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Platydoras costatus, also called the Striped Raphael Catfish, is a South American catfish recognized by its brown body crossed by pale stripes. This nocturnal species belongs to the Doradidae, a family of armored catfishes well adapted to life near the bottom. It is generally peaceful and hardy when kept in clean, stable, well-oxygenated water. Because the offered specimens are collected from the wild, careful acclimation and a varied diet are especially important. Very common in the aquarium trade, this fish remains an excellent choice for a large community aquarium, provided that it receives suitable shelters and an appropriate substrate.

General species description

Platydoras costatus is a benthic catfish that is most active at dusk and during the night. It spends much of the day concealed beneath roots, inside cavities, or among plants, then searches the bottom for food. Its sturdy body and bony lateral plates provide effective protection. The pectoral fins have locking spines, so a fine aquarium net should not be used for handling. In a properly arranged aquarium, it usually coexists well with peaceful fish of similar size. This very common species is sold under several commercial names, making it important to check its identification before purchase.

Geographic origin and biotope

In Colombia, Platydoras costatus is associated with large tropical river systems, especially the Orinoco basin. Its natural habitat includes slow or moderately flowing waters, shoreline areas, side channels, and places where plant debris accumulates. The water may be clear, tea-colored, or slightly turbid depending on the season and the amount of organic matter. The bottom is generally made up of sand, fine silt, gravel, and submerged wood. Riverside vegetation provides shade and shelter. In the aquarium, these conditions can be represented with subdued lighting, roots, tubes or caves, and a soft substrate that will not damage its barbels.

Precise location and local name

In Colombian regions, this fish may be known by general local names such as bagre rayado or cucha rayada. These vernacular names may also be used for several striped catfishes and should not replace scientific identification. In the aquarium trade, Striped Raphael Catfish is widely used, while the Latin name Platydoras costatus identifies the intended species. Wild populations remain close to the bottom, often near roots, stones, or submerged wood. To encourage natural behavior, provide a shaded area and hiding places large enough for the fish to turn around comfortably.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Platydoras costatus is stocky, slightly flattened along the belly, and covered with bony plates. Its basic coloration ranges from dark brown to grayish brown, with several pale longitudinal bands that create its distinctive striped appearance. The head is broad, the eyes are relatively small, and the barbels help it locate food in dim water. The pectoral and dorsal fins have defensive spines that can catch in a net. Maximum adult size is about 20 cm, although aquarium specimens are often smaller. Its body shape and stripes are especially visible under subdued lighting.

General diet

Platydoras costatus is an opportunistic omnivore that mainly searches for food on the bottom. Its natural diet includes insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms, organic debris, and various plant materials. In an aquarium, offer sinking catfish tablets, meaty pellets, and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans. Feeding after the lights go out better matches its nocturnal rhythm. It should not be expected to clean algae or aquarium waste. A varied diet given in small portions helps maintain good condition without overloading the substrate. Food should reach the bottom because this catfish feeds primarily near the substrate.

Essential data

• Original river name: Río Orinoco
• Local name used: Bagre rayado; cucha rayada
• Origin of the scientific name: Platydoras costatus was described under a Latin name based on Greek and Latin roots.
• Etymology of the full name: Platydoras approximately means “broad skin”; costatus means “ribbed” or “having ribs.”
• Common/vernacular names: Striped Raphael Catfish; striped Raphael catfish; bagre rayado
• Family: Doradidae
• Subfamily: Doradinae
• Name pronunciation: plat-ee-DOR-us cos-TAH-tus
• Discovery: Carl Linnaeus, 1758
• Maximum adult size: About 20 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Tropical slow to moderately flowing waters, shaded banks, roots, submerged wood, and dense riverside vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Peaceful South American tetras, small or medium non-aggressive cichlids, pencilfish, hatchetfish, other peaceful catfish, and similar-sized midwater fish.
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, secretive, nocturnal, and mainly benthic; it becomes more active under low lighting.
• Water depth: Variable; it mainly occupies bottom areas along banks and around shelters.
• Sexual dimorphism: Limited and difficult to observe in isolated specimens; mature females may have a fuller abdomen.
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand, fine silt, gravel, and submerged wood; slow to moderate current.

In your aquarium

Success with Platydoras costatus depends on a spacious, well-filtered aquarium with several hiding places. Moderate lighting, a non-abrasive substrate, and stable water conditions support its well-being. Since these are wild-caught fish, acclimation should be gradual and water quality should be monitored closely. Feed after dark with varied sinking foods. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may compete with or injure it, and handle this catfish carefully because of its pectoral spines.