Like all catfish, the dwarf sucking catfish is a scavenger, but with a difference-it has a sucking organ. This organ is truly an extension of the lips, along with a very helpful piece of equipment it is, simply because it enables the fish to climb all over the plants, up one side and down the other, removing algae as it travels. Even though not a extremely coloured fish, it has a charm in the streamlined shape of its body. The average length for an adult is 1.75 inches. The body colouring is a darkish-brown, lightening as it approaches the underparts, and is overlaid with a slightly darker mottling.
An additional peculiarity of this fish is that it’ll occasionally swim upside down instantly below the water surface, clinging to it as it apparently sucks in any floating food.
The sucking catfish is an interesting exhibit in any tank, very inoffensive and fairly hardy.
Regrettably it is rarely bred in the aquarium.