Platydoras armatulus
The striped Raphael is a heavily armoured doradid from South America with bold yellow-black striping and sharp spines—handle with care. Nocturnal and secretive by day; active after lights dim. Grows large over years and needs a long tank with caves, driftwood, and subdued lighting. Generally peaceful toward appropriately sized tankmates but may eat very small fish; can produce audible grunts when stressed.
Sinking pellets and wafers; frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mussel; occasional vegetable tabs. Feed after dark.
Frequency: 1× daily
Avoid competition from fast mid-water fish at feeding time—target feed near hides.
Native Region: South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins)
Slow rivers and floodplain lakes with wood, leaf litter, and soft substrate.
PVC pipes, caves, and driftwood; soft sand; dim lighting; secure lid—can be jumpers when startled.
Activity Level: Moderate
Hides by day; explores at night. Do not net by spines—use container. May uproot soft plants.
Difficulty: Difficult
Type: Egg scatterer
Sexual Dimorphism: Difficult to sex outside breeding; females may be fuller when mature.
Rare in aquaria; little published on captive spawning.
Substrate: Sand
Plant Safe: Yes
Multiple dark retreats; floating plants to diffuse light.
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