Hoplosternum Pectorale 3.5cm

Hoplo Catfish

 

The hoplo catfish is swiftly becoming a very popular fish to keep in the Australian aquarium hobby. These fish are essentially like oversized corydoras with their armored, bottom-dwelling, and active nature. They are incredibly hardy, adaptable, and easily bred fish which makes them a perfect consideration to a range of tanks. They also reach around 18 cm long which makes them ideal for larger aquariums.

 

The hoplo catfish is a robust, elongated catfish with a slightly flattened body covered in rows of bony plates, which provide protection and give it its armored appearance. The body colouration typically ranges from olive-brown to grey, with subtle darker mottling and a lighter underside. The pectoral fins are also very strong which these fish use for burrowing in the wild. Being a catfish, hoplos also have very long whiskers that they use to feel their way around the tank and this is incredibly interesting to observe especially when they are trying to find food.

 

These catfish are peaceful and thrive in groups of three or more, where their playful interactions can be observed. Breeding in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions. Males build bubble nests at the water's surface, where the eggs are laid and guarded. Providing floating plants or artificial surfaces for bubble nests can encourage breeding behaviour. Females will tend to become considerably rounder when they are ready with eggs compared to the more narrow bodied and smaller males.

 

Tank Recommendations for your Apistogramma Purple

A tank of at least 300 litres is recommended for a small group of Hoplo Catfish, with a sandy or fine gravel substrate to accommodate their burrowing habits. The tank should also have driftwood, rocks, and plants to create hiding spots and mimic their natural habitat. While Hoplos are highly adaptable, they prefer soft to moderately hard water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature range of 22-28°C.

 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Hoplo Catfish are peaceful and can be housed with a wide variety of community fish. They will be a great bottom dwelling option for those larger systems as well.

 

Usually Compatible

Smaller tetras like bloodfin tetras and anything which could cause territorial issues for the catfish like african cichlids.

 

Sometimes Compatible

Mildly aggressive fish like larger barbs or some dwarf cichlids might cause long term stress for the Apistogramma.

 

Rarely Compatible

Large mouthed and incredibly aggressive species like peacock bass or dovii cichlids as if these fish ever were to get a hoplo lodged in their mouth it would be quite hard to remove and likely lead to the death of both species.

 

Feeding your Hoplo Catfish

The hoplo catfish is an omnivorous species and will accept a wide range of foods. Providing a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, black worms and bloodworms would be ideal for optimum health.