Our Guide To Keeping Hoplo Catfish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Megalechis thoracata
   • Common name: Hoplo Catfish
   • Family: Callichthyidae
   • Origin: South America
   • Adult length: Up to 10 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Hoplo Catfish prefer a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots created by driftwood, rocks, and caves.
   • Provide a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat and allow them to sift through the sand.
   • Plants are not necessary but can be included, focusing on hardy species as Hoplo Catfish may uproot delicate plants.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Keep the water temperature between 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F).
   • They tolerate a wide range of pH from slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Maintain good water quality through regular water changes and proper filtration.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A moderate water flow is suitable for Hoplo Catfish, so choose a filter that provides gentle to moderate flow.

5. Diet:

   • Hoplo Catfish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including sinking pellets, flakes, frozen, and live foods.
   • Offer a varied diet consisting of high-quality sinking pellets, frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans.

6. Tank mates:

   • Hoplo Catfish are peaceful and can be kept with a variety of community fish such as tetras, rasboras, barbs, and other peaceful catfish species.
   • Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species that may stress or harass them.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Hoplo Catfish are generally peaceful and solitary, but they can also be kept in small groups.
   • They spend much of their time exploring the bottom of the tank and are relatively inactive swimmers.
   • They are compatible with most community fish and are not known to exhibit aggressive behaviors.