Djambi Imperial Catfish (Pseudeutropius moolenburghae) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Djambi Imperial Catfish, Imperial catfish
Family
Horabagridae (imperial catfishes)
Origin
Asia: rivers and lakes of Sumatra (described from the Batang Hari river near Djambi) and western Borneo, Indonesia.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
3–18 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A small, laterally compressed, silvery catfish that swims in open water rather than hiding on the bottom, growing to about 10 cm. It is only occasionally imported, sometimes mixed in with other Asian glass-type catfishes. PlanetCatfish has a data page but no care notes, so much of this advice is based on the related species and is an estimate. Tank: as an active open-water shoaling fish it should be kept in a group of at least five or six. The 150-litre minimum is our estimate for such a group. Provide a long tank with swimming space, gentle to moderate current and planted edges or wood for cover. Water: FishBase lists tropical water around 22 °C and pH 6.5-7.5; we suggest 22-26 °C. Keep the water clean and well oxygenated. Identification: the genus name refers to its compressed body. Males and females have not been described as differing externally. Status: IUCN Least Concern (2018). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=1505); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Pseudeutropius-moolenburghae.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feeds on insect larvae and small invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium offer small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mysis, plus good-quality flakes and small granules that it can take in mid-water.

Breeding

No breeding reports are known. FishBase records it as an egg-scatterer with no parental care.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful shoaling fish for a community of similar-sized, calm species such as rasboras, barbs that are not nippy, gouramis and loaches. Very small fry and shrimp may be eaten.

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

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