Our Guide To Keeping Marble Walking Catfish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Clarias batrachus (marbled variant)
- Common name: Marble Walking Catfish
- Family: Clariidae
- Origin: Southeast Asia (with marbled variants often found in aquaculture)
- Adult length: 30 to 50 cm
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
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Tank Setup:
- A large tank of at least 200L is recommended for an adult Marble Walking Catfish due to their size and activity level.
- They require a soft substrate and plenty of hiding spaces like rocks, caves, and thick plants. A well-covered tank is essential to prevent them from escaping, as they are known for their ability to "walk" out of water.
- Lighting should be subdued, as they are nocturnal and prefer dim environments.
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Water Parameters:
- They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, but thrive best in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Ideal water temperature is between 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- These catfish prefer slow-moving water, so choose a filter that provides gentle flow. Aeration is beneficial, but they can breathe atmospheric air if necessary.
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Diet:
- Marble Walking Catfish are carnivores and should be fed a diet of high-quality sinking pellets, along with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, shrimp, and small fish.
- They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of meaty foods.
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Tank mates:
- Due to their predatory nature, avoid keeping them with small fish that could be seen as prey. Suitable tank mates include other large, robust fish like cichlids, plecos, or other large catfish species.
- Avoid overly aggressive or fin-nipping fish that may stress or injure them.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- They are peaceful with similarly sized tank mates but can become territorial, especially during feeding times.
- As nocturnal creatures, they are most active at night and prefer to stay hidden during the day.
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