
Asian Stone Catfish
Hara jerdoni
Family: Erethistidae • Origin: Various
Asian Stone Catfish (Hara jerdoni) is a peaceful catfish reaching 1.3 inches. Keep in groups of 3+. Minimum tank size: 5 gallons.
Is Asian Stone Catfish Right for Your Tank?
Asian Stone Catfish is a moderate-care fish rated "advanced" (3/5). Suitable for hobbyists with some experience who can maintain stable water parameters. At just 5 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
With a peaceful temperament, Asian Stone Catfish makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 3 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 2 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Asian Stone Catfish
Keeping fewer than 3 together
Asian Stone Catfish is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 3 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Putting them in a tank under 5 gallons
While 5 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (8 gal) is much more forgiving.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 1.3 inches
- • Temperature: 64-75°F
- • pH: 5.5-7.5
- • Schooling — keep 3+ together
- • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Erethistidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Erethistidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 5 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 8 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Minimum School Size
- 3+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 64–75°F
- pH Range
- 5.5–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Erethistidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 2 years
Ideal For
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