Common names/s: Brown hoplo, hoplo catfish
Scientific name: Megalechis thorcata formerly known as Hoplosternum thoracatum
Family: Callichthyidae
Origin: Widespread throughout the Amazon basin
Maximum size: 7"
Care: A very easy fish to care for, the species is neither fussy of water conditions, tankmates or food, tolerates temperatures from 18 to 28 celcius. A sand or smooth small grained gravel substrate should be used to protect the fishes barbels. The fish will not harm even the smallest fish and is the perfect addition to any community tank over 30" in length, ideally the fish should be kept in groups of 3 or more but can be kept singularly as well.
Feeding: All small foods will be taken, bloodworms and small catfish pellets are especially enjoyed, the fish may even take flake from the surface.
Breeding: Spawning can be initiated by large water changes using cool water, when in breeding condition the male displays a blue/purple sheen on the under belly. The fish build a bubble nest using leaves and twigs in its construction, after spawning takes place both parents should be removed to seperate tanks as the males become aggressive and both will eat eggs and fry.
Coments: Hoplosternum make good clean up tankmates for medium sized and non aggressive predators like S.lima, H.platyrynchos, Osteoglossum and Astronotus, their reasonable size and armour plating makes them unappetising and protects them from the occasional nip.
Scientific name: Megalechis thorcata formerly known as Hoplosternum thoracatum
Family: Callichthyidae
Origin: Widespread throughout the Amazon basin
Maximum size: 7"
Care: A very easy fish to care for, the species is neither fussy of water conditions, tankmates or food, tolerates temperatures from 18 to 28 celcius. A sand or smooth small grained gravel substrate should be used to protect the fishes barbels. The fish will not harm even the smallest fish and is the perfect addition to any community tank over 30" in length, ideally the fish should be kept in groups of 3 or more but can be kept singularly as well.
Feeding: All small foods will be taken, bloodworms and small catfish pellets are especially enjoyed, the fish may even take flake from the surface.
Breeding: Spawning can be initiated by large water changes using cool water, when in breeding condition the male displays a blue/purple sheen on the under belly. The fish build a bubble nest using leaves and twigs in its construction, after spawning takes place both parents should be removed to seperate tanks as the males become aggressive and both will eat eggs and fry.
Coments: Hoplosternum make good clean up tankmates for medium sized and non aggressive predators like S.lima, H.platyrynchos, Osteoglossum and Astronotus, their reasonable size and armour plating makes them unappetising and protects them from the occasional nip.
