Frogmouth Catfish - (Chaca chaca)

🐟 Frogmouth Catfish (Chaca chaca)

The Frogmouth Catfish is a fascinating and unusual freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. Known for its wide, flattened mouth resembling a frog’s, it is an ambush predator that relies on camouflage and stealth to catch prey. Its unique appearance makes it a sought-after species for specialist aquarists.

🔍 Quick Facts

• 🆔 Common Name: Frogmouth Catfish
• 🧬 Scientific Name: Chaca chaca
• 🧬 Family: Chacidae
• 🌎 Origin: Southeast Asia — Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
• 📏 Max Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Ambush predator — sits motionless buried in substrate waiting for prey
• 🦷 Feeds on small fish and invertebrates
• ⚠️ Generally sedentary and slow-moving
• 🤝 Can be kept with similarly sized peaceful species

🏡 Tank Requirements

• 🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger
• 🪨 Soft substrate for burying, plenty of hiding spots
• 💨 Moderate filtration, low water flow preferred

Water Parameters:

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

🍽️ Diet

• Carnivorous — live or frozen small fish, shrimp, and invertebrates

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet

• The Frogmouth Catfish (Chaca chaca) is a unique ambush predator known for its wide, frog-like mouth and camouflaging behavior.
• Best suited for specialist hobbyists who can provide a soft substrate and calm tank environment.