Moderate freshwatercatfishscalelesscarnivorenocturnal

Banjo Catfish

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Bunocephalus coracoideus

Complete Banjo Catfish care guide covering carnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Banjo Catfish

Quick Answer

Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) is a strange, flattened catfish that resembles a banjo. It requires a minimum 30 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This carnivore occupies the bottom zone and is generally peaceful but will eat very small fish or fry, so choose tankmates carefully.

Intro

Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) is a strange, flattened catfish that resembles a banjo. It is a master of camouflage, burying itself in sand during the day.

Setup

A 30-gallon or larger tank with fine sand substrate (essential for burying). Provide driftwood and caves. Dim lighting. They are sensitive to copper and medications.

Feeding

Carnivorous; eats live or frozen foods: bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, and sinking carnivore pellets. Feed after lights out.

Compatibility

Peaceful but will eat very small fish (fry). Keep singly or in groups. Tankmates: peaceful mid/top dwellers like tetras, rasboras, hatchetfish.

Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.5

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Water pH

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Disease:Ich White Spot

As a scaleless fish, highly vulnerable to Ich and very sensitive to traditional Ich medications like malachite green.

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator calculatorReference • fish compatibility Aquarium Tank Volume Calculator calculatorReference Stocking Calculator carnivore • bioload

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Banjo Catfish can be kept together?
Banjo catfish are generally solitary but can be kept in small groups if the tank is large enough (30+ gallons). They require a fine sand substrate to bury themselves in during the day. Avoid keeping them with aggressive bottom-dwellers or large cichlids that might harass them.
What are the water parameters for Banjo Catfish?
They do best in tropical freshwater setups with a temperature between 72°F and 79°F (22°C - 26°C) and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 - 7.5). High water quality is essential, so maintain regular water changes. Fine sand is mandatory to prevent damage to their delicate skin and barbels when they burrow.
Are Banjo Catfish sensitive to medications?
Yes. Banjo catfish belong to the Aspredinidae family and are entirely scaleless. This makes their skin highly permeable and extremely sensitive to common aquarium medications, especially those containing copper or malachite green. Always consult an aquatic veterinarian before medicating, and if standard treatments must be used, aquarists typically recommend starting with a half-dose or exploring safer alternatives.
What do Banjo Catfish eat?
They are nocturnal carnivores and scavengers. They often ignore food during the day, so it is best to feed them just after the tank lights go out. Offer sinking carnivore pellets, frozen or live bloodworms, and blackworms.

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