All fish / Auchenipteridae

Slender Woodcat

Trachelyichthys exilis

Also known as slender driftwood catfish, woodcat, driftwood catfish, trachelyichthys

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A small, slim driftwood catfish with a mottled brown body, a large head and long barbels. It hides by day in wood and crevices and comes out at night, so it suits keepers who enjoy unusual, secretive catfish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Can be kept singly or in a small group of 3 or more

Diet

Carnivore: bloodworms, small insect larvae, sinking pellets and frozen foods offered after lights out

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru (Nanay and Ucayali drainages)

Breeding

Like other auchenipterids it uses internal fertilisation, with the female laying eggs some time after mating. Captive spawning is rarely reported and difficult.

Good to know

Mostly nocturnal and will eat very small fish or fry that fit in its mouth, so avoid keeping it with tiny tankmates. Provide plenty of hiding places or it will rarely be seen.