Widehead catfish - (Clarotes laticeps)

🐟 Widehead Catfish - (Clarotes laticeps) – Robust African Freshwater Catfish

The Widehead Catfish (Clarotes laticeps) is a powerful African freshwater catfish species recognized for its broad, flat head and strong, streamlined body. Native to rivers and lakes across central and western Africa, this hardy predator is a bottom-dwelling species that thrives in spacious aquariums with excellent filtration and plenty of swimming room.

Its mottled brown and tan coloration provides natural camouflage, while its long barbels help it navigate and hunt in murky waters. The Widehead Catfish is valued by advanced aquarists for its resilience, predatory feeding habits, and unique appearance.

🔎 Quick Facts – Widehead Catfish

• 📛 Common Name: Widehead Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Clarotes laticeps
• 🌍 Origin: Central & Western Africa
• 🎨 Appearance: Broad head, elongated body, mottled brown/tan pattern
• 📏 Max Size: 24–28 inches (61–71 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Occasionally available in the aquarium trade

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚔️ Semi-aggressive predator
• 🐟 Best kept with similarly large, robust tankmates
• 🌙 Primarily nocturnal; more active during the night

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 180+ gallons
• 🪵 Provide driftwood, rock caves, and hiding areas
• 🌊 Strong filtration for high bioload
• 💡 Moderate lighting with shaded areas

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.8
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

• 🐟 Meaty foods such as fish fillets and prawns
• 🦐 Shrimp, mussels, and squid
• 🪱 Earthworms and other live/frozen foods
• 🍽️ Large sinking carnivore pellets

📋 Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Widehead Catfish is a hardy, predatory African species with a distinctive broad head and mottled pattern, making it a striking choice for large predator or oddball aquariums.