Armored catfish (Hypostomus watwata)

Scientific name: Hypostomus watwata Hancock, 1828

The Armored catfish (Hypostomus watwata) is a freshwater fish of the family Loricariidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 26–29°C (79–84°F). Native range: South America, Guianan coastal drainages from the Oyapock River to the Demerara River. Introduced to Hawaii.

Armored catfish care at a glance

Temperature: 26–29°C (79–84°F)

Biology

Coastal species which also occur in brackish waters of the lower reaches of rivers. Can be caught along the banks with muddy bottom occupied by plants like Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia germinans and Rhizophora mangle. Benthic. As part of its reproductive behavior, excavates and creates burrows for egg laying.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Hypostomus watwata
Family: Loricariidae (Armored catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 45.0
Environment: Freshwater; demersal
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Guianan coastal drainages from the Oyapock River to the Demerara River. Introduced to Hawaii.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial