Lanzhou Catfish (Silurus lanzhouensis)

Family: Siluridae

Lanzhou Catfish — a Siluridae from China, 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

Species overview

Silurus lanzhouensis, a member of the family Siluridae, comes from China, where it inhabits slow rivers and lakes. Peaceful; most activity happens after dark and omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods, it grows to 85.5–125.4 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 21–26 °C range. Other Silurus species in our database include Silurus asotus, 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 Lanzhou Catfish easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor.

What temperature and water chemistry does Lanzhou Catfish need?

Hold 21–26 °C and keep it stable — 21.0–26.0 °C typical for the family. Stable temperate range.

How big does Lanzhou 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 Lanzhou Catfish eat?

Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Lanzhou Catfish live with other fish?

Peaceful; most activity happens after dark; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. Good company: Other similar-sized bottom fish — Share the floor peaceably. Keep away from Tiny fish that fit in its mouth — Vanish at night.

Where does Lanzhou Catfish come from?

Comes from China: slow rivers and lakes. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

How does Lanzhou Catfish breed?

In the aquarium: spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer. Hard to distinguish.