Wood Catfish – Trachelyopterus insignis

Wood Catfish (Trachelyopterus insignis)

The Wood Catfish, Trachelyopterus insignis, is a distinctive South American driftwood catfish with a cryptic brown, grey and mottled pattern that helps it blend naturally among submerged branches and roots. Still sometimes traded under the older name Trachycorystes insignis, this nocturnal catfish is a characterful choice for larger peaceful to semi-robust community aquariums. It is generally not aggressive towards fish that are too large to swallow, but it is a predatory night feeder and needs space, hiding places and carefully chosen tank mates.

Common Name:
Wood Catfish, Colombian Wood Catfish, Driftwood Catfish, Chivo Catfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Trachelyopterus insignis
Previously traded as Trachycorystes insignis.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 20–25 cm, with FishBase listing up to 22.5 cm standard length.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to northern South America, especially Colombia, including the lower Río Magdalena basin and related river systems. It is a freshwater demersal driftwood catfish that naturally shelters around submerged wood, roots, creeks, floodplain habitats and river margins, emerging mainly after dark to search for food.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, clean water with good filtration is important.

Temperament:
Peaceful to predatory. Wood Catfish are usually calm with suitably sized tank mates, but they may eat very small fish during night-time feeding. They are not a good choice for tiny community fish, fry, small shrimp or delicate slow-moving species.

Diet:
Carnivorous to omnivorous. Offer sinking carnivore pellets, catfish tablets, chopped prawn, mussel, white fish, earthworm, frozen bloodworm, mysis, krill and other meaty foods. Feed after lights out or in the evening, as this species is naturally nocturnal and may be shy during the day.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 300 litres is recommended for an adult, with a tank length of at least 120–150 cm preferred. Larger aquariums are better for long-term care, especially if keeping with other medium-sized fish.

Behaviour & Activity:
A nocturnal catfish that spends much of the day hidden among bogwood, caves, roots or shaded cover. Once settled, it may become more visible at feeding time, but it is most active after dark. Provide several secure shelters and enough open floor space for night-time movement. Males may develop more pronounced dorsal features and thickened barbels compared with females.

Aquarium Category:
Predator
Suitable with medium to large peaceful or semi-robust fish that are too large to be swallowed, such as larger tetras, peaceful cichlids, robust barbs, medium catfish and other calm fish of similar size. Avoid neon-sized tetras, tiny rasboras, small livebearers, dwarf shrimp, fry, very delicate fish and aggressive tank mates that may harass or injure it.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature aquarium with strong filtration, regular water changes and plenty of shaded hiding places. Bogwood is especially useful, both for shelter and for creating a natural layout. Avoid sharp decor that could damage the barbels or body. Because this species feeds mainly at night, check that it is actually receiving food rather than being outcompeted by daytime feeders. Use a secure lid, as larger catfish can jump or push through gaps if startled.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Specialist import where relevant

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.