Albino Hoplo Catfish
An armoured catfish plated in overlapping bony scutes, here in a pale albino form. Peaceful, hardy and considerably more characterful than most bottom-dwellers.
Feeding
Omnivorous. Sinking pellets, wafers and frozen foods. A vigorous, competitive feeder.
Compatibility
Peaceful toward fish it cannot swallow. Will eat small tetras and shrimp. Good with medium-sized community fish and larger cichlids.
Behaviour and personality
Active and inquisitive, working the substrate. Gulps atmospheric air at the surface, which is normal for the family.
Before you buy
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Growth | Considerably larger than corydoras |
| Water tolerance | Extremely tolerant of poor conditions |
| Space requirement | Needs ample floor space |
FAQ
What kind of food does the Albino Hoplo Catfish eat?
Omnivorous. It eats sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen foods. It is a vigorous and competitive feeder.
Is it safe to keep with small tetras or shrimp?
It is peaceful toward fish it cannot swallow. It will eat small tetras and shrimp, so caution is needed if keeping them together.
Does it require good water conditions?
It is extremely tolerant of poor water conditions, but this does not mean it should be kept in substandard tanks. Adequate filtration and space are still necessary.

Max Ince –
The albino hoplo catfish is very active and adds a lot of character to the tank. It doesn’t bother other fish and enjoys digging in the substrate. I feed it sinking pellets and frozen food daily. It’s a bit larger than expected, so I made sure my tank had enough space.
Carol Baker –
I was surprised by how inquisitive it is. It constantly moves around the bottom and surfaces to gulp air. I keep it with larger cichlids and they coexist well. Feeding is easy with a mix of pellets and frozen food.
Edward Howard –
This fish is much more interesting than typical bottom dwellers. It’s peaceful and doesn’t stress other tankmates. I noticed it eats small shrimp, so I removed them from the tank to avoid feeding issues.