Striped Raphael Catfish
Conditions of detention
Striped Raphael Catfish are nocturnal and prefer a dimly lit environment with plenty of hiding spots. A tank of at least 40 gallons is recommended, with water temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. These catfish thrive in tanks with a soft, sandy substrate and lots of driftwood, caves, and plants where they can hide during the day. They are peaceful fish and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish can live for over 10 years in captivity with proper care, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.
Nutrition and diet
Striped Raphael Catfish are omnivorous and have a varied diet. In the wild, they scavenge for food, eating insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In captivity, they should be fed a balanced diet of sinking pellets, wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blackworms. They are nocturnal feeders, so it’s best to feed them after the lights are turned off.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish are known for their scavenging behavior and will help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and detritus.
Health
Striped Raphael Catfish are generally hardy and resistant to many common fish diseases. However, like all fish, they can be susceptible to ailments such as ich, particularly if water quality is poor. Maintaining good water quality with regular water changes and monitoring parameters is essential for their health. They are also sensitive to copper-based medications, so treatments should be used with caution.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish have armored bodies that help protect them from injury and predation, but they still require a clean, well-maintained environment to thrive.
Grooming and care
Striped Raphael Catfish do not require traditional grooming, but their environment needs regular maintenance. Given their nocturnal nature and preference for hiding, it’s important to ensure their tank has plenty of hiding spots and a stable environment. Regular water changes (about 20-30% weekly) and a strong filtration system are necessary to maintain water quality.
Useful Fact: These catfish are known for their ability to produce sounds, often called “talking,” which they use when threatened or during social interactions.
Education and training
Striped Raphael Catfish are not typically trained, but they can learn to recognize feeding times and will emerge from hiding when food is added to the tank. They are generally more active at night but may become more visible during the day as they become accustomed to their environment.
Useful Fact: Although shy, Striped Raphael Catfish can become more active and visible with time, especially in a well-established, stress-free tank.
Toys and entertainment
Striped Raphael Catfish enjoy exploring their environment, especially at night. Providing them with a tank full of hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and dense plants will keep them entertained and reduce stress. They are also known to burrow, so a soft substrate like sand is ideal.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish appreciate a tank with plenty of nooks and crannies where they can explore and hide during the day.
Safety
Striped Raphael Catfish are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. However, due to their armored bodies and spiny fins, care should be taken when handling them or moving them to prevent injury to both the fish and the handler. It’s important to avoid housing them with overly aggressive species that might stress or harass them.
Useful Fact: The bony plates on the Striped Raphael Catfish’s body provide excellent protection, but also make them challenging to handle; using a soft net is recommended.
Accessories
Essential accessories for a Striped Raphael Catfish tank include a reliable filter to maintain water quality, a heater to keep the temperature stable, and a soft, sandy substrate. The tank should also be equipped with plenty of caves, driftwood, and plants to provide hiding spots. Dim lighting or shaded areas are preferred to mimic their natural environment.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish thrive in tanks with dim lighting and plenty of hiding spots, which helps them feel secure and reduces stress.
Socialization
Striped Raphael Catfish are peaceful and social fish that do well with other non-aggressive species. They are typically kept as solitary individuals or in small groups. They are nocturnal and tend to be more active at night, often hiding during the day. In a community tank, they get along well with other peaceful bottom-dwellers and mid-level swimmers.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish are most active at night and can be kept with other peaceful fish that share similar water conditions.
Travel and Transportation
When transporting Striped Raphael Catfish, use a large, sturdy container with plenty of water from their tank. Due to their spiny fins and armored bodies, care should be taken to prevent injury during transport. Ensure the container is well-oxygenated and kept at a stable temperature to minimize stress.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish have spiny pectoral fins that can get caught in nets, so it’s best to use a plastic container for transferring them.
Behavior and psychology
Striped Raphael Catfish are known for their shy, nocturnal nature and their unique ability to produce sounds. They are peaceful and prefer to hide during the day, becoming more active at night when they forage for food. Their “talking” behavior, produced by rubbing their pectoral fins against their shoulder bones, is often heard when they are disturbed or during interactions with other fish.
Useful Fact: The Striped Raphael Catfish’s “talking” ability is a unique behavior that can be heard when they are handled or during social interactions.
Legal aspects
There are generally no legal restrictions on owning Striped Raphael Catfish, but it’s important to ensure they are sourced from reputable breeders or suppliers. As with all fish, ethical sourcing helps support sustainable practices and ensures the health of the fish.
Useful Fact: Striped Raphael Catfish are widely available in the aquarium trade and are often bred in captivity, making them a sustainable choice for aquarists.
