Asian Stinging Catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)
Fish in the family Heteropneustidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameHeteropneustes fossilis
FamilyHeteropneustidae
Also known asLiver Catfish, Singhi, Fossil Catfish
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentAggressive
Dietcarnivore
Adult size12 in
Minimum tank size75 gallons
Water parametersTemp 70-82°F, pH 6-8, GH 4-20 dGH
Appearance
Elongated dark eel-like body with long barbels, a small head, and a long anal fin; flattened spines.
Difficulty and care for the Asian Stinging Catfish
Moderate
Origin and habitat
South and Southeast Asia
Keeper notes
Air-breathing predatory catfish with a genuinely VENOMOUS pectoral spine that delivers a painful sting; handle with extreme care. Aggressive and eats small tankmates.
Log Asian Stinging Catfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Asian Stinging Catfish alongside everything else in your reef.
