Clown catfish - Gagata cenia

Scientific name: Gagata cenia

Common name: Clown catfish

Family: Sisoridae

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

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.1 - 7.1

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 16°N (107.14 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 25 °C (69.8 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and Feeding

Clown catfish are not picky eaters, making them easy to feed. Provide a high-quality flake or sinking pellet as their staple diet. However, to keep them healthy and active, it's important to supplement their diet with live or frozen foods. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and Mysis shrimp are excellent options. Since these fish are nocturnal and most active in the evening, it's best to feed them at dusk or later when they are more likely to seek out food.

Origin

Clown catfish are native to Asia, particularly in the freshwater rivers and streams of India. They thrive in environments with flowing waters, which is important to replicate in aquariums for their well-being.

Sexing

Distinguishing between male and female Clown catfish is difficult as there are no obvious physical differences between the sexes.

Breeding

Breeding Gagata cenia in captivity has not yet been reported. While they have not been successfully bred in aquariums, they are known to reproduce in the wild under specific conditions that are challenging to replicate in captivity.

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of the Clown catfish is between 5 to 8 years when kept in optimal conditions.

Short Description

Clown catfish are native to fast-flowing water environments, so it's essential to maintain well-oxygenated water in their aquarium. They are best kept in small groups of four or more, as they are social fish that enjoy the company of other bottom-dwellers. For their tank setup, a sandy substrate is ideal to protect their delicate barbels, and the addition of rocks and driftwood will create natural resting areas by slowing down the water flow. Ensuring areas of lower current in the tank will allow the fish to rest while still benefiting from the well-oxygenated water they require.