Gulper Catfish – The Aquarium Monster
The only reason the gulper catfish is not featured on River Monsters is due to its size. The maximum length of a full grown gulper catfish is 12 inches, but these South American catfish can gulp a fish half the size of their body. So, at the very least, these guys are aquarium monsters. However, gulper catfish are not aggressive to species of similar size or larger and get along well with larger discus, jumbo angelfish, leporinus, and large cichlids. Also called the Torpedo Catfish, the gulper will eat prepared and frozen foods. And kittens.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Asterophysus batrachus |
|---|---|
| Origin | Amazon and Orinoco basins, South America |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Water Temperature | 75-82°F |
| Water pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Water Hardness | 1-8 dGH |
FAQ
What kind of food does the gulper catfish eat?
The gulper catfish eats prepared and frozen foods. It can also consume small live prey like kittens, though this is not recommended for aquarium settings.
Is the gulper catfish aggressive toward other fish?
No, gulper catfish are not aggressive toward species of similar size or larger. They coexist well with larger discus, jumbo angelfish, leporinus, and large cichlids.
What is the maximum size of a gulper catfish?
The maximum length of a fully grown gulper catfish is 12 inches.
Matt Miller –
I added the gulper catfish to my 55-gallon tank with large angelfish and it has been peaceful. It doesn’t bother the bigger fish and just eats the frozen food I offer. Easy to care for and looks impressive in the tank.
Samantha Reid –
The catfish is active and interesting to watch. I feed it frozen bloodworms and it eats them readily. It’s not aggressive and fits well with my discus and cichlids.
Grace Terry –
Great addition to my aquarium. The gulper catfish is calm and doesn’t chase or attack other fish. I’ve kept it for three months now and it’s thriving in the 75°F water.