Sleeping Catfish

Adults reach approximately 7 cm in size. The fish's coloration is quite modest, dominated by various shades of gray. The caudal fin is forked, and the other fins are short. An important feature of this catfish is its large eyes, which, along with highly sensitive barbels, play a key role in finding food in low light conditions or complete darkness.

The species inhabits South America, primarily the upper Madeira River basin in Bolivia and Brazil. In nature, it lives in freshwater bodies of the tropical zone. Members of this family are predominantly nocturnal, spending the daylight hours in shelters or among vegetation.

This fish is distinguished by its peaceful and calm disposition; it coexists well with its own kind and with other non-aggressive species of similar size.

For keeping a single catfish, an aquarium of 50 to 60 liters will be required. The decor can be quite simple. It is important to provide both open areas for free swimming and secluded spots of appropriate size, for example, created from natural driftwood. This species is undemanding and successfully adapts to conditions with a wide range of pH and GH values. The comfortable water temperature for the Sleeping Catfish is within 22–28°C. Aquarium care includes standard procedures: weekly partial water changes with fresh water, timely removal of organic waste, and maintaining equipment in working order.

In its natural habitat, the catfish's diet mainly consists of small invertebrates, primarily insects, as well as zooplankton and various aquatic and terrestrial plants. In a home aquarium, it is recommended to prioritize protein-rich foods. These can be dry foods — flakes or pellets — as well as fresh or frozen earthworms or bloodworms.

The species has not been bred in aquaria. Driftwood catfishes practise internal fertilisation: the male's anal fin is modified into a copulatory organ, and the female can store sperm and release fertilised eggs several days after mating — sometimes with no male present. In the genus Entomocorus breeding males change markedly, with ossified barbels and an elongated dorsal spine, but transformed males of this particular species have not yet been found.

No diseases that affect only this species have been described. Under suitable conditions — clean water, a balanced diet and calm tank mates — health problems usually do not arise. The most common cause of illness is a decline in conditions: it weakens the immune system, and the fish becomes vulnerable to infections that are always present in an aquarium. At the first signs of trouble — lethargy, wasting, refusal of food or clamped fins — check the basic water parameters and the levels of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate first. Restoring acceptable conditions often lets the fish recover on its own. Catfish of this group have naked, scaleless skin and are therefore more sensitive to medication than most aquarium fish. Products based on malachite green and copper should be used with care and at about half the dose stated on the packaging.

When purchasing, choose active individuals without visible damage to the skin and fins. It is important to consider that this is a crepuscular species, so in the store, the fish may appear passive or hide in shelters. It is recommended to avoid specimens with signs of emaciation or unnatural behavior, and to clarify the keeping conditions with the seller before purchase.