Indian Butterfly Catfish (Erethistes hara)

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The Indian Butterfly Catfish, also known as the Moth Catfish, is a rare and fascinating bottom-dweller collected from the cool, slow-moving forest streams of India and Bangladesh. Its wide, wing-like pectoral fins and cryptic mottled coloration give it the appearance of a tiny underwater moth or bat when viewed at rest.

This unique catfish is peaceful, extremely shy, and thrives in heavily planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water, subdued lighting, and gentle flow. Its slow movements and camouflage make it a perfect fit for quiet, naturalistic tanks, especially nano or biotope-style setups. Though rarely seen in the hobby, this wild-collected gem is a must-have for aquarists who love oddball species with character.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Incredible Camouflage: Looks like a tiny leaf or stone, blending beautifully with natural décor.
• Winged Appearance: Broad, extended pectoral fins give a “moth-like” look.
• Great Nano Catfish: Small and slow-moving, ideal for calm planted tanks.
• Rare and Wild-Collected: Seldom available, not commonly bred in captivity.

Natural Habitat:

Erethistes hara is native to the slow-moving, shaded hill streams and forest creeks of northeastern India and Bangladesh. These waters are typically cool, with low pH, soft substrate, and abundant leaf litter and woody debris.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Provide dense vegetation like Java Moss, Cryptocoryne, and Anubias.
• Hardscape: Use smooth river stones, driftwood, and plenty of hiding places.
• Botanicals: Add Indian Almond Leaves and alder cones to replicate their natural forest stream environment.

Diet and Feeding:

This catfish is a micro-predator that feeds on tiny invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they accept live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and blackworms. They may also take high-quality sinking pellets or wafers when acclimated.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Extremely peaceful and best kept with other gentle, slow-moving species like small rasboras, ember tetras, and sparkling gouramis. Avoid fast, boisterous fish or anything that may outcompete them for food.

Shrimp Safe?:

Yes – generally safe with adult dwarf shrimp. May consume baby shrimp if not well fed.

Breeding:

Breeding in captivity is very rare and not well documented. Spawning likely occurs under rocks or in secluded areas, triggered by cool, soft water changes and seasonal cues.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 68° – 76° F (20° – 24.4° C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.2
• KH: 2 – 8 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Carnivorous. Prefers live/frozen foods and protein-rich sinking options.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful and reclusive. Best kept alone or in groups of 3+.
• Origin: Wild collected
• Average Adult Size: 1.5 – 2 inches (3.8 – 5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1 – 1.25 inches (2.5 – 3.2 cm)

A Hidden Gem for the Patient Aquarist
The Indian Butterfly Catfish is a true oddball species—quiet, cryptic, and captivating once established. Whether you’re building a forest stream biotope or just looking to add a calm bottom-dweller with charm, this wild-caught beauty is a rewarding choice.

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