Chocolate Striped catfish

(Platydoras armatulus) 🌎 Origin

Native to slow-moving rivers and tributaries throughout the Amazon Basin in South America. 📏 Adult Size

18–22cm ⏳ Lifespan

10–15 years with proper care. 🧠 Temperament

Peaceful, hardy and mostly nocturnal.
They are shy during the day and prefer to hide, becoming more active at night.

✔ Suitable for larger community aquariums
✔ Generally non-aggressive
⚠ Can eat very small fish if they fit in their mouth

They have armoured plates along their body and sharp pectoral spines, so care is needed when handling or netting. 🏡 Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 150L

Temperature: 24–28°C

pH: 6.0–7.5

Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Flow: Moderate

They appreciate:
• Driftwood and caves
• Dim lighting
• Sandy or smooth gravel substrate
• Plenty of hiding spots

Stable, clean water is essential for long-term health. 🍽 Diet

Omnivorous scavenger.

Feed a varied diet of:

Quality sinking pellets or wafers

Frozen bloodworms

Brine shrimp

Occasional fresh foods

They locate food using barbels and a strong sense of smell. 🐠 Tank Mates

Suitable with:

Medium to large peaceful fish

Larger tetras

Peaceful cichlids

Silver dollars

Other non-aggressive species

Avoid nano fish or very small tank mates. ⭐ Why Choose a Chocolate Striped Catfish?

Striking cream stripes over a rich brown body

Extremely hardy

Long-lived species

Adds personality to larger aquariums

A great option for hobbyists wanting a unique bottom-dweller that thrives with proper setup and long-term care.