Platydoras hancockii (Valenciennes, 1840)
Image contributors to this species:
Allan James (2)
ScotCat Sources:
Other Sources:
Relevant Information:	This Dorad was known in the hobby for many years as Amblydoras hancockii which is now Amblydoras nauticus. There are four recognised species of Platydoras: P. armatulus (Paraguay-Paraná and portions of Amazon and Orinoco basins), P. costatus (Corantijn and Maroni basins), P. brachylecis (Rio Mearim, Rio Pindaré, Rio Itapecuru and rio Parnaíba basins in northeastern Brazil) and P. hancockii (Negro, Essequibo, Demerara, and upper Orinoco basins). In common with most of the Doradidae family it can create a sound by grating its fin bones in each socket and amplifying the noise via the swim bladder. Aquarium Care: This is a fairly easy catfish to keep as long as you can provide it with shelter such as pipes or cave work. It will even jam itself into the pipe with its pectoral spines and will be unremovable. Diet: Easy to feed on frozen food such as bloodworm, tablet and pellet foods. In youngsters it is better to feed at night after lights out, the older they get they will get bolder and come out at feeding time.
Common Name:	Blue-eye catfish
Synonyms:	Amblydoras hancockii, Doras hancockii
Family:	Doradidae
Distribution:	South America: Negro, Essequibo, Demerara, and upper Orinoco basins.
Size:	15cm. TL (6ins)
Temp:	24-30°C (75-87°F)
p.H.	6.0-7.5.
Reference:	ScotCat Factsheet no. 073. July 2002.