Striped Raphael Catfish - Platydoras armatulus
Care level: Easy
Max Size: 20cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temp: 24-28°C
PH: 6-7.5
Purchase size: 2.5-3cm
The Striped Raphael Catfish is a large peaceful species from South America. They are also often referred to as Humbug Catfish and more commonly, Striped Talking Catfish. The later is because the fish are capable of making very distinct grunting and squaking noises when distressed and being lifted from the water.
This is a peaceful catfish that spends the majority of the day hiding and coming out at night to hunt. The aquarium should be spacious to accommodate the size of this fish and the substrate needs to be soft sand to protect their delicate sensory barbels. The addition of bog wood, rocks, caves and pipes will offer hiding places and shady spots for the fish as it does not appreciate bright lighting. Floating vegetation will offer further shade, which should encourage the fish to come out more during the day. The addition of other tank mates does encourage them to be more active, but avoid anything that is small enough to be eaten.
Ideal tank mates include Angelfish, some of the more peaceful Cichlids, large tetras and barbs and suckermouth catfish, among others.
Be careful when handling Platydoras armatulus as they have very shark spines, particularly in the dorsal fins that are easily tangled in nets and can cause a painful injury to hands.
Food can be offered in the form of sinking pellets and fresh or frozen fish foods such as mysis and brine shrimp.
If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions
Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!
