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Spotted Raphael Catfish

Agamyxis pectinifrons (Cope, 1870)

Also called Spotted talking catfish, Whitebarred catfish

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Amazon basin in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru.12

At a glance the quick version

Length15 cm21
Sizesmall
Clicks loud enough to hear outside the tank
Hardy and beginner friendly
Peaceful community catfish
13

Looks how to spot one

Armoured thorny catfish

A compact, dark catfish covered in light spots and bars, with a row of thorn-like plates on its sides and strong fin spines.31

Coloursdark basewhite to pale or dark yellow spots and bars3

Personality what they are like

Easygoing and non-aggressive; hides by day and becomes active at dusk.31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Quiet by day, foraging over the bottom at night.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Give dim light, soft sand and lots of cover. Move it by hand or with a container, since its spines catch in nets.13

Home where they are happiest

Tropical water of about 20 to 26 C, pH 5.5 to 7.5 and hardness up to about 20 dGH, in a tank with a base of at least 120 x 30 cm.23

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous bottom feeder: good sinking pellets or tablets plus regular bloodworm and the odd earthworm.32

Company who they like around

Social and more natural in groups of four or more, though it can live alone; fine with peaceful Amazon fish too big to swallow.3

The story where it all began

Edward Drinker Cope described the species in 1870. It remains a popular, hardy catfish in the aquarium hobby.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is one of the few fish whose clicks you can hear from outside the aquarium.1

  2. 2

    The sounds come from rubbing its fin spines, a trick shared by its thorny catfish relatives.3

  3. 3

    The placement of its pale markings differs from fish to fish.3

  4. 4

    It is described as relatively long-lived for its size.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 20 July 2020)2
Taxonomy
Described by Cope in 18702
Family
Doradidae (thorny catfishes), subfamily Astrodoradinae2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Spotted Raphael Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Spotted Raphael Catfish?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. As an omnivorous bottom feeder, it will appreciate sinking pellets or tablets. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.32 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Spotted Raphael Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats sinking pellets or tablets, plus regular bloodworm and the occasional earthworm. Never feed anything that could get stuck in its mouth or harm its sensitive barbels. For a full list of unsafe foods, ask your exotic-pet vet.32

How much space does a Spotted Raphael Catfish need?

It needs a tank with a base of at least 120 x 30 cm. This gives it enough room to forage at night and hide during the day. A larger tank is even better for a group.32

What temperature, light or water does a Spotted Raphael Catfish need?

Keep tropical water at 20 to 26°C, pH 5.5 to 7.5, and hardness up to about 20 dGH. Provide dim light and lots of cover, as it is shy and nocturnal.32

How often should I clean a Spotted Raphael Catfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Test the water weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Spotted Raphael Catfish live with others?

Yes, it is easygoing and non-aggressive. It is social and does best in groups of four or more, but can live alone. It also gets along with peaceful Amazon fish that are too big to swallow.31

How long does a Spotted Raphael Catfish live?

Its lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask a good breeder or your exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Spotted Raphael Catfish?

It is best to avoid handling, as its strong fin spines can catch in nets and cause injury. If you must move it, use a container or your hands carefully. Always be gentle.31

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 Catfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Agamyxis pectinifrons en.wikipedia.orgused for names, distribution, sound, handling
  2. FishBase: Agamyxis pectinifrons fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, IUCN, family
  3. Seriously Fish: Agamyxis pectinifrons seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, colour

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.