Galaxy Wood Catfish

The Galaxy Wood Catfish is a fascinating freshwater catfish recognised for its dark body covered in attractive light spots, creating a galaxy-like appearance. Its unusual pattern, secretive behaviour, and peaceful nature make it an interesting addition to suitable tropical community aquariums.

Galaxy Wood Catfish are primarily nocturnal and often spend the daytime resting beneath driftwood, inside caves, or among dense aquarium décor. Once the aquarium lights dim, they become more active and emerge to search for food. Providing plenty of shaded hiding areas is essential for helping these catfish feel secure and display natural behaviour.

• Common Name: Galaxy Wood Catfish
• Scientific Name: Tatia galaxias
• Family: Auchenipteridae
• Adult Size: Approximately 10–12 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 75–100 litres+
• Temperature: Approximately 23–28°C
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Diet: Omnivorous with a preference for meaty foods
• Aquarium Level: Bottom to middle
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal
• Aquascape: Driftwood, caves and shaded hiding areas recommended

Feeding

Galaxy Wood Catfish should be offered a varied diet containing quality sinking pellets and other appropriately sized foods. Frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and similar meaty foods can be offered regularly.

Because they are primarily nocturnal, feeding shortly before or after the aquarium lights are turned off helps ensure they receive enough food without excessive competition from active daytime species.

Aquarium Care

Provide plenty of driftwood, caves, rocks, plants, and other shaded areas where the fish can shelter during the day. Hollow driftwood and cave-like structures are particularly useful for encouraging natural behaviour.

Good filtration, stable water conditions, and regular partial water changes are important. Moderate water movement and good oxygenation are beneficial while still providing calmer sheltered areas.

Galaxy Wood Catfish are generally suitable for peaceful community aquariums. However, extremely small fish or fry may be viewed as food, particularly at night, so tank mates should be chosen accordingly.

Behaviour

Don't be concerned if your Galaxy Wood Catfish is rarely visible during the day. Hiding for extended periods is normal behaviour for this species. Once settled into the aquarium, individuals often develop regular feeding routines and become much more active after dark.

Providing plenty of secure hiding places can actually make them more confident and increase the likelihood of seeing them outside their shelters.

Shipping

• Australia-wide shipping available where permitted
• Fish are carefully packed for safe transport
• Local pickup available by appointment from Fins 'N' Feathers
• Shipping availability may depend on destination, weather conditions, fish size, and applicable biosecurity restrictions

Live Arrival

Please inspect livestock immediately upon arrival. If there is an issue with your order, contact us as soon as possible in accordance with our live arrival policy and provide clear photos of the fish in its unopened transport bag where applicable.

Actual size, spotting, colour intensity, and pattern may vary between individual fish due to age, genetics, stress, and environmental conditions.