Two-Colour Banjo Catfish
(Bunocephalus sp.)
🌎 Origin
Native to slow-moving streams and river margins of South America, often found among leaf litter and sandy substrates.
📏 Adult Size
10–15cm
⏳ Lifespan
5–8 years with proper care.
🧠 Temperament
Extremely peaceful and very secretive.
A true ambush predator that spends most of its time buried in sand or resting motionless.
✔ Ideal for calm community aquariums
✔ Safe with peaceful tank mates
⚠ May eat very small fish or shrimp if they fit in the mouth
They are masters of camouflage and may “disappear” into the substrate for days at a time.
🏡 Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 80–100L+
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Temperature: 23–28°C
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Flow: Low to moderate
They thrive in:
• Fine sand substrate (essential for natural behaviour)
• Leaf litter and driftwood
• Dim lighting
• Plenty of hiding spots
Stable, clean water is important as they dislike sudden parameter swings.
🍽 Diet
Carnivorous micro-predator.
Feed:
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Sinking carnivore pellets
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Frozen bloodworms
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Brine shrimp
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Blackworms
They feed mostly at night, so ensure food reaches the bottom.
🐠 Tank Mates
Suitable with:
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Small to medium peaceful community fish
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Tetras
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Rasboras
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Corydoras
Avoid:
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Aggressive fish
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Very tiny nano fish or shrimp
⭐ Why Choose a Two-Colour Banjo Catfish?
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Unique flat “banjo-shaped” body
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Incredible camouflage colouring
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Low aggression
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Fascinating natural behaviour
A fantastic addition for aquarists wanting something different and behaviourally interesting in a peaceful setup.
