🐟 Harlequin Lancer Catfish — (Bagroides melapterus)

The Harlequin Lancer Catfish is a striking and rare predator, instantly recognizable by its bold black-and-gold banding and elongated, streamlined body built for speed. Native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of Southeast Asia (particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia), this species is a member of the Bagridae family and is a powerful, active hunter in its natural habitat.

With their sharp patterns, active swimming, and impressive size potential, Harlequin Lancers are sought after by serious catfish enthusiasts — though their predatory nature makes them unsuitable for small community tanks.

🌊 Tank Setup

• 🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons for an adult.
• 💨 Strong current and high oxygen levels to mimic their river habitat.
• 🪵 Provide driftwood, smooth rocks, and open swimming areas.
• 💡 Dim to moderate lighting, as they are more active at night.

🍽️ Diet

• 🥩 Carnivore — feeds on fish, crustaceans, and insect larvae in the wild.
• 🐟 In captivity: offer fresh/frozen shrimp, fish fillets, bloodworms, earthworms, and high-quality carnivore pellets.
• ⚠️ Will eat any tankmate small enough to fit in its mouth.

⚖️ Temperament

• ⚡ Predatory, not aggressive for territory but will hunt smaller fish.
• 🚫 Best kept with similarly large, robust tankmates (large barbs, big cichlids, other large catfish).

🧠 Behavior & Care

• 🌙 Nocturnal — most active at night, but will become bolder with time.
• 🏊 Fast swimmer with bursts of speed when hunting.
• 🔄 Needs pristine water and strong filtration due to its messy eating habits.

📋 At a glance

💡 The Harlequin Lancer is a showpiece predator for large aquariums, combining speed, power, and eye-catching coloration — but requires a big tank, strong current, and tankmates that can’t be swallowed.