The Asian Stone Catfish (Hara jerdoni) is a tiny, peaceful, and bottom-dwelling catfish species that camouflages against rocks and substrate. Its sedentary nature, small size, and delicate fins make it a fascinating nano species for planted aquariums.
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The Asian Stone Catfish (Hara jerdoni) is a tiny, peaceful, and bottom-dwelling catfish species that camouflages against rocks and substrate. Its sedentary nature, small size, and delicate fins make it a fascinating nano species for planted aquariums.
Very small, flattened body with wide pectoral fins that resemble wings. Brownish-gray coloration with mottled or striped markings, providing excellent camouflage. Long barbels for sensing food. Adults reach 1.2–1.5 inches in length, making them one of the smallest aquarium catfish.
5–7 years with proper care
Carnivorous micropredator; prefers live and frozen foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and micro-worms. Will accept high-quality micro-pellets and sinking foods once acclimated.
The Asian Stone Catfish is a gentle and cryptic nano species perfect for aquarists who enjoy quiet, naturalistic aquariums. Although shy, their unique stone-like appearance and nocturnal activity make them highly rewarding to keep. With proper care, soft water, and suitable foods, they thrive in peaceful planted setups.
Moderate (requires specific diet, peaceful tank mates, and soft water conditions).
10 gallons (nano tank setup with hiding places and plants)
6.0 to 7.2
2–10 dGH
68–77°F (20–25°C)
1.2–1.5 inches
Small rasboras, ember tetras, chili rasboras, celestial pearl danios, dwarf shrimp, kuhli loaches, and other nano community fish. Best with gentle species that won’t outcompete them for food.
Large or boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food, such as cichlids, barbs, or large tetras. Avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers like large loaches or predatory catfish.
Hara jerdoni
Erethistidae
South Asia – India and Bangladesh, inhabiting slow-moving streams, rivers, and heavily vegetated waters with sandy or muddy substrates.
Generally solitary but peaceful in groups. Keeping 4–6 individuals is recommended to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Best fed in the evening with live or frozen microfoods. Accepts microworms, daphnia, grindal worms, and baby brine shrimp. Supplement diet with powdered sinking foods designed for nano fish and bottom-dwellers.
pH: 6.0–7.2, Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C), Hardness: 2–10 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <15 ppm
Sensitive to poor water quality, sudden parameter shifts, and competition for food. May suffer from starvation in community tanks if not target-fed. Can be prone to ich and bacterial infections if stressed.
Extremely peaceful, shy, and sedentary. Spends most of the day resting motionless on rocks, driftwood, or leaves, blending in with its surroundings. Becomes more active at night. Ideal for nano tanks with other small, calm species.
The Asian Stone Catfish (Hara jerdoni) is one of the smallest catfish species in the aquarium trade, rarely exceeding 1.5 inches in length. Native to slow-moving streams and rivers of India and Bangladesh, it thrives in soft, acidic water with dense vegetation and leaf litter. Its cryptic coloration and sedentary lifestyle allow it to blend seamlessly with stones and driftwood. Because of its tiny size, it is best kept in nano aquariums with peaceful tank mates. They require stable, well-oxygenated water and thrive in planted aquascapes with gentle filtration. Asian Stone Catfish are nocturnal feeders and should be offered live or frozen micro-foods in the evening. Their delicate appearance, calm nature, and unique resting posture make them highly desirable among nano fish enthusiasts.