This is the article’s introduction:
Platydoras armatulus, popularly known as the singing striped catfish, is an intriguing addition to any freshwater aquarium. Aquarium enthusiasts adore this catfish because of its unusual appearance and fascinating behavior. This fish, which has noticeable black and white stripes, is both beautiful and resilient, making it a good choice for novice and expert aquarium owners.
The singing striped catfish’s unique quality lies in its ability to make noises. The fish makes these noises, which are frequently referred to as "singing," when it rubs its pectoral fins against its body. This behavior gives the catfish an odd and fascinating side to its personality and is typically seen when it is stressed or excited.
This catfish is a peaceful species that gets along well with a wide range of other fish, despite its somewhat shy disposition. It spends the day hiding and emerges to explore after dark, with a tendency to be more active at night. Because of this, it’s the perfect option for aquarists who like to watch their tank in the calmer hours of the night.
A singing striped catfish is not too difficult to care for. It grows best in a clean tank with lots of hiding places and a plush substrate. Feeding is also simple because this catfish is omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including frozen or live fish, as well as sinking pellets.
This version is designed to be accessible and engaging, providing readers with key information about the singing striped catfish while keeping the language simple and the content concise.
Feature | Description |
Common Name | Singing Striped Catfish |
Scientific Name | Platydoras armatulus |
Origin | South America |
Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) |
Temperament | Peaceful |
Diet | Omnivore |
Water Temperature | 72-79°F (22-26°C) |
Tank Size | Minimum 30 gallons |
Special Traits | Known for making croaking sounds |
- Description
- Appearance
- Behavior
- Lifespan
- Aquarium
- Water parameters
- Plants
- Soil
- Equipment
- Lighting
- Feeding
- Compatibility
- Reproduction
- Sex differences
- Spawning
- Diseases
- Reviews
- Price
- Video on the topic
- Squeaking catfish platidoras
- Platidoras striped content. Aquarium catfish.
- Catfish Platydoras striped. Content, breeding, feeding, compatibility. Platydoras armatulus
Description
From above, the body’s outlines resemble an arrow. Big head. firm whiskers. thick skin with fins and sides covered in growths-spins. occipital hard shield.
Catfish can grow up to 25 cm in length in the wild, and 15-20 cm in an aquarium.
Appearance
With white-yellow stripes running along the margins of the head, sides, and ventral and dorsal fins, the color ranges from brown to black. The breed was named striped catfish because of its coloring.
Fry catfish have vivid stripes. The stripes become less pronounced as people age.
Behavior
They are bottom dwellers who live at night. seldom ascend to the surface. They enjoy making earthworks. Large fish are cleansed by juvenile platidoras of parasites and dead scales. calm and peaceful with their neighbors.
Because of their propensity to produce loud, vibrating noises when attempting to attract a female or in times of danger, platadras came to be known as the singing catfish.
Lifespan
In the wild, stripes can survive up to 20 years, while in an aquarium, they can only live up to 15.
Most of the time, singing catfish are found on the bottom. Adjust to the fluid changes in the water. Choose an aquarium with lots of plants, driftwood, and shelters that is dimly lit.
Aquarium
Beginning with a 120-liter aquarium. Because platadoras are bottom-dwellers, tall aquariums with limited bottom space are inappropriate for housing them. Large bottom area required. A rectangular container that is 40–50 cm high is the ideal choice.
Water parameters
Maintain the following range of natural water parameters when caring for platidoras:
- hardness – 1-1.5 dH;
- acidity – 6-7.5 pH;
- water temperature – 25-30 degrees.
The majority of the animals offered for sale in pet shops are raised in artificial environments. These catfish can easily withstand a brief drop in temperature and are acclimated to excessive hardness and acidity in the water. However, only fresh water should be used. Once a week, replace 30% of the water.
Plants
Because they only eat the tiniest algae, aquarium striped catfish do not harm large plants. Silt from the bottom is raised by nocturnal residents, and this can cause plaque to develop on thin leaves.
Platidoras require a lot of vegetation to feel comfortable, but don’t forget to leave enough room for swimming. Plants that can shade the bottom should ideally be floating on the surface. Take Hornwort and Elodea, for instance.
Soil
Install driftwood, clay pots, and broken plastic pipes to decorate the bottom and provide Platidoras with a place to hide.
Because catfish enjoy digging, mix in some sand and small gravel with the soil.
Equipment
Swampy rivers and streams are the striped catfish’s natural habitat.
Platidora, the unassuming catfish, is at ease with a small course, improved aeration, and moderate filtration. Water that is saturated with oxygen is essential for aquarium inhabitants’ health.
Lighting
Individuals with stripes tend to feel more at ease in areas with shade, and dislike bright light. Install dim lighting if you want to watch the fish at night.
Feeding
Catfish naturally search the bottom for food. Mollusks, crustaceans, and organic foods are all part of the diet.
It eats sinking food in the aquarium:
- live and frozen tubifex, bloodworms, worms;
- finely chopped fish;
- industrial food;
- mashed cucumber, lettuce, zucchini.
Platidoras has no dietary preferences. Maintain a 4:1 ratio of protein to plant-based diet when making food choices.
Observe the feeding schedule. Feed food once in the evening on a daily basis. Determine the portion size with care. For a few days, stop feeding the Platidoras if the fish have visibly gained weight.
Platydoras, or singing striped catfish, are resilient and interesting additions to any aquarium because of their unusual ability to make a croaking sound when startled. By scavenging for food scraps, this eye-catching striped fish not only adds visual interest with its striking black and white pattern, but it also helps maintain the tank clean. The Singing Striped Catfish is a peaceful, hardy fish that is easy to maintain, making it a great option for novice and expert aquarium owners alike who want to give their tank some personality.
Compatibility
Calm and amiable, striped platidoras catfish. demonstrates excellent compatibility with other aquarium occupants.
Gets along with large and medium-sized fish without being overly territorial:
- cichlids;
- tetras;
- carp;
- angelfish;
- goldfish;
- gourami.
Select large and medium-sized breeds. Food sources for striped catfish include shrimp, snails, and small fish.
Aggressive neighbors seldom show up on the surface.
Platidoras establish schools in wild waters to provide both protection and food. During the adaption phase, striped catfish in aquariums may exhibit aggressive behavior towards one another. The fish eventually stop fighting and start sharing food and shelter.
Reproduction
Hormone injections are used on specialized farms to breed catfish. In rare instances, fish in captivity have independently reproduced, and aquarists have discovered fry that have already hatched.
Sex differences
In this breed, sexual deformity is not very noticeable. Compared to the female, the male is brighter and slimmer. See a qualified aquarist before making a purchase.
Spawning
Platidora females spawn in streams and rivers in the wild. They use snags and fallen trees, or they construct nests out of leaves, branches, and tiny bits of wood. The females lay off the caviar and hide in the made-shift shelter. Males circle around the nest and fuel it multiple times. The female lays approximately 300 eggs at a time on average. After three days, fry hatch, and five days later, they can feed themselves independently.
Diseases
Because of this, Cos Platidora can contract fungal diseases, parasitic infections, and viral infections. However, the fish is resilient by nature.
- Carefully relate to the compilation of the diet. Pisces are sick and die due to a lack of necessary substances or when an excess of food.
- Clean new items and plants thoroughly, and quarantine newly purchased fish before transferring them to the main tank.
- Monitor nitrate levels. A strong excess is the optimal environment for the development of whisker infections. A regular partial water change will help to avoid this.
- Do not feed the fish more food than they can eat, otherwise the decomposing organic matter will pollute the water, which will lead to fin necrosis.
- Platidoras have spikes on their bodies, and when trying to catch them with a net, injuries are inevitable. Use a thick linen net for transplantation.
- Do not treat a sick catfish with potassium permanganate or copper-containing substances, this will lead to death.
Reviews
Owners observe the fish’s friendliness, omnivorous nature, and ability to produce noises.
Price
Size (cm) | Price in rubles |
up to 3.5 | 110 |
up to 5.5 | 150 |
up to 13 | 245 |
up to 16 | 450 |
The text for the conclusion is as follows:
Platydoras, or singing striped catfish, are an amazing addition to any aquarium. They are distinct from other fish species due to their capacity to make noises. These catfish are an excellent option for both novice and expert aquarists because they are not only fascinating but also reasonably simple to care for.
Because of their peaceful disposition, they can live in harmony with a wide range of other fish in your aquarium, giving it more diversity. They can flourish in the correct conditions and offer a singular experience to anyone who enjoys watching aquatic life.
Recall to feed them a diet that suits their needs and to keep the tank clean and the water in it in the right conditions. Your singing striped catfish will live a long, happy life and add their presence and peaceful sounds to your aquarium if you take this action.