The Port Hoplo Megalechis thoracata – still known to many by its old name Hoplosternum thoracatum – is one of the oldest aquarium fish. It really only has one disadvantage, namely that it grows to a considerable size, reaching a length of around 15 cm (sometimes even more). Despite its size, however, it has a small mouth, so the “fighting sausages,” as they are affectionately called by their fans, are still popular in community aquariums with large and more robust fish.
Breeding is very interesting, because Megalechis males build a bubble nest, very similar to that of labyrinth fish, under a floating object (breeders particularly like to use the lids of coffee cans, but these are probably rarely available to catfish in nature). The male guards the nest with the eggs very well and will even jump in the face of curious aquarists if they get too close to the nest.
For a long time, no breeding variants of the Port Hoplo were known, but we have had albinos in our assortment for several years now. The animals are very attractive; males ready to spawn have greatly enlarged pectoral fin spines, just like the wild form, and the bone plates covering the chest are much larger than the corresponding bone plates of the females.
Water values play an absolutely minor role in care and breeding; any drinking water is suitable. The water temperature can be between 22 and 28°C; slightly higher or lower temperatures will not cause any harm for a short period of time, but should not be the norm. They will eat any commercially available ornamental fish food of a suitable size. Plants are not deliberately damaged, but can be affected by the animals’ burrowing activity and strength. Therefore, only robust plants are suitable for planting.
For our customers: the albinos have code 259322 (3-4 cm) and 259323 (4-6 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
