Walking Catfish Clarias batrachus 4-5 cm

Overview

Clarias batrachus, commonly known as the Walking Catfish, is one of the most distinctive freshwater fish available to aquarists. This species is instantly recognisable by its elongated body, whisker-like barbels and powerful, eel-like movement. Juveniles at 4-5 cm are still small, but they grow quickly and develop into a robust, active catfish with a strong personality.

This is not a fish for the average community aquarium. Walking Catfish are hardy, intelligent and highly adaptable, but they also become large, strong and capable of escaping from poorly covered tanks. They are best suited to experienced keepers who can provide a secure setup, spacious accommodation and a varied, protein-rich diet. In return, you get a truly unusual fish with a lot of character and a fascinating natural history.

At Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy live fish with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, so your new catfish arrives in the best possible condition.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Clarias batrachus is native to parts of South and South-East Asia, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, floodplains, swamps, ditches, ponds and rice fields. It is famous for its ability to survive in low-oxygen conditions thanks to specialised air-breathing adaptations. In the wild, this species can move over damp ground for short distances, which is where the common name “Walking Catfish” comes from.

Its natural habitat is often warm, shallow and heavily vegetated, with muddy substrates and plentiful hiding places. These conditions help explain the fish’s resilience and preference for dimmer, sheltered environments. Because it is so adaptable, it can tolerate a wider range of conditions than many tropical fish, but stable, clean water is still essential for long-term health.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

For a juvenile of 4-5 cm, a smaller holding tank may be used temporarily, but this species grows rapidly and should be planned for as a large adult fish from the start. A minimum of 300 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with more space strongly advised if you are keeping any tank mates. A secure lid is absolutely essential, as Walking Catfish are powerful escape artists and can wriggle through surprisingly small gaps.

Use a soft sand or smooth fine gravel substrate to protect the barbels and underside. Add sturdy décor such as bogwood, rocks and robust caves, but avoid overcrowding the tank. Open swimming space is important, especially as the fish matures. Floating plants or broad-leaved plants can help reduce light intensity and create a more natural, sheltered feel.

Filtration should be strong and efficient, but avoid excessive current. Regular maintenance is important because this species produces a significant waste load as it grows. Aim for stable water quality with weekly partial water changes. Suitable water parameters are:

• Temperature: 22-28°C
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• General hardness: soft to moderately hard water

Although hardy, this fish should never be kept in poor water conditions. Good oxygenation, a secure environment and a calm setup will help it thrive. Because it is an air-breathing species, it may occasionally rise to the surface, so ensure there is access to air and no tight lid obstruction.

Feeding Guide

Walking Catfish are opportunistic feeders and do best on a varied diet. In nature they consume insects, worms, small crustaceans, carrion and other available food items. In captivity they should be offered a mix of high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen foods and meaty live or thawed foods such as bloodworm, earthworms, chopped prawn, mussel and lancefish.

Juveniles can be fed once or twice daily in small portions, while adults usually do well on one substantial feed per day or every other day depending on tank temperature and body condition. Avoid overfeeding, as this species can become overweight if given too much rich food. A varied diet will support healthy growth, strong colouration and good condition.

As with all catfish, feed after lights dim if possible, as this species is often more active at dusk and during the night.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Compatibility must be considered carefully. Clarias batrachus is not a true community fish and may eat very small tank mates. It can also become territorial as it grows, especially in smaller aquariums. The best approach is to keep it either singly or with robust, similarly sized fish that are too large to be viewed as prey.

Suitable tank mates may include large, peaceful or semi-aggressive fish such as sizeable barbs, large gouramis, some larger cichlids, and other sturdy species that can hold their own. However, every setup is different, and individual temperament can vary. Plenty of space, hiding places and careful monitoring are essential.

Avoid small fish, shrimp, tiny catfish, delicate species, long-finned fish and any tank mate that could fit into its mouth. Also avoid keeping it with fish that are easily stressed or that require very different water conditions. If in doubt, keep it species-only.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

When you buy from Tropical Fish Co, you can order with confidence. We carefully select and pack our livestock to help ensure a smooth journey and healthy arrival. Our fish are shipped with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, giving you peace of mind from checkout to acclimation.

We also provide clear, practical care information so you can set up the right environment before your fish arrives. Whether you are adding a fascinating oddball to a specialist aquarium or planning a large predatory setup, our aim is to supply healthy stock and reliable service every time.

If you are looking for a hardy, unusual catfish with real personality, Clarias batrachus is an excellent choice for the experienced aquarist who can meet its needs.