An incredibly hardy, fast-growing predatory catfish infamous for its ability to 'walk' on dry land using its pectoral fins and breathe atmospheric air. It will quickly consume any fish that fits in its cavernous mouth and requires a massive aquarium with an absolutely secure, heavy lid to prevent escape.
Walking Catfish (Clarias) At a Glance
Walking Catfish (Clarias) Tank Requirements
Will Walking Catfish (Clarias) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Walking Catfish (Clarias) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Walking Catfish (Clarias) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Walking Catfish (Clarias) Water Parameters
Water care products
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Walking Catfish (Clarias) Temperament & Compatibility
Walking Catfish (Clarias) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Adult
The full-grown adult form. Must be housed alone or with other massive, robust fish. A completely secure, weighted lid is mandatory, as they will attempt to leave the water.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Albino, Piebald, Wild Type
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Often sold at 5-10cm. They grow explosively fast and will consume tankmates as they rapidly increase in size. They require immediate planning for a monster-sized enclosure.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
Walking Catfish (Clarias) Care Guide Summary
The Walking Catfish (Clarias), scientifically known as Clarias batrachus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 45 cm and have a eel body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Walking Catfish (Clarias) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 750 litres and a tank length of at least 180 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–8 and a general hardness of 2–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Walking Catfish (Clarias) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Adult 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.
Walking Catfish (Clarias) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Walking Catfish (Clarias), 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 smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper and expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Walking Catfish (Clarias) Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Walking Catfish (Clarias) is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Walking Catfish (Clarias) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Walking Catfish (Clarias) is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided 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 Walking Catfish (Clarias)
How big does Walking Catfish (Clarias) get?
Walking Catfish (Clarias) (Clarias batrachus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 45 cm. They have a eel body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Walking Catfish (Clarias) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 750 litres and a tank length of at least 180 cm are recommended for Walking Catfish (Clarias). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Walking Catfish (Clarias) need?
Walking Catfish (Clarias) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 2–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Walking Catfish (Clarias) peaceful or aggressive?
Walking Catfish (Clarias) is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Walking Catfish (Clarias) live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Walking Catfish (Clarias) should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Walking Catfish (Clarias) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Walking Catfish (Clarias) benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Walking Catfish (Clarias) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Walking Catfish (Clarias) is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit Walking Catfish (Clarias)
These plants pair well with Walking Catfish (Clarias) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Meebold's Lagenandra
Lagenandra meeboldii
Sweet Potato
Ipomoea batatas
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Fish Similar to Walking Catfish (Clarias)
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.
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
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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.
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.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
A highly popular, hardy, and relatively small suckermouth catfish. Excellent algae eaters that stay much smaller than Common Plecos, making them suitable for standard aquariums. They require dietary wood (driftwood) to aid in digestion and plenty of hiding caves.
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.