Monkei Giraffe Catfish

Parauchenoglanis monkei is a close relative of Auchenoglanis occidentalis and shares its characteristic long-snouted foraging style and reticulated blotched pattern. It is significantly smaller, however, reaching only around 30 cm, which makes it far more suitable for home aquaria than its larger cousin. It inhabits mid-sized tributary rivers of the Congo basin where it forages over sandy substrate and leaf litter.

In the aquarium, P. monkei is an excellent community fish for large African setups. It is peaceful, actively forages by day, and will not bother tankmates it cannot swallow. Fine sand substrate is beneficial as it spends considerable time sifting through it with its long snout. Driftwood tangles and leaf litter replicate its natural habitat and encourage its most interesting natural behaviours.

This species appears occasionally in shipments of Congo basin fish and is unfortunately frequently misidentified or sold without species-level identification. Correct ID can be made by combining its modest size, long conical snout, and Central African origin. It is a genuinely underrated and attractive catfish.

Water: 22–27°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; tannin-stained conditions acceptable. Tank: 300 L minimum; fine sand; driftwood and leaf litter; moderate flow. Feeding: Sinking pellets, earthworms, frozen invertebrates; sifts substrate for food naturally. Breeding: Not documented in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent with large Congo basin cichlids, large tetras, and other passive species.