Striped Raphael Catfish, scientifically known as Platydoras armatulus, is a type of catfish from the Doradidae family.
It has several other names like Southern Striped Raphael, Talking Catfish, Chocolate Doradid, Chocolate Catfish, and Thorny Catfish.
This fish comes from South America’s Amazon, Paraguay-Paraná, and lower Orinoco basins.
This friendly and curious fish is active at night and is popular in the aquarium trade. Although called “talking catfish,” it doesn’t actually talk.
People often confuse this fish with Platydoras costatus found in Suriname and French Guiana because of the similar pale stripe on their bodies that doesn’t extend to their heads.
Striped Raphael Catfish Interesting Facts
- Striped raphael catfish is a nocturnal, friendly aquarium fish from South America’s Amazon and Paraná basins.
- Known as “talking catfish,” but doesn’t actually talk; often confused with similar-looking Platydoras costatus.
- Thrives in freshwater, subtropical climates, and stays near the bottom of the water (demersal).
- Grows up to 16.9 inches (43.0 centimeters) in length and weighs up to 230 grams.
Striped Raphael Catfish Habitat
Striped Raphael Catfish is found in South America’s Paraná River basin.
It lives in freshwater and stays near the bottom (demersal) in subtropical climates.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Striped Raphael Catfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 16.9 inches (43.0 centimeters)
Striped raphael catfish grow up to 16.9 inches (43.0 centimeters) in length.
The heaviest recorded weight for this fish is 230 grams.
Striped Raphael Catfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Doradidae |
| Genus: | Platydoras |
| Scientific Name: | Platydoras armatulus |
| Also Known As: | Striped raphael catfish, Southern Striped Raphael, Talking Catfish, Chocolate Doradid, Chocolate Catfish, Thorny Catfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |