The Albino Hoplo is a stunning albino variant of the Hoplosternum thoracatum, a peaceful and hardy freshwater catfish. Known for its distinctive pale pinkish-white body, red eyes, and barbels, the Albino Hoplo brings an eye-catching, unique appearance to any aquarium. This species is a bottom-dweller and has armored plating along its body, making it a resilient fish. It’s known for being relatively active, often seen scavenging for food and exploring the substrate. While peaceful, it can be a bit territorial around other bottom-dwelling fish.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
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Hardness: 4-12 dGH
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Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
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Nitrates: <20 ppm (ideally)
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Water Type: Soft to medium hardness, slightly acidic to neutral
The Albino Hoplo is a great choice for community tanks, as it is generally peaceful, but make sure the tank is well-filtered, spacious (a minimum of 30 gallons), and contains hiding spots like rocks or caves for the fish to feel secure. It’s also a great scavenger, helping to clean up leftover food.