Salween Rock Catfish Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Salween Rock Catfish, Erethistes filamentosus, is a small, secretive catfish with a broad, flattened body and a large head. Its mottled brown and tan pattern helps it disappear against gravel, stones and leaf litter, while the compact shape allows it to shelter among crevices on the streambed.

Like other members of the erethistid catfish group, it has defensive spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. These spines can lock into place, so the fish should be handled carefully and never forced through a net. Small barbels around the mouth help it investigate the bottom and locate food in dim conditions.

This is a peaceful, mostly nocturnal species that tends to spend the daytime resting under cover. It may become more visible after the aquarium lights go out, especially when food is introduced. Individuals can be kept alone, although several may share suitable shelters when the aquarium provides enough hiding places.

In nature, Salween Rock Catfish are associated with flowing, oxygen-rich streams where stones, coarse sediment and submerged debris create a network of shaded retreats. Their unusual appearance and unobtrusive behaviour make them appealing to aquarists who enjoy observing small specialist bottom-dwellers rather than highly active open-water fish.

Salween Rock Catfish are native to the Salween River drainage in southeastern Myanmar, with the species associated with fast-flowing tributaries and streams of mainland Southeast Asia. They occur in freshwater habitats in the Asian tropics.

Provide at least 40 litres for one Salween Rock Catfish, with a footprint of approximately 60 by 30 cm; a larger aquarium is preferable for a group or community setup. Use efficient filtration and strong circulation while avoiding turbulent flow that prevents the fish from feeding. A mature, well-oxygenated aquarium should contain smooth stones, small caves, pieces of driftwood and shaded areas, with a soft sand or fine rounded-gravel substrate that will not damage its barbels. Secure all décor firmly, and leave several low retreats close to the substrate.

Up to around 5 cm (2 in) in total length. Females are generally slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males.

This catfish is an opportunistic bottom-feeder that accepts sinking foods such as high-quality catfish pellets, tablets and soft gel foods. Offer a varied diet supplemented with frozen or live foods including bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other small aquatic invertebrates. Feed after dark or shortly before the lights go out so the food reaches the bottom, and ensure tankmates do not consume everything first.

Salween Rock Catfish can be housed with other peaceful, similarly sized Asian stream fish and calm community species that tolerate comparable water conditions. Suitable companions may include small rasboras, peaceful danionins, small barbs and other non-aggressive bottom dwellers. Avoid large, boisterous or predatory fish, fin-nippers and species that compete aggressively for sheltered spaces. They should not be kept with cichlids, large loaches or any fish capable of swallowing them.

Salween Rock Catfish are not commonly bred in home aquariums, and published breeding information is limited. They are believed to scatter or deposit eggs among sheltered spaces such as caves, stones and dense cover. A mature group may spawn when provided with clean, well-oxygenated water, a varied diet and suitable hiding places. Remove adults or protect the eggs with fine mesh if breeding success is important, as the eggs and newly hatched fry may be eaten. Very small live foods are suitable for the fry once they become free-swimming.

Females are usually broader through the abdomen and may be slightly larger overall. Males tend to have a slimmer build, although reliable visual sexing can be difficult outside mature fish in breeding condition.