[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras costatus)

This is a beautifully marked species in which the base chocolate (or almost black) color of the body contrasts sharply with the white or creamy bands. Its only significant drawback for many aquaria is its eventual size. The Striped Raphael Catfish has tiny curved spines running along the length of its body for protection, so it is best handled with care.

Other common names

• Chocolate Doradid, Humbug Catfish

Family

• Doradidae

Distribution

• Widespread in the Brazilian Amazon and Peru.

Size

• Up to 8 3/4in (22cm).

Behavior

• Sedentary and peaceful toward other species, but territorial toward its own. Likes to burrow.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Spacious, with adequate shelter and fine substratum. Protect plants against burrowing (by making base of stems inaccessible). Water chemistry not critical, but extremes must be avoided. Temperature range: 74-86T (24-30°C).

Breeding

• No documented accounts currently available.