Chinese Longsnout Catfish (Tachysurus dumerili)

Family: Bagridae

Chinese Longsnout Catfish — a Bagridae from China, peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Reaches 25.9–38 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
25.9–38 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life
Origin
China

Species overview

A Bagridae species native to China: Tachysurus dumerili lives bottom-dwelling over sand and mud. Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Adults reach 25.9–38 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Tachysurus species we profile, alongside Tachysurus fulvidraco, Tachysurus nitidus, Tachysurus sinensis.

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
  • Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably
Avoid keeping with
  • Tiny fish that fit in its mouth — Vanish at night

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females plumper
Breeding method
Egg-depositing in hollows; some guard, some abandon

Frequently asked questions

Is Chinese Longsnout Catfish easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. 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 Chinese Longsnout Catfish need?

Aim for 16–25 °C. Stable temperate range; 16.0–25.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Chinese Longsnout Catfish get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 25.9–38 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Chinese Longsnout Catfish eat?

Opportunistic bottom-feeder with a broad palate. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Chinese Longsnout Catfish live with other fish?

Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Recommended tankmates: Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably. Avoid Tiny fish that fit in its mouth — Vanish at night.

Where does Chinese Longsnout Catfish come from?

Native to China, where it lives in large rivers over sand and mud. Moderate current; High oxygen appreciated.

How does Chinese Longsnout Catfish breed?

In the aquarium: egg-depositing in hollows; some guard, some abandon. Females plumper.