Canada’s Most Trusted Freshwater Livestock Supplier — Healthy, Quarantined, Nationwide Shipping.

Shop Aquarium Co-Op Premium Products Exclusively in Canada. Shop Now!

Buy 5 of the same Fish, Shrimp, Snail, Crab, or Crayfish and get a 6th one FREE!
1 4

Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) 4-6cm

$2299 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
SKU: 52074531043070

Delivery and Shipping

Product Refunds & Returns

  • Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
  • To return products, they must be in original condition
  • Shipping expenses are not refundable
  • If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only

  • We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
  • The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
  • Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
  • If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.

7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)

  • We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
  • Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.

Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders

  • Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.

Read more

Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) 4-6cm

Description

Bunocephalus coracoideus, commonly known as the Banjo Catfish or Guitarrita, is a fascinating and cryptic freshwater species from South America. 

Species Overview

  • Scientific Name: Bunocephalus coracoideus (Cope, 1874)
  • Common Names: Banjo Catfish, Guitarrita, Banjo Cat
  • Family: Aspredinidae (Banjo Catfishes)
  • Origin: Amazon River Basin — Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay

Size & Lifespan

  • Adult Size: Up to 15 cm (5.9 inches)
  • Lifespan: 5–8 years

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 20–27°C (68–80.6°F)
  • pH: 5.8–7.8
  • Hardness: 2–20 dGH

Appearance

  • Flat, broad head with small eyes
  • Brown to pale brown body with dark blotches and bands
  • Camouflaged to resemble a dead leaf
  • Three pairs of barbels; fan-shaped caudal fin

Behavior & Compatibility

  • Temperament: Peaceful, nocturnal, and sedentary
  • Tankmates: Suitable for community tanks with peaceful species like:
    • Corydoras
    • Hatchetfish
    • Pencilfish
    • Small Tetras
  • Social: Can be kept singly or in groups; prefers hiding under leaf litter or sand

Diet

  • Feeding Style: Bottom-feeder; best fed after lights out
  • Diet Includes:
    • Sinking pellets
    • Bloodworms
    • Brine shrimp
    • Earthworms
    • Frozen foods

Breeding

  • Spawning: Occurs at night; eggs laid on sandy substrate
  • Egg Count: Up to 4000–5000 eggs per spawning
  • Hatch Time: ~3 days
  • Fry Care: Feed microworms, rotifers, then tubifex worms as they grow
  • Note: Adults may eat eggs; separate breeding tank recommended

Tank Setup Tips

  • Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel
  • Decor: Driftwood, caves, dried leaf litter (e.g., Indian Almond leaves)
  • Lighting: Dim or shaded; blue moon lighting ideal for nighttime viewing
  • Tank Size: Minimum 80 liters (20 gallons)

Specifications
  • Category
    Catfish
  • Water pH Level
    Acidic, Neutral
  • Habitat Preference
    Driftwood, Hiding Spots, Planted Tanks, Sandy Tanks, Rocky Tanks
  • Behaviour
    Community Fish, Bottom-Dwelling

Payment & Security

Payment methods

  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Our Brands

View All Brands
Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) 4-6cm | Catfish Loaches & Plecos | Largest Tropical Fish Selection at Your Local Fish Store
Aquarium Glaser

Banjo Catfish (Bunocephalus coracoideus) 4-6cm

$2299 CAD

Bunocephalus coracoideus, commonly known as the Banjo Catfish or Guitarrita, is a fascinating and cryptic freshwater species from South America. 

Species Overview

  • Scientific Name: Bunocephalus coracoideus (Cope, 1874)
  • Common Names: Banjo Catfish, Guitarrita, Banjo Cat
  • Family: Aspredinidae (Banjo Catfishes)
  • Origin: Amazon River Basin — Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay

Size & Lifespan

  • Adult Size: Up to 15 cm (5.9 inches)
  • Lifespan: 5–8 years

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 20–27°C (68–80.6°F)
  • pH: 5.8–7.8
  • Hardness: 2–20 dGH

Appearance

  • Flat, broad head with small eyes
  • Brown to pale brown body with dark blotches and bands
  • Camouflaged to resemble a dead leaf
  • Three pairs of barbels; fan-shaped caudal fin

Behavior & Compatibility

  • Temperament: Peaceful, nocturnal, and sedentary
  • Tankmates: Suitable for community tanks with peaceful species like:
    • Corydoras
    • Hatchetfish
    • Pencilfish
    • Small Tetras
  • Social: Can be kept singly or in groups; prefers hiding under leaf litter or sand

Diet

  • Feeding Style: Bottom-feeder; best fed after lights out
  • Diet Includes:
    • Sinking pellets
    • Bloodworms
    • Brine shrimp
    • Earthworms
    • Frozen foods

Breeding

  • Spawning: Occurs at night; eggs laid on sandy substrate
  • Egg Count: Up to 4000–5000 eggs per spawning
  • Hatch Time: ~3 days
  • Fry Care: Feed microworms, rotifers, then tubifex worms as they grow
  • Note: Adults may eat eggs; separate breeding tank recommended

Tank Setup Tips

  • Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel
  • Decor: Driftwood, caves, dried leaf litter (e.g., Indian Almond leaves)
  • Lighting: Dim or shaded; blue moon lighting ideal for nighttime viewing
  • Tank Size: Minimum 80 liters (20 gallons)
View product
Back to top