Description
Hoplos are adaptable creatures which use their ability to breathe air to thrive in environments where oxygen levels (and water) can be low enough to cause other species problems. This means that as well as thriving in fast moving creeks, they can exploit swamps and flooded savanna – taking refuge in the mud during the dry season until the rains return.
There should be a soft sand substrate which will be kinder on the long sensory barbels and plenty of shady hiding places amongst bogwood, rocks and robust planting. Hoplo Catfish do like to dig, so be sure that structures are secure. Lighting should not be too bright, or else should be diffused with floating plant species.Their tolerance of less-than-ideal conditions in the wild should not be used as an excuse to let things lip within the aquarium and a good maintenance and water change regime is a must.
Hoplos are the chunkiest members of the family that contains Corydoras. Because they attain quite a size, they must not be kept with small fish of Neon Tetra proportions as these may be eaten overnight while they sleep. This species is best maintained in groups, although males will be territorial as they prepare for breeding. Typical tankmates could include medium sized members of the barb family, large Rainbowfish species, large Devario species, medium sized or deep bodied Tetra species e.g. Congo Tetras, Black Widow Tetras etc, medium-large sized Rasbora species, placid cichlids, and more. Bear in mind that Hoplo Catfish are very boisterous at feeding times, so be prepared to feed at several locations within the tank simultaneously so that the other fish get their share. Nervous species may be reluctant to feed when large adult catfish launch themselves into a frenzied food searching mode, so observe carefully. Hoplo Catfish have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. They may do this numerous times per day.
