Whale Catfish - (Cetopsis candiru)

🐟 Whale Catfish – (Cetopsis candiru) – Powerful South American Predatory Catfish

The Whale Catfish (Cetopsis candiru) is a rare and formidable predatory catfish from the fast-flowing rivers of South America, particularly within the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Named for its large, rounded body and massive head reminiscent of a whale, this species is a muscular, deep-bodied fish built for strength and speed.

In the wild, Whale Catfish are opportunistic feeders and scavengers, consuming fish, invertebrates, and even carrion. They are known for their voracious appetite and strong swimming ability, which allows them to thrive in fast currents. In aquariums, they require spacious tanks, powerful filtration, and should be kept only with equally robust, non-prey tankmates.

🔎 Quick Facts – Whale Catfish (Cetopsis candiru)

• 📛 Common Name: Whale Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Cetopsis candiru
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River basins, South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Thick, deep-bodied catfish with a large head, blunt snout, and smooth scaleless skin
• 📏 Max Size: 12 inches (30 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Very rare in the aquarium trade; highly sought after by predator fish keepers

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚔️ Aggressive predator; will consume smaller fish
• 🐟 Best kept with other large, aggressive species only
• 🌊 Strong swimmer; prefers fast-moving water

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 150+ gallons
• 🪵 Large open swimming areas with some hiding structures
• 🌊 Strong water flow and heavy-duty filtration
• 💡 Low to moderate lighting

💧 Water Parameters – Whale Catfish Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.0–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

• 🐟 Whole fish (fresh or frozen)
• 🦐 Shrimp, prawns, and crustaceans
• 🍖 Meaty sinking pellets and carnivore sticks

📋 Whale Catfish Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Whale Catfish is a compact yet powerful Amazonian predator, maxing out at just 12 inches but still packing an impressive presence for predator-focused aquariums.