Pygmy driftwood catfish (Trachelyichthys exilis) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Woodcat, Driftwood catfish
Family
Auchenipteridae (driftwood catfishes)
Origin
Nanay River basin in the upper Amazon drainage, Peru (type locality a tributary of the Río Mamón about 25 km west of Iquitos).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
8 cm
Temperature
22–24°C
pH
6.5–7
Hardness
3–18 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
80 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A small woodcat (driftwood catfish) from the upper Amazon in Peru. Its long head shield makes the dorsal fin look as if it starts at the neck, which is where the genus name ("neck fish") comes from. It is told apart from its relative T. decaradiatus by eyes set near the front of the head rather than mid-way along it. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of 8 cm standard length, a temperature of 22–24 °C and pH 6.5–7.0. No source gives a tank size; around 80 litres is our estimate for a small group. Give it plenty of hiding places among driftwood, roots and caves, subdued lighting and clean, stable water. Sexing details are not given by the sources, but in woodcats generally the male has a modified anal fin used in mating. PlanetCatfish uses Trachelyichthys exilis. It lists the IUCN status as Least Concern (2014). It is only occasionally seen in the trade. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=372). Checked October 2026.

Diet

The sources read give no detailed diet. As general guidance for small woodcats, offer sinking pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, fed around lights-out when it comes out of hiding.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish holds a breeding report. Mating is by clasping, in the usual woodcat way, with internal fertilisation. The eggs are sticky but, unlike those of Tatia species, are not laid in clumps: they are scattered around the tank.

Compatibility and tank mates

The sources give no specific notes. It is a small, retiring fish, so it is best kept with calm, small to medium tankmates such as tetras, pencilfish, corys and dwarf cichlids, and away from boisterous fish that would out-compete it at feeding time. Very small fish may be at risk at night.

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

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