Hoplo Catfish (3-4 CM)
£11.70
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The Hoplo Catfish (Megalechis thoracata, formerly Hoplosternum thoracatum) is a hardy, armor-plated freshwater fish from the family Callichthyidae (armored catfishes), native to tropical river basins in South America.
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Description
Overview & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Megalechis thoracata (Synonyms include Callichthys thoracatus and Hoplosternum thoracatum)
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Common Names: Hoplo Catfish, Spotted Hoplo, Black Marble Hoplo
- Native Distribution: Widespread across the Amazon, Orinoco, upper Paraguay River basins, the Guianas, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Key Characteristics & Size
- Size: Grows to an average maximum adult size of about 6 inches (15 cm), though some individuals can reach slightly larger.
- Body Armor: Covered in two rows of overlapping bony scutes (plates) along the flanks and equipped with strong pectoral spines.
- Air-Breathing: Like other callichthyids, they possess modified intestines that allow them to swallow atmospheric air from the water’s surface, helping them survive in low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments.
- Behavior: Predominantly nocturnal, peaceful, social, and active bottom-dwellers often compared to giant Corydoras.
Aquarium Care
- Tank Size: A minimum tank capacity of around 55 gallons (or a 4-foot tank) is recommended, especially since they thrive best when kept in small groups or colonies.
- Water Parameters:
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- Temperature: 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- pH Level: 6.0–8.0
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- Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel is essential to protect their sensitive barbels and undersides from scraping.
- Tank Mates: Peaceful and large enough not to be mistaken for a meal; avoid tiny fish like neon tetras, which nocturnal hoplos may consume.
- Diet: Omnivorous scavengers that readily accept sinking pellets, wafers, granules, and live or frozen foods.
Reproduction
- Nesting: Males construct floating bubble nests, often incorporating bits of floating plant matter.
- Spawning & Care: Spawning is often triggered by cooler water changes. Males aggressively guard the adhesive eggs and resulting fry.
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