Striped Raphael Catfish care guide

Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus) — minimum tank 200 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5.

Overview

The Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus) is a robust, armoured doradid from the Amazon basin. The body is marked with thick longitudinal black-and-white stripes and rows of bony scutes along the flanks. The fish can produce audible stridulation sounds when handled.

Taxonomy

Family: Doradidae
Genus: Platydoras
Scientific name: Platydoras armatulus
Common synonyms: Chocolate Doradid, Humbug Catfish

Habitat

Native to slow-moving rivers, flooded forests and tributaries of the Amazon basin in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, in habitats with submerged wood and leaf litter.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L (52.8 US gal)
Adult size: 15-24 cm
Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 5.5-7.5
GH: 4-18 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Lifespan: 15-20 years

Diet

A nocturnal omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, granules and a variety of live or frozen foods (bloodworms, earthworms, small shrimp).

Compatibility

A peaceful but predatory species toward fish small enough to swallow. Keep with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in a tank of at least 200 L with caves and driftwood. Avoid pairing with very small fish or shrimp.

Breeding

Captive breeding is rare and not well documented for the species.