Hemibagrus guttatus — a Bagridae from southern China, peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Reaches 54.8–80.4 cm; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. 16–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
16–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
54.8–80.4 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; most activity happens after dark
Origin
southern China
Species overview
Bagridae species Hemibagrus guttatus comes from southern China. A whiskered bottom resident whose day begins when the lights go off. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 54.8–80.4 cm. Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. Feed sinking foods after lights-out, keep the sand soft, and never let nitrate climb unnoticed. Maintain 16–25 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Large rivers over sand and mud
Flow
Moderate current
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen appreciated
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Large caves and driftwood
Plants
Not essential
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor
Diet
Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods
Recommended tankmates
Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore
Avoid keeping with
Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom