CATFISH ALBINO HOPLO 9-10cm

Albino Hoplo Catfish (a colour morph of Megalechis thoracata, also known as Spotted Hoplo) are hardy, peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish popular in the aquarium hobby.

They feature a milky/pinkish body with dark spots, making them striking in well-lit setups. They are scavengers and excellent tank cleaners.

They are gregarious and do best in groups of 5+ for natural schooling/shoaling behaviour.

They add personality with their digging and air-breathing habits while remaining mostly peaceful.

Albino variants may be slightly more sensitive to bright light due to the lack of pigmentation; keep the tank dimly lit. Albino Hoplo catfish are bubble-nest builders.

TANK SET UP: Minimum tank size 220 litres for a small group (3–5 fish). Larger tanks (300 litres) are better for groups and promote more natural behaviour.

Fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel is essential. They love to dig and sift through the bottom, and sharp gravel can damage their sensitive barbels.

Provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, caves, rocks, and plants. Anchor decorations securely because they rearrange the substrate. Good plants are Anubias, Java Fern, and Amazon Sword. They rarely eat live plants.

TANK MATE: Good with community fish like tetras, rainbowfish, larger rasboras, angelfish, gouramis, and peaceful cichlids (e.g., severums). Avoid very small fish, shrimp, or fry that could be mistaken for snacks. They get along with other bottom-dwellers like Corydoras but provide enough space and food for all.

FILTRATION: Low to moderate water flow is ideal; they tolerate low oxygen by gulping air at the surface. Sponge filters or air-driven setups work well.

LIGHTING: Low or diffused (use floating plants to help). They are somewhat nocturnal but more active in dim conditions.

MAINTENANCE: Perform regular 25–50% water changes. They prefer stable parameters and clean water with good oxygenation.

FEEDING: High-quality sinking pellets, algae/spirulina wafers, frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms). Supplement with some vegetable matter.

They are voracious and can overeat. Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts.

They will scavenge for leftovers, but should not rely solely on them.

SEXING: Males develop thicker, more pronounced pectoral fin rays (often with an orange/yellow tint) and a more colourful belly during breeding condition. Females appear rounder and fuller-bodied, especially when gravid (egg-filled).