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Hoplo Catfish
Megalechis thoracata
📍 South America
The Hoplo Catfish is a large, armored South American catfish known for its ability to breathe air using a labyrinth organ, making it adaptable to various water conditions. These nocturnal bottom-dwellers are hardy and relatively easy to care for, though they require substantial tank space and can be aggressive toward smaller fish. They are popular among experienced aquarists seeking a unique, long-lived addition to their aquariums.
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Care Guide
Diet
Hoplo Catfish are omnivorous bottom feeders that accept high-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Feed 2-3 times weekly, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. They will also scavenge for leftover food and plant matter on the tank bottom.
Behavior
These nocturnal catfish are primarily active during evening and night hours, spending daytime hidden in caves or dense vegetation. They are solitary and territorial, often aggressive toward smaller fish and other bottom-dwellers. Hoplos can gulp air at the water surface, a normal behavior that should not be mistaken for distress.
Breeding
Breeding Hoplo Catfish in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely documented in home aquariums. They require very large tanks, specific water conditions, and careful pair selection. Professional breeders occasionally succeed, but most aquarium specimens are wild-caught.
Tank Mates
May be preyed upon; only suitable with larger corydoras species
Similar size and nocturnal behavior; generally compatible
Large, robust fish that can coexist with Hoplos in spacious tanks
Fast-moving schooling fish that avoid bottom-dwelling predators
May be eaten if small; only suitable in very large tanks with adequate space
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces
Raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform water changes, use ich medication; Hoplos tolerate treatment well due to air-breathing ability
Bacterial Infection
Torn fins, sores on body, cloudy eyes, lethargy
Improve water quality, perform 25-30% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication if severe
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges
Maintain pristine water conditions with frequent water changes, use antifungal/antibacterial treatments, ensure adequate tank space to reduce stress
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, lethargy
Use antiparasitic medication, quarantine affected fish, improve water quality and perform frequent water changes
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - feeds on sinking pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and occasional live prey
- lifespan
- 10-15 years
- max size
- 20 cm (8 in)
- tank size
- 75 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 5-15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)