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Megalechis thoracata
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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.
pH:
6 - 8
Temperature:
18°C - 28°C
64°F - 82°F
Hardness:
5 dH - 19 dH
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.
Variants:
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
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Image Credit: © FishProfiles.com
Submitted By: Adam
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