What people mean by stone catfish
“Stone catfish” is not one precisely defined species in the hobby. The name is most often used for small, bottom-hugging catfish that rest motionless on rocks and are easy to overlook. The one most aquarists mean is the Asian stone catfish, Hara jerdoni, which is also sold under names such as dwarf anchor catfish. Because common names vary between sellers, it is worth confirming the scientific name before you buy.
The care advice below applies mainly to those small, peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish. If you actually have a larger catfish, such as a Synodontis, the needs are quite different. See the cuckoo catfish care guide or the petricola catfish article instead.
Size and lifespan
Small stone catfish stay tiny. Sources generally describe adults of only a couple of inches, though sizes vary by species and seller. That makes them suitable for small, mature tanks, but also means they are easily outcompeted for food and easily eaten by larger fish. Lifespans are not well documented, so treat any figure you see with caution.
Tank setup
Mature, stable tanks are best. Small catfish are sensitive to poor water quality, so avoid adding them to a brand-new setup.
- Tank size: A small planted tank can work for a group, provided it is cycled and has good filtration.
- Substrate: Do catfish prefer sand or gravel? Bottom-dwellers with delicate mouths and barbels generally do better on fine sand or very smooth, small gravel. Sharp or coarse gravel can wear the barbels.
- Cover: Provide small rocks, leaf litter, driftwood and plants so they can hide and rest.
- Flow: Many species of this type come from flowing streams, so gentle to moderate flow and good oxygenation are usually appropriate.
Water conditions
Keep water clean and stable. Rather than chasing exact numbers, aim for zero ammonia and nitrite, low nitrates through regular water changes, and a temperature in the tropical range that suits the other fish in the tank. Check the requirements for the exact species you were sold, as they can differ.
Feeding
What food do catfish like the most? Most bottom-dwelling catfish accept sinking foods, and small stone catfish often prefer tiny live or frozen foods. Hobbyists commonly report success with live microworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia and finely crushed sinking foods.
- Feed small amounts that sink to where the catfish rest.
- Offer food after lights dim if they are shy.
- Watch that faster tank mates are not taking everything first.
A thin or hollow belly is often a sign the fish are not getting enough, which is common with small catfish in busy community tanks.
Growth
How long does it take for a 3 inch catfish to grow? There is no single answer, because it depends on the species. Large species grow quickly with good feeding, while small stone catfish are close to adult size already. Make sure you know the expected adult size of your species before estimating timelines.
Tank mates
Choose peaceful, small, similarly-sized fish that will not outcompete or nip them. Small rasboras, tetras and snails are common choices, and our list of the best aquascaping fish covers more small, peaceful schoolers. Avoid large or predatory fish, and avoid very boisterous feeders. Groups are often kept together, as these catfish tend to be more comfortable with company, though behaviour varies.
Common problems
- Starvation: Often caused by competition from tank mates.
- Poor water quality: Small catfish react quickly to ammonia and nitrite.
- Disappearing fish: They hide well, so a missing fish may simply be resting out of sight.
- Mistaken identity: If a “stone catfish” grows larger than expected, it may be a different species, so check the identification.
Choosing a catfish
If a stone catfish is too small or too hard to find, other catfish in this cluster suit different tanks. The cuckoo catfish and the petricola catfish suit hard-water African cichlid setups. At the other extreme, the redtail shovelnose hybrid needs a very large tank and is a very different commitment.
FAQ
What food do catfish like the most? It depends on the species, but sinking pellets or wafers plus frozen or live foods are widely accepted. Small species often prefer tiny live foods.
Do catfish prefer sand or gravel? Sand or smooth fine gravel is generally the safer choice for bottom-dwellers.
How big do dwarf anchor catfish get? They stay very small, usually a couple of inches at most, though reports vary by species.