White Spotted Talking Catfish - Agamyxis pectinifrons

White Spotted Talking Catfish – Agamyxis pectinifrons

The White Spotted Talking Catfish is a fascinating freshwater catfish admired for its dark brown to black body, distinctive white spotting and unusual nocturnal behaviour. Also known as the Spotted Raphael Catfish or Spotted Talking Catfish, this hardy South American species is an excellent addition to mature tropical aquariums with peaceful, appropriately sized tankmates. Its heavily armoured body, prominent spines and ability to produce audible sounds make it a particularly interesting species for catfish enthusiasts.

Common Name:
White Spotted Talking Catfish, Spotted Raphael Catfish, Spotted Talking Catfish, White Spotted Catfish, Whitebarred Catfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Agamyxis pectinifrons

Older / Trade Name:
Doras pectinifrons, Doras flavopictus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 14–16 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The White Spotted Talking Catfish originates from South America, particularly the Amazon River basin, including regions of Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.

In the wild, it inhabits slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, sheltered tributaries and freshwater areas containing submerged roots, branches and dense vegetation.

These environments provide numerous hiding places where the catfish can remain concealed during daylight hours.

In the aquarium, it thrives in mature setups with soft substrate, driftwood, caves, shaded areas and stable water conditions.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (approximately 1–20 dGH)
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable
Flow: Gentle to moderate preferred
Oxygenation: Good oxygenation and filtration recommended

Temperament:
Peaceful / Nocturnal

White Spotted Talking Catfish are generally peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that coexist well with appropriately sized community species.

They are not normally aggressive towards tankmates, although adults may consume very small fish, fry or shrimp during nocturnal feeding.

They can be kept individually or in groups, provided sufficient hiding places and aquarium space are available.

When kept in groups, they may display more natural social behaviour and occasionally share shelters.

Diet:
Omnivore / Nocturnal Bottom Feeder

White Spotted Talking Catfish are opportunistic omnivores that feed on small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, worms and organic matter.

Offer high-quality sinking catfish pellets, bottom-feeder tablets and suitable sinking granules as their staple diet.

Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, daphnia, tubifex, mosquito larvae and appropriately sized earthworms.

Occasional vegetable-based sinking foods can also be included for variety.

As this species is primarily nocturnal, feeding during the evening or shortly after aquarium lights are switched off is often particularly effective.

Do not rely on leftover food alone. This catfish requires a balanced diet and regular feeding.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 120–150 litres for a single adult, with a minimum aquarium length of around 120 cm preferred.

Larger aquariums are recommended for groups or mixed community setups.

Provide sufficient bottom space, caves and sheltered retreats, allowing each fish to establish a comfortable resting area.

Behaviour & Activity:
The White Spotted Talking Catfish is predominantly nocturnal and spends much of the day resting beneath driftwood, inside caves or among sheltered aquarium decorations.

It usually becomes more active during the evening, exploring the substrate and searching for food.

One of its most interesting characteristics is its ability to produce audible clicking or croaking sounds using specialised structures associated with its pectoral fins.

This behaviour is particularly noticeable when the fish is disturbed or handled and is responsible for the name Talking Catfish.

The species has a heavily armoured body and strong, serrated pectoral spines that provide protection against predators.

When settled in a peaceful aquarium, individuals may become more confident and occasionally emerge during daylight hours, especially around feeding time.

Community Suitability:
Peaceful Community Fish / Medium to Large Community Aquarium

The White Spotted Talking Catfish is suitable for mature tropical community aquariums containing peaceful fish that are too large to be swallowed.

Suitable tankmates include medium-sized tetras, larger rasboras, peaceful barbs, rainbowfish, angelfish, severums with care, bristlenose plecos and other compatible peaceful catfish.

Avoid very small tetras, tiny rasboras, guppy fry, ornamental shrimp and other small animals that may be eaten during nocturnal feeding.

Large aggressive cichlids, territorial predators and fish likely to harass resting catfish should also be avoided.

This species is particularly suitable for aquarists wanting an unusual, peaceful bottom-dwelling fish for a larger tropical community aquarium.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep White Spotted Talking Catfish in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and good filtration.

Provide numerous hiding places using driftwood, smooth stones, caves and sheltered areas.

Soft sand or fine, smooth gravel is recommended to protect the underside and barbels.

Subdued lighting and shaded retreats are particularly beneficial because this species is naturally nocturnal.

Ensure that sinking foods reach the bottom, especially when keeping the catfish with fast-feeding midwater fish.

Although peaceful, adults may eat very small tankmates, so compatibility should be considered carefully.

This species possesses strong, serrated pectoral and dorsal spines that can become caught in standard aquarium nets.

When moving or transporting the fish, use a suitable rigid container rather than a fine mesh net wherever possible.

Care should also be taken when handling the fish, as its spines can cause painful injuries.

White Spotted Talking Catfish are relatively long-lived when maintained correctly, so owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment.

Regular partial water changes, clean substrate and a varied diet will help maintain good health and condition.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate

Availability:
Common to occasional, depending on supplier, size and import availability.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.