Banjo Catfish [Habitat, Appearance, Reproduction, Etc.]

Banjo Catfish Featured Image

Banjo catfish or Guitarrita, scientifically known as Bunocephalus coracoideus, is a type of fish found in the Amazon River basin.

It lives in Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay in ponds and creeks with lots of plant debris.

This bottom-dwelling fish eats various foods like organic debris found on the bottom of its habitat.

Banjo catfish swims using wavy body and tail movements while pushing water out from its gill covers for forward motion.

For aquariums, this fish needs fine gravel or sand and an aquarium of at least 80 cm long.

You can check out what this fish looks like over here.

Banjo Catfish Interesting Facts

  • Banjo catfish is native to the Amazon River basin in South America.
  • Female banjo catfish lays 4000 to 5000 eggs on sandy surfaces without using cotylophores.
  • Swims using wavy body movements and pushing water through gill covers.
  • Ideal aquarium conditions include a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, water hardness between 5 to 19 dH, and temperature between 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C).

Banjo Catfish Habitat

Banjo catfish is found in the Amazon River basin in South America.

It lives at the bottom of freshwater environments and prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, with water hardness between 5 to 19 dH.

The ideal water temperature for this tropical fish is 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C).

Water Temperature:77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C)
Water pH:6.0 to 8.0 pH
Water Hardness:5 to 19 dH

Banjo Catfish Physical Characteristics

Size: 4.3 inches (11 centimeters)

Banjo catfish grow up to 4.3 inches (11 centimeters) long.

This is measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.

Banjo Catfish Reproduction

Banjo catfish lays eggs in water that’s up to 30 cm deep. The female fish lays eggs on sandy surfaces in groups.

Unlike other Aspredinidae species, the female doesn’t carry her 4000 to 5000 eggs in bags called cotylophores.

Banjo Catfish Scientific Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Siluriformes
Family:Aspredinidae
Genus:Bunocephalus
Scientific Name:Bunocephalus coracoideus
Also Known As:Banjo Catfish, Guitarrita
Conservation Status:Least Concern

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