This species grows to a length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in) SL.

A. pectinifrons is a popular aquarium fish and is often sold as the spotted raphael catfish or spotted talking catfish.

[1] It is recommended, due to the spines on this fish which would tear up a conventional net, that it is preferable to move these fish by hand.

These fish need a dark refuge to hide in during the day.

[2][1] It is one of a few species of fish that make clicks that are audible to humans outside of an aquarium itself.