Yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco)

Family: Bagridae

A semi-aggressive omnivore bagridae from Japan — beginner-friendly.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 16–25 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 24.1–34.5 cm
Minimum tank: 345 L
Water layer: Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Origin: Japan

Species overview

Tachysurus fulvidraco is a Bagridae from Japan. In the wild it prefers clear streams, rivers and still waters; in the aquarium it stays semi-aggressive. Plan on 24.1–34.5 cm of adult fish at 16–25 °C. Related profiles: Tachysurus dumerili, Tachysurus nitidus, Tachysurus sinensis.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow: Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂: Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape: Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants: Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet: Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method: Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Tachysurus fulvidraco easy to keep?

Beginner-friendly. Semi-aggressive; solitary, pairs or small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Tachysurus fulvidraco need?

Hold 16–25 °C and keep it stable — 16–25 °C recorded range. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.

How big does Tachysurus fulvidraco get, and what tank size?

Full size is 24.1–34.5 cm. Minimum tank: 345 L, with open swimming space along its bottom; rests and forages low habits.

What does Tachysurus fulvidraco eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Tachysurus fulvidraco live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Semi-aggressive — pair it with Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs and skip Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Tachysurus fulvidraco come from?

Native to Japan, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Still to very gentle water; Average oxygen needs.

How does Tachysurus fulvidraco breed?

In the aquarium: spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.