Raphael Catfish

Author : Efrain Silva

Their Appearance

These fish appear striped : Let’s begin there, as it’ll be a major description to help you note the difference between them and other types of small fish in the ocean, respectively.

Their pectoral fin spines are no less known to be quite rigid, as well, so make note of that. The protective little spines that run along its body, as such, are perfectly curved. The males tend to be a dark brown tan with black stripes, and the females are usually a light cream - yellow tan with black stripes.

How They’re Known

These fish are known as the Platydoras armatulus, and they are native to beautiful South America : Find them in their natural habitat in the Amazonas (or Amazon). They also go by a few other names, quite interestingly:

• Chocolate Doradid
• Striped Raphael Fish
• Talking Catfish
• Thorny Catfish
• Southern - Striped Raphael

In a nutshell, these fish are also known as the peaceful and nocturnal kind. They come out gently at night and do not go looking for trouble ; in the day, they sleep like a rock and are nearly motionless. They tend to burrow themselves among river bottoms that are soft and warm.

Their Diet

They like to eat most types of food you provide them, within reason, and will not reject a good meal of flakes, worms, or even those special little “catfish pellets” they sell at the pet store (they especially love those).

You might also find them munching down on some good ol’ brine shrimp, and experts say the best ‘feeding times’ for these little guys is right after evening, when the lights are dimmed. (I guess they like to chow down on a good, quiet dinner with some peace and quiet — give these guys their privacy to do so).

Good “Roommates” for Them

Do not house the Raphael Catfish with any other fish breeds that tend to be more aggressive in nature as this could spur on a host of issues ; if a Raphael Catfish feels threatened, its initial instinct is to be more timid in nature.

Put this type of fish along with other types of social, peaceable fish, and you will find a recipe for a good roommate agreement altogether.

On another note, it has been known to eat smaller fish that occasionally get dropped in its tank, especially if such fish are new to the tank (and the Raphael Catfish had already been previously living there for much longer).

Other Short Facts to Keep in Mind

The Raphael Catfish likes sandy bottoms, as well, and will even eat up some mollusks if found in its ocean habitat. It eats organic debris, too, and even some crustaceans that it can come across.

9.4 inches is its recorded maximum length, by the way, as this has been the longest Raphael Catfish caught; if attempting to catch one in the wild, a typical fish net, as opposed to a fishing pole, is the optimal method, experts agree. So let’s go fishing, or let’s visit the pet store!