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Harlequin Lancer Catfish - (Bagroides melapterus)
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Harlequin Lancer Catfish - (Bagroides melapterus)

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$130.00
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was $145.00 Save 10%
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John N.
Ellendale,
United States
Jul 2, 2025
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Harlequin Lancer Catfish - (Bagroides melapterus)
Fish Details, Description and Information Below:

🐟 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.
  • 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
    • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
    • Fluval Bug Bites Tropical
    • Hikari Massivore Delight
    • Hikari Massivore Delight
  • 🐟 By purchasing through these links, you not only provide your fish with top-quality nutrition but also help support our mission to bring hobbyists the best in fish care. ✨ Click the links above to shop now and give your fish the nutrition they deserve! We earn a small commission for each sale.

⚖️ 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

🔖 Scientific Name Bagroides melapterus
🐟 Common Name Harlequin Lancer Catfish
🌎 Origin Southeast Asia
📏 Size 16–20" (40–50 cm)
🌡️ Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C)
💧 pH Range 6.5–7.5
🐟 Temperament Predatory
🏠 Tank Size 125+ gallons
🍽️ Diet Carnivore
🎯 Experience Advanced

💡 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.

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