Asian Stone Catfish

Hara jerdoni is a carnivorous micro-predator that thrives on small live and frozen foods such as micro worms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and finely chopped bloodworms. It will rarely accept dry foods initially, though some individuals can be trained onto high-quality sinking micro pellets over time. Feeding should occur at night or in dim lighting, as this species is largely nocturnal and will be outcompeted by more active tankmates during daylight hours.

This species is highly sedentary and cryptic, spending the majority of its time wedged among pebbles, driftwood, or leaf litter where its mottled coloration provides near-perfect camouflage. It is entirely peaceful and poses no threat to any tankmate it cannot swallow whole, though it may be easily outcompeted for food by faster or more boisterous species. A group of four or more individuals is recommended, as they appear more comfortable and active when kept with conspecifics.

Breeding Hara jerdoni in captivity is uncommon but has been achieved in well-maintained, species-appropriate setups with cool, highly oxygenated water and abundant hiding places. Spawning typically occurs among fine-leaved plants or moss, where small clutches of eggs are deposited; parental care is minimal to absent. Raising fry requires infusoria or commercially prepared micro fry foods, as the juveniles are extremely small upon hatching.