Squarehead catfish (Chaca chaca)

Scientific name: Chaca chaca Hamilton, 1822

The Squarehead catfish (Chaca chaca) is a freshwater fish of the family Chacidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–24°C (72–75°F). Native range: Asia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaya and Indonesia. Reported from Myanmar.

Squarehead catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 22–24°C (72–75°F)

Biology

Inhabits rivers, beels, canals and ponds. Prefers soft substrates where it lies concealed in the soft mire of the river bed. It depends upon this concealment for protection and will not even move when it is touched lightly. Lies quietly on the bottom until some prey comes along. Apparently a worm-like appendix at the fringe of the mouth is used to attract prey. Fairly common in catches, but is not eaten perhaps due to its ugly appearance.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Chaca chaca
Family: Chacidae (Squarehead or angler catfish)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 20.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 25 demersal; potamodromous
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaya and Indonesia. Reported from Myanmar.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial