Moderate
Spotted Raphael Talking Catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons)
22–28°C · pH 6–7.5 · 120L
£11.99
A peaceful nocturnal armoured catfish for shaded community aquariums with sand, caves, wood and sinking foods offered after lights dim.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Acanthodoras cataphractus
Painted Talking Catfish are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour.
A peaceful nocturnal armoured catfish for shaded community aquariums with sand, caves, wood and sinking foods offered after lights dim.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Painted Talking Catfish, Acanthodoras cataphractus, is a peaceful armoured doradid catfish from South America. It is a nocturnal bottom-dweller that spends much of the day tucked under wood, roots or caves, then becomes more active after dusk when food is offered.
The common name comes from its ability to make audible sounds with the pectoral-fin mechanism. It is a characterful species, but it should be handled with care because the pectoral and dorsal spines can catch in nets. Use a container rather than chasing or lifting it in mesh.
Use fine sand or smooth substrate, subdued lighting and several hiding places. Driftwood, pipes, caves and broad plant cover help the fish settle and show normal behaviour. It is peaceful with similarly sized community fish, but very small fry or tiny shrimp may be eaten if encountered after dark.
Good tank mates include medium tetras, peaceful cichlids, larger Corydoras, calm gouramis and other non-aggressive species that enjoy similar water. Avoid rough cichlids, fin-nippers and territorial bottom dwellers that may block access to shelter.
Feed after lights dim using sinking omnivore pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and finely chopped seafood. It will scavenge, but it should not be left to survive on leftovers. Remove uneaten food and keep the substrate clean.
We pack armoured catfish with careful bagging and insulated livestock packaging. Orders travel with a licensed live-animal courier and eligible livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when delivery and acclimation instructions are followed.
It can produce audible sounds by moving the pectoral-fin mechanism, especially when disturbed.
No. It is generally peaceful, but it is nocturnal and should be kept with fish too large to be mistaken for food.
A container is safer. The spines can snag in nets and injure the fish or the keeper.
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