Honeycomb Tatia Catfish (Tatia perugiae) Care Guide | Rare Amazonian Oddball for Sale

Honeycomb Tatia Catfish (Tatia perugiae): The Ultimate Guide to This Rare Nocturnal Gem

Introduction

The Honeycomb Tatia Catfish (Tatia perugiae) is a rare and mesmerizing species in the aquarium trade. Belonging to the Auchenipteridae family—also known as the driftwood catfish—this small, peaceful, and cryptic beauty features a stunning honeycomb or leopard-like pattern, nocturnal behavior, and a peaceful demeanor.

Though often overshadowed by larger or flashier species, the Honeycomb Tatia has become a sought-after addition for serious hobbyists looking to diversify their tanks with elegant oddballs. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to care for this captivating species, plus why RobsAquatics.com is the most trusted source for healthy, ethically sourced specimens.

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Table of Contents

1. What Is the Honeycomb Tatia Catfish?

2. Natural Habitat and Origins

3. Appearance and Color Patterns

4. Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan

5. Behavior and Personality

6. Tank Setup and Habitat Simulation

7. Ideal Water Parameters

8. Filtration, Flow, and Lighting

9. Substrate and Decorations

10. Feeding and Diet

11. Compatible Tank Mates

12. Breeding in Captivity

13. Common Diseases and Prevention

14. Honeycomb Tatia vs. Similar Species

15. Why Hobbyists Love the Honeycomb Tatia

16. Where to Buy Honeycomb Tatia Catfish

17. Why Choose RobsAquatics.com

18. Final Thoughts

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1. What Is the Honeycomb Tatia Catfish?

The Honeycomb Tatia Catfish, scientifically known as Tatia perugiae, is a small, secretive, and uniquely patterned catfish native to South America. With its compact size, peaceful temperament, and stunning coloration, it's a top choice for nano tanks, Amazon biotopes, and oddball communities.

• Family: Auchenipteridae (Driftwood catfish)

• Origin: Amazon River basin

• Behavior: Nocturnal, shy, and peaceful

• Rarity: Rarely seen in chain stores—primarily available via specialty importers

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2. Natural Habitat and Origins

Native to:

• Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia

• Blackwater streams and shaded tributaries

• Submerged leaf litter zones and woody debris

These habitats have:

• Soft, acidic water

• Subdued lighting

• Plenty of cover from predators and sunlight

Mimicking this environment is key to successful care in captivity.

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3. Appearance and Color Patterns

One of the most striking catfish under 4 inches.

Key Features:

• Chocolate to slate-brown body

• High-contrast honeycomb or leopard-like spots

• Elongated pectoral fins

• Rounded head and short snout

• Iridescent shine under dim lighting

Color intensity improves when fish are relaxed and healthy. Stress or poor water quality causes fading.

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4. Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan

• Juvenile size: ~1.5 inches

• Adult size: 2.5–3 inches

• Growth rate: Moderate

• Lifespan: 5–8 years in captivity

Despite their small size, they are not suitable for general nano tanks due to their specific needs.

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5. Behavior and Personality

The Honeycomb Tatia is known for:

• Extreme shyness and cryptic behavior

• Remaining hidden during the day in driftwood or rocks

• Becoming active and lively after lights-out

• Peacefully coexisting with similarly peaceful tank mates

They often move in short, graceful bursts and enjoy tight crevices.

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6. Tank Setup and Habitat Simulation

Tank Size:

• Minimum: 20 gallons for a small group

• Ideal: 30–40 gallons for community setups

Setup tips:

• Use lots of driftwood, rock caves, and leaf litter

• Avoid bright lights; use floating plants to diffuse

• Include tightly fitting hiding places

Honeycomb Tatias are social but not schooling—best kept in groups of 3–6 to reduce stress.

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7. Ideal Water Parameters

Keep conditions stable and consistent:

• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

• pH: 6.0–6.8

• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (1–8 dGH)

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

These catfish thrive in low-conductivity blackwater setups, especially with Indian almond leaves or peat.

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8. Filtration, Flow, and Lighting

Filtration:

• Use a sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back filter

• Avoid strong currents—they prefer calm water

Flow:

• Moderate to low

• Gentle surface agitation for oxygenation

Lighting:

• Dim or heavily diffused

• Consider a day/night light cycle to encourage activity after dark

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9. Substrate and Decorations

• Substrate: Soft sand or fine dark gravel

• Decor: Driftwood, leaf litter, small rock caves, coconut huts

• Plants: Floating plants (salvinia, frogbit), Java Fern, Anubias

They love “dark zones” and buried spaces to hide during the day.

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10. Feeding and Diet

In the wild, they eat:

• Small insect larvae

• Crustaceans

• Detritus

• Organic biofilm

In captivity, offer:

• Frozen bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp

• Live blackworms or tubifex

• Sinking micro-pellets or catfish wafers

• Occasionally: Repashy gel food

Feeding schedule:

• Feed after lights go out

• Remove uneaten food to prevent fouling

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11. Compatible Tank Mates

Honeycomb Tatias are extremely peaceful.

Best tank mates:

• Small, non-aggressive tetras (Glowlight, Ember, Rummy Nose)

• Pencilfish

• Hatchetfish

• Corydoras

• Small plecos (Clown, Pitbull)

Avoid:

• Fast or aggressive fish

• Fin-nippers

• Very large fish (risk of intimidation or predation)

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12. Breeding in Captivity

Breeding is rare but possible.

Observations:

• Requires dim lighting, stable parameters, and a high-protein diet

• Spawning occurs in tight spaces (inside wood or rock crevices)

• Eggs are guarded by males until hatching

• Fry require infusoria, microworms, and baby brine shrimp

Separate fry or remove adults post-spawn to increase survival.

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13. Common Diseases and Prevention

Common Issues:

• Skin flukes or internal parasites from wild imports

• Bacterial infections if stressed

• White spots (Ich) from rapid temp changes

Prevention:

• Quarantine all new arrivals

• Use Seachem Paraguard or similar for early treatment

• Keep temp stable and avoid overcrowding

• Supplement with garlic-based food for immune boost

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14. Honeycomb Tatia vs. Similar Species

Honeycomb Tatia stands out for its pattern, shyness, and peaceful nature in nano or softwater tanks.

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15. Why Hobbyists Love the Honeycomb Tatia

• Rare and exotic—not found at pet stores

• Gorgeous honeycomb/leopard pattern

• Peaceful and perfect for South American setups

• Low bioload and easy tankmate compatibility

• Unique personality—fun to watch at night

Perfect for aquarists who appreciate oddities and subtleties in their aquarium.

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16. Where to Buy Honeycomb Tatia Catfish

You won’t find this fish at your average store. Look for:

• Specialty tropical fish suppliers

• Ethical importers from Peru or Brazil

• Quarantine practices for wild imports

• Feeding-confirmed before shipping

RobsAquatics.com is one of the few US-based sellers offering healthy, acclimated Honeycomb Tatia.

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17. Why Choose RobsAquatics.com

✅ Ethically sourced from top Amazonian exporters
✅ Fully quarantined before shipping
✅ Feeding on frozen and prepared foods
✅ Live arrival guaranteed
✅ Expert support for oddball species
✅ Fast, secure shipping with heat/cold packs

👉 Order your Honeycomb Tatia Catfish today at RobsAquatics.com and complete your dream biotope or nano community tank.

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18. Final Thoughts

The Honeycomb Tatia Catfish is a rare gem that offers a perfect blend of beauty, mystery, and peace. Whether you're building a blackwater Amazon biotope or just want a truly unique oddball, this catfish will elevate your setup.

If you're ready to bring home one of the most beautiful and elusive nocturnal catfish available—RobsAquatics.com has the highest-quality Honeycomb Tatia Catfish ready for your tank.