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[ARRIVED 15-JAN-2026] Driftwood Catfish 5-7cm

Description

Driftwood Catfish

Large-growing feature catfish with wood-associated behaviour and a bold prehistoric appearance

Quick Facts

  • Size: Approx. 5–7 cm juvenile
  • Adult Size: Up to 27 cm
  • Tank Size: Large aquarium required
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
  • Temperament: Generally peaceful
  • Best Kept: Spacious community or species-focused setup

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Good if:

  • You want a true feature catfish
  • You keep a medium-to-large aquarium
  • You enjoy unusual bottom-dwelling species
  • You can provide driftwood and hiding areas

❌ Avoid if:

  • You run a nano or small aquarium
  • You want a β€œcleanup fish” only
  • You keep tiny nano fish long-term
  • You cannot accommodate adult growth

Why this fish?

Driftwood Catfish are distinctive large-growing catfish known for their strong association with wood, caves, and shaded environments.

Their elongated body, strong pectoral fins, and prehistoric appearance make them a standout choice for aquarists wanting something beyond common community species.

Unlike many small catfish, this species becomes a true centrepiece over time and benefits from spacious, mature aquariums.

Common mistakes

  • Underestimating adult size
  • Keeping in undersized aquariums
  • Housing with very small fish long-term
  • Insufficient hiding spaces or driftwood
  • Weak filtration for a large-bodied catfish

Care made simple

  • Temperature: Tropical freshwater conditions
  • Diet: Sinking pellets, vegetables, worms, frozen foods
  • Flow: Moderate water movement
  • Decor: Driftwood, caves, shaded areas
  • Water: Stable and well-filtered

Pair with

  • Medium-sized peaceful fish
  • Large planted or driftwood layouts
  • Robust filtration systems
  • Large community aquariums
  • Bottom feeder sinking foods

Important Considerations

  • This species grows significantly larger than many common catfish
  • Requires strong filtration due to waste production
  • Not suitable for nano or small aquariums
  • May prey on very small tank mates as it matures
  • Best suited to experienced or prepared hobbyists
NTA Insight:
Driftwood Catfish are often purchased small and underestimated. Their long-term success depends less on feeding and more on planning for adult size, filtration, and tank footprint.

FAQ

How large does this species get?

Adults can reach approximately 27 cm depending on conditions and age.

Do they need driftwood?

Yes. Driftwood and shaded hiding areas are strongly recommended for comfort and natural behaviour.

Can they live with small fish?

Juveniles may coexist, but very small fish may become prey as the catfish matures.

Are they aggressive?

Generally peaceful, though territorial behaviour may occur in confined spaces.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Best suited to aquarists prepared for larger fish care and long-term tank planning.

[ARRIVED 15-JAN-2026] Driftwood Catfish 5-7cm

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9 in stock

$15.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Driftwood Catfish

    Large-growing feature catfish with wood-associated behaviour and a bold prehistoric appearance

    Quick Facts

    • Size: Approx. 5–7 cm juvenile
    • Adult Size: Up to 27 cm
    • Tank Size: Large aquarium required
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
    • Temperament: Generally peaceful
    • Best Kept: Spacious community or species-focused setup

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Good if:

    • You want a true feature catfish
    • You keep a medium-to-large aquarium
    • You enjoy unusual bottom-dwelling species
    • You can provide driftwood and hiding areas

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You run a nano or small aquarium
    • You want a β€œcleanup fish” only
    • You keep tiny nano fish long-term
    • You cannot accommodate adult growth

    Why this fish?

    Driftwood Catfish are distinctive large-growing catfish known for their strong association with wood, caves, and shaded environments.

    Their elongated body, strong pectoral fins, and prehistoric appearance make them a standout choice for aquarists wanting something beyond common community species.

    Unlike many small catfish, this species becomes a true centrepiece over time and benefits from spacious, mature aquariums.

    Common mistakes

    • Underestimating adult size
    • Keeping in undersized aquariums
    • Housing with very small fish long-term
    • Insufficient hiding spaces or driftwood
    • Weak filtration for a large-bodied catfish

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: Tropical freshwater conditions
    • Diet: Sinking pellets, vegetables, worms, frozen foods
    • Flow: Moderate water movement
    • Decor: Driftwood, caves, shaded areas
    • Water: Stable and well-filtered

    Pair with

    • Medium-sized peaceful fish
    • Large planted or driftwood layouts
    • Robust filtration systems
    • Large community aquariums
    • Bottom feeder sinking foods

    Important Considerations

    • This species grows significantly larger than many common catfish
    • Requires strong filtration due to waste production
    • Not suitable for nano or small aquariums
    • May prey on very small tank mates as it matures
    • Best suited to experienced or prepared hobbyists
    NTA Insight:
    Driftwood Catfish are often purchased small and underestimated. Their long-term success depends less on feeding and more on planning for adult size, filtration, and tank footprint.

    FAQ

    How large does this species get?

    Adults can reach approximately 27 cm depending on conditions and age.

    Do they need driftwood?

    Yes. Driftwood and shaded hiding areas are strongly recommended for comfort and natural behaviour.

    Can they live with small fish?

    Juveniles may coexist, but very small fish may become prey as the catfish matures.

    Are they aggressive?

    Generally peaceful, though territorial behaviour may occur in confined spaces.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Best suited to aquarists prepared for larger fish care and long-term tank planning.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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