Black Nile Catfish
NameBlack Nile Catfish
Scientific NameHeterobranchus longifilis
Common NamesBlack Nile Catfish, African Catfish, Vundu Catfish
FamilyClariidae
OriginAfrica, Nile River, West Africa, Central Africa
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)500
Max Size (Inches)60
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-82
pH Range6.0-8.0
Compatible SpeciesNone (best kept solitary), Extremely large, robust, and fast-moving predatory fish (in exceptionally large setups)
Description
The Black Nile Catfish is a massive, predatory air-breathing catfish native to various African river systems. It is characterized by its elongated body, four pairs of prominent barbels, and the ability to breathe atmospheric air, allowing it to survive in challenging environments. This species grows to an immense size, making it suitable only for very large, specialized aquariums or ponds.
