Ripsaw catfish niger 8-9″

A gentle giant found throughout much of the Amazon basin, the Ripsaw or Niger Catfish is one of the larger species of South American catfish.

With distinctive saw-like scales running down their sides and dark black coloration, they are impressive show fish but due to their enormous adult size are best suited for large custom aquariums or indoor ponds. In the wild, they use their sensitive barbels to scour sandy or muddy river bottoms for food, which primarily consists of insect larvae, worms, and crustaceans. In the aquarium, they will readily accept almost any sinking prepared or frozen foods.

Ripsaw / Niger Catfish (Oxydoras niger)

Origin: Wild Peru
Locale: Rio Amazonas outside Iquitos
Diet: A gentle giant, mostly feeds on insects and crustaceans in the wild. Will accept most sinking foods in the aquarium
Adult Size: A truly giant 30″+ in the wild
Recommended Tank Size: Ideally suited to only the largest custom aquariums or indoor ponds
Compatibility: Peaceful towards nearly all tankmates.

Preferred Water Parameters
pH:                          6.0 – 7.5
Temp:                     76-82F
Ammonia:              0ppm
Nitrite:                    0ppm
Nitrate:                  <30ppm