Cat-eLog Data Sheet | |
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Scientific Name | Chaca bankanensis Bleeker, 1852 |
Common Names | Chocolate Frogmouth Catfish Banka Angler Catfish, Frømund (Denmark) |
Type Locality | Bangka, Indonesia. |
Synonym(s) | Chaca bankae |
Pronunciation | CHA kah - bank an EN siss |
Etymology | Chaca: The name comes from the local name of the fish, which is probably derived from the sound it makes when irritated. |
Species Information | |
Size | 200mm or 7.9" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp. |
Identification | The species of the catfish genus Chaca are easily identified by their extremely large and severely dorsoventrally depressed head, caudal fin with greatly enlarged procurrent rays, and tuberculate skin, often with fimbriate skin flaps on the head and sometimes on the body. The genus forms the monotypic family Chacidae, whose phylogenetic affinities to other catfishes remains unclear despite numerous studies. C. chaca is a chocolate brown while the similar C. bankanensis is a brighter orange-brown. |
Sexing | Males are larger and longer while females are shorter and more bulky. |
Habitat Information | |
Distribution | Asia: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo. Indonesian Waters, Bangka (click on these areas to find other species found there) Login to view the map. |
IUCN Red List Category | Near Threatened , range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2019. |
pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
Temperature | 22.0-24.0°C or 71.6-75.2°F (Show species within this range) |
Other Parameters | Curiously Chaca spp. appear to lower the pH of their aquariums, much faster than the usual pH drop of a neglected tank (often to lower than pH 6.0 with no apparent ill effects to the fish). Thus regular water changes and pH testing are required particularly in a smaller species tank. Buffering may be required in some instances. Some authors report the premature death of feeder fishes that do not tolerate lower - or quick shifts in - pH levels. There is an argument that Chaca species affect their prey chemically, but I feel this is unlikely and would cause more noticeable effect in the confines of an aquarium. What is interesting to note however is that Chaca spp. are considered poisonous by locals, particularly if stepped on. Maybe we are looking at a chemical mechanism developed by a very inactive fish to taste as bad a possible to predators. Another theory still is that this excess acidity is a side effect of the strong digestive juices required by a fish that eats its prey whole. |
Husbandry Information | |
Feeding | Baensch states that after acclimatization pellet food is accepted. I have observed hungry young C. bankanensis eating Tetra Prima (sold in the US as Tetra colorbits) soon after import. On the contrary, long time keepers of Chaca persistently try dried or even frozen food to no avail. Perhaps only young fish will learn to accept ''alternative'' foods. Either way, a Chaca keeper should be prepared to supply live fish on a regular basis. User data. |
Furniture | A sandy substrate is suggested for all species of Chaca. Some leaf litter is appreciated by this fish although Java moss and plants that do not grow too tall are also effective. Hiding places are not required given subdued lighting. |
Compatibility | An irrepressible predator of small, especially bottom feeding fishes. Fast moving, surface dwelling fishes in tall tank (15''+). are unmolested. That said, anything that comes within range of a hungry Chaca's mouth will rarely survive. In my opinion, one for the species tank. |
Suggested Tankmates | An irrepressible predator of small, especially bottom feeding fishes. Fast moving, surface dwelling fishes in tall tank (15''+). are unmolested. That said, anything that comes within range of a hungry Chaca's mouth will rarely survive. In my opinion, one for the species tank. |
Breeding | See C. chaca. |
Breeding Reports | There is no breeding report. |
Further Information | |
Reference | Natuurkundig Tijdschrift voor Nederlandsch Indië v. 3 (no. 3), pp 455. |
Registered Keepers | There are 14 registered keepers, view all "my cats" data. |
Wishlists | Love this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list. There are 3 wishes to keep this species, see who wants what. |
Spotters | Spotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars! There are 9 records of this fish being seen, view them all. |
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Look up C. bankanensis on Fishbase | |
Look up C. bankanensis on Encyclopedia of Life | |
Look up C. bankanensis on Global Biodiversity Information Facility | |
LFS label creator ARN ref:1.14.36.79 | |
Last Update | 2020 Oct 24 05:08 (species record created: 2001 Apr 20 00:00) |