Spotted Raphael catfish.
Spotted Raphael catfish.

Hoplo Catfish 5cm

Regular price $75.00 Sale price $44.00 Save $31.00
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Hoplo Catfish – A Hardy and Peaceful Aquarium Favorite

The Hoplo Catfish (Megalechis thoracata) is a robust and tranquil species renowned for its armored body and friendly demeanor. Found in the slow-moving waters of South America, this adaptable fish is perfect for community aquariums. Its resilience and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent option for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Size and Lifespan

This species can grow up to 15 cm in length and has an average lifespan of 5–8 years. To ensure longevity, maintain clean water conditions, provide a nutritious diet, and offer a spacious tank.

Ideal Tank Setup

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is suitable. Set up the tank with a sandy or fine-gravel substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Include hiding spots such as driftwood, caves, and dense plants. The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5, a temperature of 22–28°C, and moderate water flow.

Compatible Tank Mates

These peaceful catfish thrive in community tanks. Good companions include tetras, gouramis, peaceful cichlids, and other non-aggressive fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or overly territorial species.

Feeding and Nutrition

Hoplo Catfish enjoy a varied diet. Offer high-quality sinking pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex. Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach are also appreciated. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.

Breeding and Behaviour

This species is known for its unique bubble-nesting breeding habits. Males construct bubble nests at the water’s surface and protect the eggs until they hatch. To encourage breeding, use a shallow tank with soft, slightly acidic water and floating plants.

Hoplo Catfish are highly active, often foraging along the substrate for food. They thrive in groups of at least three, as they enjoy social interactions with their own kind.

Species Overview

  • Species: Megalechis thoracata
  • Common Name: Hoplo Catfish
  • Origin: South America
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • pH Range: 6.5–7.5
  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • Max Size: 15 cm
  • Tank Size: 30 gallons

FAQs About Hoplo Catfish

How large do they grow?
They can grow up to 15 cm in length, making them suitable for medium-sized tanks.

What do they eat?
They eat sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.

Are they easy to breed?
Yes, Hoplo Catfish are bubble-nesters. Males build nests at the surface and protect the eggs until they hatch.

What water parameters are ideal?
Maintain a pH of 6.5–7.5, a temperature of 22–28°C, and moderate water flow for optimal health.

Can they live with cichlids?
Yes, but only with peaceful cichlid species to avoid stress or aggression.

Q: How much is postage cost?

A: All dry goods are $9.95 flat shipping, $13.95 for Plants express postage and live stock are $23 express postage flat. Handling time applies.

Q: Where do we ship ?

A: We ship Australia wide but Live stock are not shipped to WA,NT & Tasmania because of the state law.

Q: Where do we ship from ?

A: We ship from Sydney,

Q: When do we ship ?

A: All dry goods are shipped Monday - FridayLive Goods are shipped Mon - Wed depending where you are.

Q: Can I Pick Up ?

A: We are not offering any pickup at this stage

Q: Can I return the item back?

A: All dry stock can be returned back. Live goods are not refundable. Shipping cost will be deducted upon return of the item and also customer is responsible to send the item back.


We dont ship Live stock and plants to WA,NT & Tasmania because of the state law.

We do ship dry goods.
Drip acclimation is a method used to gradually introduce aquatic animals, such as shrimp, snails, and fish, to their new tank environment after transport. It helps them adjust to the water parameters and temperature differences between the transport bag and the tank. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to drip acclimate your aquatic animals:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary materials

Clean bucket or container large enough 
Airline tubing
Air pump (optional but recommended)
Adjustable valve or knot (to regulate the flow of water) or get a abquatics drip kit
Clean, dechlorinated water (ideally matching the temperature and pH of your tank)


Step 2: Set up the drip acclimation system

Fill a clean bucket or container with the clean, dechlorinated water.
Attach one end of the airline tubing to an air pump (if using) and place the other end inside the bucket. Make sure it reaches the bottom of the container.

Step 3: Start the drip

Open the bag containing the aquatic animals and carefully pour the entire contents into the bucket, including the water from the transport bag.
Start a siphon by sucking on the free end of the airline tubing or use a siphon starter. This will initiate a slow drip of water into the bucket.

Step 4: Adjust the drip rate

Use an adjustable valve or tie a knot in the airline tubing to regulate the drip rate. Aim for approximately 2-4 drips per second.
The slow drip helps gradually mix the water in the bucket with the water from the transport bag, preventing any sudden changes in water parameters.

Step 5: Monitor the process

Keep an eye on the acclimation process and periodically test the water parameters in the bucket using a test kit. This helps ensure a smooth transition.
Depending on the sensitivity of the animals and the water parameters involved, the acclimation process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Step 6: Adjust water volume if needed

If the water volume in the bucket becomes too high, you can remove some water and continue the drip acclimation process with fresh, dechlorinated water. Be cautious not to remove too much water, as it can lead to sudden changes in water parameters.

Step 7: Transfer the animals to the tank

Once the acclimation process is complete, gently net the aquatic animals from the bucket and transfer them to the tank. Avoid adding the water from the acclimation container to the tank to prevent any potential contamination.

Step 8: Dispose of the acclimation water

After transferring the animals, discard the acclimation water from the bucket. Do not pour it directly into any drains or natural bodies of water.
By following these steps, you can safely and gradually acclimate your shrimp, snails, and fish to their new tank environment after transport. Remember, it's important to monitor the process closely and make adjustments as necessary to ensure a smooth transition for your aquatic pets.

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