Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus)

The common Banjo Catfish has been a favorite oddball fish in the aquarium hobby for many years due to their unique appearance, peaceful demeanor and small adult size. This species is widespread throughout most of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, where it inhabits shallow, warm stretches of slow-moving waters and areas of flooded forest. Their unique body shape and coloration acts as highly effective camouflage in the submerged leaf litter where they are typically found. In the aquarium, this species is hardy and undemanding, although they can be slow to find food and may be outcompeted by fast-moving or aggressive feeding tankmates.