Shark catfish

Common name(s) Shark catfish, Colombian shark catfish, Tete sea catfish Picture of Shark catfish
© Sean Evans
Young Shark cat at around 6" (15cm).

Scientific name Hexanematichthys seemanni

Synonyms Arius seemani (old genus name), A. jordani (junior synonym)

Size Usually around 12-14" (30-35cm), but can reach 24" (60cm)

Origin North, Central and South American rivers and estuaries.

Tank setup Large brackish tank with plenty of open swimming space.

Compatibility Predatory, likely to eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. Slightly territorial towards their own kind, peaceful with other fishes. Keep with large brackish fish, such as adult Scats or Monos.

Temperature 21-26^oC (70-79^oF)

Water chemistry Neutral to alkaline, slightly brackish to marine.

Feeding Carnivore: live and frozen meaty foods, dry foods such as sinking catfish pellets can be used to balance the diet.

Sexing Males are more slender than females.

Breeding Not usually spawned in the aquarium, changes in salinity required. A mouthbrooder.

Comments These fish are best kept in a small group. They are often seen for sale at 2-3", but the potential size should be taken into account before buying. These fish are often sold from, and kept in, freshwater tanks when younger, but they should be converted to brackish water for their long term health. Low level brackish conditions (around s.g. 1.005) will suffice for young fish, but older specimens are best kept in stronger brackish conditions at around s.g. 1.015 or above.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Shark catfish, Colombian shark catfish, Tete sea catfish	`© Sean Evans` Young Shark cat at around 6" (15cm).
Scientific name	Hexanematichthys seemanni
Synonyms	Arius seemani (old genus name), A. jordani (junior synonym)
Size	Usually around 12-14" (30-35cm), but can reach 24" (60cm)
Origin	North, Central and South American rivers and estuaries.
Tank setup	Large brackish tank with plenty of open swimming space.
Compatibility	Predatory, likely to eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. Slightly territorial towards their own kind, peaceful with other fishes. Keep with large brackish fish, such as adult Scats or Monos.
Temperature	21-26^oC (70-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Neutral to alkaline, slightly brackish to marine.
Feeding	Carnivore: live and frozen meaty foods, dry foods such as sinking catfish pellets can be used to balance the diet.
Sexing	Males are more slender than females.
Breeding	Not usually spawned in the aquarium, changes in salinity required. A mouthbrooder.
Comments	These fish are best kept in a small group. They are often seen for sale at 2-3", but the potential size should be taken into account before buying. These fish are often sold from, and kept in, freshwater tanks when younger, but they should be converted to brackish water for their long term health. Low level brackish conditions (around s.g. 1.005) will suffice for young fish, but older specimens are best kept in stronger brackish conditions at around s.g. 1.015 or above.