Asterophysus batrachus

Published / Updated

Information

The oddball Asterophysus batrachus is a South American Auchenipteridae found in the Rio negro, Brazil and Rio orinoco, Venezuela. This predatory species can consume fishes as twice as large as itself.

Care tips

  • Carnivore
  • Blackwater
  • Prefers dim lighting
  • Sand substrate preferred
  • Provide driftwood and tree roots
  • Good filtration is mandatory
  • Try to adopt them to eat non live foods

Asterophysus batrachus is also known by Gulper catfish and Ogre catfish.

Below you can find photo and video collection of the two Gulpers catfishes that I have kept. If I recall correctly I kept this species for about one to two years. I have also video records of unusual behaviors between the two species. When the circumstances are right, I will revisit these fascinating species.

Please contact me if the provided information is faulty.

Photo gallery

This photo gallery contains images. Photos were taken in 2010. Latest photos are always at the top. Click on each image for full-screen view.

Video gallery

This video gallery contains videos of my Gulper catfish. Latest videos are always at the top.

Asterophysus batrachus

This capture shows the second part of unusual behaviors of the Gulper catfish.

  • Video capture date 2010
  • Close up of the species
  • Uncommon behaviors

Asterophysus batrachus

This capture shows unusual behaviors of the Gulper catfish.

  • Video capture date 2010
  • Close up of the species
  • Uncommon behaviors

Asterophysus batrachus

This capture shows closeups of Gulper catfish.

  • Video capture date 2010
  • Close up of the species