Bengal Catfish/Whale Catfish - (Rita Rita)

🐟 Bengal Catfish / Whale Catfish – (Rita rita)

The Bengal Catfish, commonly called the Whale Catfish, is a large, robust freshwater species native to South Asia’s river systems. Recognizable by its broad, flattened head and whiskered face, this catfish is a bottom-dwelling scavenger and predator. It requires spacious tanks and good filtration to thrive in captivity.

🌊 Habitat & Care

🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 100 gallons
🌊 Prefers slow-moving freshwater with soft substrate and plenty of hiding spots
🪵 Provide driftwood, caves, and smooth rocks for shelter

🍽️ Diet

🍤 Omnivorous — feeds on detritus, insects, smaller fish, and plant matter
🐟 Benefits from a varied diet including sinking pellets, live and frozen foods

⚖️ Temperament

🐠 Generally peaceful but can be territorial with other bottom dwellers
🚫 Best kept with medium to large, non-aggressive tankmates

🧠 Behavior & Special Considerations

🌡️ Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
💧 pH: 6.5–7.5
📏 Size: Up to 24 inches (60 cm)
⚠️ Requires excellent water quality and spacious tank
🌿 Active mostly during the night and twilight hours

📋 At a Glance

💡 The Bengal Catfish is a large and adaptable bottom-dweller, ideal for aquarists with ample tank space and the ability to maintain excellent water quality.