SPOTTED RAFAEL CATFISH

🐆 Spotted Rafael Catfish – The Armored Nocturnal Beauty

The Spotted Rafael Catfish (Agamyxis pectinifrons), also known as the Spotted Talking Catfish, is a heavily armored, nocturnal bottom-dweller native to the Amazon Basin. Known for its contrasting white spots over a deep brown-to-black body, this catfish offers both utility and visual interest for aquarists seeking hardy, peaceful, and long-lived additions to their freshwater setups.

Covered in a bony exterior, the Spotted Rafael is built like a tank, able to coexist peacefully in community and semi-aggressive aquariums. Its calm nature and shy behavior make it an excellent nighttime scavenger, perfect for keeping the bottom clean while staying out of trouble.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Agamyxis pectinifrons

• Common Names: Spotted Rafael Catfish, Spotted Talking Catfish, White-Spotted Dora

• Adult Size: 5–6 inches

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, nocturnal

• Tank Size: 30+ gallons

• Water Parameters: 74–80°F | pH 6.0–7.5 | Soft to moderately hard water

• Diet: Omnivore – sinking pellets, bloodworms, shrimp, scavenged food

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Spotted Rafaels thrive in:

• Soft substrates with driftwood, rocks, and caves for daytime hiding

• Dimly lit or low-light aquariums to reduce stress

• Tanks with strong filtration and low-to-medium flow

Compatible with:

• Peaceful and semi-aggressive tankmates like angelfish, silver dollars, cichlids, plecos

• Avoid small nano fish that may be at risk of accidental predation during night foraging

Behavior:

• 🌙 Nocturnal – mostly hides during the day and scavenges at night

• 🛡️ Heavily armored – protected from bullying or nipping tankmates

• 🔊 Known for audible “clicking” or “talking” sounds when handled or stressed

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Spotted Rafael Catfish is:

• ✅ Hand-selected for vibrant spotting and strong activity

• ✅ Conditioned to eat frozen and prepared foods

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A fantastic choice for oddity tanks, semi-aggressive aquariums, or Amazon biotopes

📦 Add armor, beauty, and mystery to your aquarium with the Spotted Rafael Catfish—a peaceful and striking scavenger with a personality all its own. Now available at RobsAquatics.com.