Megalechis picta

From The Aquarium Wiki

This article is a stub. We can not complete the encyclopaedia without your help. You can contribute to the Aquarium Wiki by expanding this article. Dont be shy!.

Armoured Hoplo Catfish
Armoured Hoplo Catfish
Species	Megalechis picta
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	132.489 liters 132,489.412 mL 35 US Gallons (132.5L)
Size	12.7 cm 4.5-5 " (11.4-12.7cm)
pH	5.0 - 7.0
Temp.	290.928 K 17.778 °C 523.67 °R 300.928 K 27.778 °C 541.67 °R64 -82 °F (17.8-27.8°C)
Water Hardness	8-12
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods
Life Span	4-8 years

[edit] Alternative names

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

[edit] Other Scientific Names

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

[edit] Sexing

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] Diet

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

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Behaviour

Generally peaceful but can be boisterous.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Planet Catfish
• Seriously Fish