Freshwater Catfish Australia | Bristlenose, Corydoras & Plecos

Shop freshwater aquarium catfish online at Aquaholics Online.

Freshwater catfish are one of the most diverse groups of aquarium fish, ranging from peaceful Corydoras and algae-grazing Bristlenose Catfish to distinctive Plecos and specialised L-number species.

They are popular with Australian fishkeepers because of their interesting behaviour, variety of shapes and colours, and ability to occupy the lower levels of the aquarium.

Our range may include Bristlenose Catfish, Corydoras, Plecos, L-number Catfish and other freshwater species depending on availability.

Catfish for Freshwater Aquariums

Aquarium catfish vary considerably in adult size, temperament and care requirements.

Some species remain relatively small and are ideal for peaceful community aquariums, while others can grow much larger and require spacious tanks, strong filtration and carefully selected tank mates.

Before choosing a catfish, always consider its expected adult size rather than the size of the juvenile fish being offered for sale.

Bristlenose Catfish

Bristlenose Catfish are among the most popular freshwater catfish kept in Australian aquariums.

They are generally peaceful, hardy and well suited to many community aquariums.

Bristlenose are also known for grazing on algae and biofilm, although they should never be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.

A balanced diet should include suitable sinking foods, vegetable-based foods and additional nutrition appropriate to the species.

Depending on availability, our range may include Common Bristlenose, Albino Bristlenose, Longfin Bristlenose and colour varieties such as Blue Eye Lemon Bristlenose.

Plecos & L-Number Catfish

Plecos include a large and varied group of freshwater catfish.

Many specialised species are commonly identified by an L-number, which was originally used to distinguish different Loricariid catfish before or while scientific classification was being established.

L-number Plecos can vary greatly in:

Adult size
Diet
Water requirements
Temperament
Wood requirements
Breeding behaviour

Some remain relatively compact, while others can grow into very large fish.

Always research the individual species before purchase.

Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras are small, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish that are particularly popular in community aquariums.

Unlike many Plecos, Corydoras are social fish and generally do best when kept in suitable groups of their own or compatible Corydoras species.

They spend much of their time exploring the substrate for food and are known for their active, social behaviour.

A smooth sand or fine substrate can be particularly suitable because Corydoras naturally forage along the bottom of the aquarium using their sensitive barbels.

Choosing Catfish for Your Aquarium

Before adding a catfish, consider:

Adult size
Minimum aquarium size
Temperament
Water temperature
pH and hardness
Diet
Group requirements
Compatibility with existing fish
Substrate
Hiding places
Filtration requirements

Not all catfish have the same needs, and a species that suits one aquarium may be unsuitable for another.

Aquarium Setup

Many freshwater catfish appreciate an aquarium with plenty of structure and hiding places.

Depending on the species, useful features can include:

Driftwood
Caves
Rocks
Live plants
Smooth substrate
Shaded areas
Open feeding areas

Bristlenose and many Plecos particularly appreciate caves and sheltered areas where they can retreat during the day.

Driftwood can also be an important part of the environment for some Pleco species.

Substrate for Catfish

The best substrate depends on the species.

Corydoras generally benefit from smooth sand or fine substrate that allows them to forage naturally without damaging their barbels.

Bristlenose and Plecos are less dependent on substrate type, although sharp gravel should generally be avoided where fish regularly rest or forage on the bottom.

Feeding Freshwater Catfish

A common misconception is that catfish simply eat leftover food or clean the aquarium.

They still require a complete and appropriate diet.

Suitable foods may include:

Sinking catfish pellets
Algae wafers
Vegetable-based wafers
Spirulina foods
Fresh vegetables where appropriate
Protein-based sinking foods
Frozen foods for suitable species

Diet varies significantly between species.

Some catfish are primarily herbivorous, while others are omnivorous or require greater amounts of protein.

Do Catfish Eat Algae?

Some species, particularly Bristlenose Catfish, will graze on algae and biofilm.

However, no catfish should be purchased solely as a replacement for proper aquarium maintenance.

Algae-eating species still need a balanced diet and good water quality.

Their effectiveness against different types of algae can also vary considerably.

Filtration & Water Quality

Good filtration is important for all aquarium catfish.

Many species spend much of their time near the bottom of the aquarium where waste can accumulate, so maintaining clean substrate and good water circulation is beneficial.

Larger Plecos and Bristlenose can also produce a surprising amount of waste.

A suitable aquarium filter combined with regular water changes and substrate maintenance will help maintain stable water quality.

Catfish Tank Mates

Many freshwater catfish are peaceful and can be kept successfully with community fish.

Suitable tank mates depend on the individual species.

Corydoras generally work well with peaceful community fish, while Bristlenose can often be maintained alongside Tetras, Guppies, Gouramis and other compatible species.

Larger or more territorial Plecos may require more careful planning.

Always consider adult size and temperament before mixing species.

Buy Freshwater Catfish Online in Australia

Aquaholics Online stocks a changing range of freshwater aquarium catfish for Australian fishkeepers.

Availability can include Bristlenose Catfish, Corydoras, Plecos and specialised L-number species.

Because livestock availability changes regularly, individual varieties and sizes may not always be available.

Browse our current range above to see which freshwater catfish are available now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best catfish for a community aquarium?

Bristlenose Catfish and many Corydoras species are popular choices for peaceful freshwater community tanks. Suitability still depends on aquarium size, water conditions and the other fish being kept.

Do Bristlenose Catfish eat algae?

Yes. Bristlenose Catfish commonly graze on algae and biofilm, but they also require a proper diet including suitable sinking and vegetable-based foods.

Do Corydoras need to be kept in groups?

Corydoras are social fish and generally do best when maintained in suitable groups rather than individually.

What substrate is best for Corydoras?

Smooth sand or fine, non-sharp substrate is generally preferred because Corydoras naturally forage through the substrate using their sensitive barbels.

What is an L-number Pleco?

L-numbers are identifiers used for many Loricariid catfish, particularly Plecos. Different L-number species can have very different adult sizes, diets and aquarium requirements.

Do Plecos need driftwood?

Some Pleco species benefit significantly from driftwood and may graze on its surface. Requirements vary by species, so the care requirements of the particular Pleco should always be checked.

Can catfish live with Cichlids?

Some can, but compatibility depends on the species, adult size and temperament of both the catfish and Cichlids. Territorial Cichlids may harass smaller or peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

What do freshwater catfish eat?

Diet depends on the species. Suitable foods may include sinking pellets, algae wafers, vegetable-based foods, fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods.