Striped Raphael Catfish

Platydoras armatulus, the Striped Raphael Catfish, is a robust armoured catfish from South America covered in lateral bony ridges adorned with striking yellow-white stripes on a dark body. Its pectoral spines lock into place as a defence mechanism — handle with care. It produces a croaking 'talking' sound when handled. A nocturnal scavenger and snail crusher that is hardy and adaptable. Best kept singly or in pairs in community tanks with robust medium-large fish.

Temperature 23–28 °C, wide pH tolerance. Sandy substrate with caves for hiding. Feed sinking pellets, shrimp wafers, and frozen bloodworm at night. Will consume snails and small invertebrates. Peaceful with all fish too large to fit in its mouth.