All fish / Auchenipteridae

Fisher's Driftwood Catfish

Trachelyopterus fisheri

Also known as fisher's woodcat, fisher's driftwood catfish, black driftwood catfish, driftwood catfish, woodcat, parauchenipterus fisheri

A stocky, dark brown to blackish driftwood catfish with a broad flattened head, small eyes and long barbels. It hides in wood and caves by day and comes out at dusk to feed, which suits keepers who enjoy hardy, unusual nocturnal catfish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Alone or in a small group of 3 or more

Diet

Carnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, prawn, earthworms and small feeder insects

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Colombia and Panama: Pacific and Caribbean drainages including the Atrato, San Juan and Magdalena basins

Breeding

Like other auchenipterids it uses internal fertilisation, with the male's modified anal fin passing sperm to the female, who later scatters the eggs. Captive spawning is rarely reported and is not easy to arrange at home.

Good to know

It will eat any fish small enough to fit in its wide mouth, especially at night, so keep it only with medium to large tankmates. Provide plenty of cover such as driftwood or pipes, as it gets stressed without hiding places.