Spotted Raphael Catfish
Agamyxis pectinifrons
Min Tank Size
150L
Adult Size
15.2 cm
Lifespan
15 years
About
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America, this armored catfish has a look that's hard to forget. A dark brown-to-black body covered in irregular white or cream spots, heavy bony plating along its sides, and wickedly sharp pectoral spines make it look like something prehistoric. It grows to around 15 cm in most aquaria, though it can push a bit larger with exceptional care over many years.
Care is genuinely beginner-friendly despite the exotic appearance. It tolerates a wide pH range from 6.0 to 8.0 and adapts to most tap water conditions, which is part of why it's survived so long in the hobby. Temperature between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius suits it fine. A soft sandy or fine gravel substrate is best, along with plenty of caves, driftwood, and hiding spots. Without cover, it'll spend even more time out of sight than it already does.
Diet isn't complicated. Sinking wafers, frozen bloodworm, bottom-dwelling pellets, and occasional meaty treats all work well. It won't compete aggressively for food but does need food to reach the bottom, so fast midwater feeders shouldn't dominate feeding time. Feeding at lights-out helps ensure it actually gets its share.
The nocturnal habit is the main thing people aren't prepared for. You might go weeks seeing nothing but a pair of eyes glinting from inside a cave. Come back after midnight and you'll find it patrolling the substrate confidently. It rewards patient keepers.
Browse community builds featuring this species to see how others design nocturnal-friendly tanks that finally coax this catfish out where it can be appreciated.
Water Parameters
Temperature
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Flow Preference
Keeping multiple Spotted Raphael Catfish together
Spotted Raphael Catfish is mildly territorial. Small groups can work in spacious tanks with broken sightlines, but expect occasional squabbles.
Compatibility
Works well with most peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish that share its South American roots, like angelfish, larger tetras, severums, or peaceful cichlids. Good matches also include plecos, hoplo catfish, and other armored bottom dwellers as long as hiding spots are plentiful. Avoid keeping it with anything small enough to be eaten as a snack, so no nano fish, dwarf shrimp, or small snails. Tiger barbs and other confirmed fin nippers pose no real threat given the armor, but harassment could stress it. In larger tanks above 200 liters, tankmate options open up considerably.
Commonly kept with
Species this one is most often paired withCommonly tried but avoid
Often paired, but shouldn't beCare Notes
The biggest beginner mistake is buying this fish and expecting to see it regularly during the day. Some keepers go months thinking the fish is dead before spotting it at night. Make sure sinking food actually reaches the bottom rather than being intercepted midwater. The pectoral spines are a real hazard during tank maintenance and transport, so never use a net. Sharp spines can tangle and injure both fish and hands. A smooth-sided container or hands cupped under the fish is the safe approach.
Behavior & Aggression
Peaceful toward virtually every fish it can't swallow. There's no real aggression in the traditional sense, but it will consume small invertebrates like snails and dwarf shrimp given the opportunity. Two individuals may show mild territorial friction over the same cave, especially in smaller tanks, but outright fighting is rare. It's more a matter of one eventually claiming a spot and the other finding somewhere else. Providing multiple caves prevents even that low-level tension. No fin nipping, no chasing of similarly sized fish.
Things to Know
- Heavily armored with sharp pectoral spines, handle with a cloth or cup only.
- Almost entirely nocturnal, rarely visible during daylight hours.
- Will eat snails and small shrimp, keep invertebrates separately.
- Can live 15+ years, a genuine long-term commitment.
- Produces audible croaking when stressed or handled.
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