{"product_id":"brazilian-armoured-catfish-harttia-punctata-5cm","title":"Brazilian Armoured Catfish Harttia Punctata 5cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBrazilian Armoured Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eHarttia punctata\u003c\/em\u003e) is a rare and elegant \u003cstrong\u003eloricariid\u003c\/strong\u003e (armour-plated catfish) known for its \u003cstrong\u003estreamlined body\u003c\/strong\u003e, subtle \u003cstrong\u003espotted pattern\u003c\/strong\u003e, and peaceful, bottom-dwelling behavior. With its \u003cstrong\u003eflattened profile\u003c\/strong\u003e, extended pectoral fins, and light-to-dark speckling, this species is a superb addition to \u003cstrong\u003eSouth American biotope tanks\u003c\/strong\u003eor aquariums with gentle water flow and natural decor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEndemic to \u003cstrong\u003eBrazil\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eH. punctata\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits \u003cstrong\u003eclear, fast-flowing freshwater rivers and tributaries\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly in the \u003cstrong\u003eupper Rio Tocantins Basin\u003c\/strong\u003e. It prefers sandy or rocky substrates with plenty of driftwood and submerged structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003ebenthic grazer\u003c\/strong\u003e, this catfish feeds on \u003cstrong\u003ebiofilm, algae, and detritus\u003c\/strong\u003e in the wild. In the aquarium, offer a mix of \u003cstrong\u003ealgae wafers, sinking pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eblanched vegetables\u003c\/strong\u003e (like zucchini or spinach), and \u003cstrong\u003eoccasional protein-rich treats\u003c\/strong\u003e such as bloodworms or shrimp pellets. A well-established tank with natural surfaces to graze is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful and shy\u003c\/strong\u003e, it does well with \u003cstrong\u003enon-aggressive community fish\u003c\/strong\u003e such as tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and Corydoras. Avoid boisterous or territorial species that may outcompete it for food or stress it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: \u003cstrong\u003e73–79°F (23–26°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: \u003cstrong\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft to moderately hard water\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum Tank Size: \u003cstrong\u003e30–40 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers \u003cstrong\u003egentle to moderate flow\u003c\/strong\u003e, plenty of \u003cstrong\u003ewood, rocks, and hiding places\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot commonly found in the trade\u003c\/strong\u003e – a great choice for rare fish collectors\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires \u003cstrong\u003epristine, well-oxygenated water\u003c\/strong\u003e and stable parameters\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNocturnal and secretive—best viewed during feeding or in dim lighting\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for \u003cstrong\u003eplanted or naturalistic aquascapes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBrazilian Armoured Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eHarttia punctata\u003c\/em\u003e) is a subtle but fascinating species that brings character, utility, and biodiversity to peaceful aquariums. Its rarity and gentle nature make it a prized choice for experienced aquarists and South American biotope enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864353452407,"sku":"FSH-00260","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Brazilian-Armoured-Catfish-Harttia-Punctata.png?v=1773329794","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/brazilian-armoured-catfish-harttia-punctata-5cm","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}