Hemibagrus macropterus

Family: Bagridae

Hemibagrus macropterus — a Bagridae from southern China, peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Reaches 54.8–80.4 cm; singly or in small groups depending on species size. 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 giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life
Origin
southern China

Species overview

A Bagridae species native to southern China: Hemibagrus macropterus lives bottom-dwelling over sand and mud. Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Adults reach 54.8–80.4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Hemibagrus species we profile, alongside Hemibagrus guttatus, 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
Singly or in small groups depending on species size
Diet
Opportunistic bottom-feeder with a broad palate
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
Egg-depositing in hollows; some guard, some abandon

Frequently asked questions

Is Hemibagrus macropterus easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Singly or in small groups depending on species size.

What temperature and water chemistry does Hemibagrus macropterus 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 macropterus 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 macropterus eat?

Opportunistic bottom-feeder with a broad palate. It forages naturally over fine sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Hemibagrus macropterus live with other fish?

Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life; singly or in small groups depending on species size. Good company: Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore. Keep away from Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom.

Where does Hemibagrus macropterus come from?

Comes from southern China: large rivers over sand and mud. Expect moderate current and high oxygen appreciated.

How does Hemibagrus macropterus breed?

Egg-depositing in hollows; some guard, some abandon. Females plumper.