Atipa (Hoplosternum littorale)

Scientific name: Hoplosternum littorale Hancock, 1828

Atipa (Hoplosternum littorale)

The Atipa (Hoplosternum littorale) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows to about 24 cm (9.4 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 6.5–7.5. Native range: South America, most river drainages north of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Atipa care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Excellent
Adult size
24 cm (9.4 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
6–22 dGH (107–393 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, sinking pellets, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Inhabits swamps. During the rainy season, adults consume a great quantity of chironomids associated with detritus. During the dry season, they feed mostly on terrestrial insects, micro-crustaceans, aquatic Diptera, and detritus. Absorbs a great quantity of anaerobic bacteria from the substrate. First reproduction occurs after one year. Used to be cultured commercially in Guyana. Cultured in Trinidad on a semi-commercial scale.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hoplosternum littorale
Family
Callichthyidae (Callichthyid armored catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
24.0
Depth range
1 m (3 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; demersal; depth range 1 - ? m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
South America: Most Cis-Andean South American river drainages north of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tmax=4; K=0.6-1.3; Fec = 5,000)

More catfish & plecos

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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