Rhinelepis strigosa
NameRhinelepis strigosa
Scientific NameRhinelepis strigosa
Common NamesArmored Catfish, Cascudo, Black Pleco
FamilyLoricariidae
OriginSouth America, Paraná River Basin, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)250
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)68-79
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge Geophagus cichlids, Severum cichlids, Large characins, Other large peaceful catfish
Description
Rhinelepis strigosa is a large, heavily armored freshwater catfish native to the Paraná River basin in South America. Known for its robust body covered in bony plates, it is primarily an herbivore that grazes on algae and detritus. This species requires a very spacious aquarium due to its significant adult size and can be territorial with other large bottom-dwellers.
