Bagarius suchus

Family: Sisoridae

Bagarius suchus — a Sisoridae from South Asia. Reaches 150–220 cm; keep at 20–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
20–30 °C
pH
6.5–7.8
GH hardness
15.6–26.4 dGH
Adult length
150–220 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; territorial over perches
Origin
South Asia

Species overview

A Sisoridae species native to South Asia: Bagarius suchus lives bottom-dwelling over mountain torrents clinging to boulders. Peaceful; territorial over perches. Adults reach 150–220 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Bagarius species we profile, alongside Bagarius yarrelli.

Native biotope

Habitat
Mountain torrents clinging to boulders
Flow
Very strong current, highly oxygenated
Dissolved O₂
Requires very high dissolved oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Bare smooth rock
Hardscape
Large boulders forming crevices
Plants
Minimal

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Small groups with enough perches
Diet
Herbivorous-leaning omnivore
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Unclear
Breeding method
Unknown in aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Bagarius suchus easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; territorial over perches. Small groups with enough perches.

What temperature and water chemistry does Bagarius suchus need?

Set the heater to 20–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.8, GH 15.6–26.4 dGH suit it.

How big does Bagarius suchus get, and what tank size?

Full size is 150–220 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Bagarius suchus eat?

Herbivorous-leaning omnivore. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Bagarius suchus live with other fish?

Peaceful; territorial over perches. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Bagarius suchus come from?

Its home waters are South Asia — mountain torrents clinging to boulders, with very strong current, highly oxygenated.

How does Bagarius suchus breed?

In the aquarium: unknown in aquaria. Unclear.