Megalodoras uranoscopus, commonly known as the Giant Talking Catfish or Giant Thorny Catfish, is a large species of freshwater catfish from the family Doradidae. Here are some key points about the species:

Natural Habitat:

• Location: They are native to South America, particularly found in river basins like the Amazon and Orinoco.

• Environment: These catfish inhabit slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and lakes, often hiding among submerged roots, vegetation, or debris.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Megalodoras uranoscopus can grow quite large, reaching up to 60 cm (around 24 inches) in length.

• Appearance: They have a broad, flattened head with spiny projections on their pectoral fins and a body covered in bony scutes (protective plates). The fish has a dark, spotted appearance that helps with camouflage in their natural habitat.

Behavior:

• Nocturnal: These fish are generally nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night.

• “Talking” Ability: Like other doradids, they can produce sounds by rubbing their pectoral fin spines against their sockets, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “talking” catfish.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: Due to their size, they require a very large tank—at least 150 gallons, though larger is preferable.

• Water Conditions: They prefer warm water between 24-28°C (75-82°F), and a pH level around 6.0-7.5.

• Diet: In the wild, they feed on snails, small crustaceans, and plant matter. In captivity, they can be fed sinking pellets, fresh vegetables, and live or frozen foods like shrimp and worms.

Compatibility:

• Temperament: Megalodoras uranoscopus are generally peaceful and can be kept with other large, non-aggressive fish. However, due to their size, small fish may be at risk of being eaten.

They are interesting additions to large freshwater aquariums but require significant space and good filtration due to their size and bio-load.