Common Name: Gold Trunkhead Catfish
Scientific Name: Cryptarius truncatus
Other Names: Spoonsnouted Catfish
The Gold Trunkhead Catfish is a captive-bred sea catfish sold in the hobby as a gold form of the spoonsnouted catfish. It is a sea catfish with a distinctive rounded, spoon-shaped snout, a streamlined body and long barbels, and it spends much of its time actively cruising the tank. It is a hardy, impressive catfish that is highly prized by monster-fish keepers.
Habitat and Distribution:
Cryptarius truncatus is found in estuaries and lower rivers of Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Sumatra and Java, including the lower Mekong. It occurs in both brackish and fresh water, often over soft, muddy bottoms. These are large, productive waterways with plenty of prey and structure for these powerful predators.
Size and Lifespan:
It can reach about 16 inches (40 cm). Lifespan in captivity is not well documented for this species, but with good care it can be expected to live for many years.
Diet and Behavior:
It is carnivorous and feeds on crustaceans, worms and small fish in the wild. In the aquarium, offer sinking carnivore pellets, shrimp and fish. It is an active, social catfish that does best in a group, and it will eat any fish small enough to swallow. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding in home aquariums is not documented. Like other sea catfish (family Ariidae), males carry the large eggs in their mouths until they hatch.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 180 gallons is recommended for adults. Provide a long tank with open swimming space, a sand substrate and strong filtration, with smooth décor around the edges. This species tolerates fresh to brackish water. The water temperature should be kept between 77-84°F (25-29°C), with a pH of 7.0-8.5 and moderately hard to hard water. Regular partial water changes are essential to maintain water quality, and new arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Keep it with robust, active fish of similar size that tolerate the same water conditions, such as monos, scats, datnoids or other sea catfish. Avoid small fish, which will be eaten. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. It is hardy, but its size, activity level and fresh-to-brackish needs require planning. It is best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide the space and water quality it needs.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 77-84°F (25-29°C)
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pH: 7.0-8.5 (Freshwater to Brackish)
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General Hardness (GH): 10-20 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 8-15 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Sea catfish are active swimmers that do best in groups with plenty of open space.
- Handle carefully, as sea catfish have sharp fin spines.
- Fun fact: In sea catfish, it is the male that carries the eggs in his mouth.
The Gold Trunkhead Catfish is an unusual, active catfish for keepers with a large fresh or brackish aquarium.
