Hemibagrus black

Hemibagrus black, scientific name Hemibagrus wyckii, belongs to the family Bagridae (Orca catfishes). Young individuals are periodically supplied for free sale, but it is not recommended to purchase them. This type of catfish is characterized by aggressive behavior, large size and is able to live over 10 years. It is unlikely that it will be a good choice for a beginner aquarist.

Habitat

It originates from Southeast Asia, has a wide distribution in the central part of Indochina (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand) and western Indonesia. It inhabits the main channels of rivers, including areas with regions with a current, and also makes local migrations to flooded areas of tropical forests during the rainy season, which lasts from July to October.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 1000 liters.
• Temperature – 20-27°C
• Value pH — 6.0–8.0
• Water hardness – 1–21 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – little or no
• The size of the fish is up to 70 cm.
• Food – products from fish, shrimp, mussels, etc.
• Temperament – aggressive
• Content single

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of up to 70 cm. The fish has a typical body structure, characteristic of most catfish – elongated with a massive head, large mouth and long antennae-whiskers. The coloration is black with a gray tail, the edges of which have a light shade.

Food

Carnivorous species, in nature they feed on other fish and crustaceans. In a home aquarium, the basis of the diet can be pieces of white fish meat, shrimp, mussels. On occasion, they will definitely eat small neighbors in the aquarium. Feed 1-2 times a week.

It is unacceptable to use products of animal origin: chicken, beef, etc.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Hemibagrus black needs a spacious aquarium over a thousand liters, so it is practically never found in amateur aquariums. Only rare enthusiasts, and very wealthy ones at that, are ready to host such a huge reservoir weighing several tons (the aquarium itself, water, decoration, equipment).

Design is selected based on the characteristics of the habitat and the size of the fish. They use a sand and gravel substrate with heaps of stones and massive snags. The lighting level is set to dim.

To maintain high water quality, entire complexes are used, which, together with other equipment, can occupy the area of ​​​​a small room.

Behavior and Compatibility

Aggressive territorial look. It will even attack fish of a similar and larger size, not to mention smaller neighbors. Not afraid of a person, able to attack the hand during the maintenance of the aquarium.

Fish diseases

Being in favorable conditions is rarely accompanied by a deterioration in the health of fish. The occurrence of a particular disease will indicate problems in the content: dirty water, poor quality food, injuries, etc. As a rule, eliminating the cause leads to recovery, however, sometimes you will have to take medication. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.