Banjo Catfish
Bunocephalus coracoideus
A bizarre, highly camouflaged bottom-dweller that perfectly mimics a dead leaf or piece of bark. Extremely docile and strictly nocturnal, the Banjo Catfish spends most of its daylight hours completely buried in the sand or hiding under debris. They are famous for 'playing dead' when netted or disturbed.
Banjo Catfish At a Glance
Banjo Catfish Tank Requirements
Will Banjo Catfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Banjo Catfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Banjo Catfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Banjo Catfish Water Parameters
Banjo Catfish Temperament & Compatibility
Banjo Catfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type Banjo Catfish. Must be provided with fine sand substrate to allow their natural burying behavior; gravel can damage their skin and stress them.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Banjo Catfish Care Guide Summary
The Banjo Catfish, scientifically known as Bunocephalus coracoideus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a depressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Banjo Catfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Banjo Catfish is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Banjo Catfish is typically available in one standard form.
Banjo Catfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Banjo Catfish, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Banjo Catfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Banjo Catfish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Banjo Catfish Is Actually For
Banjo Catfish is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Banjo Catfish like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Banjo Catfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Banjo Catfish.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Banjo Catfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Banjo Catfish will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banjo Catfish
How big does Banjo Catfish get?
Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Banjo Catfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Banjo Catfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Banjo Catfish need?
Banjo Catfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 2–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Banjo Catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Banjo Catfish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Banjo Catfish live alone?
Yes, Banjo Catfish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Banjo Catfish safe with shrimp?
No. Banjo Catfish is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Banjo Catfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Banjo Catfish benefits from sand (sifters) and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 30, 2026
- Last updated
- April 30, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Banjo Catfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Banjo Catfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Moonlight Gourami
Trichogaster microlepis
Ideal Tank MatesFalse Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesBetta Imbellis
Betta imbellis
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Ideal Tank MatesAmazon Leaf Fish
Monocirrhus polyacanthus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Banjo Catfish
These plants pair well with Banjo Catfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Banjo Catfish
Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria sp.
A highly cryptic, peaceful, and extremely slender catfish that mimics a twig or dead leaf. They are excellent scavengers and biofilm grazers that require smooth sand and driftwood to thrive. They are completely non-aggressive, lack the heavy armor of larger plecos, and do well in peaceful community setups.
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
Farlowella acus
The Twig Catfish is an extremely elongated, master-of-camouflage suckermouth catfish from South America. True to its name, it mimics a dead twig perfectly, spending most of its time motionless on branches or plant leaves. It is a specialized aufwuchs and algae grazer that requires a mature tank, high oxygenation, and plenty of driftwood. They are completely peaceful but highly sensitive to fluctuating water parameters.
Twig Catfish
Farlowella vittata
A highly specialized, peaceful Loricariid that perfectly mimics a submerged twig to hide from predators. Extremely slender and heavily reliant on grazing natural algae and biofilm from driftwood and plant leaves. They are highly sensitive to fluctuating water parameters and are easily outcompeted for food by faster tank mates.
Spotted Raphael Catfish
Agamyxis pectinifrons
A peaceful, highly armored, and strictly nocturnal bottom-dweller from the Amazon basin. Known as a 'Talking Catfish' because it produces distinct clicking or croaking sounds by rubbing its pectoral fins in their sockets when stressed or defending its favorite hiding spot. Very hardy and extremely long-lived (often 10-15+ years). Caution: They have sharp, serrated pectoral spines that easily tangle in standard aquarium nets; catching them with a plastic container is recommended.
Bumblebee Catfish (South American)
Microglanis iheringi
The South American Bumblebee Catfish is a small, nocturnal bottom-dweller known for its striking yellow and dark brown bands. Highly secretive during the day, it requires plenty of caves, crevices, and driftwood for hiding. While completely peaceful towards larger tank mates, it is a strictly opportunistic predator with a surprisingly large mouth—any fish, fry, or shrimp small enough to swallow will be eaten at night.
Upside Down Catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
A fascinating West African catfish famous for its unique habit of swimming, feeding, and resting upside down under broad leaves or driftwood. It is a peaceful, schooling species that is most active at dusk and night. They must be kept in groups to feel secure. Note: Ensure you are buying true S. nigriventris (max 10cm) and not misidentified juvenile Featherfin Squeakers (S. eupterus), which grow over 20cm.