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Striped Raphael CatfishChocolate Catfish ~ Thorny CatfishFamily: Doradidae Platydoras costatusLatest Reader Comment - See More I have had my Catfish for about 9 months now. He is very inactive and hides away all the time. He also doesn't seem to be growing in size. He looks to me as if he... (more) Melanie Shepperson The Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish has been a favorite of aquarium enthusiasts for a long time. They are very peaceful and thought to be the nicest of the Thorny Catfish!Striped Raphael Catfish Contents These are a fun fish to watch as they have a curious nature. Even though the Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish are nocturnal, once they are comfortable in their environment they will often spend many daytime hours exploring the aquarium. They like to burrow in the soft river bottom so be sure to provide a corner of fine gravel or sand. They also like some plant cover and hiding places like the hollows of roots. The Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish will not harm plants, though some of the smaller leaved plants may get a dusting when this catfish burrows into the sand. It is best to catch the Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish with a glass rather than a net as they are prone to sticking out their side spines in a very rigid manner when they are stressed. They can easily get caught in a net. Not only is it difficult on both the fish and you when you try to get them untangled, it is also a bit dangerous. A prick from the spines of this fish is quite painful! A curious fact about the Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish is that it also has tiny curved spines running along its body to protect it! For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish are found in the middle Amazon River region. They are a nocturnal fish that burrow in the soft river bottoms. In the wild, these fish feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and organic debris.
- Scientific Name: Platydoras costatus
- Social Grouping: Groups
- IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed
The Striped Raphael Catfish has broad black and white stripes that run the length of its body.They have spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins. They also have small curved spines running along its body presumably for protection. The striped Raphael catfish grows to 9½ inches (24 cm). The striping pattern is not as strong in adult fish.
Since they are nocturnal the best time to observe these fish is after the tank light is turned off with a night light in the room. This is also the best time to feed them. One thing to be careful of is overfeeding the Striped Raphael Catfish. It has been reported that they will actually eat themselves to death if given enough food.
A very interesting fact about them is that juvenile raphael catfish have been recorded as cleaning piscivorous fish (fish that mainly eat other fish) such as the Wolf Fish, Hoplias cf. malabaricus .
- Maximum Size: 9.5 inches (24.13 cm)
- Lifespan: 20 years - From hobbyist data, several are now 15 years old and one is 22 years old.
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Since they are carnivores, the Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish need protein foods. They will eat live foods such as bloodworms, earthworms, and tubifex. They are bottom feeders, and may also eat frozen foods as well as flakes or tablets that have sunk to the bottom.
- Diet Type: Carnivore
- Flake Food: No
- Tablet Pellet: Yes
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gal (284 L)
- Substrate Type: Sand - Sand or Sand/Gravel mix that the fish can burrow in.
- Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting
- Temperature: 75.0 - 86.0° F (23.9 - 30.0° C)
- Range ph: 5.8-7.0
- Hardness Range: 4 - 18 dGH
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Weak
- Water Region: Bottom
The Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish are a good community fish. They are friendy with other community tankmates.
- Venomous: No - Although not venomous, the aquarist should be wary of this very spiny fish which can do some damage.
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe - The Striped Raphael will eat fish small enough to fit in it's mouth.
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Monitor - Can usually be kept with semi-aggressive and even aggressive fish such as cichlids.
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Threat - is aggressive - In the wild, this fish hunts at night for worms, crustaceans, insects and snails.
- Plants: Safe
Not known.
The Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish have not reportably been bred in captivity so far.
- Ease of Propagation: Difficult - There have been a few successful breedings in very large tanks however this is not easily accomplished.
The Striped Raphael Catfish or Chocolate Catfish is readily available.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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