Hoplosternum Thoracatum Callo Cat Fish

Measure 9-10 cm

Big 50L aquariums

PH value 6.5-7.5

Granules, flakes food, frozen food

South america

Temperature 22-24ºC

Water hardness 0-20

Minimum dimensions of the aquarium: 120x50x50h cm for a group of 6-8 specimens

The hoplo are not particularly shy catfish, but still appreciate many hiding places and shelters in the form of rocks, plants and intertwined logs. Floating plants are also appreciated that shield light, even if they will be fine in almost all the fittings. To these fish it really like to dig, so you have to take care that all the structures are stable and do not risk them falling on during the excavations.

You must provide a fine and non-sharp sand background, since the fish like to plow the substrate with the barbigli, looking for food.

Keep in mind that the hoplo are very turbulent during meals, so make sure you provide food at different points of the aquarium at the same time, so that other fish receive their part. The most timid and nervous species can be reluctant to feed themselves when the hoplo launch themselves in their frantic food search mode. The thoracata megalechis have the ability to breathe air with the intestine, so it is necessary to leave a small space between the surface of the water and the cover, so that they can rise to the surface to suck air. They can do it numerous times per day.

Their presumed tolerance under conditions anything but ideal in nature, should not be used as an excuse to neglect the aquarium. A good maintenance regime and changes of water is a must, and the megalechis thoracata will prosper in water with a lot of current and well oxygenated.

Behavior and compatibility: The Megalechis Thoracata are excellent inhabitants of the fund for larger aquariums, with medium-sized tank companions. Because they reach quite large adults, they must not be bred with small neon proportions fish, since these will be eaten during the night, when the hoplus are more active. Suitable bathmakes can include barbus / medium size racks, great species of rainbowfish, large species of devario, species of Tetra medium sized or deep body, like phenacogrammus interruptus, gymnocorymbus turbines, etc., species of rasbora medium-large size, etc. The adaptable and resistant nature of the hoplo means that they can be bred in almost all configurations, even with larger and aggressive species such as central America cichlids.

It is best to raise the Megalechis Thoracata in groups of 5 or more specimens. In nature it is said to meet thousands, such is their sociable nature.