Hancock's Amblydoras

Amblydoras hancocki has been kept in aquaria since the early days of the tropical fish hobby and remains a firm favourite among catfish enthusiasts for its combination of hardiness, peaceful temperament, attractive appearance, and interesting vocalising behaviour. It originates from the Amazon and Guiana basins of South America where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, and leaf-litter-strewn swamps. Its body is covered in sharp lateral scutes and it bears stout locking pectoral spines, both of which provide excellent passive defence.

In the aquarium, A. hancocki is highly adaptable and forgiving of suboptimal water conditions, making it accessible to intermediate keepers. It is entirely nocturnal, spending days tucked beneath flat pieces of driftwood or leaf litter, and is most active after the aquarium lights have been off for an hour or more. It produces quiet but audible croaking sounds when disturbed, making handling always a memorable experience.

Feeding is simple — any sinking tablet, frozen bloodworm, or small earthworm is taken readily. It will not bother any tankmate it cannot swallow and can be housed with small tetras, dwarf cichlids, and even shrimp without incident. Its modest 15 cm maximum size makes it one of the most practically sized doradids in the hobby.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; typical Amazon parameters. Tank: 120 L minimum; leaf litter, flat driftwood hides; fine sand substrate. Feeding: Sinking wafers, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, small earthworms; very easy feeder. Breeding: Reported in large planted tanks; soft-substrate nest; not well-documented. Compatibility: Excellent community fish; peaceful with tetras, dwarf cichlids, shrimp, and small plecos.