🐟 Apure Jelly Catfish / Orange Catfish - (Cephalosilurus apurensis)

The Apure Jelly Catfish, also known as the Orange Catfish (Cephalosilurus apurensis), is a rare and highly sought-after predatory catfish native to the Apure River Basin in Venezuela. Known for its striking orange to reddish coloration and large, powerful body, this species is a showstopper in any large predator aquarium. It’s a bottom-dwelling ambush predator with an impressive gape, capable of swallowing surprisingly large prey.

🌊 Tank Setup

• 🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 180 gallons for adults.
• 🪵 Provide a sandy or fine gravel substrate, large driftwood, caves, and shaded areas for hiding.
• 💡 Moderate lighting; they prefer dim environments with cover.

🍽️ Diet

• 🥩 Carnivorous — feeds on live or frozen meaty foods such as fish, shrimp, squid, and other high-protein offerings. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

⚖️ Temperament

• 🐟 Predatory and solitary; best housed alone or with equally large, robust tank mates that cannot be swallowed.

🧠 Behavior & Care

• 🌡️ Water temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C).
• 💧 pH: 6.5–7.5.
• 📏 Can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm).
• ⚠️ Very powerful jaw and bite — caution when handling.

📋 At a glance

💡 The Apure Jelly Catfish’s bright coloration and powerful presence make it a prized species for serious predator keepers, but its size and feeding habits require commitment and a properly designed aquarium.