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Frogmouth Catfish, (Chaca chaca)

Possessing a face only an aquarist could love, the frogmouth catfish is one of the most interesting (or, some would argue, horrendous) looking fishes available in the hobby. At six and a half inches long, this brownish piece of speckled fish appears to be the offspring of a whale and a pancake. Small fleshy nubs protrude from the skin throughout the entire expanse of it’s compressed body, more than likely serving as sensory appendages. Barbells jut out from beneath and around its cavernous mouth, which is, needless to say, employed to greedily gulp down hefty sized prey items.

Most chacas seen in LFSes are wild specimens, netted from the stagnant, muddy pools surrounding the Ganges river basin. Thus, they can tolerate a wide array of tank and water parameters, although cooler temperatures of about 24 centigrade are idyllic. PH apparently isn’t much of an issue— according to planetcatfish.com, “ …Chaca spp. appear to lower the pH of their aquariums, much faster than the usual pH drop of a neglected tank (often to lower than pH 6.0 with no apparent ill effects to the fish). Thus regular water changes and pH testing are required particularly in a smaller species tank. Buffering may be required in some instances. Some authors report the premature death of feeder fishes that do not tolerate lower - or quick shifts in - pH levels. There is an argument that Chaca species affect their prey chemically, but I feel this is unlikely and would cause more noticeable effect in the confines of an aquarium. What is interesting to note however is that Chaca spp. are considered poisonous by locals, particularly if stepped on. Maybe we are looking at a chemical mechanism developed by a very inactive fish to taste as bad a possible to predators. Another theory still is that this excess acidity is a side effect of the strong digestive juices required by a fish that eats its prey whole”. I can’t say that I’ve ever experienced this myself, but the extent of my chaca experience ends outside of a retail environment. This fish is best kept in a species only tank. Breeding has been reported more than once, but such incidents are rare.

Frogmouths also have a nasty inclination to disrupt the substrate, uprooting plants and burrowing under heavy aquarium décor—in so doing, they situate themselves in potentially dangerous positions. To remedy this situation, a sand substrate (or fine, smooth gravel) should be provided to suit their excavatory fancies, and furnishings should be simple and lightweight. Heavier ornaments must be buried deeply into the substrate, as to permit little leeway for the adventurous cats to tunnel under.

Feeding is a bit knotty with chacas, as, in the wild, they (remember, most are wild caught) dine *exclusively* on live prey (foremost on the menu are small cyprinids). However, given the condition of most feeder fish, it is imperative that chacas be weaned onto frozen or prepared foods. Even if one should raise his or her own feeders, prepared foods provide a broader spectrum of nutrients, and will keep the fish in better condition in the long run. Standard procedure has one spear a piece of shrimp or softened pellet on fishing line and dangle it in front of the catfish’s face, brushing it’s barbells with the food. Eventually, hunger should set in, and the chaca will seemingly yawn, thereby drawing the chow into it’s jaws. Simply tug lightly, so as to keep the food in the fish’s mouth whilst remove the fishing line. Live foods, if offered at all, should only be presented once a week.


http://www.scotcat.com/factsheets/chaca_chaca.htm
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/chacidae/chaca/136_f.php

a nice article on a nice catfish has anyone had any success with them..coz some ppl that i know havn't had much luck with them

cfd

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Billy was a scientist, Billy is no more. For what he thought was H20, was H2SO4

Actually, we've never had one die in the store---but they sell out pretty fast (for reasons that are beyond me).

oh a very cool cat. Just be cautious, as they will clean a tank out of its inhabitants quickly if they can fit into their mouths. The hardest part about keeping them alive, is getting them food. As they are truely, usually nocternal only. They rarely come out in the day to eat, so getting them food is the primary thing.

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There is always a bigger fish...

Well I would have bought one but LFS hasn`t had any in for a while. If one comes in soon I will buy one but if not, I will proceed with my other set-up.