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 and Japan

Species overview

Silurus asotus is a Siluridae from China and Japan. In the wild it prefers slow rivers and lakes; in the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 85.5–125.4 cm of adult fish at 21–26 °C. Related profiles: Silurus lanzhouensis, Silurus meridionalis, Silurus soldatovi.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Amur Catfish 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 Amur Catfish need?

Aim for 21–26 °C. Stable temperate range; 21.0–26.0 °C typical for the family.

How big does Amur Catfish get, and what tank size?

Full size is 85.5–125.4 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Amur Catfish eat?

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

Can Amur Catfish live with other fish?

Peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Recommended tankmates: Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably. Avoid Tiny fish that fit in its mouth — Vanish at night.

Where does Amur Catfish come from?

Its home waters are China and Japan — slow rivers and lakes, with still to gentle current.

How does Amur Catfish breed?

Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer. Hard to distinguish.