Product Details

Albino Hoplo Catfish – Megalechis thoracata

The Albino Hoplo Catfish is a hardy, characterful armoured catfish with a pale cream to pinkish body, contrasting red eyes and the chunky, plated build that makes Hoplos so distinctive. This captive-bred albino form of Megalechis thoracata is a popular choice for aquarists wanting an active bottom-dweller that is larger and bolder than Corydoras, but still generally peaceful with suitable tank mates. Best suited to a spacious, mature tropical community aquarium, it is an excellent scavenging catfish when kept with robust fish too large to be swallowed.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Albino Hoplo Catfish
Other Names: Albino Spotted Hoplo, Albino Port Hoplo, Hoplo Catfish, Armoured Catfish, Spotted Hoplo, Hoplosternum thoracatum
Scientific Name: Megalechis thoracata
Fish Type: Armoured Catfish / Hoplo-type Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

This albino variety is a captive-bred colour form, but the wild species is native to northern and central South America, including the Amazon, Orinoco and upper Paraguay river systems, as well as coastal rivers of the Guianas and northern Brazil. In nature, Hoplo Catfish occur in a range of slow-moving or seasonally variable waters, including floodplains, creeks, swamps and vegetated margins. They are adapted to low-oxygen environments and can gulp atmospheric air at the surface, but aquarium care should still focus on clean, stable and well-filtered water.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Albino Hoplos have a broad head, long sensory barbels, bony side plates and a rounded, muscular body. The albino strain lacks the dark marbling of the wild form, instead showing a creamy white to pale peach body with pinkish tones and red eyes. Adults are substantial catfish, typically reaching around 15 cm, with some well-grown specimens becoming slightly larger. Mature males often develop thicker, more pronounced pectoral fin spines, which may take on an orange tone, while females are usually fuller-bodied.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a good choice for a medium to large tropical community aquarium with peaceful but reasonably robust tank mates. It is not a nano fish and should not be bought as a small “clean-up” catfish for small tanks. Albino Hoplos do well in aquariums with open foraging areas, smooth décor, shaded retreats and hardy planting. They may dig around the substrate, so delicate carpet plants and unsecured rockwork are not ideal.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 120 litres for a single specimen, with a larger aquarium of 180 litres or more recommended for a small group. Choose a tank with good floor space rather than just height, as this species spends much of its time exploring the lower levels.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 18–28°C
pH: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: Soft to hard; adaptable, but avoid sudden changes
Additional Notes: Provide a mature, well-filtered aquarium with regular maintenance. A soft sand substrate is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural foraging. Ensure access to the surface, as Hoplos will occasionally gulp air.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Albino Hoplo Catfish are generally peaceful, but they are strong, boisterous feeders and become too large for very small companions. Suitable tank mates include medium-sized tetras, barbs, rainbowfish, livebearers, peaceful cichlids, larger rasboras, gouramis and other robust community fish. Avoid tiny fish such as Neon Tetras, very small fry, delicate bottom-dwellers that may be outcompeted, and aggressive cichlids that may harass them.

They can be kept singly, but they are often more interesting in pairs or small groups where tank space allows. Males may become territorial when breeding and guarding a bubble nest, so provide space and cover if keeping more than one.

Feeding:

Albino Hoplos are unfussy omnivores. Offer a varied diet based around quality sinking catfish pellets, bottom-feeder tablets, granules and occasional flakes that reach the lower levels. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, tubifex, brineshrimp, daphnia, chopped mussel, prawn or earthworm. They will also take some vegetable-based foods, but they should not be expected to survive only on leftovers. Feed after lights-out occasionally if faster midwater fish are taking too much food.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species is an active bottom explorer that uses its barbels to sift through sand and search for food. It may rest under wood or plants during quieter periods, then become more active at feeding time or in the evening. Hoplos may rise quickly to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour. During breeding, males can build and defend a bubble nest at the surface, sometimes becoming more assertive than usual.

Care Notes:

Use a soft substrate and avoid sharp gravel, as damaged barbels can lead to infection. Keep décor stable because Hoplos are strong diggers and may undermine lightweight ornaments. Do not house them with very small fish, as small sleeping fish may be eaten opportunistically. Although hardy, they still need a cycled aquarium, good filtration and regular water changes. A secure lid is recommended, as sudden surface dashes can result in jumping.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Captive-bred colour form

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish