Giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Bubu, Giraffe catfish, Giraffe-nosed catfish
Family
Auchenoglanididae (flatnose catfishes)
Origin
Widespread in Africa: West African rivers, the Chad basin, the Congo, Lake Tanganyika, the Nile in Ethiopia and Sudan, Lake Turkana and the Shabeelle River.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
70 cm
Temperature
21–25°C
pH
6.5–7.8
Hardness
Soft to hard, up to 28 dH
Minimum tank
1500 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

The giraffe catfish is named after the net-like pattern of brown patches on a paler background, which breaks up and fades as it grows. It is occasionally sold as a small, cute juvenile, but it grows quickly and FishBase gives a maximum of 70 cm standard length. Wikipedia notes that it is unsuitable for smaller aquariums because of its size and growth rate. We have estimated a minimum of about 1,500 litres for an adult, as no source gives a figure. Use a sand base, because it constantly digs and sifts the bottom with its pointed snout, and add large rocks and wood that are firmly placed. Plants are likely to be uprooted, so use robust or floating plants or leave them out. It tolerates a wide range of water: FishBase gives 21–25 °C, pH 6.5–7.8 and hardness up to 28 dH. In the wild it lives over muddy bottoms in lakes and large rivers. Strong filtration and regular large water changes are needed. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (FishBase, assessed 2025). Fish sold as "giraffe catfish" may belong to related, similar-looking Auchenoglanis species, so check what you are buying. We could not read the PlanetCatfish page for this species when checking, so these figures come from FishBase and Wikipedia. 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: FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Auchenoglanis-occidentalis.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auchenoglanisoccidentalis). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A bottom-feeding omnivore. In the wild it eats seeds, plankton, insect larvae, worms, molluscs, small crustaceans and detritus. In aquariums it takes almost anything: sinking pellets and tablets, earthworms, prawns, mussels and frozen foods. It grows fast and has a big appetite, so feed well but keep an eye on water quality.

Breeding

Not reported in aquariums in the sources checked. In the wild, FishBase notes that males guard the eggs and young in a nest.

Compatibility and tank mates

Generally peaceful, but like most large catfish it may eat fish small enough to swallow. Keep with other large, robust fish such as large African cichlids, Synodontis and other big catfish.

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

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