Best catfish for freshwater tanks

16 species in this category on Fishori. Open a profile for tank size, temperament, then run pair checks before mixing.

Most aquarium catfish are bottom-feeders that come out at dusk or after lights-out. Sizes run from 5 cm social corydoras to common plecos that pass 45 cm and shred a starter tank's plants on the way. Common pleco is the classic shop trap: the juvenile in the 30L display tank will outgrow a 200L within two years. Stick to bristlenose if you want a pleco at all, and use sand or smooth gravel so the bottom-dwellers do not wear their barbels down.