Raninus Batrochoglanis

Batrochoglanis raninus is found across the Guiana Shield and northern Amazon drainage and is one of several broad-headed, frog-like pseudo-pimelodids adapted to ambush predation along the substrate. Its mottled pattern of browns and creams provides excellent camouflage among leaf litter and gravel.

In the aquarium it is an extremely sedentary fish during daylight hours, sitting motionless in its favourite cave or under a rock. At night it becomes more active, using its large, wide mouth to engulf surprisingly large prey items. It is an accomplished predator and should not be trusted with small fish.

Despite its predatory nature, the Raninus Batrochoglanis is not aggressive toward tankmates that are too large to be swallowed and poses no direct threat to robust, larger inhabitants. It is moderately hardy once settled.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; stable, clean conditions. Tank: Minimum 150L; caves, overhanging rocks, leaf litter; dim lighting. Feeding: Carnivore; sinking pellets, whole small prawns, frozen meaty foods; nocturnal feeder. Breeding: Cave spawner; seldom bred in captivity. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; do not keep with fish small enough to be consumed.