Catfish Species
Updated September 23, 2018 | Author: Mike FishLore
The catfish species listed here are some of the most popular among hobbyists. These catfish usually are purchased to perform some sort of function in terms of fish tank maintenance. For example, these fishes are known for their scavenging abilities but they too need their own foods just like the rest of the fish in your tank.
Some stay on the small side (corydoras) whereas others can get quite large (pleco and columbian shark) and some can be aggressive (Chinese algae eater). They are all fascinating in their own right and can be great additions to the right tank setup.
Catfish
Bandit Cory
Comes from the rivers of Colombia, South America and has similar care requirements as other corydoras species.
Bristlenose Pleco
Also known as the bushy nose pleco, the bristlenose pleco is a much better option for most hobbyists instead of the common pleco (below).
Bumblebee Catfish
There are 2 types of bumblebee catfish, the South American and the Asian. The South American can be identified by the spot at the base of the caudal fish. This spot is almost like a square in the South American and a triangle with the tip towards the head for the Asian.
Chinese Algae Eater
Often mistaken for the otocinclus catfish, this algae eater can get big and somewhat aggressive with tank mates as it grows.
Columbian Shark
A fish that can get large! Only keep them in the largest of aquariums.
Corydoras Catfish
One of the coolest little freshwater tropical fish you can keep. We're biased though since it's one of our all time favorite species.
Dwarf Corydoras
One of three pygmy corydoras species. Gets to about 1 inch in size, needs to be kept in schools.
Glass Catfish
The first thing to notice about the Glass catfish is that it has transparent flesh, which allows us to see the spinal cord and internal organs. This transparent fish is also a picky eater; it has been known not to accept flake foods with ease.
Gold Nugget Pleco
From 6 to 9 inches and can be quite expensive for a freshwater fish.
Iridescent Shark
This "freshwater shark" gets way too big for most home aquariums.
Otocinclus Catfish
Great little catfish that eats algae, may not do well if not acclimated properly.
Pictus Catfish
Gets to around 4 inches and needs a tank big enough to allow plenty of swimming room. This is a very active catfish.
Plecostomus
Many different species with many that get too big for most home aquariums.
Queen Arabesque Pleco
The Queen Arabesque Pleco comes from South America in the rivers Brazil, Para and Rio Tapajos. Because of their beauty, the Queen Arabesque Pleco is the fish keeper's substitute to the much sought after zebra pleco, although they don't look very much like them.
Striped Raphael Catfish
This is a medium to large sized catfish (up to 9 inches) that is very active. Being nocturnal, it comes out mostly at night, though they are known for getting adjusted to daylight.
Redtail Catfish
This catfish gets way to big for the majority of home aquariums. You're looking at a tank in the thousands of gallons here. Think large backyard ponds or leave them in the wild or public aquariums.
Royal Pleco
Gets up to around 17 inches so you need a large aquarium if you want to keep this pleco.
Schwartz's Cory
Another little corydoras species that seems to do better when kept in small groups of 3 or more.
Upside Down Catfish
Gets to around 4 inches and does well when kept in groups.
Zebra Pleco
A plecostomus that demands high prices due to limited availability. Populations in the wild are threatened.
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