All fish / Auchenipteridae

Jaguar Catfish

Liosomadoras oncinus

Also known as jaguar woodcat, jaguar driftwood catfish, jaguar cat, liosomadoras, oncinus catfish, リオソマドラス・オンキヌス, 美洲豹猫, 豹纹木猫

No free-to-use photo of this fish yet. Took one yourself? Send it to us and we will credit you.

A stout driftwood catfish with a bold pattern of dark brown blotches on a cream to yellow base that resembles a jaguar's coat. It hides by day among wood and roots and comes out at night, and is kept for its striking looks and hardy nature.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

250 litres

Keep as

Can be kept alone or in a small group with plenty of hiding places

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, earthworms, prawns, mussel and other meaty frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Rio Negro and upper Amazon basins in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru

Breeding

Like other driftwood catfish it uses internal fertilisation, with the male transferring sperm before the female lays eggs later. Captive breeding is very rarely reported.

Good to know

It will eat any fish small enough to swallow, so keep it only with medium to large tankmates. Its dorsal and pectoral spines are sharp and can snag nets.