Striped Raphael Catfish

Platydoras armatulus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Doradidae

📍 Amazon & Orinoco Basins, South America

Armoured catfish with striking black-and-white stripes. Nocturnal and peaceful. Known to produce audible grunting sounds. Hardy and long-lived — can reach 20+ years.

Size9"

Min Tank50g

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Striped Raphael Catfish are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed 2-3 times weekly in amounts they can consume in 5-10 minutes; they are nocturnal scavengers and will also consume leftover food and organic debris from the substrate.

Behavior

Nocturnal and primarily bottom-dwelling, these catfish are peaceful and solitary, spending daylight hours hidden in caves, driftwood, or dense vegetation. They are known for producing audible grunting or squeaking sounds, especially when stressed or during feeding. They are generally inactive during the day but become more active at dusk and throughout the night.

Breeding

Breeding Striped Raphael Catfish in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They require very specific conditions including large tanks, stable water parameters, and appropriate spawning sites; most captive specimens do not breed. Hobbyists should not expect breeding success and should source specimens from established aquarium populations.

Tank Mates

Bristlenose Pleco

Similar nocturnal bottom-dwelling behavior and peaceful nature; both are armored catfish with compatible water requirements

excellent

Otocinclus

Small peaceful algae-eating catfish that share similar bottom-dwelling habits and water chemistry needs

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, increased scratching against surfaces, lethargy, rapid breathing

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove any sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication or salt baths; ensure adequate filtration and stable parameters

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, torn fins, behavioral lethargy

Treatment

Perform 30% water change immediately, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate if severely affected; maintain pristine water conditions and reduce stress

Parasitic Infections

Symptoms

Excessive mucus coating, flashing against surfaces, visible parasites, weight loss despite feeding

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic medication appropriate for catfish, perform frequent water changes, quarantine new fish before introduction; maintain water quality and temperature stability