Chaca Chaca Catfish

Scientific Name: Chaca chaca
Recommended Aquarium: 55+ Gallons
Approx. Adult Size: 8 inches
Temperament: Peaceful
Ease of Care: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Native Waters: India & Sumatra

First described by Hamilton in 1822, and Sometimes called the frogmouth catfish, this is a nocturnal catfish that only moves when feeding. As benefits its large mouth, it is a predator, eating anything that fits in the mouth. In the aquarium you can get it to eat some pellet type foods and small pieces of fish. It will require a good hiding place under a rock shelve or inside a large log. Sometimes its close cousin the Chaca bankanensis is also sold as the Chaca Chaca. The true Chaca Chaca is more mottled brown on brown, while the cousin is more a dark chocolate solid color. Tolerant of most water parameters, care should be taken if using any parasite treatments. To quote the Baensch Atlas, “this is only for aquarists who like the weird and unusual”!

Approximate arrival size for Chaca Chaca Catfish: 2-3.5 inches