Chocolate Frogmouth Catfish
NameChocolate Frogmouth Catfish
Scientific NameChaca chaca
Common NamesChocolate Frogmouth Catfish, Frogmouth Catfish, Angler Catfish, Squarehead Catfish
FamilyChacidae
OriginSoutheast Asia, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)30
Max Size (Inches)9
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-78
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge Gouramis, Large peaceful Cichlids (e.g., Severums, Uaru), Large peaceful Tetras (e.g., Congo Tetras), Large peaceful Barbs
Description
The Chocolate Frogmouth Catfish is a unique ambush predator known for its flattened body, mottled brown coloration, and extremely wide, upward-facing mouth. It spends most of its time camouflaged on the substrate, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. This specialized feeding habit and sedentary nature make it a fascinating, albeit specialized, aquarium inhabitant.
