Striped Raphael Catfish aka Chocolate Talking Catfish

Platydoras armatulus

The Striped Raphael Catfish/Chocolate Talking Catfish  

Native Location: Amazon River Basin, Orinoco River, Peru, Bolivia

Climate: Tropical

 

Maximum Size: 6” or 15cm

 

Temperament: Peaceful

 

Diet: Omnivorous, readily accept most foods.

 

Breeding: Unknown

 

Temperature Range: 75–80°F (23.8-26.7°C)

 

Preferred pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5

 

Minimum Aquarium size: 100l aquarium with minimum 100cm in length.

 

Potential Tank mates: Congo Tetra, Angelfish, Larger South American Tetra, Bristlenose Pleco

 

Care Level: Moderate.

 

The Raphael Catfish is also known as the Humbug catfish due to their black and white stripes running along their body. Although they are primarily nocturnal, those stripes come in handy when trying to spot them hiding out. Only when the lights go out will your see these classic catfish foraging around for food.

A peaceful community friendly catfish with a tendency to enjoy being in small groups of other catfish. The only thing to consider is that very small fish, shrimp and snails may end up becoming a late evening snack while they rummage around in the dark. Other than that, the Raphael Catfish can be housed with most fish - including the more aggressive cichlids too. The sharp fin rays do a great job of keeping any opportunistic predators at bay.

 

Although breeding has never been achieved naturally in commercial farms or the home aquarium, the Raphael Catfish remains a popular catfish within the hobby, with all specimens being wild caught. Despite being wild caught fish, you won’t struggle to find food they enjoy. A true omnivore in every sense, happily accepting pellet, tablet, live and frozen foods. For a healthy fish, provide good quality protein based foods like bloodworm at least once a week.