{"product_id":"albino-hoplo-catfish-4cm-5cm","title":"Albino Hoplo Catfish 6cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHoplo Catfish – A Hardy and Peaceful Aquarium Favorite\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hoplo Catfish (\u003cem\u003eMegalechis thoracata\u003c\/em\u003e) is a robust and tranquil species renowned for its armored body and friendly demeanor. Found in the slow-moving waters of South America, this adaptable fish is perfect for community aquariums. Its resilience and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent option for both novice and experienced aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize and Lifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species can grow up to 15 cm in length and has an average lifespan of 5–8 years. To ensure longevity, maintain clean water conditions, provide a nutritious diet, and offer a spacious tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of 30 gallons is suitable. Set up the tank with a sandy or fine-gravel substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Include hiding spots such as driftwood, caves, and dense plants. The water should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5, a temperature of 22–28°C, and moderate water flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese peaceful catfish thrive in community tanks. Good companions include tetras, gouramis, peaceful cichlids, and other non-aggressive fish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or overly territorial species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoplo Catfish enjoy a varied diet. Offer high-quality sinking pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex. Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach are also appreciated. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding and Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is known for its unique bubble-nesting breeding habits. Males construct bubble nests at the water’s surface and protect the eggs until they hatch. To encourage breeding, use a shallow tank with soft, slightly acidic water and floating plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoplo Catfish are highly active, often foraging along the substrate for food. They thrive in groups of at least three, as they enjoy social interactions with their own kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies\u003c\/strong\u003e: Megalechis thoracata\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hoplo Catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e: South America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e: Omnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range\u003c\/strong\u003e: 6.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e: 22–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30 gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQs About Hoplo Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large do they grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey can grow up to 15 cm in length, making them suitable for medium-sized tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do they eat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey eat sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they easy to breed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, Hoplo Catfish are bubble-nesters. Males build nests at the surface and protect the eggs until they hatch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat water parameters are ideal?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaintain a pH of 6.5–7.5, a temperature of 22–28°C, and moderate water flow for optimal health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan they live with cichlids?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, but only with peaceful cichlid species to avoid stress or aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ABQUATICS","offers":[{"title":"Pack Of 2(Get 3rdFree )","offer_id":51491306864918,"sku":null,"price":89.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Pack Of 1","offer_id":51491306897686,"sku":"A2438S-1","price":44.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Pack Of 5(Get 6th Free )","offer_id":51491306930454,"sku":"A2438S-2","price":224.75,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0903\/8348\/3158\/files\/albino-hoplo-catfish-4cm-5cm-466.webp?v=1782978894","url":"https:\/\/abquascape.com.au\/products\/albino-hoplo-catfish-4cm-5cm","provider":"abquascape","version":"1.0","type":"link"}