Costatus Striped Raphael

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extremely widespread throughout the Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná, and Essequibo basins. Populates indifferently large rivers, slow-flowing streams, swamps, and marginal pools hidden under intricate layers of roots.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras costatus / armatulus). Historically confused with twin species. Stocky and armored body, flanks protected by very sharp bony shields, equipped with robust barbels for searching for food on the bottom.

Social Behavior: Predominantly nocturnal. Extremely peaceful towards fish of similar size, while stationing all day holed up in a dark crevice. Notable is its ability to emit audible grunts (rubbing sounds) if frightened or annoyed.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The unmistakable livery: dark brown to deep black base body, furrowed laterally by a showy and thick creamy-white (or golden) stripe. Visual dimorphism absent, although gravid females appear exaggeratedly round.

Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 120 cm (48 inches). Provide a multitude of tunnel-shaped hideouts: terracotta pipes, large overturned pots, hollow logs. Strictly soft substrate (sand or smooth gravel) to protect the barbels.

Diet and Feeding: Tireless omnivorous scavenger. At night it will come out to vacuum up all the food that touches the bottom. Greedily accepts bottom fish tablets, large carnivorous pellets, chopped earthworms, and bloodworms.

Water Quality: A real "tank". Resists a very wide range of hardness (GH 2-20) and pH (5.8-7.5), proving excellent and long-lasting for beginners. Keep filtration good to avoid accumulations of mulm.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for large Central/South American Cichlids (Oscars, Severum), knifefish, or robust schooling Tetras (e.g. Buenos Aires Tetra). CATCHES and swallows small fish (Neons) sleeping on the bottom.

Aquarium Reproduction: Practically impossible in amateur aquarium keeping. Massive Asian reproductions occur in huge ponds through hormonal injections that force the fish to release eggs and sperm.

Risks and Diseases: Very healthy and long-lived fish (over 15 years in captivity). The greatest risk is linked to capture: its lateral spines and serrated pectoral fins will fatally get stuck in any cloth net. Use plastic cups.