Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus)

Fish in the family Doradidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific namePlatydoras armatulus

FamilyDoradidae

Also known asRaphael Catfish, Talking Catfish, Chocolate Catfish

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietomnivore

Adult size8 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemp 72-86°F, pH 6.0-7.8, GH 4-20 dGH

Appearance

Armored catfish with bold cream and dark-brown horizontal stripes; can 'talk' by producing audible clicks.

Difficulty and care for the Striped Raphael Catfish

Easy

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon basin)

Keeper notes

Peaceful toward similarly sized fish but will eat very small tankmates; armored body and locking spines make handling tricky.

Log Striped Raphael Catfish 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 Striped Raphael Catfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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