Shadow Catfish (Hyalobagrus flavus) Import

The Shadow Catfish, also known as the Blackline Catfish or Bumblebee Catfish, is a small, peaceful freshwater species native to the slow-moving, tannin-stained waters of Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Its translucent body with subtle black and yellow markings gives it a ghostly, shadow-like appearance, making it an attractive addition to community aquariums. Shadow Catfish are schooling fish that thrive in groups, displaying their natural behaviors in a well-planted tank.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Shadow Catfish inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and peat swamps with soft, acidic, and tannin-rich water. These habitats are often shaded by overhanging vegetation and have sandy or muddy substrates with plenty of leaf litter.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 liters for a small group (5–6 individuals); larger tanks recommended for larger schools.
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C.
• pH Range: 5.5–7.0.
• Water Hardness: 2–10 dGH (soft water).
• Filtration: Gentle flow to replicate their natural environment; use a sponge filter or adjustable flow filter.

Aquascaping

• Use soft sand or fine gravel as substrate.
• Add plenty of driftwood, leaf litter, and rocks to create hiding spots and mimic their natural habitat.
• Incorporate live plants such as Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, or Amazon Swords for additional cover.
• Subdued lighting is ideal to reduce stress and replicate the shaded conditions of their natural environment.

Tank Mates

• Shadow Catfish are peaceful and ideal for community tanks. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Small, non-aggressive species like neon tetras, harlequin rasboras, and ember tetras.
  • Bottom-dwellers such as pygmy corydoras or kuhli loaches.
• Avoid large or aggressive fish that may outcompete or harass them.

Feeding

Shadow Catfish are omnivorous and adapt well to a variety of foods:

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers.
• Protein: Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Vegetable Matter: Offer occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
  Feed small amounts once or twice daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom for easy access.

Breeding

Breeding Shadow Catfish in captivity can be challenging, as little is known about their exact requirements. However, some success has been reported with careful preparation.

Breeding Tank Setup

• Use a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water:
  • Temperature: 25–28°C.
  • pH: 5.5–6.5.
• Provide plenty of hiding spots and vegetation.

Spawning Behavior

• Males may display courtship behaviors by circling females.
• Eggs are typically scattered and adhere to plants or substrate.
• Remove adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.

Fry Care

• Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
• Transition to finely crushed flakes or microworms as they grow.

Key Notes

• Behavior: Shadow Catfish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5–6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors.
• Water Quality: Regular water changes are essential to maintain soft, clean, and stable water conditions.
• Health: Monitor for stress-related diseases like ich; a balanced diet and good water parameters will minimize health issues.

The Shadow Catfish is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a peaceful, unique bottom-dwelling species. Its schooling behavior, translucent beauty, and ease of care make it a delightful addition to soft-water community tanks.