False Black Lancer
Bagrichthys macropterus
Also known as: False black lancer catfish
A river-bottom detritivore from Southeast Asia's murky floodplain systems.
About
Found in the large, sediment-laden rivers of Southeast Asia, Bagrichthys macropterus ranges from Thailand down through the Indonesian archipelago, making its home in turbid, slow-moving water where many fish simply don't bother. This is a catfish adapted to the messy, organic-rich conditions of river bottoms and seasonally flooded forests. It takes full advantage of rising waters at the start of the rainy season to spawn, with juveniles typically appearing by late summer. In the wild it feeds on a broad mix of plant detritus, bottom-dwelling invertebrates, and occasionally small fish, which makes the "herbivore" label a bit of a simplification. In the aquarium it will likely accept a similarly varied diet leaning toward plant matter and sinking prepared foods. Growing to somewhere between eight and fourteen inches depending on conditions, this is not a fish for small tanks, and its preference for subdued, murky environments means it will appreciate soft substrate, plenty of cover, and lower light levels. It is not a community tank centerpiece. It is a fish for someone who enjoys understated, behaviorally interesting bottom-dwellers and is willing to set up a biotope that suits its natural lifestyle. Intermediate keeper experience is a reasonable expectation.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with False Black Lancer
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the False Black Lancer get?
- The False Black Lancer reaches about 8.5–14" as an adult.
- What size tank does the False Black Lancer need?
- A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for the False Black Lancer.
- What water parameters does the False Black Lancer need?
- The False Black Lancer does best with a temperature of 75–82°F, a pH of 6–7.2, hardness around 5–10 dGH.
- Is the False Black Lancer aggressive?
- The False Black Lancer is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the False Black Lancer eat?
- The False Black Lancer is a herbivore. It needs a plant-based diet such as algae, blanched vegetables, or spirulina-based foods.
- How long does the False Black Lancer live?
- With good care, the False Black Lancer typically lives 5-10 years.