[Peck]

Species Name: Wallago leerii

Common Name: Helicopter catfish

Profile Credit: Peck
Photo Credit: Monica

Size: Reported up to 80", although usually much smaller in the home aquarium.

pH: 5.5 - 7.0. A highly tolerable species, being able to accept a wide range of pH values.

Minimum Recommended Tank Size: 450 gallons. The helicopter catfish requires alot of floor space rather then height, this should be taken into account when purchasing a tank.

Native Location: Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sunda Islands.

Temperature: 20-28C. Accepting a wide range of temperatures. The helicopter catfish will become more active and feed more aggressively if kept in warmer water due to an increase in it's metabolism. When kept in cooler water this fish will become quite docile resting in an almost 'dorment' state.

Diet: A highly predatory fish, feeding on smaller fish, amphibians, fowl and even small mammals. This fish can be a fussy eater when first aquired but can be trained to eat prepared foods, such as - squid, prawn and fish meats. I do not recommened feeding beef heart to this fish because of its high fat content.

The helicopter catfish will take it upon it'self to add tankmates to it's diet, tankmates should be carefuly selected. Anything bite size will soon dissapear.

Breeding: Unknown, due to it's large adult size.

Gender Diffrences: Females said to be larger.

Notes: Wallago leerii has earned it'self a bad name in the hobby due to it's highly predatory behaviour and amazing appetite for almost anything that hits the water. This fish not only has a fearsome reputation in the aquarium industry but also in it's home land with reports of this fish attacking bathers.

Tankmates should be chosen wisely because of it's predatory nature. Similarly sized and tempramented fish should be chosen; South American Red-tailed catfish, Arowana and Gar species are some examples of compatible tankmates. A word of caution on mixing these fish, the Helicopter catfish is a fast growing fish and may outgrow and devour fish that do not have the potential to grow at the same speed as this beast.

A large log or piece of bogwood can be placed in the aquarium to provide some shelter during the daylight hours for the Helipopter catfish, although not complety necessary. This fish is also an accomplished jumper, weighting down the aquarium lids is a must.

A truly incredible catfish. This fish should not be purchased if you are not willing to sacrifice time and money into raising this giant catfish.

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