Description

Goonch Catfish (Bagarius yarrelli)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Bagarius yarrelli

• Common Names: Goonch Catfish, Giant Devil Catfish, River Catfish

• Family: Sisoridae (Asian Hillstream Catfish Family)

• Order: Siluriformes

• Origin: South and Southeast Asia — widely distributed across the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mekong River systems (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Myanmar).

• Size: Up to 100–200 cm (3–6.5 feet) in the wild; usually 60–80 cm (2–2.5 feet) in captivity.

• Lifespan: 12 – 20 years (depending on environment and care)

• Tank Zone: Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• pH: 6.5 – 7.8

• Hardness: 5 – 20 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Body Shape: Long, muscular, and flattened head with a wide mouth and thick pectoral fins.

• Coloration: Grayish-brown to olive body with dark mottled patterns for camouflage.

• Special Feature: Known for its enormous size and power — a true river predator capable of eating large prey.

• Behavior: Predatory and territorial; highly active bottom dweller that needs a large, strong-flow environment.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Carnivorous

• Food: Fish fillets, prawns, earthworms, mussels, and sinking carnivore pellets.

• Feeding Frequency: Once daily; avoid overfeeding.

• Tip: Avoid feeding live feeder fish to prevent disease introduction.

🏠 Tank Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 1000 liters (250+ gallons) — requires very large aquarium or indoor pond.

• Substrate: River gravel or sand.

• Décor: Large smooth rocks, driftwood, and powerful filtration to simulate river flow.

• Lighting: Moderate.

• Water Flow: Strong, oxygen-rich current — mimics its natural fast-flowing river habitat.

👥 Behavior & Compatibility

• Nature: Aggressive and solitary predator.

• Best Kept As: A single specimen or with equally large, robust tank mates.

• Tank Mates: Large freshwater stingrays, big catfish (like Redtail or Pangasius), or large arowanas.

• Avoid: Small or slow-moving fish — will be eaten.

✅ Do’s
• Provide powerful external filtration and aeration.
• Maintain strong water flow.
• Secure heavy lids — strong fish that can jump.
• Offer a protein-rich diet for proper growth.

❌ Don’ts
• Don’t house in small aquariums.
• Don’t mix with small community fish.
• Avoid poor filtration — very sensitive to low oxygen.

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Goonch Catfish (Bagarius yarrelli) is a legendary giant river catfish known for its strength, prehistoric look, and massive size. It’s best suited for experienced aquarists with very large aquariums or ponds that can mimic its fast-flowing river habitat.