Banjo catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Banjo cat, Guitarrita, Bunocephalus bicolor
Family
Aspredinidae (banjo catfishes)
Origin
Amazon basin, South America (type locality Nauta, Peru).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
11 cm
Temperature
20–27°C
pH
5.8–7.8
Hardness
2–20 dGH
Minimum tank
80 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

The banjo catfish most often seen for sale. It has a broad, bumpy head and a long thin tail, and spends the day buried in sand or leaf litter. It reaches about 11 cm standard length. No source gives a tank size; we suggest at least 80 litres (an estimate). Give it soft river sand to burrow in, some leaf litter and a few flat rocks or wood. It is undemanding about water: about 20–27 °C, pH 5.8–7.8 and 2–20 dGH. Mature females are larger and deeper-bodied than males. The genus name comes from the Greek for 'hill head', after the bumps on the head. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=25). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats most prepared foods that reach the bottom; bloodworm and sinking catfish pellets are best. Feed after lights-out.

Breeding

Has been bred in aquariums. Fish mature at about 11 cm. Spawning takes place at night, with very large numbers of eggs (4,000–5,000) laid in several batches. The eggs hatch in about three days.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and suitable for community tanks, alone or in a group, as long as there are enough places to hide.

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

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