Striped Raphael Catfish

Striped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus & Platydoras costatus
Pronunciation  pla tee doh russ - are mat you luss
Synonym(s)  Doras armatulus

aka: Humbug Catfish, Striped Talking Catfish, Chocolate Catfish; Thorny Catfish, Chocolate Doradi

Origin: South America, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, French Guiana, Guyana, Venezuela, Suriname, Colombia

Family: Doradidae
Size: under 7”
Minimal tank volume: 200 litre (53 US gal)
Temperature: 68 °- 82.4 °F
pH tolerance: 5,8 - 7,5
Water hardness tolerance: 2 - 18 °dKH
Floor water column: bottom
Life span: 12 years
Behavior: peaceful
Care level: easy
Feeding: omnivore

The Striped Raphael Cat is one our most popular "larger" catfish full of desirable characteristics with its bold black and white stripes making this
peaceful cat visually striking.  Inquisitive by nature, Raphaels are full of personality and a pleasure to observe when active.  Hardy and easy to care for, this armored catfish sports an impressive set of chainsaw-like spines running along its lateral line.  Dagger-like dorsal and pectoral fins add to the arsenal of formidable defenses the Striped Raphael Cat has against predators.  Due to these thorny defensive spines, extreme care should be used when netting the Striped Raphael Cat to prevent ensnarement.

They are often referred to as "talking catfish."  When threatened, they produce a guttural croak or a series of percussive squeaks designed to intimidate predators.  The Striped Raphael Cat is mild-mannered yet confident in its endeavors.  This peaceful catfish does well in aquariums 20 gallons or larger and does well in community aquariums with peaceful inhabitants and aquariums housing larger more aggressive fish such as cichlids. 

Since the Striped Raphael Cat is nocturnal, be sure to provide ample daytime refuge but the use of Moonlights will enable evening viewing.

Striped Raphael Catfish must be provided with hiding places such as rock caves, or pipes and dim lighting.  Floating plants will help because they provide fish with shady areas.  Sand or gravel substrate are good choices.  Consider adding a couple pieces of driftwood to create hiding places for fish.  New Life Spectrum H20 Stable wafers is the best food choice for these fish. 

Shipped small about 1"+

3 yr old Adult pictured below