Striped Raphael/Humbug Catfish - (Platydoras armatulus)

🐟 Striped Raphael Catfish / Humbug Catfish – (Platydoras armatulus) – Peaceful Nocturnal Bottom-Dweller

The Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus), also known as the Humbug Catfish or Talking Catfish, is a hardy and long-lived armored catfish from South America. Its name comes from the ability to produce audible sounds by rubbing its pectoral fin spines against its shoulder bones—a trait used for communication and warning. Recognized for its bold black body with bright horizontal cream-colored stripes, this species is peaceful, shy during the day, and highly active at night.

🔎 Quick Facts – Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus)

• 📛 Common Names: Striped Raphael, Humbug Catfish, Talking Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Platydoras armatulus
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River basins – South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Deep brown to black body with thick, continuous cream to yellowish lateral stripe from head to tail
• 📏 Max Size: 7–9 inches (18–23 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Common and widely available

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful and suitable for community tanks with medium to large fish
• 🌙 Nocturnal—most active after lights out
• 🪵 Shy during the day, prefers hiding in caves, driftwood, or dense cover
• ⚠️ May eat very small fish if they fit in its mouth

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons
• 🪵 Provide multiple hiding spots with driftwood, caves, and rockwork
• 🌿 Low to moderate lighting to mimic shaded riverbeds
• 🌊 Gentle water flow and clean, well-oxygenated water

💧 Water Parameters – Striped Raphael Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.0–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🐟 Sinks readily for bottom feeding—pellets and wafers
• 🦐 Frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp
• 🌽 Will accept vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or zucchini
• 🪱 Occasional live or freeze-dried invertebrates

📋 Striped Raphael Catfish Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• Known for its distinctive stripes, armored body, and unique “talking” sounds, the Striped Raphael Catfish is a hardy, long-lived, and peaceful addition to larger community aquariums.