Most species stay small to medium for catfish, roughly 1 to 3 inches depending on type.

Very small and slim; easy to underfeed or lose in a large tank without enough algae coverage.

Can live many years with stable water and a proper school; rough gravel injures barbels over time.

Variable lifespan; high mortality is common from starvation or shipping stress without experienced care at purchase.

Needs floor space to forage in a group; occasional air gulp at the surface is normal for many species.

Likes grazing large areas of plants and glass; low flow corners should still offer movement opportunities.

Vacuum carefully where food collects; supplement sinking foods so they are not only eating leftovers.

Tank must stay clean with stable parameters; algae wafers and veg help when natural algae is thin.

Learns feeding patterns; not trainable beyond routine. Group behavior is the main appeal.

Same; observation pet that rewards good plant growth and stable chemistry.

Fun to watch in a school; no handling. Safe with most peaceful community fish if tankmates are not tiny snacks.

Delicate for chaotic households that skip water changes; better when adults manage the tank consistently.

Barbel erosion signals poor substrate or water; treat ich like any fish but cory-safe meds matter.

Starvation and bacterial issues are common pitfalls; buy well-fed specimens and never keep one solo.

Moderate per fish; you need a group. Sand substrate may be a one-time upgrade cost.

Inexpensive per fish but losses without good setup waste money; budget for supplements and plants.