Banjo catfish - Bunocephalus coracoideus

Scientific name: Bunocephalus coracoideus

Common name: Banjo catfish

Family: Aspredinidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 15 cm (4.72 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Short description

The Banjo catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) is a cryptic, leaf-litter specialist from South America. Flattened and camouflaged like a twig or dead leaf, it spends long periods buried or motionless on soft sand. It is peaceful, largely nocturnal, and best for calm community setups with gentle flow and dim lighting.

Origin

South America – widespread in lowland drainages of the Amazon and Orinoco basins (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela) and nearby systems. Typical habitats are slow, shallow waters with soft substrates, leaf litter, and submerged wood.

Food and feeding

An omnivorous benthic forager that takes small invertebrates and detritus. Provide sinking catfish pellets/wafers, plus small frozen or live foods (bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp). Feed mainly after lights out; use modest portions to avoid fouling the substrate. Flakes alone are insufficient.

Sexing

Mature females are typically larger and deeper-bodied; males remain slimmer. External sexing is otherwise subtle.

Breeding

Home-aquarium breeding is rare. Aspredinid catfishes often show unusual reproduction (in several species the eggs are attached to the female’s ventral surface), but reliable, repeatable reports for B. coracoideus in aquaria are lacking. If spawning occurs, keep water pristine, flow gentle, and offer micro foods once fry are free-swimming.

Lifespan

Typically 8–12 years with excellent water quality; longer is possible.

Behavior & compatibility

Very peaceful and shy; mostly inactive by day. May consume very small fish at night if they fit in its mouth, so choose tank mates accordingly (small to medium peaceful characins/rasboras that are too large to be prey, Corydoras, gentle dwarf cichlids). Avoid boisterous or nippy species that disturb the substrate.

Tank requirements

Tank size: ~80–100 L for a single specimen; larger for groups.
Substrate: fine sand (essential for safe burying); add ample leaf litter and driftwood.
Scape & light: shaded, low-flow areas; dim to moderate lighting to encourage natural behavior.
Water: pH ~6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; temperature 24–28 °C.
Maintenance: excellent hygiene with gentle siphoning of surface detritus; avoid sudden parameter swings.

Plants in the aquarium

Banjo catfish are not plant-eaters and usually ignore live vegetation. Adding hardy plants can help provide shade and cover, making the fish feel more secure. Species like Anubias, Java fern, or floating plants are excellent choices for a dimly lit setup. For more detailed advice, see this guide on aquarium plants.

Care notes

This is a freshwater species. Long-term brackish conditions are not recommended. Because it buries and sits still for long periods, it is easy to overlook—design the aquascape so you can monitor condition and feeding.