Fisher's Woodcat Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Fisher's Woodcat is a secretive, whiskered catfish with the stout body, broad head and bold fin spines typical of the woodcat family, Auchenipteridae. Its body is generally brown to grey-brown, often with darker mottling that helps it blend into shaded river environments and submerged timber. The long barbels around the mouth help it locate food in darkness and cloudy water.

This is primarily a nocturnal species. During daylight hours it often rests beneath wood, among dense cover or inside other sheltered spaces, becoming much more active after the aquarium lights go out. Although peaceful, it can be surprisingly confident once established and may patrol the lower levels of the aquarium at night.

In the wild, Fisher's Woodcat is associated with tropical rivers, side channels and quieter margins where leaf litter, branches and other submerged debris provide protection. Its body shape and cryptic colouring are well suited to a life spent navigating dim, structurally complex habitats rather than open, brightly lit water.

Like other auchenipterid catfish, it has an interesting natural history that includes specialised reproductive biology and, in some members of the family, internal sperm storage by females. It remains less frequently seen in the aquarium trade than many popular armoured or suckermouth catfish, making it an unusual choice for aquarists interested in South American river fish.

Fisher's Woodcat is native to Colombia in northern South America, where it occurs in the Río Magdalena basin and associated freshwater environments. It is found in warm, slow-moving waters with submerged cover and woody structure.

A single Fisher's Woodcat should have at least 150 litres, while a small group is better provided with 200 litres or more. A tank around 120 cm long by 45 cm wide is a useful minimum footprint because floor area matters more than height. Use smooth sand or fine, rounded gravel that will not damage the barbels, and furnish the aquarium with driftwood, caves, sturdy plants and shaded retreats. Gentle to moderate flow, subdued lighting and floating vegetation help recreate the quiet, covered conditions this nocturnal catfish prefers. Fit a secure lid, as woodcats may leap when startled.

Fisher's Woodcat can reach about 18 cm (7 in) in total length. Females are usually broader-bodied and may grow slightly larger than males.

Fisher's Woodcats are opportunistic carnivores and should receive a varied, protein-rich diet. Offer sinking carnivore pellets or tablets alongside frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, mysis shrimp, chopped prawns and earthworm pieces. Feed after lights out or as the aquarium becomes dim so the catfish can feed without competition. Occasional meaty foods should be balanced with a quality staple diet to prevent excessive fattening.

Fisher's Woodcats are generally peaceful and can be kept with similarly sized, calm South American fish such as peaceful tetras, larger rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful corydoras and non-aggressive plecos. They also suit other mild-mannered river fish that occupy the middle and upper levels. Avoid very small fish that could be swallowed at night, fin-nipping species, boisterous feeders and aggressive cichlids. Do not house them with fish likely to compete for their daytime shelters or injure them with repeated harassment.

Fisher's Woodcats are not commonly bred in home aquaria, but spawning may be encouraged with a mature pair, excellent conditioning and a gradual change to softer, slightly warmer water. Provide a secluded cave or hollow piece of wood, as these nocturnal catfish spawn in sheltered spaces. The female can retain sperm, a characteristic of many auchenipterid catfish, so successful spawning does not always require repeated pairing. Remove the adults if eggs are produced, and raise the young on tiny live foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp.

Females are typically deeper-bodied and heavier through the abdomen, particularly when mature or carrying eggs. Mature males may be more slender and develop a modified anal fin associated with reproduction, although this feature can be difficult to assess without close examination.