All fish / Bagridae

Black-finned Bagrid Catfish

Bagroides melapterus

Also known as blackfin bagrid, black-finned catfish, bagroides catfish, bagroides melapterus catfish, baung

A mottled brown and cream bagrid catfish with dark fins and long barbels, found in forest streams and rivers. It is kept by catfish enthusiasts as an unusual, rarely imported species that becomes active at dusk.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

250 litres

Keep as

Single or a small group in a large tank

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, prawn, earthworms and small fish pieces

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo

Breeding

Captive breeding has not been reported, and little is known about its reproduction in the wild.

Good to know

Mostly nocturnal and predatory, so it will eat small tankmates that fit in its mouth. Needs caves for shelter and has sharp fin spines, so take care when netting.