Black Ear Pangasius Catfish (Pangasius larnaudii)

The Black Ear Pangasius Catfish, Pangasius larnaudii, is a large, active freshwater fish known for its sleek body and distinctive dark marking behind its gills, resembling a "black ear." This species is popular among experienced aquarists who have large tanks and want to keep a dynamic, fast-swimming fish that can grow to impressive sizes.

Natural Habitat

The Black Ear Pangasius Catfish is native to Southeast Asia, primarily found in large rivers, lakes, and floodplain areas of the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. These rivers are often fast-flowing and provide plenty of open space for swimming. In the wild, they are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide range of food, from plant matter to small fish and crustaceans.

Appearance

This species is named for the distinct black blotch behind its gills, which looks like a "black ear." Its body is sleek, silvery, and torpedo-shaped, built for speed in fast-moving water. The fins are usually semi-transparent, and it has long barbels (whisker-like appendages) near the mouth, which it uses to sense its surroundings. Black Ear Pangasius Catfish can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length, making them a large species that requires ample space.

Aquarium Care

Keeping a Black Ear Pangasius Catfish is not for the faint of heart, as these fish need a lot of room and specific care to thrive.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 300 gallons (1135 liters) is recommended for adult Black Ear Pangasius due to their size and active swimming habits. They are best kept in very large home aquariums or public aquariums. If housed in too small a tank, they may become stressed, leading to health issues.
• Water Parameters: This species prefers a water temperature between 72°F and 82°F (22°C - 28°C) with a neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Strong filtration is necessary to handle their waste and keep the water clean, as they are large, active fish that produce a significant bioload.
• Tank Setup: The tank should have open swimming space to accommodate their fast movements. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal, and although they don’t require a heavily planted tank, some driftwood or large rocks can provide hiding spots and break up the tank’s openness. Ensure that the aquarium is securely covered, as these catfish are known to jump.
• Diet: In the wild, Black Ear Pangasius Catfish are omnivorous, feeding on small fish, invertebrates, and plant material. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, including high-quality pellets, live or frozen fish, shrimp, and vegetables like spinach or peas. It’s important to provide a varied diet to keep them healthy and maintain their size.
• Behavior and Tank Mates: Black Ear Pangasius are peaceful fish, but their size makes them best suited for tanks with similarly large, non-aggressive species. They can be kept with other large catfish, peaceful cichlids, or even large schooling fish. Avoid keeping them with smaller fish, as they may be seen as food.

Breeding

Breeding the Black Ear Pangasius in captivity is extremely difficult due to their size and specific environmental needs. They spawn in the wild during the rainy season when rivers swell and conditions change. In captivity, very few successful breeding attempts have been recorded, and most individuals are wild-caught or farm-raised for the aquarium trade.

Common Issues

Due to their size, Black Ear Pangasius can suffer from stress or injury if kept in tanks that are too small. Additionally, their large size and high activity level can lead to water quality issues if not properly maintained. Ensure the tank is equipped with powerful filtration, and perform regular water changes to keep water parameters stable.

Another common issue is their sensitivity to changes in water chemistry. Like many large river fish, sudden shifts in pH, temperature, or water hardness can cause stress, leading to disease. Monitoring the water parameters closely is essential to maintaining their health.

Conclusion

The Black Ear Pangasius Catfish is a beautiful, large species that can be a rewarding challenge for experienced aquarists with the space and resources to care for them. Their active swimming behavior and striking appearance make them a focal point in large tanks or public aquarium displays.

However, due to their size and care requirements, they are not recommended for beginners or hobbyists with small tanks. With the right setup and proper care, these impressive fish can live long, healthy lives, providing years of enjoyment in a well-maintained aquarium.