Species profile
Banjo Catfish
Bunocephalus coracoideus
Peaceful
Easy care
100 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Cryptic nocturnal banjo catfish that buries in soft substrate and leaf litter. Peaceful but easily outcompeted at feeding time.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
1.4
Very peaceful and secretive. Often spends daylight buried or motionless among leaf litter; ensure food reaches it after lights-out.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
7–12 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Bunocephalus coracoideus
Alternative names
Banjo Catfish, Guitarrita
Native range
Amazon basin and associated South American drainages.
Natural habitat
Ponds and forest creeks rich in plant debris. Use fine sand, leaf litter, wood and shaded areas with gentle flow.
Diet & feeding
Benthic omnivore/scavenger feeding on organic debris and varied small foods. Offer sinking foods plus worms and frozen invertebrates after dark.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexual dimorphism is subtle and not reliable for casual sexing.
Breeding
FishBase records group spawning with eggs deposited on sandy substrate, with very large clutches; there is no parental egg carrying in this species.