Bolt catfish (Aguarunichthys torosus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Yellow-band catfish, Jello band catfish
Family
Pimelodidae (long-whiskered catfishes)
Origin
South America: upper Amazon basin in Peru, including the Marañón and Cenepa rivers (type locality Río Cenepa).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
34.6 cm
Temperature
22–27°C
pH
5.8–7.2
Hardness
5–15 dGH
Minimum tank
650 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
aggressive

Care

A powerful, muscular pimelodid with a yellow band along its side. It is a capable hunter, a loner, and very aggressive towards its own kind around a large territory, so keep just one. Adults need a big tank with plenty of open swimming space, a few large caves or roots for shelter and strong filtration. PlanetCatfish gives no tank size; we estimate at least around 650 litres (about 180 × 60 cm) for an adult. Water at 22–27 °C, pH 5.8–7.2 and 5–15 dGH suits it. Small imported fish can be delicate at first but settle quickly. No sexual differences have been described. Names: the genus name comes from the Aguaruna people of the Amazon, and torosus refers to its muscular build. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2020). Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=725). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A predator. PlanetCatfish suggests earthworms as the best staple; it also takes dry pellets and pieces of fish fillet. Feed a varied diet of sinking pellets, worms and fish or prawn pieces, and avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

Not reported in the aquarium.

Compatibility and tank mates

Will eat any fish small enough to swallow. Keep it alone, or with robust fish too large to be eaten that can hold their own, such as large cichlids or other big catfish in a very large tank. Do not keep two together.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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