Rusty Jelly Catfish - (Lophiosilurus fowleri)

🐟 Rusty Jelly Catfish – (Lophiosilurus fowleri) – Rare South American Predatory Catfish for Sale

The Rusty Jelly Catfish (Lophiosilurus fowleri) is a rare, bottom-dwelling predatory catfish native to Brazil’s São Francisco River Basin. Known for its wide, flat head, rusty-brown mottled coloration, and unique jelly-like body texture, this species is a fascinating oddball for serious catfish keepers.

It is a sit-and-wait ambush predator, using its camouflage to blend into sandy or muddy substrates before lunging at prey.

🔎 Quick Facts – Rusty Jelly Catfish (Lophiosilurus fowleri)

• 📛 Common Name: Rusty Jelly Catfish, Jelly Cat
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Lophiosilurus fowleri
• 🌍 Origin: São Francisco River Basin, Brazil
• 🎨 Appearance: Wide, flat head with a thick body, mottled rusty-brown and tan patterning for camouflage
• 📏 Max Size: 18–20 inches (45–50 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Very rare in the aquarium trade; typically wild-caught

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Predatory; will eat any tankmate it can swallow
• 🐟 Solitary and sedentary, spends much time resting on the substrate
• 🪵 Thrives in dimly lit environments with hiding spots
• 🌙 Primarily nocturnal but will feed during the day when accustomed to aquarium life

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 125+ gallons
• 🪵 Sandy or fine gravel substrate to protect skin and barbels
• 🌊 Gentle to moderate current with strong filtration
• 💡 Low lighting with caves, driftwood, or large rock hides
• ⚠️ Ensure secure lid—can lunge during feeding

💧 Water Parameters – Rusty Jelly Catfish Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Predator

• 🦐 Fresh or frozen shrimp and prawns
• 🐟 Strips of fish fillet
• 🪱 Earthworms and large insect larvae
• 🚫 Avoid feeder fish due to risk of parasites

📋 Rusty Jelly Catfish Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Rusty Jelly Catfish is one of South America’s most unique and rarely seen predators, prized for its bizarre shape, rusty coloration, and unusual jelly-like body texture—making it a true showpiece for dedicated oddball catfish enthusiasts.