What size tank does a striped Raphael catfish need?
At least 55 gallons (208 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 55 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: Platydoras armatulus.
How many striped Raphael catfish in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if striped Raphael catfish are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many striped Raphael catfish |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | Too small |
| 55 gallon | 1 |
| 75 gallon | up to 2 |
| 125 gallon | up to 3 |
Check striped Raphael catfish against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Hides by day and comes out at night. It eats fish small enough to swallow.
- It eats fish small enough to swallow. Choose tankmates at least half its length.
Tank mates for striped Raphael 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.
- Silver dollar
- Festivum
- Red rainbowfish
- Boeseman's rainbowfish
- Pearl gourami
- Moonlight gourami
- Giant danio
- Swordtail
Poor matches
- Betta: Striped Raphael catfish (about 9 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as striped Raphael catfish.
- Molly: They need different water: Striped Raphael catfish likes a pH of 5.8–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank does a striped Raphael catfish need?
At least 55 gallons (208 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 55 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many striped Raphael catfish should be kept together?
One is fine. A striped Raphael catfish does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.
Can striped Raphael catfish live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Striped Raphael catfish needs at least 55 gallons (208 liters), and grows to 9 in (24 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do striped Raphael catfish need?
75–86 °F (24–30 °C), with a pH of 5.8–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can striped Raphael catfish live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Striped Raphael catfish (about 9 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).
More fish
- Salt and pepper corydoras
- Bandit corydoras
- Hoplo catfish
- Skunk loach
- Polka-dot loach
- Lake Kutubu rainbowfish
- All 150 species
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.