{"product_id":"aspidoras-rochai-aspidoras-rochai","title":"Aspidoras rochai - Aspidoras rochai","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRochai Aspidoras – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAspidoras rochai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRochai Aspidoras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a small, peaceful armoured catfish related to Corydoras, but belonging to its own genus, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAspidoras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Often recognised as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGuaramiranga Cory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this species is a charming bottom-dweller for mature aquariums with soft sand, clean water and calm tank mates. It is best kept in groups, where its active foraging and social behaviour can be seen properly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rochai Aspidoras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Guaramiranga Cory, Aspidoras Catfish, Rochai Cory, Loach Catfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAspidoras rochai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cory-type Catfish \/ Callichthyid Catfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAspidoras rochai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a South American freshwater catfish from Brazil, with the Guaramiranga common name referring to its Ceará type locality. It is associated with inland freshwater habitats where small armoured catfish forage along the bottom for tiny foods among sand, fine debris, leaf litter and plant cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, this species should be kept in a mature setup with soft sand or very smooth fine substrate, shaded cover, clean water and gentle to moderate flow. It should not be treated as a general scavenger for new or dirty aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRochai Aspidoras have a small, armoured catfish body with a downturned mouth, sensory barbels and a neat patterned appearance. The body is typically pale, beige or greyish with darker mottling, spotting or broken markings. Compared with many Corydoras, Aspidoras often appear slimmer and more delicate, with a smaller head and active, darting movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–4.5 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making this a small catfish that still needs floor space and group keeping. Females are usually fuller-bodied when mature, while males are often slimmer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is best suited to mature peaceful community aquariums, small catfish displays and planted tanks with calm companions. It is a good choice for aquarists who enjoy Corydoras-type behaviour but want something less common and more specialist.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRochai Aspidoras are not suitable for sharp gravel, aggressive cichlid tanks, large predators, boisterous bottom feeders, immature aquariums or setups with poor water quality. They should not be sold as a clean-up fish and must receive their own sinking foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60 litres for a small group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e75–90 litres or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are preferred for bigger groups and mixed communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with larger groups preferred where space allows. Like Corydoras, Aspidoras are social catfish and become more confident, active and natural when kept with their own kind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 21–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Keep water clean, stable and well oxygenated. Avoid sharp substrates, high nitrate and sudden changes in water chemistry. Soft sand is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural foraging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRochai Aspidoras are peaceful bottom-dwelling community fish. Suitable tank mates include small peaceful tetras, rasboras, small danios, Ember Tetras, Neon Tetras, pencilfish, small livebearers in compatible water, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs and other calm community fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, rough bottom dwellers and very boisterous feeders that may outcompete them. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as this can make them shy and reduce natural behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRochai Aspidoras are omnivorous bottom feeders and need a varied sinking diet. Offer fine sinking catfish pellets, soft micro granules, small bottom-feeder tablets and crushed wafers as the staple diet. Supplement with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, finely chopped bloodworm and small tubifex.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey will search the substrate for food, but they must not be expected to survive on leftovers. Feed after lights dim or use targeted feeding if faster midwater fish take food first.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species spends much of its time foraging over the substrate, moving through plants and resting under cover. In a proper group, Rochai Aspidoras are social and active, often moving together in short bursts as they search for food. Like other callichthyid catfish, they may occasionally rise to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are egg-laying catfish and do not guard their eggs. Spawning may occur in well-conditioned groups, especially after good feeding and clean, stable water changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd Rochai Aspidoras only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Use soft sand or very smooth fine substrate, maintain clean water and provide shaded resting areas with plants, wood or leaf litter. Keep them in a proper group and make sure food reaches the bottom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA secure lid is recommended, as small active catfish can jump or squeeze through gaps, especially when startled. Avoid copper-based medications unless confirmed safe for catfish, and quarantine new arrivals where possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist import or captive-bred when available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, spotting, mottling, body shape and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43702197157962,"sku":"AG-103555","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43702197190730,"sku":"AG-103556","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43702197223498,"sku":"AG-103557","price":8.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/Aspidorasrochai-Aspidorasrochai_1.jpg?v=1781515454","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/aspidoras-rochai-aspidoras-rochai","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}