Striped Raphael Catfish Care 101: Look, Size, Diet | 2024

The Striped Raphael Catfish is one of the most popular aquarium fish. They are schooling fish that can grow up to nine inches long, and they are known for their beautiful striped pattern. They can be found in many colors.

Striped Raphael Catfish is a very active fish, and they need plenty of room to swim. They are omnivorous fish, and they prefer to eat live food.

Striped Raphael Catfish are hardy fish that can be kept in various water conditions. Since this species is on the small side, they are a good choice for smaller aquariums.

In this guide, we will discuss the care and keeping of Striped Raphael Catfish. So, let’s get started.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Species Summary

Scientific name:	Platydoras armatulus
Common name:	Striped Raphael Catfish, Southern striped Raphael, talking catfish, chocolate doradid, chocolate catfish, or thorny catfish.
Family:	Doradidae
Origin:	South America
Average Size:	7.9 – 9.4 inches
Lifespan:	10 years or more
Temperament:	Peaceful
Minimum tank size:	50 gallons
Temperature range:	70° – 80° Fahrenheit
pH range:	6.5 – 7.5
Water type:	Freshwater
Water Hardness:	Soft to medium
Activity level:	High
Compatibility:	Peaceful
Tankmates:	Peaceful fish of similar size
Care level:	Easy
Diet:	Omnivorous

Also known as the armored catfish, the Striped Raphael Catfish is a freshwater fish that originates from the tropical regions of South America. This peaceful fish has a brown body with black stripes and can grow up to 9.4 inches in length. The Striped Raphael Catfish is a popular aquarium fish because of its small size and peaceful nature.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Appearance

As mentioned, Striped Raphael Catfish are known for their beautiful striped pattern. They come in many colors, including black, brown, beige, olive, and silver.

These fish have brown bodies with black stripes. Their belly is white or cream-colored, and they have long barbels. They also have a hard, bony plate on their head and body, which gives them their nickname “armored catfish.”

The stripes run vertically down the body of these fish, and they have a forked tails. The wider body stripes are usually more visible on fish that are stressed or unhealthy.

On the top of their head, they have two small barbels. Like many other catfish, they also have a pair of adipose fins. These fish also have a small dorsal fin and an adipose fin. These fins help them to swim and maneuver in tight spaces.

These fish also have sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins. These spines are used for defense and can be quite painful if poked by them. So, it’s important to be careful when handling these fish.

Another identifying feature of the Striped Raphael Catfish is its long barbels. These are fleshy, whisker-like structures that protrude from their mouth. They use these barbels to feel around for food and to locate mates. The longest pair is on their upper lip, and the other is on their chin.

Distinguishing between male and female Striped Raphael Catfish can be difficult. However, there are a few key differences that you can look for. For one, males tend to be smaller than females. They also have shorter barbels and a more rounded belly. There is, however, some overlap in size and features between the sexes, so it’s best to use other characteristics to identify them.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Size & Growth Rate

When fully grown, the average Striped Raphael Catfish size is about 7.9 to 9.4 inches in length. However, they’re not fully grown until they’re about 2 years old. Many aquarists have noted that they grow at a medium rate.

It’s essential to have a tank that’s big enough for these fish when they’re fully grown.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Lifespan

In captivity, the typical lifespan of Striped Raphael Catfish is 10 years. However, there have been reports of them living up to 15 years. But, to ensure a long and healthy life for your fish, it’s important to provide them with the proper care.

It’s worth mentioning that males of this species tend to have a shorter lifespan than females. While they might live up to 10 years, most males only live for 5-7 years.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Behavior & Temperament

The Striped Raphael Catfish is a lively and active fish that make a great addition to any aquarium. They are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 3-5 individuals. They are known for their playful behavior and will often swim around the tank in search of food.

Striped Raphael Catfish is nocturnal in nature, so make sure to have a few hiding places in your aquarium for them to retreat to. They are active during the night and mostly rest in the daytime.

They are easy-to-care-for fish that are great for beginner aquarists. They are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

Many owners actually enjoy watching their Striped Raphael Catfish interact with other fish in the aquarium. They are a peaceful species that gets along well with others, making them a great choice for community tanks.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Breeding

The Striped Raphael Catfish is a spawning species. This means that the female will releases its eggs into the rivers and streams to be fertilized.

Spawning is a trait seen in many Doradidae species, but it is not very common in other types of fish. So, breeding the Striped Raphael Catfish in an aquarium tank is rare.

Striped Raphael Catfish make an excellent addition to any aquarium, and they are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your home. With their unique stripes and curious nature, these fish will surely be a hit with everyone in the family.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Food & Diet

Striped Raphael Catfish are omnivorous and will eat various foods, including both plant and animal matter.

We recommend providing a diet that includes various high-quality foods, including freeze-dried such as:

• Brine shrimp: Brine shrimp are a good source of protein for your fish.
• Krill: Krill are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids for your fish.
• Bloodworms: Bloodworms are a good source of protein for your fish.
• Spirulina: Spirulina is a good source of vitamins and minerals for your fish.
• Tubifex worms: Tubifex worms are a good source of protein for your fish.

In addition to freeze-dried foods, we also recommend feeding live and frozen foods such as:

• Mysis shrimp
• Glass worms
• Daphnia
• Artemia
• Grindal worms
• Blackworms

It would help if you supplemented their scavenging with sinking pellets, tablets, or granules that contain all the nutrients needed for a healthy diet. Good quality flake food can also be offered as part of their diet.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a few foods you should avoid feeding your Striped Raphael Catfish.

Some of the most common foods to avoid are:

• Bread: Bread is not a suitable food for fish and can actually cause health problems.
• Greasy or fatty foods: Greasy or fatty foods can cause digestive problems in fish.
• Dairy products: Dairy products can cause digestive problems in fish.
• Insects: Insects can be a good source of protein for your fish, but some insects can be harmful if not fed in moderation.

You should also avoid feeding your fish any food that is past its expiration date or has been contaminated with bacteria or toxins.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Feeding Schedule

Striped Raphael Catfish are voracious feeders and should be fed a few times daily.

We recommend feeding your Striped Raphael Catfish:

• 2-3 times per day when they are young.
• 3-4 times per day when they are adults.

If you have questions about the best feeding schedule for your Striped Raphael Catfish, we recommend speaking with a fish expert or veterinarian.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Care

Striped Raphael Catfish care is relatively easy, making them a popular choice for aquarists of all levels of experience. They’re peaceful fish that does well in a community tank with other fish of similar size.

While they’re not picky eaters, these fish prefer live food. This includes small insects, worms, and crustaceans. In the wild, they’ll also eat plant matter and algae. In captivity, you can feed them various commercially-available fish food.

Be aware that these fish can be messy eaters, so you must clean your tank regularly to prevent excessive algae growth.

To ensure that your Striped Raphael Catfish remain healthy, you should provide them with a well-oxygenated tank with plenty of hiding places. We recommend adding some live plants to your tank, as they’ll help to oxygenate the water and provide hiding places for your fish.

Your aquarium should also have a tight-fitting lid, as these fish are known to jump out of tanks.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Tank Size

We recommend going with a tank that’s at least 50 gallons for a single fish. If you plan on keeping a school of them, you’ll need a tank that’s at least 100 gallons.

While not massive, this fish does require a fair amount of swimming space. So, be sure to take this into account when choosing your tank size. A smaller tank will make it difficult for them to swim and may lead to stress and health problems.

When setting up your tank, be sure to provide plenty of hiding places. This will help your fish feel comfortable and reduce stress.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Water Parameters

Striped Raphael Catfish are tropical fish, so they prefer warm water. They aren’t too demanding when it comes to water parameters, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.

They are usually found hanging out in the lower parts of the water column, so you’ll want to ensure your tank is set up with that in mind. Their ideal water temperature is 70° to 80° Fahrenheit.

The pH range they prefer is 6.5 to 7.5, and they do best in a slightly alkaline water environment. You can use a water test kit to ensure that your water parameters are within the ideal range for these fish.

Water hardness is also something to consider. Striped Raphael Catfish prefer water that’s medium to hard. Regular water changes are important for the health of your fish. We recommend changing 20-25% of the water in your tank every week.

In addition to regular water changes, you should also add a water conditioner to your tank. This will help to keep the water healthy and free of harmful chemicals.

Filtration

A sound filtration system is important for any aquarium and is essential when keeping Striped Raphael Catfish. These fish produce a lot of waste, so you’ll need to make sure your filter is up to the task of keeping your tank clean.

We recommend using a filter rated for a tank twice the size of your aquarium. This will ensure that your filter is able to keep up with the amount of waste your fish produce.

Some recommended filters for aquariums housing Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• The Aqua Clear 50: These filters are affordable and easy to use. They come with various filter media that can be customized to meet your needs.
• The Aqua c Urbana 625: This is a high-quality filter that’s designed for larger aquariums. It has a built-in UV sterilizer, which helps to keep your water healthy and free of harmful bacteria.
• The Fluval FX6: This is a top-of-the-line filter that’s designed for larger aquariums. It has a powerful motor, and various features make it perfect for filtering out waste and keeping your water clean.
• The Eheim Classic 250: This is a high-quality filter that’s perfect for smaller aquariums. It has various filter media that can be customized to meet your needs.
• The Penn Plax Cascade 700: This filter is perfect for large aquariums. It has a powerful motor, and various features make it perfect for filtering out waste and keeping your water clean.

Heating

As mentioned, the Striped Raphael Catfish is a tropical fish, so they prefer warm water. A good aquarium heater is a must-have if you want to keep these fish happy and healthy.

We recommend using an aquarium heater rated for a tank twice the size of your aquarium. This will ensure that your heater can keep up with the needs of your fish.

Some recommended aquarium heaters for Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• The Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater: This heater is affordable and easy to use. It’s fully submersible so that it can be placed in any part of your tank.
• The JBJ True Temp Titanium Heater: This heater is designed for larger aquariums. It’s made of titanium, which makes it both durable and corrosion-resistant.
• The Fluval E digital Nano Heater: This is a small and affordable heater that’s perfect for smaller tanks. It has a digital display that lets you easily monitor the water temperature.

Lighting

Striped Raphael Catfish is a nocturnal fish, so they don’t require a lot of light. A simple fluorescent aquarium light will be more than enough to meet their needs.

You can also use an LED aquarium light if you’d like, but it’s unnecessary.

Some recommended aquarium lights for Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• The Marineland LED Aquarium Light: This light is affordable and easy to use. It’s perfect for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
• The Ocean Revive T5 LED Aquarium Light: This light is designed for larger aquariums. It has a powerful LED light that’s perfect for growing plants and corals.
• The Aqua Illumination AI Prime HD LED Light: This is a top-of-the-line aquarium light that’s perfect for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It has a powerful LED light that can be used to grow plants and corals.

Co2 System

A CO2 system is unnecessary for keeping Striped Raphael Catfish, but it can be helpful. These fish prefer well-aerated water, so a CO2 system can help to keep the water healthy and oxygenated.

If you decide to use a CO2 system, we recommend using a diffuser. This will help to evenly distribute the CO2 in your tank and prevent hot spots.

Some recommended CO2 systems for Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• The JBJ Regulated CO2 System: This is a high-quality CO2 system that’s designed for larger aquariums. It has a built-in regulator, which helps to keep the CO2 levels consistent.
• The Fluval Pressurized CO2 System: This is a high-quality CO2 system that’s perfect for larger aquariums.

Filter Media

The type of filter media you use in your aquarium can make a big difference in the quality of your water. We recommend using various filter media to ensure that your filter is able to keep up with the needs of your fish.

Some recommended filter media for Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• The Aqua Clear Foam: This foam is designed to trap large particles of debris. It’s perfect for use in filters with a lot of flow.
• The Fluval Biological Enhancer: This biological enhancer helps to promote the growth of helpful bacteria in your filter. It’s perfect for use in filters with a moderate amount of flow.
• The Penn Plax Aquarium Filter Media Bags: These filter media bags are perfect for holding various different types of filter media. They’re perfect for use in filters with a moderate amount of flow.

Aquascaping

When setting up your tank, be sure to provide plenty of hiding places. This will help your fish feel comfortable and reduce stress. We recommend using various live plants, driftwood, and rocks to create a natural-looking environment for your fish.

Be sure to leave plenty of open swimming space in your tank. Striped Raphael Catfish are active fish that need room to swim.

Some recommended plants for aquariums housing Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• Anubias: This plant is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for aquariums. It doesn’t require much light or nutrients to thrive.
• Cryptocoryne: This plant is another hardy, low-maintenance option. It does best in low-light conditions and requires weekly fertilization.
• Java Fern: This plant is a good option for beginners. It’s easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions.

Substrate

A good substratum is important for healthy plant growth. We recommend using a high-quality substrate like Seachem Flourite Black to provide your plants with the nutrients they need.

Some recommended substrates for aquariums housing Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• Seachem Flourite Black: This is a high-quality, nutrient-rich substrate that’s perfect for planted aquariums.
• Aqua soil Amazonia: This is a nutrient-rich substrate that’s perfect for planted aquariums. It contains various minerals and trace elements that are essential for plant growth.
• Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: This is a high-quality substrate that’s perfect for planted aquariums. It contains various minerals and trace elements that are essential for plant growth. It also contains live bacteria that help to cycle the tank.

Decoration

When decorating your tank, be sure to use various natural-looking items. This will help to create a more natural environment for your fish.

Some recommended decor for aquariums housing Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• Live Plants: Live plants are a great way to add interest and color to your tank. They also provide your fish with a place to hide.
• Driftwood: Driftwood is a great way to add interest and character to your tank. It also provides a hiding place for your fish.
• Rocks: Rocks are another great way to add interest and character to your tank. They also provide a place for your fish to hide.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Other Tank Accessories

In addition to the items listed above, there are a few other tank accessories that you may want to consider.

Some recommended tank accessories for aquariums housing Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• Thermometer: A thermometer is necessary to monitor the water temperature. We recommend using a digital thermometer for accurate readings.
• Water Conditioner: A water conditioner is essential for keeping your tank healthy. We recommend using a product like Seachem Prime to detoxify the water and remove harmful compounds.
• pH Test Kit: A pH test kit is necessary to monitor the water conditions. We recommend using a product like API Freshwater Master Test Kit to get accurate readings.

With all these options, it’s easy to create a beautiful and natural-looking environment that your Striped Raphael Catfish will love.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Cleaning The Tank

Striped Raphael Catfish are not particularly messy fish, but they produce a moderate amount of waste. We recommend performing a partial water change of 20-30% weekly to keep the tank clean and the water quality high.

When cleaning the tank, be sure to:

• Remove all uneaten food and debris from the tank
• Remove any dead plants or animals from the tank
• Vacuum the substrate to remove any built-up waste or debris
• Rinse the filter media in a bucket of aquarium water to remove any built-up waste or debris

With regular partial water changes, you can keep your tank clean and your Striped Raphael Catfish healthy and happy.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Cleaning The Filter

It’s important to clean your filter regularly to remove any built-up waste or debris. We recommend cleaning your filter every 2-4 weeks, depending on the size of your tank and the number of fish you have.

When cleaning the filter, be sure to:

• Rinse the filter media in a bucket of aquarium water to remove any built-up waste or debris
• Replace the filter media if it’s worn or damaged
• Check the hoses and tubing for leaks or damage

Striped Raphael Catfish: Testing The Water

It’s important to test the water regularly to ensure it’s suitable for your fish. We recommend testing the water every week.

When testing the water, be sure to test the following parameters:

• Ammonia: Ammonia is a harmful toxin that can be lethal to fish. It is produced by the fish and other animals in the tank.
• pH: The pH should be monitored to ensure it is within the correct range for your fish. We recommend using a pH test kit to get accurate readings.
• Nitrite: Nitrite is a harmful toxin that can be lethal to fish. It is produced by the breakdown of ammonia in the tank.
• Nitrate: Nitrate is a less harmful toxin that can be toxic to fish in high concentrations. It is produced by the breakdown of nitrite in the tank.

With regular water testing, you can ensure that your tank is healthy and suitable for your Striped Raphael Catfish.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Common Possible Diseases

There are a few common diseases that can affect the Striped Raphael Catfish.

Some of the most common diseases that can affect Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• Fin Rot: Fin Rot is a bacterial infection that affects the fins and tail of fish. It is caused by poor water quality and/or improper nutrition.
• Ich: It is a parasitic infection that affects fish. It is caused by poor water quality and/or improper nutrition.
• Velvet: Velvet is a parasitic infection that affects fish. It is caused by poor water quality and/or improper nutrition.

If you notice any of these diseases in your fish, we recommend seeking veterinary care as soon as possible.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Preventing Diseases

There are a few things you can do to help prevent diseases in your Striped Raphael Catfish.

Some of the best ways to help prevent diseases in your Striped Raphael Catfish are:

• Maintain good water quality: One of the best ways to help prevent diseases is to maintain good water quality. We recommend performing regular water changes and using a product like API Freshwater Master Test Kit to get accurate readings.
• Provide a healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for keeping your fish healthy. We recommend providing various high-quality foods, including freeze-dried, frozen, and live foods.
• Keep the tank clean: Keeping the tank clean is another important way to help prevent diseases. We recommend performing regular partial water changes and vacuuming the substrate to remove any built-up waste or debris.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Treatment & Medications

If you notice any disease in your fish, we recommend seeking veterinary care as soon as possible.

Some of the most common treatments and medications for diseases are:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Antiparasitics: Antiparasitics are used to treat parasitic infections.
• Water changes: Water changes are often used to treat diseases. We recommend performing a water change of at least 50% every week.

If you have any questions about the best way to treat a disease in your fish, we recommend seeking advice from a veterinarian or fish expert.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Tank Mates

Because they’re so peaceful, Striped Raphael Catfish make great tank mates for a wide variety of fish.

Some of the best fish to keep with them are:

• Clown Loach
• Corydoras
• Dwarf Gourami
• Bristlenose Pleco
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Kuhli Loach
• Neon Tetra
• Otocinclus
• Ramshorn Snail
• Black Skirt Tetra

Striped Raphael Catfish is a great choice for a community tank and can be housed with various fish. If you’re looking for a peaceful, low-maintenance fish to add to your aquarium, the Striped Raphael Catfish is a good option.

Striped Raphael Catfish: Fish To Avoid

Some fish should not be housed with the Striped Raphael Catfish because they can be aggressive or territorial.

• Angelfish: Angelfish are large, aggressive fish that can harm the Striped Raphael Catfish.
• Betta Fish: Betta Fish are temperamental fish that can harm the Striped Raphael Catfish.
• Mollies: Mollies are large, active fish that can harm the Striped Raphael Catfish.
• Piranhas: Piranhas are aggressive and carnivorous fish that can harm the Striped Raphael Catfish.
• Tiger Barbs: Tiger Barbs are a boisterous fish that can harm the Striped Raphael Catfish.

When choosing tank mates for your Striped Raphael Catfish, it’s important to consider what kind of environment they will be living in. Some fish are incompatible with the Striped Raphael Catfish and should be avoided.

Advantages Of Having Striped Raphael Catfish In Your Tank

The first advantage of having these fish in your tank is that they are very peaceful. They will not bother other fish in the tank and can coexist peacefully with smaller fish.

Another advantage of these fish is that they are very low-maintenance. They do not need to be fed often, and they do not produce a lot of waste.

Finally, these fish are very hardy. They can withstand a wide range of water conditions and are not prone to diseases.

If you are looking for a peaceful, low-maintenance fish to add to your aquarium, the Striped Raphael Catfish is a great choice.

Disadvantages Of Having Striped Raphael Catfish In Your Tank

The main disadvantage of having these fish in your tank is that they are not very social. They do not interact with other fish in the tank and can be quite shy.

Finally, the disadvantage of these fish is that they are inactive. They do not swim around much and prefer to stay hidden in the shadows.

If you are looking for a fish that is social and active, the Striped Raphael Catfish is not the best choice. However, if you are looking for a low-maintenance, hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, the Striped Raphael Catfish is a good choice.

Conclusion

As always, we suggest that you do your own research before adding any fish to your tank. Striped Raphael Catfish make an excellent addition to any aquarium and are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your home.

With their unique stripes and curious nature, these fish will surely be a hit with everyone in the family. So why not give them a shot? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy having these fish in your tank.

Thanks for reading, and we hope this article was helpful.