Species profile
Moth Catfish
Erethistes hara
Peaceful
Moderate care
150 L minimum aquarium
10–13 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Moth Catfish (Erethistes hara). A substantially larger species than the dwarf anchor/stone catfish Erethistes jerdoni; the old 'Asian Stone Catfish' label is deliberately not used as the primary common name.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
12–25 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
Up to 20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Small invertebrates
Bioload factor
1.5
Cryptic benthic catfish; provide multiple shelters and feed after lights dim.
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
150 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Erethistes hara
Alternative names
Hara hara, Moth Catfish, Asian Moth Catfish, Asian Stone Catfish (legacy/confusing trade name)
Native range
Ganges and Brahmaputra drainages in India and Bangladesh.
Natural habitat
Slow-moving rivers and streams; use sand, stones/wood cover, cool clean water and good oxygenation.
Diet & feeding
Benthic invertebrate-oriented diet; use sinking carnivore foods and frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable external sexing information is insufficient.
Breeding
Reliable aquarium breeding information is insufficient.