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Hop to next section All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name Platydoras costatus  (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common Names Striped Dora
Liniendornwels (Germany), Surinam-tornmalle (Denmark)
Type Locality Indiis [South America].
Synonym(s) Doras dentatus, Doras helicophilus, Mystus ascita, Platydoras dentatus, Platydoras helicophilus, Silurus costatus
Pronunciation pla tee doh russ - kos TAT uss
Etymology Platydoras: From the Greek platys, meaning flat, and doras, meaning skin (also a word commonly used in forming generic names for doradids); in reference to the depressed head. 
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 240mm or 9.4" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification This species was long misidentified as the widely distributed species commonly available in the hobby, however now appears to be restricted to two rivers in eastern South America. The common species in the hobby is Platydoras armatulus.
Sexing Unknown
General Remarks Platydoras helicophilus is questionably a synonym of Platydoras costatus. If and when this name is resurrected to a valid species in its own right, then the fishes exported in 2021-22 (pictured here) will also move. Talking catfishes get their common name from noises they make, mostly at night, by grinding their pectoral fin bone in its "socket". Click here to listen to this species.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Amazon, Tocantins, ParnaĆ­ba, Orinoco, Essequibo River basins and coastal drainages in French Guiana and Suriname to Argentina.
Guyana Waters, Coastal Rivers of Guyanas, Essequibo (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Least Concern, range map and more is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2020.
pH 6.0 - 7.5
Temperature 23.0-30.0°C or 73.4-86°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Slightly softer water is beneficial but not essential.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding All aquarium fish foods, sinking catfish tablets offer the best method of getting food to the fish. Bloodworm and high protein dry food are also favourites. Try delivering food at night. User data.
Furniture Caves or pipes are a requirement if this fish is to avoid long-term stress or the possibility of mistaking a heater for safe refuge.
Compatibility An ideal community fish, peaceful but rugged.
Suggested Tankmates Anything from tetras to cichlids, preferably South American, but will mix with all community fish.
Breeding Unknown.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Systema Naturae, Ed. X v. 1, pp 306.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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There are 2 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Last Update 2022 Sep 23 02:41 (species record created: 2001 Apr 28 00:00)