Catfish Species
Updated September 23, 2018
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
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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
Corydoras metae
Bandit Cory
Comes from the rivers of Colombia, South America and has similar care requirements as other corydoras species.
Bandit Cory
Comes from the rivers of Colombia, South America and has similar care requirements as other corydoras species.
Ancistrus spp.
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).
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).
Microglanis iheringi
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.
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.
Gyrinocheilos aymonieri
Chinese Algae Eater
Often mistaken for the otocinclus catfish, this algae eater can get big and somewhat aggressive with tank mates as it grows.
Chinese Algae Eater
Often mistaken for the otocinclus catfish, this algae eater can get big and somewhat aggressive with tank mates as it grows.
Hexanematichthys seemanni
Columbian Shark
A fish that can get large! Only keep them in the largest of aquariums.
Columbian Shark
A fish that can get large! Only keep them in the largest of aquariums.
Corydoras spp.
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.
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.
Corydoras hastatus
Dwarf Corydoras
One of three pygmy corydoras species. Gets to about 1 inch in size, needs to be kept in schools.
Dwarf Corydoras
One of three pygmy corydoras species. Gets to about 1 inch in size, needs to be kept in schools.
Kryptopterus Minor
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.
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.
Baryancistrus sp.
Gold Nugget Pleco
From 6 to 9 inches and can be quite expensive for a freshwater fish.
Gold Nugget Pleco
From 6 to 9 inches and can be quite expensive for a freshwater fish.
Pangasius hypophthalmus
Iridescent Shark
This "freshwater shark" gets way too big for most home aquariums.
Iridescent Shark
This "freshwater shark" gets way too big for most home aquariums.
Otocinclus vestitus
Otocinclus Catfish
Great little catfish that eats algae, may not do well if not acclimated properly.
Otocinclus Catfish
Great little catfish that eats algae, may not do well if not acclimated properly.
Pimelodus pictus
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.
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.
Hypostomus plecostomus
Plecostomus
Many different species with many that get too big for most home aquariums.
Plecostomus
Many different species with many that get too big for most home aquariums.
Hypancistrus sp (L260)
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.
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.
Platydoras Costatus
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.
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.
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
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.
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.
Panaque nigrolineatus
Royal Pleco
Gets up to around 17 inches so you need a large aquarium if you want to keep this pleco.
Royal Pleco
Gets up to around 17 inches so you need a large aquarium if you want to keep this pleco.
Corydoras schwartzi
Schwartz's Cory
Another little corydoras species that seems to do better when kept in small groups of 3 or more.
Schwartz's Cory
Another little corydoras species that seems to do better when kept in small groups of 3 or more.
Synodontis nigriventris
Upside Down Catfish
Gets to around 4 inches and does well when kept in groups.
Upside Down Catfish
Gets to around 4 inches and does well when kept in groups.
Hypancistrus Zebra
Zebra Pleco
A plecostomus that demands high prices due to limited availability. Populations in the wild are threatened.
Zebra Pleco
A plecostomus that demands high prices due to limited availability. Populations in the wild are threatened.
