Channallabes apus Catfish 15-25 cm

Overview

Channallabes apus is a remarkable and unusual African catfish, often admired for its eel-like body, nocturnal behaviour and ability to breathe air. Offered here at a size of 15-25 cm, this species is a superb choice for aquarists looking for something genuinely different from the usual community fish. It is a specialist species with a calm nature, but it does best in a thoughtfully arranged aquarium that provides cover, subdued lighting and stable water conditions.

Although it is hardy once settled, Channallabes apus is best kept by hobbyists with some experience of catfish or oddball species. It is primarily active after dark, spending much of the day hidden among roots, caves and dense planting. With the right setup, it becomes an engaging fish to observe, especially during feeding time when its curious, snake-like movements are on full display.

As with all live fish from Tropical Fish Co, this species is supplied with our live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, helping ensure your new fish arrives in excellent condition and ready to settle into its new home.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Channallabes apus is native to freshwater systems in West and Central Africa, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, floodplains, swamps and marshy areas. In nature, it is associated with soft-bottomed waters, tangled vegetation and low-oxygen environments. This is one reason for its fascinating air-breathing ability, which allows it to survive in habitats that many other fish would struggle in.

The species is adapted to life among submerged roots, leaf litter and dense marginal growth. It is a nocturnal predator and scavenger, using its elongated body to move through tight spaces and hunt small aquatic invertebrates and other suitable prey. Understanding this natural history is the key to keeping it successfully in captivity: provide cover, keep the environment calm, and avoid bright, exposed tanks.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A well-planned aquarium is essential for this species. A tank of 250 litres or more is recommended for a single adult, with a larger footprint preferred over excessive height. Because Channallabes apus is a bottom-dwelling, exploratory fish, it benefits from open swimming space combined with plenty of hiding places. Use smooth wood, caves, rockwork with no sharp edges, and dense planting around the margins or back of the tank.

Subdued lighting is strongly advised. Floating plants can help diffuse the light and create a more natural, secure environment. A soft sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal, as this species may probe the bottom while foraging. Good filtration is important, but the current should not be excessively strong; aim for clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle to moderate flow.

Recommended water parameters are:

• Temperature: 24-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Regular maintenance is important even though the species can tolerate low-oxygen conditions. Stable water quality, routine partial water changes and careful feeding will help maintain long-term health. Because this fish can gulp air, ensure the aquarium has a secure lid with minimal gaps. Like many air-breathing species, it may rise to the surface occasionally, so access to air must be unobstructed.

Feeding Guide

Channallabes apus is a carnivorous catfish and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods. In captivity, it usually accepts sinking carnivore pellets, catfish tablets, frozen bloodworm, blackworm, mysis, chopped earthworm, krill and similar protein-rich foods. Some individuals may also take live foods, which can be useful when first settling a new fish in.

Feed in the evening or after lights out where possible, as this species is naturally nocturnal and will often be more confident once the tank is quiet. Offer appropriately sized portions that reach the bottom, and avoid overfeeding. A varied diet supports good condition, natural behaviour and steady growth. As with many predatory fish, it is best not to rely on a single food type.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

This is generally a peaceful species, but it should be housed with suitable tank mates that will not be viewed as food. Ideal companions are calm, medium-sized fish that prefer similar water conditions and are not overly boisterous. Good choices may include robust tetras, peaceful barbs of appropriate size, West African community species, medium-sized rainbowfish, and other non-aggressive fish that occupy the middle or upper levels of the tank.

Avoid tiny fish, shrimps and very small invertebrates, as these may be eaten. Fin-nipping species, highly territorial cichlids and aggressive bottom dwellers are also poor choices. Because Channallabes apus is nocturnal and secretive, it is often best kept in a species-appropriate community where tank mates are calm and not overly competitive at feeding time.

When introducing new fish, ensure they are large enough not to be mistaken for prey. Provide multiple hiding places so all inhabitants can establish their own space. If kept with other bottom species, make sure the tank is large enough to reduce competition for shelter.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we specialise in healthy, well-conditioned live fish for UK aquarists, including rare and unusual species such as Channallabes apus. Every order is packed with care to support a safe journey, and we offer fast UK delivery to get your fish to you quickly and efficiently. Our live arrival guarantee gives you added confidence when ordering online, and our team is committed to providing reliable service from checkout to delivery.

We understand that specialist fish need specialist care, so we aim to provide clear, accurate information to help you prepare the right aquarium before purchase. Whether you are expanding an oddball collection or looking for a truly distinctive catfish, Channallabes apus is a fascinating addition that rewards careful husbandry and a well-planned setup.

Choose Tropical Fish Co for quality livestock, dependable delivery and support from a UK aquatic retailer that understands the needs of unusual freshwater species.