Hoplo Catfish Hoplosternum Megalechis Thoracata 5cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The Hoplo Catfish, or spotted hoplo, is a chunky armoured catfish with rows of bony plates, a mottled brown body and long barbels. Widespread across northern South America in still, oxygen-poor waters, it can gulp air at the surface. Its peaceful, sociable nature makes it a fine choice for community tanks, including those with robust cichlids.
- Adult Size: Around 15 cm (6 in)
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
Origin
- Native to: Northern South America, Amazon and Orinoco basins
- Habitat: Still, shallow, often oxygen-poor waters with cover
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Preferred Foods: Sinking pellets, catfish tablets, bloodworm, earthworms, brine shrimp, flake
- Feeding Habits: Feed daily; greedy and quickly clears leftovers
Tank Mates
- Best with: Tetras, barbs, corydoras, gouramis, medium Central American cichlids
- Avoid: Very small fish and fry; aggressive large predators
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Peaceful and sociable
- Territoriality: Males guard bubble nests when breeding
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Challenges: Boisterous digger; needs floor space, soft substrate and surface access
Water Parameters
- Water Type: Freshwater, adaptable
- Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F)
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Hardness: 0–20 dGH
- Flow: Slow
- Tank Size: Minimum 150 litres for a small group
Final Notes
Growth is quick and the adult is a sturdy, active fish, so give it floor space and a sand or fine gravel bed to rummage in. It breathes atmospheric air, so leave a gap at the surface. Breeding is easy: the male builds a bubble nest under floating plants and guards it fiercely. Males show a thicker, orange-tinged leading pectoral ray. Hardy, tolerant of cooler water and full of character.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.