Spotted Raphael Catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons)

The Spotted Raphael Catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons) is a polka dot tank in fish form: jet black armor scattered with white spots, rows of bony plates down each flank, and a personality built for the night shift. It is one of the famous "talking catfish," producing an audible croak when it feels like commenting, and one of the hardiest, longest-lived fish in the hobby, with well-kept fish passing 15 years. Peaceful, nearly indestructible, and happy in everything from big community tanks to many cichlid setups. Browse the rest of our freshwater livestock and supplies to build out the bottom crew.

Care Guide

• Tank size: 30 gallons or larger for an adult. It spends the day parked in a hideout, so footprint matters more than height.
• Give it a cave: a dedicated hide like the Hikari Dark Rock Cave, driftwood tangle, or PVC tube is non-negotiable. A secure Raphael is a bolder Raphael.
• Water parameters: 74 to 80°F, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Extremely forgiving once established, which is why this species has such a long track record.
• Feeding: omnivore scavenger. Drop sinking foods like Repashy Bottom Scratcher, wafers, or frozen bloodworms shortly after lights out so the day crew does not steal dinner.
• Netting warning: those locking pectoral spines snag in nets and can give you a poke. Guide it into a cup or bag underwater instead; it will croak at you either way.
• Nocturnal reality check: you will see it at feeding time and after dark. Daytime sightings increase with age, dim lighting, and a settled tank.

Specifications

Compatibility

Armored and unbothered, it coexists with almost anything that cannot swallow it, including many rowdy cichlid communities that would harass softer catfish. Great tank mates include the Bushynose Pleco, Yo Yo Loach, larger tetras, barbs, and gouramis. The one caution runs the other way: at night a grown Raphael will happily inhale fish small enough to fit its surprisingly big mouth, so skip neon-size nano fish and shrimp colonies.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Hikari Dark Rock Cave its daytime headquarters
• Repashy Bottom Scratcher invertivore gel
• SFBB Frozen Bloodworms night feeding treat

FAQ

Does it really talk?
It croaks, audibly, by grinding its pectoral fin joints and vibrating its swim bladder. You will hear it most when it is netted or when two Raphaels debate cave ownership.

I never see mine. Is it still alive?
Almost certainly, and probably fatter than when you bought it. Raphaels are champion hiders that feed by smell at night. Count on feeding-time appearances, not daytime laps.

Is it safe with my cichlids?
Usually yes, and it is a classic choice for that job. Its armor shrugs off curious cichlids in most communities; just avoid tankmates large enough to genuinely swallow it.

Why should I not use a net?
The serrated pectoral spines lock outward and tangle instantly in mesh, which is stressful for the fish and sharp for you. Herd it into a submerged cup or bag instead.