Megalechis thoracata
| Common Names: | Hoplo Catfish Porthole Catfish Spotted Hoplo Spotted Porthole Catfish |
| Synonyms: | Callichthys thoracatus Hoplosternum thoracatum |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Category: | Catfish_Bottom_Feeders |
| Distribution: | America - South; Amazon River, South America. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Flooding; Flooding |
| Temperament: | Schooling; Peaceful, males can be very agressive during spawning season. Do not keep with very small fish. Should be kept in schools |
| Diet: | Carnivore; Carnivore |
| Care: | Feed sinking flakes/pellets. Lots of vegetation and hiding places among caves/logs are needed. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 15cm (5.9") Female: 15cm (5.9") |
| Water Region: | Bottom; Bottom |
| Activity: | NonSpecific; Non Specific |
| Gender: | Hard to tell. Older male's stomachs turn light blue during spawning season. The first spine on the pectoral fins is much fatter on males. |
| Breeding: | A large tank is needed with a slightly acidic pH of 6.5-6.7. Floating plants are required as the male builds a bubble nest among them. Only the male should be left in the tank to guard the eggs in much the same way as the Siamese Fighting Fish. |
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| Comments: | A strange looking armoured catfish. Rarely available in Australia though more are being imported. |
| Main Colours: | Brown, White, Black |
| Markings: | Spots Small |
| Mouth: | Downturned |
| Tail: | Not Specified |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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