Toadhead Catfish

Pseudopimelodus bufonius is a member of the family Pseudopimelodidae, closely allied to the Pimelodidae, and exhibits the characteristic wide, frog-like head and mottled brown-grey colouration of the group. It is native to rivers of northern and central South America and is adapted for ambush predation among leaf litter and rocks.

In the aquarium, the Toadhead Catfish is a secretive, slow-moving fish that spends much of the day hidden under rock overhangs or within caves. At feeding time, however, it can react with surprising speed, inhaling prey with a rapid jaw expansion. It accepts most meaty sinking foods once settled.

This species is best housed in a species tank or with robust, mid-water fish that are not small enough to be consumed. It is moderately hardy once established and does not require exceptional water conditions beyond a clean, stable environment.

Water: 22–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; clean stable conditions. Tank: Minimum 200L; cave décor, leaf litter optional, subdued lighting. Feeding: Carnivore; sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, whole prawns, earthworms. Breeding: Cave spawner; occasional captive breeding reported in very large setups. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; keep with fish too large to be inhaled; solitary by nature.