Please note that the photos of animals and plants may not accurately represent our current stock and could include past orders or stock images. Some images may showcase more mature specimens, as certain species do not display their full colors or patterns until maturity. While we strive to accommodate requests for additional photos, we cannot guarantee their availability. Thank you for your understanding!
Description
Platystacus cotylephorus is an unusual South American catfish. While similar to more common Banjo cats such as Bunocephalus sp., these catfish grow larger; up to 12", but generally a little smaller. Despite their large size, however, these fish do not need a large tank; a 30 gallon should do just fine. This is because they are burrowers that really only emerge at night or during feeding. In fact, they rarely, if ever, swim, preferring instead to jet across the bottom by expelling water from their gills or 'walking' on their pelvic fins. The 'Eel' part of their name comes from the unique, shark- or eel-like tails they possess. Unlike most Banjo catfish, these fish prefer neutral to alkaline conditions and are not fond of acidic water. They can even live in brackish water long term!
These are juveniles around 4-5" long.