Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

Acanthodoras spinosissimus is a peaceful, shy, and largely nocturnal species that remains inactive and hidden during daylight hours. They do not exhibit territorial aggression toward other fish, including their own species, making them excellent community residents. However, they are opportunistic feeders with wide mouths and will consume small fish or fry if given the chance. They are also known for their ability to produce audible croaking sounds when stressed, which is a defensive mechanism.

Diet

Omnivore

This species is an omnivorous bottom feeder that is not overly picky about its food. In the aquarium, they will readily accept high-quality sinking catfish pellets, tablets, and wafers, as well as live or frozen foods like bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp. Since they are nocturnal, it is best to feed them after the aquarium lights have been turned off to ensure they get their share of food. Providing some vegetable matter in their diet is also beneficial to mimic their natural foraging habits.

Life expectancy

8-15 years

In captivity, Acanthodoras spinosissimus can achieve a lifespan of 8 to 15 years when provided with optimal care and stable water parameters. Maintaining a high-quality diet, excellent filtration, and a low-stress environment is key to their longevity. Some well-cared-for specimens in mature aquariums have been reported to live even longer, approaching 16 years. Regular monitoring of water conditions and avoiding sudden temperature or pH shifts will help ensure they live out their full lifespan.

Sex ratio

Group

While these catfish can be kept singly, they are gregarious by nature and thrive when housed in a small group of 4 to 6 individuals. Keeping them in a group helps reduce their natural shyness and encourages more natural behaviors, even if they remain hidden during the day. There is no strict male-to-female ratio required, as they are not aggressive toward conspecifics and do not form exclusive territories. A larger tank with multiple hiding spots is necessary when keeping multiple specimens to prevent competition for caves.

Feeding frequency

Once daily

Acanthodoras spinosissimus should be fed once daily, preferably in the evening or at night when they are naturally active and foraging. Overfeeding should be avoided, as they are opportunistic eaters that can easily become overweight due to their low activity levels during the day. Providing food 5 to 6 times a week is often sufficient, allowing for a fasting day to help keep their digestive system healthy. Monitoring their body shape is a good way to adjust the feeding quantity.

Bioload

Medium

Acanthodoras spinosissimus has a moderate biological load due to its robust body size of up to 15 cm and a hearty appetite for protein-rich foods. A high-quality filtration system is essential to manage waste, especially since they forage in the substrate, which can stir up debris. Regular weekly water changes and vacuuming of the substrate are recommended to prevent the accumulation of toxic compounds like nitrates. Maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water is key to keeping this species healthy over the long term.

Flow

Moderate

In their natural habitats, these catfish are found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and quiet tributaries, meaning they prefer weak to moderate water flow in the aquarium. High, turbulent flow should be avoided, as it can cause stress and make it difficult for them to swim and forage. A gentle current created by a standard filter outlet or spray bar is ideal for replicating their native environment. Ensuring there are calm areas near their hiding spots will allow them to rest comfortably.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding Acanthodoras spinosissimus in the home aquarium is extremely rare and considered very difficult. In the wild, they are believed to deposit eggs in pits dug into the sandy substrate, with reports suggesting that both parents may guard the nest and eggs. To trigger spawning, hobbyists often attempt to simulate the rainy season with large, cool water changes and increased live food feeding. However, successful raising of the fry in captivity is rarely documented, and most specimens in the trade are wild-caught.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

These catfish are highly compatible with peaceful, medium to large-sized tankmates such as larger tetras, barbs, cichlids, and other non-aggressive catfish. Because they have very wide mouths, they should not be kept with tiny fish or small shrimp, which could be mistaken for a nocturnal snack. They are completely peaceful toward their own kind and other bottom dwellers, provided there are enough hiding spots for everyone. Avoid active, aggressive species that might outcompete them for food or stress them during the night.

Tank level

Bottom

Acanthodoras spinosissimus is a strictly bottom-dwelling species that spends almost all of its time on or near the substrate. They will occupy caves, crevices under driftwood, and hollow pipes during the day to feel secure. At night, they venture out to forage along the sandy bottom, using their sensitive barbels to search for food. They rarely swim into the middle or upper sections of the water column unless they are extremely stressed or feeding.