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Hop to next section All Fishes Data Sheet
Scientific Name Hoplosternum magdalenae  Eigenmann, 1913
Common Names Striped Hoplo
Lysstribet Pansermalle (Denmark)
Type Locality Soplaviento, Colombia.
Pronunciation hop low STERN um - mag dall LEN ae
Etymology Hoplosternum: From the Greek hoplon, meaning shield and sternum, meaning breast; in reference to the prominent coracoid bones on the breast. Named after the river Magdalena which is part of its native habitat.
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 96mm or 3.8" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Sexing In Dianema, Hoplosternum and Megalechis (but not in Callichthys), medial expansions of the coracoid bones are especially developed, covering most of the skin between the pectoral fins and sometimes overlapping in the midline in fully developed mature males (vs. not fully covering the abdominal skin and not overlapping in females). Mature males of Callichthys, Dianema, Hoplosternum, Lepthoplosternum, and Megalechis have a thick adipose body on the ventral surface of the pectoral fin. Mature females of Dianema, Hoplosternum and Megalechis have a small fold of skin on the external face of the leading pelvic-fin ray.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution South America: Magdalena and Sinu River basins.
Colombia Caribbean Rivers, Magdalena (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Colombia Caribbean Rivers, Sinú (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 2014.
pH 5.8 - 7.8
Temperature 20.0-22.0°C or 68-71.6°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters up to 25 dGH.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding Omnivore, constantly searches the substrate for any food. User data.
Breeding Bubble-nest builder. Male courts the female. The female carries eggs in a pouch created by the pectoral fin and places them in the nest with the male curved around the female. Female should be removed after spawn. Fry develops in 4-5 days. Spawn took place in a 26-28 °C tank with 5 °KH. Rear fry in a tank with algae, feeding with Artemia and prepared babyfood (such as TetraMin Babyfood).
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Annals of the Carnegie Museum v. 8 (nos 3-4) (art. 13), pp 412.
Registered Keepers There is no registered keeper.
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Last Update 2023 Aug 06 00:05 (species record created: 2004 Jan 17 00:00)