Gold Aluminum Catfish
Gold Aluminum Catfish (Chrysichthys auratus), also known as the Golden Nile Catfish, is a large and impressive West African catfish from the Claroteidae family. Juveniles are attractively colored with a warm golden-yellow body and a sleek, streamlined profile accented by long barbels. They are curious, active, and bold — a genuinely personable large catfish with the kind of presence that commands attention in an appropriately sized aquarium.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Sinking Wafers make an excellent staple for juveniles. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp 2–3 times per week. As adults, larger sinking foods and meaty frozen items are appropriate. Powerful filtration is essential given the waste output of a large active catfish.
⚠ Size Warning: Despite being sold as juveniles of 3–5 inches, Chrysichthys auratus is a large West African catfish that grows to over 24 inches (60 cm) in captivity and can reach 33 inches (84 cm) in the wild. This is not a community fish for standard aquariums. Plan for a tank of at least 6 feet for an adult. Juveniles will outgrow a standard aquarium within 1–2 years.
Native to a huge range across West and North Africa — widespread throughout most West African river systems, the Chad basin, and the Nile. Chrysichthys auratus is an important food fish in West Africa and is harvested commercially throughout its range. In the aquarium it begins as an attractive juvenile and grows into a very large adult that requires serious planning and commitment.
Keep with other large, robust fish — adults will eat anything that fits in their considerable mouth. As juveniles they can be housed with medium-large community fish, but their rapid growth rate means the tank and tankmates will need upgrading within 1–2 years. Best suited to experienced large-fish aquarists with appropriate long-term tank infrastructure.
The Gold Aluminum Catfish is a fish for aquarists who have planned for its adult size from the beginning. In a large, well-filtered aquarium with appropriate tankmates it is a magnificent and long-lived specimen fish with genuine presence and personality.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate — Advanced |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish — predatory toward small fish |
| Typical Adult Size | Up to 24 inches (60 cm) in captivity — see size warning |
| Min. Group Size | Singly or with other large fish |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.8 |
| Ideal GH | 4–18 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–10 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Sinking Wafers |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | West Africa, Chad basin, and Nile River system |
| Notes | Grows to 24+ inches in captivity — 33 inches recorded in wild. Important food fish in West Africa. Rapid growth — plan for adult size from the start. Powerful filtration essential. Predatory toward small fish as adult. |
