Striped Raphael Catfish

Platydoras armatulus

Striped Raphael Catfish is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom dwellerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextBeginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 16.9" (≤ 43 cm)
Aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 75–86°F (24–30°C)
pH: 5.8–7.5
GH: 2–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 20 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 20 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–30 °C, pH 5.8–7.5, GH 2–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Striped Raphael Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Striped Raphael Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Give quality sinking tablets or pellets plus live/frozen invertebrates; add food after lights out.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Batman Betta Betta persephone Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bengal Loach Botia dario Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.1" (≤ 13 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 19.7" (≤ 50 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Striped Raphael Catfish get?

Striped Raphael Catfish reaches ≤ 16.9" (≤ 43 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Striped Raphael Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 66 US gal (250 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Striped Raphael Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Striped Raphael Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Striped Raphael Catfish?

Keep it between 24 to 30 °C.

Should Striped Raphael Catfish be kept alone or in a group?

Striped Raphael Catfish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.