Atipa (Hoplosternum littorale)
Fish in the family Callichthyidae. Easy care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameHoplosternum littorale
FamilyCallichthyidae
Also known asBrown Hoplo, Tamoata, Cascadu, Hoplo Catfish
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
Dietomnivore
Adult size9 in
Minimum tank size55 gallons
Water parametersTemp 68-79°F, pH 6.0-8.0, GH 4-25 dGH
Appearance
Large, armored brown-grey callichthyid with overlapping bony plates and long barbels; a bulky bottom-dweller.
Difficulty and care for the Atipa
Easy
Origin and habitat
South America (widespread, Amazon and Orinoco basins)
Keeper notes
Peaceful toward similar-sized fish but will eat anything that fits in its large mouth, including dwarf shrimp.
Log Atipa in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Atipa alongside everything else in your reef.