Wyck's Hemibagrus

Hemibagrus wyckioides is one of the most dramatic and visually impressive large catfish available in the aquarium hobby. Native to the major river systems of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, it can reach 130 cm in length in the wild. Juveniles display vivid orange-red fin colouration against a grey-brown body, which combined with their eventual massive size makes them among the most sought-after large catfish among dedicated enthusiasts.

In captivity, even juveniles of Hemibagrus wyckioides grow rapidly and must be accommodated in progressively larger aquariums. Adults require facilities equivalent to a public aquarium exhibit — 1000 litres or more with industrial-grade filtration. The species is an aggressive piscivore that will consume any fish it can overpower, and it will attempt fish of surprisingly large size as it matures.

Despite the extreme demands it places on its keeper, Hemibagrus wyckioides rewards dedicated specialists with extraordinary visual impact, a long lifespan, and the kind of bold, interactive personality common to large intelligent catfish. Feeding large whole fish, prawns, and meat-based foods two to three times weekly sustains its rapid growth.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–15); industrial filtration essential. Tank: 1000 L absolute minimum for adults; very powerful filtration and oxygenation. Feeding: Whole fish, large prawns, mussel, earthworms; protein-rich diet 2–3 times weekly. Breeding: Not achieved in home aquaria; migratory spawner. Compatibility: Aggressive predator; house only with equally massive species.