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Rob's Aquatics Fish Shop

Irwini Catfish

Irwini Catfish

Regular price $300.00
Regular price Sale price $300.00
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🛡️ Irwini Catfish (Megalodoras irwini) – Armored South American Gentle Giant

The Irwini Catfish (Megalodoras irwini) is a heavily armored, slow-moving giant from the Amazon basin that brings both personality and prehistoric appeal to large aquariums. With its thick, bony scutes, long barbels, and calm demeanor, this peaceful giant is a perfect bottom-dweller for monster fish tanks, predator grow-outs, or South American biotopes.

At juvenile sizes, these fish are already built like tanks, but they maintain a peaceful attitude—making them compatible with a wide range of large tankmates. As they grow, their broad, flattened heads and subtle spotted markings give them a unique and ancient appearance.


🐟 Species Profile:

  • Scientific Name: Megalodoras irwini

  • Common Names: Irwini Catfish, Giant Raphael Catfish

  • Size: Typically reaches 24–30 inches in captivity

  • Temperament: Peaceful, hardy, bottom-dweller

  • Tank Size: 240+ gallons (large footprint tank required)

  • Water Parameters: 75–82°F | pH 6.5–7.5 | Well-oxygenated, clean water

  • Diet: Omnivore – accepts sinking carnivore pellets, shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms, and occasional vegetables


🧱 Habitat & Tank Setup:

Irwinis thrive in:

  • Spacious aquariums with sand or fine gravel substrate

  • Plenty of hiding places—they love driftwood, caves, and low-light zones

  • Moderate flow and strong filtration due to their size and bio-load

Compatible with:

  • Arowanas, Peacock Bass, Bichirs, Knifefish, Pacu, Tiger Shovelnose, Redtail Catfish

  • Not aggressive, but small fish may be mistaken for food

Irwinis are incredibly hardy and adapt well to captivity, often becoming hand-feeding, personable giants that cruise the bottom of large predator tanks without issue.


🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Irwini Catfish is:

  • Well-started and feeding on prepared foods

  • Hand-selected from trusted South American suppliers

  • Shipped live with expert packaging and our Live Arrival Guarantee

  • ✅ An ideal monster community bottom-dweller that stands the test of time


📦 Limited stock available – Irwinis are rarely offered at this size and quality. Add this armored giant to your predator tank—only at RobsAquatics.com.

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