BLACK-TOP MOUSE CATFISH

Black Top Mouse Catfish (Hassar orestis)

The Black Top Mouse Catfish (Hassar orestis) is a distinctive South American thorny catfish prized for its armored body, bold dorsal coloration, and peaceful yet active personality. This fascinating bottom-dweller spends much of its time exploring the substrate and searching for food, making it an excellent addition to larger community and South American biotope aquariums. Its unique appearance and hardy nature make it a standout species for aquarists seeking something less commonly seen.

Origin
Hassar orestis is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of northern South America, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, and tributaries with sandy or muddy bottoms, submerged wood, and abundant leaf litter.

Short Care Tips

• Provide a spacious aquarium with soft substrate and plenty of driftwood, roots, and hiding places.

• Maintain excellent water quality through regular water changes and efficient filtration.

• Feed a varied diet of sinking carnivore pellets, frozen foods, insects, worms, and crustaceans.

• Keep with peaceful to moderately sized community fish that will not harass or outcompete them.

• Handle with care, as the strong pectoral and dorsal spines can become entangled in nets.

Recommended Habitat Parameters

• Temperature: 24–29°C (75–84°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (285 L)

• Filtration: Strong biological filtration with gentle to moderate water flow

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Aquascape: Driftwood, roots, leaf litter, shaded areas, and open bottom space

• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting

With its rugged armored appearance, peaceful disposition, and fascinating bottom-dwelling behavior, the Black Top Mouse Catfish (Hassar orestis) is an exceptional choice for aquarists looking to add a rare and impressive South American species to a mature freshwater aquarium.