sold as a small juvenile labelled as a freshwater fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

30 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

7 to 8.5

Smallest tank

700 litres

Keep as

Group of 3 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, prawns, mussel, bloodworm and small fish pieces

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Brackish

Wild range

Eastern Pacific coast and rivers from Mexico to Peru

Breeding

It is a mouthbrooder, with the male carrying the large eggs in his mouth for several weeks. Breeding has very rarely been achieved in home aquariums because of the adult size and marine conditions needed.

Good to know

Juveniles can cope with fresh water, but adults need brackish to marine water and a very large tank, and they will eat small tankmates. The spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins are venomous and can give a painful sting, so handle them with care.