Northern sheatfish — 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
From the waters of China comes Silurus soldatovi, a member of the family Siluridae. A whiskered bottom resident whose day begins when the lights go off. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 85.5–125.4 cm. Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. Feed sinking foods after lights-out, keep the sand soft, and never let nitrate climb unnoticed. Maintain 21–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
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
Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore
Avoid keeping with
Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom