Gagata Stream Catfish

Gagata cenia is a small, active sisorid catfish found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra drainages of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, where it inhabits rocky, fast-flowing rivers and hill streams with clear, well-oxygenated water. Its slim body bears dark horizontal stripes on a pale background, and its flattened underside and powerful pectoral fins allow it to navigate strong currents with efficiency.

In the aquarium, Gagata cenia requires a hillstream-style setup with strong water movement, high oxygenation, smooth rocks, and cool temperatures. It is significantly less tolerant of warm, slow water than most tropical community fish, and will decline if oxygen levels drop or temperatures rise above 24°C. In appropriate conditions it is active during the day, patrolling the rock surfaces in a group.

Best kept in groups of four or more, Gagata cenia is a peaceful species compatible with other cool, fast-water rheophilic fish such as hillstream loaches, Schistura loaches, and other sisorid catfish. Feed with small frozen invertebrates such as daphnia and bloodworm, along with aufwuchs scraped from rocks. Its striking striped pattern and active schooling behaviour make it a rewarding addition to a specialist hillstream biotope.

Water: 16–24°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderately hard (GH 5–15); strong current and high dissolved oxygen required. Tank: 100 L minimum; smooth rounded river stones; powerful circulation; open areas between rocks. Feeding: Frozen daphnia, bloodworm, aufwuchs; place food in current. Breeding: Not reported in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful; keep in groups; compatible with hillstream loaches and other cool-water rheophilic species.