Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Banjo Catfish
Bunocephalus coracoideus (Cope, 1874)
Also called Guitarrita, Guitarrito
Gentle and secretive, it lies still under leaves or sand by day and comes out after dark.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 11 cm (4 in)12 |
| Coat | Flattened, scaleless banjo-shaped body |
| Origin | South America: the Amazon River basin, including Bolivia, Brazil and Peru, in forest creeks and ponds rich in plant debris.12 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
Gentle and secretive, it lies still under leaves or sand by day and comes out after dark.32
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Banjo Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Flattened, scaleless banjo-shaped body
A wide, flat head and a thin tail give it the outline of a banjo or small guitar seen from above. Its rough, mottled skin makes it look just like a dead leaf on the bottom.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Largely inactive and needs little swimming space; moves with a jerky motion by pushing water from its gill covers.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Use fine sand or soft gravel it can bury into, plus leaf litter. Like other banjo catfish it now and then sheds its skin, which is normal.13
Home where they are happiest
Tropical water of about 20 to 28 C, pH roughly 5.8 to 8.0 and hardness 2 to 20 dGH, in a tank of at least 60 to 80 cm long.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unfussy: bloodworm, earthworms and sinking foods, given after lights out so it gets its share.31
Company who they like around
Gets along with its own kind and small peaceful fish such as tetras, dwarf cichlids and other gentle catfish; can be kept singly or in groups.3
The story where it all began
Edward Drinker Cope described the species in 1874. Its local name guitarrita, 'little guitar', reflects its shape, and it has become a popular oddball in the aquarium trade.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 5 August 2020)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Cope in 18741
- Family
- Aspredinidae (banjo catfishes)1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Banjo Catfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, ideally after lights out so it gets its share. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding with small portions.31 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Banjo Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It enjoys bloodworm, earthworms and sinking foods. Never feed it anything that floats or is too large for its mouth, and always check with a vet for specific dietary concerns.31
How much space does a Banjo Catfish need?
A tank at least 60 to 80 cm long is recommended. It is largely inactive and needs little swimming space, so a well-set-up tank of this size works well.31
What temperature, light or water does a Banjo Catfish need?
Keep tropical water at 20 to 28°C, pH 5.8 to 8.0, and hardness 2 to 20 dGH. It prefers dim lighting and a soft, sandy substrate to bury in.31
How often should I clean a Banjo Catfish's home?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning and water testing, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Always use dechlorinated water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Banjo Catfish live with others?
Yes, it gets along with its own kind and small peaceful fish like tetras, dwarf cichlids and other gentle catfish. It can be kept singly or in groups.3
How long does a Banjo Catfish live?
Lifespan varies and is not specified in the provided information. For accurate details, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Banjo Catfish?
It is best not to handle this fish as it is gentle and secretive, and handling can stress or harm its scaleless skin. Enjoy watching it from a distance.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Striped Raphael CatfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Bunocephalus coracoideus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, swimming, breeding, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Bunocephalus coracoideus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, distribution, size, diet, breeding
- Seriously Fish: Bunocephalus coracoideus seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, camouflage, skin shedding
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.