Species profile
Dwarf Anchor Catfish
Erethistes jerdoni
Peaceful
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
2.5–4 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Temperature corrected downward; this is a tiny cool-water sisorid, not a generic 24–28°C tropical catfish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–25 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
4–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
None
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
1.5
Very peaceful and sluggish; best in a quiet group of six or more with similarly small calm tankmates.
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
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Erethistes jerdoni
Alternative names
Hara jerdoni, Sylhet Hara, Asian Stone Catfish, Dwarf Anchor Catfish
Native range
Ganges and Brahmaputra drainages in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Natural habitat
Slow-moving hill streams, rivers and beels with sand and cover. Keep cool, clean and well oxygenated with gentle-to-moderate current.
Diet & feeding
Small live/frozen invertebrates and appropriately sized sinking carnivore foods; often shy/nocturnal at feeding time.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable external sexing guidance is limited.
Breeding
Reliable home-aquarium breeding information is limited; do not label it a cave breeder without evidence.