Vundu Catfish
Heterobranchus longifilis
What you need to keep a Vundu Catfish
Shop all
pH
6.5–8
Temperature
20–28 °C
Max size
150 cm
Min tank
5000 L
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Vundu Catfish.
No active shop listings right now
Set a free stock alert and we'll notify you the moment this species arrives at a local shop.
Want Vundu Catfish?
Tell shops you're looking — be the first to signal demand.
Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Vundu is one of Africa's largest freshwater fish, a massive air-breathing catfish found in rivers and lakes throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Capable of exceeding 1.5 metres in length and weighing over 55 kilograms, it is an apex predator in its native habitat. It possesses an accessory breathing organ that allows it to survive in low-oxygen environments. Keeping a Vundu requires a specialized permit from provincial nature conservation authorities in South Africa.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Vundu Catfish healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 5000L aquarium suits Vundu Catfish. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–8 and 20–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Vundu Catfish last so territories reset.
Breeding
Vundu Catfish is rarely bred in captivity; most SA hobbyists buy from shops and breeders.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.