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Bronze Featherback
Notopterus notopterus
Also known as Common Featherback, Asian Featherback
Animalia›Chordata›Osteoglossiformes›Notopteridae
The Bronze Featherback is a nocturnal, knife-like fish native to Southeast Asia known for its undulating anal fin and peaceful demeanor. It grows to moderate size and requires spacious, well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots. This species is best suited for experienced aquarists due to its specific care requirements and sensitivity to water conditions.
Where it's from
Native to the An Lao, Ba, Bangpakong, Batang Hari and 56 other river basins
Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma) and 1 more
Recorded as introduced in Singapore
At a glance
- Size
- 12 in
- 30 cm
- Min tank
- 75 gal
- 284 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 10-15 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Bronze Featherbacks are carnivorous and prefer live or frozen foods such as small fish, shrimp, bloodworms, and insect larvae. Feed 2-3 times weekly with appropriately-sized prey items. They are nocturnal hunters and may refuse food during daylight hours.
Behavior
This species is primarily nocturnal and remains hidden during the day, becoming active at dusk. It uses its elongated anal fin to navigate through dense vegetation and obstacles with remarkable agility. Bronze Featherbacks are generally peaceful but may consume very small fish and should not be housed with tiny species.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very specific conditions including large tanks, precise water parameters, and seasonal temperature fluctuations. Professional breeding is limited, making captive-bred specimens uncommon.
Tank mates
See all 5Similar peaceful temperament and nocturnal behavior; avoid very small individuals
Compatible nocturnal species with similar habitat requirements
Nocturnal bottom-dweller that shares similar water parameter preferences
Peaceful nocturnal species that occupies different tank zones
Nocturnal but may compete for food; ensure adequate feeding
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Parasitic Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying food, use antibacterial medication if severe
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading, fin damage
Perform 25-30% water changes daily, maintain pristine water conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites on gills, labored breathing
Use anti-parasitic medication, perform water changes, quarantine affected fish, treat for 7-14 days as directed
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 12 in30 cm
- Min tank
- 75 gal284 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Middle
- Lifespan
- 10-15 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
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