Hemibagrus guttatus

Family: Bagridae

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

A Bagridae species native to southern China: Hemibagrus guttatus lives bottom-dwelling over sand and mud. Peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Adults reach 54.8–80.4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hemibagrus species we profile, alongside Hemibagrus macropterus, Hemibagrus wyckioides, Hemibagrus nemurus.

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

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females plumper
Breeding method
Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer

Frequently asked questions

Is Hemibagrus guttatus easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful; most activity happens after dark; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor.

What temperature and water chemistry does Hemibagrus guttatus need?

Set the heater to 16–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Hemibagrus guttatus get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 54.8–80.4 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Hemibagrus guttatus eat?

Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Hemibagrus guttatus live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful; most activity happens after dark — pair it with Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore and skip Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom.

Where does Hemibagrus guttatus come from?

Its home waters are southern China — large rivers over sand and mud, with moderate current.

How does Hemibagrus guttatus breed?

Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer. Females plumper.