Armoured Hoplo Catfish (Megalechis picta)

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Contents 1 Alternative names 1.1 Synonyms 2 Sexing 3 Tank compatibility 4 Diet 5 Feeding regime 6 Environment Specifics 7 Behaviour 8 Identification 9 Pictures 10 External links

Alternative names

Armoured Catfish, Tail Bar Armoured Catfish, Tail Bar Hoplo, Armoured Hoplo Catfish

Synonyms

Callichthys longifilis, Callichthys pictus, Callichthys sulcatus, Callichthys thoracatus, Hoplosternum orinocoi, Hoplosternum thoracatum

Sexing

A mature male has a thickened first pectoral ray which varies from orange/brown to scarlet in colour.

Tank compatibility

A peaceful fish that does well in company of its own kind. Can be boisterous at feeding time so keep with robust tankmates only.

Diet

Will accept a variety of foods including sinking catfish tablets and bloodworm.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

Not fussy about tank set up, originates from small ponds that are low in oxygen and have little current, but this fish is flexible towards it's environment.

Behaviour

Generally peaceful but can be boisterous.

Identification

More Loach-like in appearance than catfish, this fish is mottled grey in colour and can be mistaken for the similar Megalechis thoracata. The difference being the presence of a conspicuous dark vertical band in the caudal fin in the M.picta.

Pictures

External links

• Fishbase (Mirrors: )

• Planet Catfish
• Seriously Fish