Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Banjo Catfish

Bunocephalus coracoideus (Cope, 1874)

Also called Guitarrita, Guitarrito

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Amazon River basin, including Bolivia, Brazil and Peru, in forest creeks and ponds rich in plant debris.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length11 cm1 2

Sizesmall

Amazing dead-leaf camouflage

Totally peaceful

Quirky, jerky swimming style

3 1

Looks how to spot one

Flattened, scaleless banjo-shaped body

A wide, flat head and a thin tail give it the outline of a banjo or small guitar seen from above. Its rough, mottled skin makes it look just like a dead leaf on the bottom.3 2

Coloursmottled brownleaf-litter camouflage3

Personality what they are like

Gentle and secretive, it lies still under leaves or sand by day and comes out after dark.3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Largely inactive and needs little swimming space; moves with a jerky motion by pushing water from its gill covers.3 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Use fine sand or soft gravel it can bury into, plus leaf litter. Like other banjo catfish it now and then sheds its skin, which is normal.1 3

Home where they are happiest

Tropical water of about 20 to 28 C, pH roughly 5.8 to 8.0 and hardness 2 to 20 dGH, in a tank of at least 60 to 80 cm long.3 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Unfussy: bloodworm, earthworms and sinking foods, given after lights out so it gets its share.3 1

Company who they like around

Gets along with its own kind and small peaceful fish such as tetras, dwarf cichlids and other gentle catfish; can be kept singly or in groups.3

The story where it all began

Edward Drinker Cope described the species in 1874. Its local name guitarrita, 'little guitar', reflects its shape, and it has become a popular oddball in the aquarium trade.1 3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its Spanish name guitarrita means 'little guitar'.3
2
It can swim by squirting water out of its gill covers in rhythmic jets.1
3
It can gulp air when needed.1
4
Females can lay up to about 4,000 eggs, spawning in groups on sandy bottoms.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 5 August 2020)1
Taxonomy: Described by Cope in 18741
Family: Aspredinidae (banjo catfishes)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Banjo Catfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Banjo Catfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day, ideally after lights out so it gets its share. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding with small portions.3 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Banjo Catfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It enjoys bloodworm, earthworms and sinking foods. Never feed it anything that floats or is too large for its mouth, and always check with a vet for specific dietary concerns.3 1

How much space does a Banjo Catfish need?

A tank at least 60 to 80 cm long is recommended. It is largely inactive and needs little swimming space, so a well-set-up tank of this size works well.3 1

What temperature, light or water does a Banjo Catfish need?

Keep tropical water at 20 to 28°C, pH 5.8 to 8.0, and hardness 2 to 20 dGH. It prefers dim lighting and a soft, sandy substrate to bury in.3 1

How often should I clean a Banjo Catfish's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning and water testing, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Always use dechlorinated water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Banjo Catfish live with others?

Yes, it gets along with its own kind and small peaceful fish like tetras, dwarf cichlids and other gentle catfish. It can be kept singly or in groups.3

How long does a Banjo Catfish live?

Lifespan varies and is not specified in the provided information. For accurate details, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Banjo Catfish?

It is best not to handle this fish as it is gentle and secretive, and handling can stress or harm its scaleless skin. Enjoy watching it from a distance.3 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Striped Raphael Catfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Bunocephalus coracoideus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, swimming, breeding, IUCN
Wikipedia: Bunocephalus coracoideus en.wikipedia.orgused for names, distribution, size, diet, breeding
Seriously Fish: Bunocephalus coracoideus seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, camouflage, skin shedding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.