Spotted Hoplo Megalechis (prev. Hoplosternum) thoracata

The Spotted Hoplo Catfish, also called Black-spotted Hoplo, Black/Brown Marble Hoplo and Bubblenest Building Catfish, is native to still, inland waters of northern, mainly Amazonian, South America.

The name "hoplo" comes from its former genus name of Hoplosternum. Growing to only some 15cm long, juveniles are more colourful than mature adults.

The Hoplo, as one of its alternative names indicates, builds a nest of bubbles - in fact the male builds a bubble nest in which the female lays eggs. The male will then guard the eggs, even against the female, until they hatch. He can emit sounds from his body when defending his territory and eggs.

Like many catfish, they can gulp surface air to supplement poor water oxygen levels.