South China 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 meridionalis, a member of the family Siluridae, is native to China. 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. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
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