A secretive, nocturnal driftwood catfish native to the Amazon. Aptly named for its dark blue-grey body speckled with white 'stars', it is completely peaceful towards suitably sized tank mates. However, it is an opportunistic predator at night and will consume small fish (like Neon Tetras) and shrimp that fit into its mouth. It requires subdued lighting and ample hiding spots, particularly hollow driftwood.
Midnight Catfish At a Glance
Midnight Catfish Tank Requirements
Will Midnight Catfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Midnight Catfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Midnight Catfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Midnight Catfish Water Parameters
Water care products
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Midnight Catfish Temperament & Compatibility
Midnight Catfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form available in the hobby. Provide plenty of driftwood crevices. They may be totally invisible during the day but will actively patrol the tank at night for food. While they can be kept solitary, they also do well in small groups of 3-5 if adequate hiding spots are provided.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Zamora Woodcat, Midnight Woodcat, Unsexed
Midnight Catfish Care Guide Summary
The Midnight Catfish, scientifically known as Auchenipterichthys coracoideus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Midnight Catfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 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 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Midnight Catfish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Midnight Catfish is typically available in one standard form.
Midnight Catfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Midnight Catfish, a low 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 driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Midnight Catfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Midnight 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.
Midnight Catfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Midnight Catfish.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Midnight Catfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Midnight 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Midnight Catfish
How big does Midnight Catfish get?
Midnight Catfish (Auchenipterichthys coracoideus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Midnight Catfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 80 cm are recommended for Midnight Catfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Midnight Catfish need?
Midnight 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 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Midnight Catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Midnight Catfish is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Midnight Catfish live alone?
Yes, Midnight Catfish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Midnight Catfish safe with shrimp?
No. Midnight 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 Midnight Catfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Midnight Catfish benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Midnight Catfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Midnight Catfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesLesser Spiny Eel
Macrognathus aculeatus
Ideal Tank MatesHalf Banded Spiny Eel
Macrognathus circumcinctus
Ideal Tank MatesFreshwater Sole
Brachirus selheimi
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Whiptail
Loricaria simillima
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria spinulifera
Loricaria spinulifera
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Midnight Catfish
These plants pair well with Midnight 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
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Midnight Catfish
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.
Bullseye Catfish
Horabagrus brachysoma
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.
Striped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
A highly robust, armored catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Famous for their ability to produce audible squeaking or grunting sounds when distressed or defending territory. They are nocturnal scavengers that spend most of the day hiding in driftwood or caves. Note: Their rigid pectoral spines can easily become tangled in standard aquarium nets.
Lima Shovelnose Catfish
Sorubim lima
A highly distinctive, predatory catfish native to South America known for its elongated, flattened snout resembling a duckbill. They frequently rest vertically or head-down among driftwood to camouflage themselves. While generally peaceful toward fish too large to be eaten, they are highly effective nocturnal ambush predators and will swallow any tank mate that fits into their surprisingly large mouths.
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.
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.