Raphael Spotted Dora Catfish

Spotted Dora Catfish

The Spotted Dora catfish (Platydoras armatulus) is also known as the Chocolate, Raphael and Talking catfish, and is native to the Amazon, Paraguay–Paraná and lower Orinoco basins in South America. The Spotted Dora is a peaceful nocturnal catfish popular with aquarium fishkeepers due to its inquisitive and passive nature. The Spotted Raphael Dora catfish will make squeaking noises while out of water, hence why they are called talking catfish.

Spotted Dora Catfish prefer a soft sandy substrate, as they like to burrow in sand and soft river bottoms. They like to eat crustaceans such as river shrimp and half-shell clams, and will forage for organic debris. Do not keep with ornamental shrimp or snails, they will eat them! Being nocturnal, they will be more active at night.

Take care not to catch the spotted Raphael catfish with a fish net because they are prone to sticking out their pectoral fin spines in a very rigid manner, especially if stressed. Untangling these spines from a net is difficult and dangerous to both handler and fish.

Are Spotted Raphael Dora Catfish aggressive?
Spotted Raphael Catfish are not known to show aggression towards other fish. They may eat smaller fish or shrimp, usually because they mistake them for food, but they won't harm other creatures of a similar size. Generally, spotted Raphael Catfish are considered of peaceful temperament.

How fast do Spotted Raphael Dora Catfish grow?
Spotted Raphael catfish grow to reach between seven and nine inches in length. This catfish species grows very slowly, at a rate of around one inch every 1-2 years until reaching full adult size.

Features
Approx. supplied size: 2" / 5cm
Maximum size: 9" / 23cm
Origin: South America
Family: Doradidae
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: low
Ideal number kept together: 1+

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25 °C
Ideal pH: 6.0–8.0
Water flow: low
Temperature: 22–26 °C

Ease of care
Easy to moderate. Hardy and peaceful, can grow moderately large but at a slow rate. Exercise caution with spiky fins. Soft-skinned, so exercise care when administering tank treatments.

Feeding
Feed a mixture of algae wafer and catfish pellet dry food. Live feeder shrimp and frozen shrimp to supplement.

Breeding
Egg layers. Not commonly bred in household aquaria. Females tend to be larger in the belly, while males appear darker in colour, with a slightly yellow tone.

Life Span
Spotted Dora Raphael Catfish can live 10+ years in perfect conditions.
Photo is for illustration only - one supplied.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.