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.
Spotted Raphael Catfish At a Glance
Spotted Raphael Catfish Tank Requirements
Will Spotted Raphael Catfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Spotted Raphael Catfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Spotted Raphael Catfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Spotted Raphael Catfish Water Parameters
Spotted Raphael Catfish Temperament & Compatibility
Spotted Raphael Catfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form. Generally peaceful toward anything it cannot swallow. However, due to its cavernous mouth and nocturnal hunting habits, it should not be trusted with dwarf shrimp or very small, bottom-sleeping nano fish.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult, Wild Type
Spotted Raphael Catfish Care Guide Summary
The Spotted Raphael Catfish, scientifically known as Agamyxis pectinifrons, 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 medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Spotted Raphael Catfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 5.8–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Spotted Raphael Catfish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Spotted Raphael Catfish is typically available in one standard form.
Spotted Raphael Catfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Spotted Raphael 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, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement.
Spotted Raphael Catfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Spotted Raphael 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 Spotted Raphael Catfish Is Actually For
Spotted Raphael 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 driftwood.
The most common mistake is treating Spotted Raphael 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.
Spotted Raphael Catfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Spotted Raphael Catfish.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Spotted Raphael Catfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Spotted Raphael 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 Spotted Raphael Catfish
How big does Spotted Raphael Catfish get?
Spotted Raphael Catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons) 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 Spotted Raphael Catfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Spotted Raphael Catfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Spotted Raphael Catfish need?
Spotted Raphael Catfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–26°C, a pH between 5.8 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Spotted Raphael Catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Spotted Raphael Catfish is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Spotted Raphael Catfish live alone?
Yes, Spotted Raphael Catfish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Spotted Raphael Catfish safe with shrimp?
No. Spotted Raphael 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 Spotted Raphael Catfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Spotted Raphael Catfish benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding), sand (sifters), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) 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
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Spotted Raphael Catfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Spotted Raphael Catfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Festivum
Mesonauta festivus
Ideal Tank MatesFalse Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesBetta Imbellis
Betta imbellis
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesGlass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Spotted Raphael Catfish
These plants pair well with Spotted Raphael 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
Banana Plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Fish Similar to Spotted Raphael Catfish
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.
Common Whiptail Catfish
Rineloricaria eigenmanni
A highly distinctive, slender, and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish from South America. Known for its extremely elongated tail and excellent camouflaging abilities. They are non-aggressive grazers that feed on biofilm, aufwuchs, and sinking foods. Their rigid, twig-like bodies mean they need broad, smooth resting places.
Tandanus Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
An Australian native, the Tandanus Catfish (or Eel-tailed Catfish) is an incredibly hardy, highly adaptable bottom-dweller. They possess a stout body that tapers into an eel-like tail. While generally peaceful towards large tank mates, they are highly predatory nocturnal scavengers and will eat any fish that fits in their cavernous mouths. Caution: They have sharp, mildly venomous serrated spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins.
Red-Tail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
A massive, fast-growing predatory catfish from the Amazon basin. Famous for its voracious appetite, bulldozer-like behavior, and distinct red caudal fin. Due to its enormous adult size (often exceeding 4 feet), it is strictly a 'monster fish' that requires a heated indoor pond or a colossal custom aquarium. It is highly predatory and will swallow absolutely any tank mate that can fit into its cavernous mouth.
Frogmouth Catfish
Chaca chaca
An incredibly bizarre ambush predator native to South Asia. With a massive, flat head and cryptic coloration, they perfectly mimic a dead leaf or piece of wood. They are entirely sedentary, moving only to gulp down prey that wanders too close to their cavernous mouths. Because they can easily consume fish up to half their own length, tank mates must be chosen with extreme caution.
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.