Leopard Catfish

Special requirements

• Defensive Spines & Handling

  Possesses hardened pectoral spines capable of piercing skin and secreting a mild toxin; move using a container rather than a net to avoid entanglement and injury.

• Atmospheric Breathing

  Capable of breathing atmospheric air; requires a lid and a small gap between the water surface and the top of the tank to allow for surface gasping.

• Barbel Protection

  Requires a fine sand or small, rounded gravel substrate to prevent erosion or infection of their sensitive barbels.

• Armored Physiology

  As a member of the Callichthyidae family, it possesses bony armored plates instead of traditional scales, making it sensitive to certain copper-based medications.