Hoplosternum thoractum

[geo]

Hey, i've got two of these gorgeous catfish. they're about 3-4 inches long and I think they're males (They've got kinda reddish bellies). How big do these guys get? I've got the two of them in a 55 gallon with lots of hiding places and java moss and stuff. Will these two males fight with each other? do you have any care tips for this species? is 55 gallons a big enough tank?
thanks,
georgio

 

[ChilDawg]

I believe that Dick Mills has them growing to 7 or 8 inches a piece.

They may fight with each other, but it sounds like you have enough hiding places to take care of that...just watch them closely.

By the by, the genus Hoplosternum has been split, and I believe that these guys will be found as Megalechis thoracatum (spelling?)

One of my two favorite cat sites did a profile on them under this name. I cannot remember if it was www.scotcat.com or www.planetcatfish.com . The reason why I leave it this way rather than search is that I feel that both websites are absolute gems for cat info and that they are worth a good long look.

Best of luck with your "Hoplos"!

Matthew