
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Agamyxis pectinifrons
A small South American catfish speckled with white spots on a black body. It shelters by day and forages at night, and is hardy and undemanding about food. Kept in groups of four or more it shows itself more readily in daylight.
Agamyxis pectinifrons is a doradid catfish of the Amazon River basin, black with white spots scattered over the whole body. FishBase and Seriously Fish agree on a maximum of 15cm SL. Seriously Fish recommends a 120 x 30cm tank (about 108 litres) at 22-26C, pH 5.5-7.5 and 1-20 dGH. It is gregarious by nature and shows more natural behaviour in groups of four or more, when it also appears more readily during the day. It is not aggressive, though adults may take fry only a few millimetres long. An omnivorous generalist, it takes sinking prepared foods readily alongside frozen bloodworm, Tubifex and earthworms. It is hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water chemistry, but there are no reports of it spawning in aquaria other than through hormone-induced breeding. Its dorsal and pectoral spines are sharp, so avoid using a net.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Spotted Raphael Catfish lives 6-10 years.
The Spotted Raphael Catfish grows to 15cm.
The ideal temperature for the Spotted Raphael Catfish is 22〜26℃.
Origin
South America: Amazon River basin
Lifespan
6-10 years
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Agamyxis pectinifrons Cope, 1870
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
15cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Sinking pellets and tablets, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
120 x 30cm (about 108 litres) or larger. Include several pieces of driftwood or pipework as shelter, over a substrate of smooth sand.
22-26C, pH 5.5-7.5, 1-20 dGH. It tolerates a wide range, but watch for water quality dropping from uneaten food.
Peaceful and easily combined with medium-sized Amazonian species, although adults may consume very small fry.
Base the diet on good quality sinking pellets or tablets, supplemented with frozen bloodworm, Tubifex and earthworms.
There are no reports of breeding in the hobby other than through artificial hormone induction.
The dorsal and pectoral spines are sharp and tangle easily in nets, so move the fish in a container.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Spotted Raphael Catfish is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Spotted Raphael Catfish is 6-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Spotted Raphael Catfish typically reaches 15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Spotted Raphael Catfish feeds on: Sinking pellets and tablets, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Spotted Raphael Catfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026