Giraffe catfish - Auchenoglanis occidentalis
By: Oscar_freak12321
Species Name: Auchenoglanis occidentalis
Common Names: Giraffe catfish
Synonyms: Auchenaspis occidentalis, Auchenoglanis acuticeps, A. biscutatus occidentalis
Family: Claroteidae
Order: Siluriformes(catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Max Size: 90 cm / 35.5 inches
Environment: Fresh Water
Origin: Giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) originates from Africa; Congo, Nile, Chad, Jubba, East and West Rift Valley Lakes.
Temperament: The Giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) is surprisingly peaceful for its size. Any fish over six inches should be safe from this gentle giant.
Company: Anything six inches or larger. Avoid very large very aggressive species such as large snakeheads.
Water Parameters: pH 6.5-8 , temperature 21-25 ° C / 69-77 ° F
Aquarium Setup: An aquarium of at least 200 gallons / 700L, as this is a very large species. They like a resting place among large rocks or pieces of driftwood. Other than that, no special needs.
Feeding: Giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) is omnivorous. Prefers prepared and frozen foods over live.
Breeding: Would be difficult in home aquaria, as one Giraffe catfish (Auchenoglanis occidentalis) singly needs 200 gallons (700L), and a pair requiring 500 (1800L). Attempting to breed this species is not recommended unless you have a very large aquarium.