Striped Raphael

Overview

• Scientific Name: Platydoras armatulus
• Common Names: Striped Raphael Catfish, Striped Catfish, or simply Striped Raphael.
• Family: Doradidae
• Origin: Native to the rivers and streams of the Amazon Basin, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Striped Raphael Catfish can grow to about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in length.
• Coloration: They have a striking appearance with a dark body and white or cream-colored stripes that run horizontally along their body, giving them a distinctive look. The pattern can vary among individuals.
• Body Shape: They have a flattened, broad body with a wide head and a tapered tail. The pectoral fins are equipped with spines that can be raised for protection.

Behavior

• Temperament: Striped Raphael Catfish are generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. They tend to be shy and prefer to hide among decorations and plants.
• Activity Level: They are mostly nocturnal, becoming more active during the night when they search for food.
• Sociability: While they can be kept alone, it’s beneficial to keep them in pairs or small groups. However, they do not exhibit strong schooling behavior.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks preferred for groups or additional tank mates.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74°F to 80°F (23°C to 27°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
  • Water Hardness: 5 to 20 dGH
• Substrate: A soft substrate such as sand or fine gravel is ideal to protect their sensitive barbels.
• Tank Setup: Provide plenty of hiding spots using caves, driftwood, and dense vegetation. They appreciate a well-planted tank with areas to explore.
• Filtration: A gentle filtration system is important, as strong currents can stress these fish.

Diet

• Feeding: Striped Raphael Catfish are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Their diet can include:
  • High-quality sinking pellets or wafers designed for catfish.
  • Frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Vegetable matter, including blanched zucchini, cucumber, or peas.
• Feeding Frequency: They should be fed once or twice a day, providing small amounts that can be consumed in a few minutes.

Reproduction

• Breeding: Breeding Striped Raphael Catfish in captivity is rare and requires specific conditions.
• Eggs: If breeding occurs, females lay adhesive eggs on surfaces in the tank, which hatch in a few days.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Striped Raphael Catfish can be housed with a variety of community fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Peaceful cichlids
  • Other small catfish
• Avoid Aggressive Species: They should not be kept with aggressive or larger fish that may bully or prey on them.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: In a well-maintained aquarium, Striped Raphael Catfish can live for 10 to 15 years.

Care Requirements

• Water Quality: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential to maintain good water quality and reduce stress.
• Tank Maintenance: Monitor water parameters and perform routine maintenance to ensure a clean environment.
• Behavior Monitoring: Observe their interactions with tank mates to ensure compatibility and reduce stress.

Interesting Facts

1. Unique Spines: The Striped Raphael Catfish has sharp spines in its pectoral fins that can be raised when threatened, providing protection against predators.
2. Camouflage Ability: Their striped coloration allows them to blend into their surroundings, making them less visible to potential threats.
3. Shy Nature: They tend to be shy and may spend a lot of time hiding, especially during the day. Providing hiding spots in the tank can help reduce their stress.