Cranoglanis bouderius — a Cranoglanididae from southern China, calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night. Reaches 32.2–47.3 cm; pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. 20–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
32.2–47.3 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Calm and unobtrusive by day, busy by night
Origin
southern China
Species overview
Cranoglanis bouderius, a member of the family Cranoglanididae, is native to southern China. Its barbels read the sand like fingers; coarse gravel slowly wears them down. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 32.2–47.3 cm. Pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big. Provide soft substrate, hiding tubes, and food that reaches the bottom before tankmates finish it. Maintain 20–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Pairs for the small species; solitaries for the big
Diet
Eats anything that sinks; balance protein and greens
Recommended tankmates
Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably