Black Ripsaw Catfish – The Ultimate Care Guide for This Armored River Giant

Introduction: The Armored Titan of the Aquarium World

The Black Ripsaw Catfish (Oxydoras niger), also known as the Ripsaw Cat, is a striking, heavily armored freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Known for its bony, serrated lateral line and peaceful yet commanding presence, it’s a must-have for monster fish keepers who appreciate both beauty and bulk.

In this comprehensive care guide, we’ll walk you through everything needed to raise and house a healthy Black Ripsaw Catfish—from tank requirements and feeding to behavior and tankmates.

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🌊 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Oxydoras niger

• Common Names: Black Ripsaw Catfish, Ripsaw Cat, Armored Catfish

• Adult Size: 24–36 inches

• Lifespan: 10–15 years

• Origin: Amazon River, Orinoco River

• Temperament: Peaceful, bottom-dwelling

• Tank Level: Bottom

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🏠 Ideal Tank Setup for a Juvenile Ripsaw

🔹 Tank Size

• Juveniles (up to 8”): 100+ gallons

• Adults (24–36”): 300–500 gallons minimum

• Pond or custom tank: Ideal for long-term housing

Ripsaws grow fast and large. Plan your final setup before purchasing.

🔹 Tank Dimensions

Long tanks are essential. The Ripsaw is a slow, steady swimmer that needs bottom space to explore and forage.

🔹 Substrate & Décor

• Use soft sand or smooth gravel

• Provide large driftwood or rock structures

• Avoid sharp decor — their armored skin can still be damaged

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💧 Filtration & Water Conditions

Ripsaws are sensitive to water quality and produce a large bioload.

🔹 Filtration

• Dual canister filters or sump system

• Mechanical + biological filtration is key

• Surface agitation or air stones recommended

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Black Ripsaw Catfish are omnivorous scavengers in the wild and eat a variety of foods.

✅ Best Foods:

• Sinking pellets (NorthFin, Hikari, Omega One)

• Algae wafers & veggie rounds

• Frozen bloodworms, krill, mussels

• Occasional fruits/vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, melon

• Protein-rich treats: tilapia bits, shrimp, earthworms

🕒 Feeding schedule: 1–2x per day. They feed primarily at night.

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🧠 Behavior & Personality

• Ripsaws are peaceful, shy bottom dwellers

• Tend to hide during the day, explore at night

• Can be skittish during water changes or loud movement

• Extremely hardy once established

• Avoid overly aggressive tankmates that stress them out

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🧬 Growth Rate & Size Expectations

• Growth speed: Moderate to fast

• 2” to 10” within 6–8 months

• 24”+ within 18–24 months

• Full maturity at 3–4 years

💡 Tip: Regular water changes and protein-rich diets support optimal growth.

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👫 Tank Mates for Black Ripsaw Catfish

Though huge, Ripsaws are not aggressive and do well with other large, peaceful fish.

✅ Compatible Tank Mates:

• Silver Arowanas

• Oscars

• Bichirs

• Peacock Bass

• Large Severums

• Datnoids

• Paroon Sharks (if space allows)

• Large Plecos

❌ Avoid:

• Small fish (risk of being swallowed accidentally)

• Hyper-aggressive species

• Fin-nippers or territorial bottom dwellers

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🦠 Common Health Issues

While generally hardy, Ripsaws can fall victim to:

❗ Risks:

• Internal parasites (common in wild imports)

• Bacterial infections from poor water

• Skin injuries due to sharp decor or rough handling

✅ Prevention:

• Quarantine all new arrivals

• Maintain strong filtration and low nitrate levels

• Deworm if needed (PraziPro, API General Cure)

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🏡 Housing Long-Term

The best long-term setups are either:

• Indoor monster tanks (300–500+ gallons)

• Outdoor heated ponds (in warm climates)

Ensure stable heat and cover. Ripsaws may jump or push lids if startled.

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🎥 Content Ideas for Social Media

The unique appearance and armored design of the Ripsaw Catfish make it highly engaging on video.

Post ideas:

• “Feeding Time With a Giant Ripsaw Catfish”

• “Watch This Peaceful Tank Giant Clean the Bottom”

• “Monster Catfish Setup Tour”

• “How Big Do Ripsaws Really Get?”

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💲 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

• Ethically sourced and well-acclimated Ripsaws

• Juvenile sizing perfect for growing out

• 100% Live Arrival Guarantee

• Overnight shipping with insulated packaging

• Expert support and monster fish knowledge

✅ RobsAquatics.com is trusted by hobbyists nationwide for sourcing rare, healthy, and hard-to-find species like the Ripsaw Catfish.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a large predator tank or dream of a peaceful bottom-dweller that impresses in both size and design, the Black Ripsaw Catfish is unmatched. Its armored scales, calm demeanor, and low aggression make it one of the most rewarding monster fish to own.

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📢 Call to Action

Ready to bring home your own aquatic tank titan?
👉 Order a Black Ripsaw Catfish from RobsAquatics.com now and grow your monster tank the right way.