🐟 Pac-man Catfish — (Lophiosilurus alexandri)

The Pac-man Catfish is a unique and fascinating freshwater species native to Brazil’s São Francisco River basin. Named for its large, round mouth resembling the classic video game character, this catfish is known for its impressive size and distinctive hunting behavior.

🌊 Tank Setup

• 🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for juveniles; adults require tanks of 125+ gallons due to their size.
• 🪵 Provide ample hiding spots with caves, plants, and driftwood.
• 💨 Moderate water flow with good filtration to maintain water quality.
• 💡 Dim to moderate lighting to mimic natural shady habitats.

🍽️ Diet

• 🍖 Carnivore — prefers live or frozen foods like fish, shrimp, and worms.
• 🥩 Can be trained to accept high-quality carnivore pellets or prepared foods.

⚖️ Temperament

• ⚠️ Predatory and territorial; may eat smaller tankmates.
• 🐟 Best kept singly or with large, robust tankmates that can handle its temperament.

🧠 Behavior & Care

• 🌙 Nocturnal ambush predator, often hiding during the day.
• 🧪 Requires stable water conditions and regular tank maintenance.
• 🧽 Known for its slow but powerful strikes when hunting prey.

📋 At a glance

💡 The Pac-man Catfish is an impressive ambush predator requiring a large tank and careful selection of tankmates, suitable only for experienced hobbyists.