Amur Catfish (Silurus asotus)

Family: Siluridae

Amur Catfish — a Siluridae from China, Korea & Japan, peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Reaches 85.5–125.4 cm; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. 21–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
21–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
85.5–125.4 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; most activity happens after dark
Origin
China, Korea & Japan

Species overview

Silurus asotus, a member of the family Siluridae, is native to China, Korea & Japan. Its barbels read the sand like fingers; coarse gravel slowly wears them down. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 85.5–125.4 cm. Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. Provide soft substrate, hiding tubes, and food that reaches the bottom before tankmates finish it. Maintain 21–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.

Native biotope

Habitat
Slow rivers and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Sand and mud
Hardscape
Large hiding structures
Plants
Sparse

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor
Diet
Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods
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
Hard to distinguish
Breeding method
Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer