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CATFISH
CHACIDAE FAMILY
The Chacidae, Squarehead, or Angler Catfish family consists of a single genera, Chaca, and three species and is distributed in Asia from
India
to
Indonesia
. Thefish of this family are brown in color and leaf shaped to avoid detection by their prey. Prey is lured by the means of this fish's barbels which move in a manner to attract small fish.
Frogmouth Catfish
[
Pictures
]
Chaca bankanensis
SYN: None
PD: An elongated species with a flattened, broad head, and a wide mouth. The eyes are located far apart, on top of the head. When viewed from above, this species resembles a lead. The body is dark brown in color, and occasionally has some lighter markings. Protruding from the head are a number of small bumps.
SIZE: To 12" (30 cm), although not usually larger than 8" (20 cm) in an aquarium.
SS: C. chaca of the Ganges watershed of
India
and
Bangladesh
, and
Burma
(Myanmar), Borneo, and Sumatra. This species does not exceed 8" (20 cm) in length.
H: Inhabits shallow areas of leaf litter in still and slow moving rainforest waters in Southeast Asia;
Malaysia
,
Indonesia
, and
Thailand
.
A: bottom
TANK: A 36" (91 cm) or 35-45 gallon (142-170 L) tank is sufficient for fish up to 6" (15 cm) in length. Larger fish requires more space. Provide hiding places among rocks, roots, wood, and plants. A cover of floating plants is suggested to dim the light.
WATER: pH 5.8-7.8 (6.8), 3-20 dH (10), 75-86°F (24-30°C)
SB: A nocturnal predator that will feast upon similar and smaller sized fish. This species has a large mouth, enabling it to swallow large prey. This species will feed at night on other fish in the aquarium. Best suited for a species tank, although can be combined with large fish.
SB: Clown Knifefish, Giant Gourami, Tinfoil Barb, Sclerophagus
FOOD: Live; fish, crustaceans,
insect larvae
, worms; acclimated specimen may take chopped meat and tablets.
SC: Unknown
B: Unknown
BP: 10. Little is known about the breeding habits of this species.
R: This species may remain motionless even when touched, although it may grunt. The feeding habits of this species has been observed in nature. The fish remains motionless on the bottom amongst leaves and debris. When a small fish, the barbels of this species are moved in such a way as to mimic a worm. When the fish swims toward the lure, the Frogmouth Catfish grabs the prey.
DC: 6. This predatory species is tolerant of water chemistry, although its nature renders it incompatible with smaller fish. The Frogmouth Cat requires live foods and reaches a large size.
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