Albino Spotted Hoplo - (Megalechis thoracata)

🐟 Albino Spotted Hoplo – (Megalechis thoracata) – Hardy South American Catfish

The Albino Spotted Hoplo is a peaceful, hardy catfish from South America, prized for its striking pale cream-to-pink coloration and distinctive armored body plates. This albino variation of the Spotted Hoplo retains the same robust, adaptable nature as the wild form but features bright red eyes and a lighter body, making it a standout in community aquariums. Known for its active bottom-foraging behavior and ability to breathe atmospheric air, the Albino Spotted Hoplo is both fascinating and easy to care for.

🔎 Quick Facts – Albino Spotted Hoplo (Megalechis thoracata)

• 📛 Common Names: Albino Spotted Hoplo, Albino Hoplo Catfish, Albino Armored Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Megalechis thoracata
• 🌍 Origin: South America – Amazon and Orinoco River basins
• 🎨 Appearance: Cream or light pink body, red eyes, elongated armored body with short barbels
• 📏 Max Size: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Uncommon in the trade compared to standard coloration

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Peaceful and community-friendly
• 🪵 Active bottom dweller that will explore the tank constantly
• 🌙 More active during low-light periods but not strictly nocturnal
• 🫧 Can gulp air at the surface thanks to its modified intestine

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
• 🌿 Sandy or smooth gravel substrate to protect barbels
• 🪵 Provide driftwood, smooth rocks, and hiding spots
• 💡 Moderate lighting with shaded areas
• 🌊 Gentle to moderate flow

💧 Water Parameters – Albino Spotted Hoplo Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous Bottom Feeder

• 🍽️ Sinks pellets and wafers
• 🦐 Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp
• 🥬 Blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber
• 🪱 Live or frozen blackworms

📋 Albino Spotted Hoplo Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Albino Spotted Hoplo is tough, beautiful, and full of personality, making it an ideal armored catfish for aquarists of all experience levels who want something unique yet hardy.