Common Name: African Big Eyed Aluminium Catfish
Scientific Name: Chrysichthys longipinnis
Other Names: Long-Finned Chrysichthys, Big Eyed Catfish
The African Big Eyed Aluminium Catfish is a rare and fascinating species known for its reflective, metallic silver body and distinctive large eyes. This nocturnal catfish is a favorite among aquarists who appreciate unusual and active freshwater species.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Chrysichthys longipinnis is native to West Africa, primarily found in the Congo River Basin, Senegal, Gambia, and other river systems in the region. They inhabit slow-moving to moderately flowing waters, preferring areas with sandy or muddy substrates and plenty of submerged structures such as driftwood and rocks for hiding. These catfish are nocturnal and spend most of the day concealed in shaded areas, becoming active at night to hunt for food.
Size and Lifespan:
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Size in Captivity: 10-14 inches (25-35 cm)
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Size in the Wild: Up to 16 inches (40 cm)
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Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper care
Diet and Behavior:
The African Big Eyed Aluminium Catfish is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter in the wild. In an aquarium, they should be provided with a varied diet that includes:
- High-quality sinking pellets
- Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, shrimp, or earthworms
- Occasional fresh vegetables like zucchini or peas
- Protein-rich treats like chopped fish or small crustaceans
These catfish are primarily nocturnal and prefer dimly lit environments. While they are generally peaceful, they may become territorial with other bottom dwellers, especially if space is limited. They are also known to eat smaller fish if given the opportunity.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Chrysichthys longipinnis in captivity is extremely rare and not well-documented. In the wild, they are thought to be substrate spawners, laying eggs in concealed areas such as caves or under submerged logs. Captive breeding efforts would require a very large tank with carefully controlled water conditions and plenty of hiding spots.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and active nature, these catfish require a spacious aquarium with hiding spots to accommodate their nocturnal behavior.
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Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons for a single adult, larger for multiple individuals
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Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels
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Decor: Large driftwood, caves, and rock formations for hiding
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Filtration: Strong filtration system to maintain excellent water quality
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Lighting: Dim to moderate lighting (preferably with shaded areas)
Regular water changes are essential, as these catfish produce a significant bioload.
Ideal Tank Mates:
The African Big Eyed Aluminium Catfish is semi-aggressive and should be housed with other similarly sized, robust fish that can tolerate their active nature. Suitable tank mates include:
- Large cichlids (such as Oscars, Severums, or peaceful Central/West African species)
- Other medium-to-large catfish (such as Synodontis species or other Chrysichthys)
- Arowanas or large peaceful characins
- Avoid small fish, as they may be mistaken for food
They are best kept in a species-only tank or with tank mates that are too large to be eaten.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced.
These catfish require a large tank, consistent water quality, and a proper diet to thrive. They are best suited for aquarists with experience in keeping large nocturnal or predatory fish.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm
Additional Information:
- The name "Aluminium Catfish" comes from its highly reflective, silvery body, which gives it a metallic sheen under aquarium lighting.
- This species is known for its large, protruding eyes, which help it hunt in low-light conditions.
- While peaceful with similar-sized fish, it may exhibit territorial behavior toward other bottom dwellers.
- They require a tight-fitting lid, as they are strong swimmers and may jump when startled.
The African Big Eyed Aluminium Catfish is a unique and active species that adds intrigue to any large freshwater aquarium. Given the right conditions, they can become long-term, fascinating additions to a well-maintained setup.
