All fish / Bagridae

Black Lancer Catfish

Bagrichthys macracanthus

Also known as black lancer, black lancer catfish, lancer catfish, bagrichthys macracanthus, high fin lancer, baung, ブラックランサー, ikan baung, 黑枪鲶

A slim, dark brown to black bagrid catfish with a pale stripe along the back, long barbels and a very tall, spine-led dorsal fin that gives it a striking outline. It is kept for its unusual shape and its fairly calm, nocturnal nature in large river-style tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Singly or a small group in a large tank

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, shrimp, earthworms and other meaty foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo (Kapuas, Batang Hari and nearby basins)

Breeding

No reliable reports exist of it spawning in home aquariums. Fish sold in the trade are caught in the wild.

Good to know

It is mainly active at night and will eat small fish or shrimp that fit in its mouth. The dorsal and pectoral spines are sharp and catch in nets, so move it with a container. It wants clean, well-oxygenated water with some current.