Striped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
Water Parameters
About
Robust catfish with lateral bony plates and spines on the pectoral fins. Alternating white and black stripes on the body. Famous for producing sounds when removed from the water. Very long‑lived and hardy.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely peaceful nocturnal catfish that hides during the day. Produces audible sounds (grunts) when captured or stressed. Social, enjoys the company of conspecifics.
Feeding
Omnivore - sinking pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms, algae wafers, food scraps. Feed at night. Eats small snails.
Breeding
Rarely bred in captivity. Possibly spawns in cavities. Sex differentiation difficult.
Care Notes
Mandatory hiding places (hollow logs, tubes, coconut shells). NEVER use a net (spines get caught—use a container). Soft substrate. May be seen only rarely during the day.
Compatibility
Extremely peaceful. Ideal with virtually any community fish. Do not keep with very small fish (they may be accidentally swallowed at night).
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Platydoras armatulus |
|---|---|
| Family | Doradidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 20.0 cm (7.9") |
| Min Tank | 200 L (53 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Omnivore - sinking pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms, algae wafers, food scraps. Feed at night. Eats small snails. |
| Temperament | Extremely peaceful nocturnal catfish that hides during the day. Produces audible sounds (grunts) when captured or stressed. Social, enjoys the company of conspecifics. |
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