{"product_id":"harlequin-lancer-catfish","title":"Harlequin Lancer Catfish","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Harlequin Lancer Catfish\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Harlequin Lancer Catfish is a truly unique freshwater species, renowned for its incredible camouflage and fascinating behaviour. Native to the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins of South America, this unusual catfish resembles a piece of bark or driftwood, making it one of the most effective natural camouflage specialists in the aquarium hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its flattened body, intricate mottled brown pattern, and jagged edges, the Harlequin Lancer Catfish spends much of the day motionless amongst driftwood, leaf litter, and substrate before becoming active at night in search of food. Its peaceful temperament makes it an excellent addition to community aquariums with tetras, Corydoras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other calm tropical fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA soft sandy substrate, driftwood, leaf litter, and subdued lighting closely replicate its natural habitat and encourage natural behaviour. They readily accept sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. While shy by day, they become surprisingly active after lights out, making them a rewarding species for aquarists who appreciate unusual nocturnal fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBunocephalus coracoideus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarlequin Lancer Catfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazon and Orinoco River Basins, South America\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–12 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e80 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e23–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–12 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–8 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful community aquariums and planted tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy can't I find my Harlequin Lancer Catfish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is a master of camouflage and often buries itself slightly in the substrate or rests amongst driftwood during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Harlequin Lancer Catfish eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey enjoy sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, insect larvae, and other protein-rich foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Harlequin Lancer Catfish good community fish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are peaceful and coexist well with most non-aggressive tropical fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Harlequin Lancer Catfish need sand?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fine sand substrate is highly recommended, allowing them to rest comfortably and display their natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Harlequin Lancer Catfish live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult shrimp may coexist, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets may occasionally become food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eExpecting daytime activity\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarlequin Lancer Catfish are nocturnal and spend much of the day hidden or motionless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNot providing driftwood and hiding places\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDriftwood, leaf litter, caves, and shaded areas help them feel secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding only algae wafers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species requires a protein-rich carnivorous diet rather than relying on algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUsing coarse gravel\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine sand is preferred to protect their delicate underside and encourage natural resting behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water conditions and regular maintenance are essential for keeping this sensitive species healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853882830987,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/2c7e3ade-0d21-4aac-90a5-4c2256ec4349_20d49691-b2e7-47df-93e0-d1acefa5822b.png?v=1785996601","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/harlequin-lancer-catfish","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}