Zuloaga's Talking Catfish

Doraops zuloagai is a large doradid endemic to the Orinoco drainage of Venezuela, where it inhabits large rivers with mixed sandy and rocky substrate. Its high dorsal profile, broad lateral scutes, and robust build give it an imposing silhouette. Despite being rarely exported, it turns up occasionally in Colombian and Venezuelan collection shipments and is eagerly acquired by specialist doradid collectors.

In the aquarium, D. zuloagai behaves as a typical large doradid — peaceful, omnivorous, primarily nocturnal, and vocal when disturbed. It appreciates fine sand, large caves, and subdued lighting. At 60 cm it requires a substantial aquarium but does not approach the extreme scale demands of the very largest doradids. Feeding is uncomplicated: large sinking pellets, earthworms, fruit, and frozen crustaceans are all taken.

The rarity of this species in the trade means relatively little is published about its captive care, but its close relationship to other large doradids allows confident extrapolation of husbandry requirements. Keepers who acquire it are encouraged to document and share observations to build the hobby knowledge base.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft; Orinoco blackwater-style conditions ideal. Tank: 1 000 L minimum; fine sand; large driftwood caves; dark water. Feeding: Large sinking pellets, earthworms, fruit, frozen crustaceans; omnivore. Breeding: Not documented. Compatibility: Peaceful; suitable with large Orinoco species — large cichlids, other doradids.