{"product_id":"hoplo-port-catfish-hoplosternum-thoracatum","title":"Hoplo Port Catfish - Hoplosternum Thoracatum","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"493\"\u003eThe Hoplo Port Catfish, scientifically known as \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eHoplosternum thoracatum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, is a hardy, peaceful bottom-dweller prized for its active personality and unique armored appearance. Its body is covered in bony plates rather than traditional scales, giving it a rugged, prehistoric look, while its long barbels are constantly in motion as it scavenges the substrate. Coloration is typically a mottled mix of browns and tans, allowing it to blend naturally into sandy or planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"495\" data-end=\"994\"\u003eUnlike many shy catfish, Hoplos are surprisingly outgoing and often visible during the day, especially once settled. They are social by nature and do best in groups, where you’ll often see them interacting, foraging together, and even darting to the surface for gulps of air—this species can breathe atmospheric oxygen, making it very adaptable to a range of conditions. Their energetic behavior and constant activity make them a great addition to larger community tanks with other peaceful species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1364\"\u003eA soft substrate like sand is strongly recommended to protect their sensitive barbels, along with driftwood and plants to create a natural environment. While very tolerant, they thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water with stable parameters. They are excellent scavengers but should not be relied on as “cleaner fish”—they require a proper, varied diet to stay healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1366\" data-end=\"1389\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1366\" data-end=\"1387\"\u003eCare Information:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1390\" data-end=\"1886\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1nwm3en\" data-start=\"1390\" data-end=\"1447\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1392\" data-end=\"1406\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 30 gallons (larger for groups)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6agzki\" data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1486\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–80°F (22–27°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pwp3r1\" data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1506\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1489\" data-end=\"1496\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1kfv30s\" data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1574\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1509\" data-end=\"1525\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and social; best kept in groups of 3+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4lvsjw\" data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1653\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1577\" data-end=\"1592\"\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sand substrate, driftwood, plants, and open swimming space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1e2mgae\" data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1759\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1665\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and occasional vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"195ny8j\" data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1840\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1780\"\u003eSpecial Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air-breathing species; may frequently swim to the surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dusa72\" data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1886\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1856\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10 years with proper care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1888\" data-end=\"2051\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1888\" data-end=\"1900\"\u003eSummary:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tough, active, and social armored catfish that thrives in groups—perfect for adding personality and movement to larger peaceful community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48132504715486,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/Photo.png?v=1741200651","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/hoplo-port-catfish-hoplosternum-thoracatum","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}