I.D my Hoplo

[kniesh]

Hi, I have recently bought a group of 5 Hoplos, however looking at them one is definitely a different species. I will try and post pics later as I am currently in work, however I thought someone could help with just a description in the meantime?

It is around 3-4 " at the minute but it is much, much paler than the others, it was like this in the shop and still has not changed so I don't think this is due to stress of the move anymore, he seems to be moving round the tank happy enough now. He also has massive Barbels sticking out the side (the type Pictus have) but about 2" at least, and they seem to be permanently out for some reason, I've not seen this before, they usually retract don't they, and Ive not seen them this big before?

I have looked around and if I'm honest I dont think it is any of the 3 Hoplosternum or the 2 Megalechis species, the most like, and I only go from colour at the moment is the Megalechis picta. Although mine i still paler than this. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[kniesh]

[Silurus]

It looks like you indeed have

Megalechis picta

.

[kniesh]

Thanks a lot, I thought that once he had coloured up a bit, he looks completely different to what he did. Just out of curiosity do you happen to know how these do in with larger predatory fish such as Bichirs. I bought a group to put in fully grown and keep my substrate clean, I think at full length an gurth and with those Barbs they should be ok shouldn't they?