The bizarrely shaped Chaca Chaca or Indian Frogmouth Catfish is a unique species of bottom dwelling catfish and a classic ambush predator, closely mimicking the appearance of a dead leaf and lying in wait for prey to swim too close to its cavernous mouth. Generally found in shallow, blackwater habitats in Northeastern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, their diet is primarily made up of smaller fish and insect larvae. It can be distinguished from the other members of the genus by its overall lighter coloration and collection point (other species are found exclusively in Southeast Asia). In the aquarium, they are hardly an active species but make for a unique addition to any predator tank. They should be provided a fine sand substrate and ideally some leaf litter or other cover to ensure they can exhibit their natural burying behavior to lie in wait for prey. While live foods are preferred, most specimens will accept frozen food such as bloodworms or mysis shrimp.
Chaca Chaca Catfish (Chaca chaca)
Origin: Wild India
Locale: Bengal, Ganges River Drainage
Diet: Live fish, insects, and worms. Can be weaned on to frozen and prepared feeds.
Adult Size: 8″
Recommended Tank Size: 40 gallons
Compatibility: Predatory, but not aggressive. Any fish too large to fit in its large mouth will be left alone.
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temp: 78-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm
The bizarrely shaped Chaca Chaca or Indian Frogmouth Catfish is a unique species of bottom dwelling catfish and a classic ambush predator, closely mimicking the appearance of a dead leaf and lying in wait for prey to swim too close to its cavernous mouth. Generally found in shallow, blackwater habitats in Northeastern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, their diet is primarily made up of smaller fish and insect larvae. It can be distinguished from the other members of the genus by its overall lighter coloration and collection point (other species are found exclusively in Southeast Asia). In the aquarium, they are hardly an active species but make for a unique addition to any predator tank. They should be provided a fine sand substrate and ideally some leaf litter or other cover to ensure they can exhibit their natural burying behavior to lie in wait for prey. While live foods are preferred, most specimens will accept frozen food such as bloodworms or mysis shrimp.
Chaca Chaca Catfish (Chaca chaca)
Origin: Wild India
Locale: Bengal, Ganges River Drainage
Diet: Live fish, insects, and worms. Can be weaned on to frozen and prepared feeds.
Adult Size: 8″
Recommended Tank Size: 40 gallons
Compatibility: Predatory, but not aggressive. Any fish too large to fit in its large mouth will be left alone.
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temp: 78-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: <30ppm