Spotted hoplo

The spotted hoplo is an armored catfish in the family Callichthyidae, native to lowland waters of northern and central South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It has a robust, elongated body protected by rows of bony plates, a brownish base color scattered with dark spots, and long barbels used to search the substrate. It is a peaceful, sociable bottom-dweller that does well in groups and coexists with other calm community fish. A tank with a soft substrate, hiding places, and gentle flow suits it. This omnivorous scavenger feeds on worms, insect larvae, and sinking foods, and readily accepts pellets and frozen fare. It is a bubble-nest builder: the male constructs a floating nest, often under a leaf, and guards the eggs, making it an interesting breeding subject for the community aquarium.