{"product_id":"atipa-hoplo-cat-bubblenes-hoplosternum-thoracatum","title":"Atipa, Hoplo Cat, Bubblenes — Atipa Hoplo Cat Bubblenes (Hoplosternum thoracatum) 6.5","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Atipa, also known as the Hoplo Cat or Bubblenes, is \u003cstrong\u003eHoplosternum thoracatum\u003c\/strong\u003e, a hardy and characterful South American catfish prized for its peaceful nature and excellent adaptability. Offered at a size of \u003cstrong\u003e6.5-8 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, these juveniles make a superb choice for aquarists looking for a robust bottom-dweller that can settle into a wide range of community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is well known for its armour-plated body, whisker-like barbels and calm temperament. Unlike many catfish, the Hoplo Cat is active in a gentle, unhurried way and is often seen exploring the substrate, resting under décor, or coming out at feeding time. It is a great option for hobbyists who want a fish with personality without the aggression or specialist demands of more delicate species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy livestock with \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your new fish arrives in the best possible condition. With sensible aquarium care, Hoplo Cats can become long-lived, engaging residents that add real interest to the lower levels of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoplosternum thoracatum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAtipa, Hoplo Cat, Bubblenes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEasy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 18 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18-28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5-7.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0-20 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank Region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5-10 years, often longer with excellent care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoplosternum thoracatum\u003c\/em\u003e is native to tropical South America, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, floodplains, marshes and seasonally inundated waters. In the wild, it is adapted to environments that can vary in oxygen levels, water depth and flow, which helps explain why it is such a resilient aquarium fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese habitats often contain soft substrates, leaf litter, submerged roots and dense marginal vegetation. The Hoplo Cat uses its barbels to search for food among the bottom detritus and plant debris. It is also capable of gulping air at the surface when needed, a useful adaptation in low-oxygen waters. This natural hardiness makes the species especially suitable for community aquariums, provided it is kept in clean, well-maintained water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough the Atipa is tough, it still benefits from a thoughtfully arranged aquarium. A spacious tank with plenty of floor area is ideal, as this species spends most of its time near the substrate. We recommend a minimum of \u003cstrong\u003e200 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e for a single adult or a small group, with extra room if you plan to keep it with other bottom-dwelling fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a \u003cstrong\u003esoft sand or very fine gravel substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e to protect the barbels and underside of the fish. Sharp gravel can cause abrasion and should be avoided. Add driftwood, smooth rocks, caves and shaded areas to create cover and reduce stress. Live plants are welcome, though the fish is not usually destructive; sturdy species such as Java fern, Anubias and Cryptocoryne work particularly well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGentle filtration and moderate water movement are ideal. While Hoplo Cats tolerate a broad range of conditions, they do best in stable water with regular maintenance. Aim for:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5-7.8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0-20 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeekly partial water changes are strongly recommended to keep nitrate low and maintain excellent water quality. Good oxygenation is beneficial, especially in warmer aquariums. A secure lid is also sensible, as active catfish may occasionally dash to the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Hoplo Cat is an \u003cstrong\u003eomnivore\u003c\/strong\u003e with a healthy appetite and a varied diet. In the aquarium it will readily accept sinking catfish pellets, wafers, frozen foods and quality prepared foods. To keep it in top condition, offer a mix of:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking carnivore or omnivore pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers and bottom feeder tablets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworm, daphnia and chopped mysis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional live foods where appropriate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall amounts of blanched vegetable matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed once or twice daily in portions the fish can consume within a few minutes. Because Hoplo Cats are active after lights dim, it can be helpful to offer some food in the evening so they are not outcompeted by faster tank mates. A varied diet supports strong growth, vibrant condition and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoplosternum thoracatum\u003c\/em\u003e is generally peaceful and makes an excellent community fish. It is best kept with calm to moderately active species that will not nip fins or harass it at feeding time. Good companions include tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, rainbowfish, gouramis, livebearers, dwarf cichlids and other non-aggressive catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species grows to a substantial size, avoid pairing it with very small fish that could be intimidated, or with highly territorial bottom dwellers that may compete for the same space. It is usually fine with other peaceful catfish if the tank is large enough and has plenty of hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with many catfish, avoid keeping it with aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers and species that demand very warm, highly specialised conditions. A well-planned community aquarium will allow the Hoplo Cat to display its natural behaviour and thrive for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you order your Atipa Hoplo Cat from Tropical Fish Co, you can buy with confidence. We carefully select healthy livestock, pack with care and dispatch using \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e to help reduce transit stress. Every live fish order is supported by our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving you extra peace of mind when shopping online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe understand that a successful aquarium starts with healthy stock and reliable service. That is why we focus on quality, clear care information and careful handling from our facility to your door. Whether you are building a peaceful community tank or adding a distinctive bottom-dweller to an established setup, the Hoplo Cat is a rewarding and dependable choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose Tropical Fish Co for healthy fish, helpful advice and a smooth buying experience from start to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"6,5 - 8 cm","offer_id":57446809469263,"sku":"8058","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 - 3,5 cm","offer_id":57467494465871,"sku":"8156","price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4 - 4,5 cm","offer_id":57467494498639,"sku":"8056","price":4.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"8,5 - 10 cm","offer_id":57552636182863,"sku":"8100","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5-6 cm","offer_id":57560743543119,"sku":"8057","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/atipa-hoplo-cat-bubblenes-hoplosternum-thoracatum-hero-driftwood-8058.webp?v=1776556285","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/atipa-hoplo-cat-bubblenes-hoplosternum-thoracatum","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}