Humbug Catfish

Platydoras armatulus is distributed across the Amazon and Orinoco drainages and is widely available in the aquarium trade, valued for its distinctive black-and-white striped pattern and robust, trouble-free nature. Its armoured body is lined with spiny lateral scutes, and it vocalises audibly when disturbed, a characteristic of all doradids.

In the aquarium the Humbug Catfish is a peaceful, nocturnal bottom dweller that requires plenty of hiding places among driftwood and rocks. It is entirely safe with fish it cannot swallow and coexists well with a very wide range of community tankmates. It is long-lived and essentially undemanding.

This species is one of the best gateway catfish for aquarists who want to explore beyond the cory. Its hardiness, peaceful nature, and striking appearance make it a consistent bestseller.

Water: 22–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; standard community water quality. Tank: Minimum 200L; essential hiding spots under driftwood and rock overhangs. Feeding: Omnivore; sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, algae wafers, leftover community food. Breeding: Not commonly bred in aquaria. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent community fish; tolerates wide range of tankmates.