A large, nocturnal predatory catfish native to the backwaters of Kerala, India. It is easily identified by the large, golden-ringed black 'bullseye' spot behind its gills. While completely peaceful toward tank mates too large to be swallowed, it is a highly capable piscivore that will consume any small fish overnight.
Bullseye Catfish At a Glance
Bullseye Catfish Tank Requirements
Will Bullseye Catfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bullseye Catfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bullseye Catfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Bullseye Catfish Water Parameters
Water care products
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Bullseye Catfish Temperament & Compatibility
Bullseye Catfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard)
Fully grown adult form. Requires a massive aquarium with large caves (PVC pipes or big driftwood) to hide in during the day. Must only be housed with large, robust species like large cichlids or cyprinids.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult Sun Catfish
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juveniles are commonly sold at 5-8cm. They are extremely cute but grow very rapidly and will quickly start preying on neon tetras or guppies. A grow-out tank is acceptable temporarily.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Sun Catfish, Small Bullseye Catfish
Bullseye Catfish Care Guide Summary
The Bullseye Catfish, scientifically known as Horabagrus brachysoma, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 45 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bullseye Catfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Bullseye Catfish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Bullseye Catfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bullseye Catfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas.
Bullseye Catfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Bullseye Catfish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, 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 and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bullseye Catfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bullseye Catfish.
Bullseye Catfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Bullseye Catfish is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition.
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bullseye Catfish
How big does Bullseye Catfish get?
Bullseye Catfish (Horabagrus brachysoma) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 45 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bullseye Catfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm are recommended for Bullseye Catfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bullseye Catfish need?
Bullseye Catfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Bullseye Catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Bullseye Catfish is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Bullseye Catfish live alone?
Yes, Bullseye Catfish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Bullseye Catfish safe with shrimp?
No. Bullseye 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 Bullseye Catfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bullseye Catfish benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Bullseye Catfish
These plants pair well with Bullseye Catfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Bullseye Catfish
Black Bullhead Catfish
Ameiurus melas
The Black Bullhead is a hardy, heavy-bodied North American catfish. Highly adaptable and extremely predatory, it is known for eating anything that can fit into its exceptionally large mouth. Due to its massive adult size, rapid growth, and extreme bioload, it requires an extremely large aquarium or an outdoor pond. They are primarily nocturnal bottom-dwellers.
Brown Bullhead Catfish
Ameiurus nebulosus
A highly adaptable, large North American catfish known for its distinct barbels and mottled brown skin. While incredibly hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water parameters, they are massive, opportunistic nocturnal predators. They will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their cavernous mouths and produce substantial waste.
Wels Catfish (European Catfish)
Silurus glanis
The Wels Catfish is a massive, highly predatory freshwater fish native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. As one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, it is wholly unsuited for standard home aquariums and requires a heavy-duty heated indoor pond or massive custom setup. They are highly opportunistic predators that will swallow any tank mate that fits into their enormous mouths.
Bullseye Snakehead
Channa marulius
A massive, apex-predator fish native to South Asia. The Bullseye Snakehead is one of the largest snakehead species, capable of reaching lengths up to 4-6 feet (120-180cm). They possess a suprabranchial organ allowing them to breathe atmospheric air. Due to their extreme size, intense aggression, and powerful jumping ability, they are strictly for advanced monster-fish keepers with indoor ponds or massive custom enclosures.
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Pangasius sanitwongsei
An apex predator native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. This true 'monster fish' is completely unsuitable for home aquariums. They grow to massive proportions, are highly active, and easily startled—often severely injuring themselves by crashing into tank walls. They possess a massive appetite and are highly piscivorous, consuming any tank mate that fits in their mouth.