Clarotes Laticeps

Datasheet

General Description

The Widehead Catfish, scientifically known as Clarotes Laticeps, is a large predatory species that can grow up to 80.0cm in size. Despite not being visually appealing, it is a robust fish not commonly found in the aquarium trade due to its large size, making it suitable only for spacious tanks.

Aquarium Setup

For the setup of an aquarium suitable for the Widehead Catfish, it is recommended to provide a minimum tank size of 565 litres. Decor should consist of large water-worn rocks and sizeable pieces of bogwood to accommodate the catfish's habit of rearranging its surroundings. Dim lighting and a soft, sandy substrate are favorable, along with sturdy plant pots, as the catfish may shift items due to its bulk. An efficient, sizable filter is essential due to the species producing a significant amount of waste.

Behaviour

This species is known for its predatory nature, necessitating careful selection of tankmates to prevent accidental swallowing of smaller fish. Suitable companions in a large tank include giant gouramis, arowana, and large cyprinids.

Feeding and Diet

The Widehead Catfish is an omnivorous species that accepts a varied diet of live, frozen, and dried (pelleted) foods. It is considered unfussy in its feeding habits.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Captive breeding of the Widehead Catfish has not been successfully reported, and sexual dimorphism of the species remains unknown.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Clarotes Laticeps inhabits large lakes and rivers across various regions in Africa. Its distribution spans countries such as Egypt, Cameroon, Sudan, Kenya, and Ghana, among others. The species thrives in water conditions characterized by a pH range of 6.5-8.0, hardness of 5-25°dH, and temperatures between 20-26°C.