What is a Gulper Catfish?
The asterophysus batrachus, more commonly known as the gulper catfish, is a popular fish for pet owners across the world. Many aquarists claim that this is one of their favorite fish for several reasons.
Moderate Size
The gulper catfish is known for growing to approximately 12-14 inches as an adult. It requires an aquarium of approximately 90 gallons to ensure that it has adequate swimming room. Most owners enjoy this because it is the perfect size for them. The fish will not grow to a monstrous size that is unmanageable by an aquarium owner, but it is not so small that it is considered a tiny fish either. Its size is just one of the things that makes this fish fascinating.
Eats by “gulping” Other Fish Down
The gulper catfish gets its name from the style of eating that it prefers, which is simply swallowing its meals whole. This cool fish will open its mouth and swallow smaller fish for food, much like a whale does.
Carnivore
Gulper catfish are carnivores by nature. They prefer meals of other fish and will not settle for a small snack or munching on vegetation. It is important for fish owners to understand that these fish do not like fish pellets as their only source of food. Often, they are fed a combination of shrimp, clams, and other fresh or frozen food to keep them healthy.
Prehistoric Appeal
The look of this fish is one of the reasons that it has caught the attention of so many monster fish fans. The monster fish movement brought this fish out of freshwater lagoons and into homes across the world because of its size and the appeal of its unique look. The oversized mouth gives this fish a unique look. A body that does not have scales gives it a sleek look that fish owners always enjoy.
Pay Attention to Water Quality
It is important for fish owners to remember that fish without scales can be more sensitive to changes in their environment. If the pH balance or the temperature of the water surrounding them drastically changes, these fish can go into shock or become temperamental. Aquarium owners that would like to change the temperature of the water around these fish will need to make slow, gradual changes to ensure that they have happy, healthy fish.
Impressive Sense of Smell
The gulper catfish comes from waters that are almost black, hence it’s poor eyesight. In such an environment, fish do not need exceptional vision to find their prey as the water is hard to see through anyway. This has resulted in an adaption that gives them an impressive sense of smell. Instead of seeing prey and eating, these fish make use of their barbells and smell to find dinner.
The gulper catfish is a fascinating fish. It has a rough look and moderate size that have made it a favorite for anyone that loves monster fish. These fish are also inexpensive when compared to other fish in the same category. Aquarium owners can pick up one of these predators for $50-100.
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