Hoplo Catfish: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

The hoplo is a sturdy, spotted catfish covered in bony plates. It is peaceful and hardy, and it roots through the floor of the tank for food.

Adult size
5.9 in15 cm
Smallest tank
40 gallons150 liters
Comfortable in
37 gallonor bigger
How many
One or more
Temperature
64–82 °F18–28 °C
pH
6–8
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
On the bottom
Heater needed
In a cool room

What size tank does a hoplo catfish need?

At least 40 gallons (150 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Megalechis thoracata.

How many hoplo catfish in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if hoplo catfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

TankHow many hoplo catfish
5 gallonToo small
10 gallonToo small
20 gallon longToo small
29 gallonToo small
40 gallon breederup to 2
55 gallonup to 2
75 gallonup to 3
125 gallonup to 6

Check hoplo catfish against your own tank and other fish

Tank mates for hoplo catfish

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Neon tetra: Hoplo catfish (about 6 in) can eat neon tetra (about 1.4 in).
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as hoplo catfish.

Questions and answers

What size tank does a hoplo catfish need?

At least 40 gallons (150 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many hoplo catfish should be kept together?

One is fine. A hoplo catfish does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.

Can hoplo catfish live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Hoplo catfish needs at least 40 gallons (150 liters), and grows to 6 in (15 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do hoplo catfish need?

64–82 °F (18–28 °C), with a pH of 6–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.

Can hoplo catfish live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 40 gallons (150 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.