Auchenoglanis occidentale

The Giraffe Catfish gets its name from its beautiful and distinct spotted pattern, which looks a lot like a giraffe's coat. This pattern, combined with its long, sensitive whiskers, makes it a very striking fish. While attractive, it's not a fish for beginners. The main reason is its enormous adult size. It starts small but can grow to be a very large and heavy-bodied fish, requiring an aquarium of at least 650 liters, which is much larger than most standard home setups. As a bottom-dweller, it spends most of its time exploring the tank floor. It has a habit of digging and will often rearrange sand and small decorations, so it's best to use heavy, stable structures like large rocks and driftwood. Delicate plants won't last long, as this catfish will uproot them while searching for food. In terms of personality, it's generally peaceful for its size but can be territorial, especially towards other bottom-dwelling fish. It's best kept with other large, robust fish that swim in the middle or top of the tank. It’s an omnivore and not a picky eater, happily accepting most sinking foods. Because it eats a lot and produces a lot of waste, very powerful filtration is essential to keep the water clean and healthy.