Indian Butter Catfish

Ompok bimaculatus is a widely distributed South Asian silurid occurring from India and Sri Lanka across to Myanmar and Bangladesh. It is a large, scaleless, soft-bodied catfish with a subtle humeral spot, a deeply forked tail, and a gaping, oblique mouth that reveals its predatory nature. In the wild it is found in large rivers, lakes, and floodplain pools, typically in deeper, slower reaches.

In the aquarium, Ompok bimaculatus grows to a substantial size and requires a large, well-filtered tank. It is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, resting motionless in caves or beneath decor by day and actively hunting at dusk. It will consume any fish small enough to swallow, so tankmates must be carefully selected for size. Meaty foods such as whole prawns, earthworms, and chunked fish fillet are the dietary staple.

This species is best kept by experienced aquarists familiar with managing large predatory catfish. It does not damage plants or decor but requires spacious conditions to remain healthy and display natural behaviour. A long-lived species, Ompok bimaculatus can be a fascinating centrepiece for a South Asian river biotope aquarium.

Water: 20–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–15). Tank: 300 L minimum for adults; caves for resting; robust filtration; avoid small tankmates. Feeding: Whole prawns, earthworms, fish fillet, large bloodworm; crepuscular feeder. Breeding: Not achieved in home aquaria; migratory seasonal spawner in the wild. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; will eat small fish; house with large robust species only.