Walking Catfish
Clarias batrachus
Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Catfish & Cory. Minimum tank in the app: 600 US gal min; aim for 68–79°F and pH 6–7.8. The Walking Catfish is ideal for dedicated aquarists seeking a unique bottom-dweller that thrives in spacious environments.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Mostly South America / Africa
- South America
- Africa
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Walking Catfish Tank Setup
To accommodate the Walking Catfish, provide a large tank with a minimum of 2270 liters, incorporating a soft substrate to protect its sensitive barbels. Aim for a gentle water flow and include plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks and driftwood, to create a complex environment. Moderate lighting will help maintain a natural feel while reducing stress.
What Do Walking Catfishs Eat?
The Walking Catfish is an omnivorous bottom feeder and can be a slow eater, which may lead to competition if kept with faster, more aggressive feeders. Ensure a varied diet, incorporating high-quality pellets and occasional live or frozen foods to maintain health and colour vibrancy.
Walking Catfish Tank Mates
Ideal tank mates include similarly sized peaceful species that occupy different levels, such as larger tetras or barbs. Be cautious of smaller fish that may be seen as food. Since this catfish is not shoaling, avoid housing multiple Walking Catfish together to prevent any potential stress from competition for space.
Are Walking Catfishs Good for Beginners?
In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. A common error is underestimating the tank size and filtration needs, leading to poor water quality that can stress the fish. neglecting to provide sufficient hiding spots can result in increased aggression from tank mates or stress from open spaces.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.




