Spotted Hoplo Catfish

Megalechis thoracata is one of the most adaptable catfish in the hobby, found from the island of Trinidad across to the northern and central Amazon basin. Like Callichthys, it possesses a modified intestine for aerial respiration, allowing it to thrive in swamps, rice paddies, and seasonal pools that other fish could not survive. Its dark, spotted body and armored scutes give it a prehistoric charm.

In captivity, Megalechis thoracata is a bold, active forager that readily eats a wide range of foods. Males are distinguished by their orange-tinged pectoral spines during breeding season when they build and guard floating bubble nests. Females are typically rounder in the body. The species is tolerant of a remarkable temperature range — from 18°C up to 28°C — making it suitable for subtropical and tropical setups alike.

Best housed in groups of three or more in a spacious tank with fine sand substrate and plenty of hiding places. It is peaceful toward most tankmates of comparable or larger size and makes an ideal companion for South American community fish such as large tetras, cichlids, and other armored catfish.

Water: 18–28°C, pH 6.0–8.0, wide hardness tolerance (GH 2–20); benefits from regular water changes despite its hardiness. Tank: 120 L minimum; fine sand; driftwood and caves; floating plants help trigger breeding behaviour. Feeding: Omnivore; sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworm, tubifex, blanched courgette and spinach. Breeding: Males build surface bubble nests and guard eggs; condition breeders with live foods and cool-water changes. Compatibility: Peaceful with community fish; avoid very small species that could be consumed; compatible with South American cichlids.