Torrent Catfish

Sisor rabdophorus is a small and remarkable sisorid catfish found in fast-flowing, rocky rivers and streams of the Ganges basin in the Himalayan foothills. Its body features prominent longitudinal ridges and a flattened ventral surface with adhesive structures that allow it to cling to smooth rocks in powerful currents without being swept away. It is among the most specialised catfish adapted to fast-water rheophilic habitats.

In the aquarium, Sisor rabdophorus demands conditions that closely replicate its native environment — strong water flow, high oxygenation, cool temperatures, and smooth rounded rocks on which it can anchor. It is intolerant of warm, stagnant, or polluted water and will decline rapidly if these conditions are not met. Feeding on aufwuchs (algae and associated micro-invertebrates) and small frozen invertebrates is appropriate.

This species is entirely peaceful and best suited to a cool hillstream biotope with other rheophilic species. It is an advanced subject requiring strict attention to temperature, flow rate, and water quality, but rewards the specialist with extraordinary behaviour — watching it navigate powerful artificial currents with ease is a genuinely impressive spectacle.

Water: 16–24°C, pH 6.5–7.5, moderately hard (GH 5–15); very strong flow and high oxygenation essential. Tank: 80 L minimum; smooth rounded rocks; very strong circulation pump or powerhead; no sand traps. Feeding: Aufwuchs scraped from rocks; frozen bloodworm, daphnia, micro-pellets; place food in current flow. Breeding: Not achieved in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful; keep with other cool, fast-water rheophilic hillstream species.