In Praise Of The Hoplo

[friendlyfishy777]

Aren't hoplos great? Mine greet me when I wake up every morning, swim right up to the glass and hope they are getting feed. They love freeze-dried Tubifex Worm Cubes and will feed out of my fingers happily (their whiskers tickle). They get on very well with my corys and don't bother my six little Harlequin Rasboras (added to the tank the other week). I currently have a bit of a snail problem due to some new plants I added to the tank and I've been squishing them against the glass with a wooden spoon, and the hoplos now get very excited every time they see the spoon as they know that means they will soon have some snails for lunch (which they love!).

I had a bit of a bumpy start with them, two were very shy because they were unwell, but now everyone is fully fit and healthy they are seriously lovely pets.

Here's one of my kitty's in full greet mode!

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Glad to hear your ill Hoplos recovered, I saw the thread, but decided not to comment as I did not know for sure what is was from the symptoms. Great photo!

 

[friendlyfishy777]

I think they had velvet, I guess caused my the stress of travel. When I got them their bags were extremely cold. I used Protozin and within three days they looked better and within another one they were swimming about happily. Phew!

 

[nurglespuss]

yes I've got 2 hoplos about 6 years old now

I'm hoping to find some more up this end, they make such great pets!

 

[friendlyfishy777]

Have you ever thought about ordering them online? I brought my three online.

I'd buy from Sweet Knowle Aquatics - the fish I brought from them arrived by a courior that knew what he was carrying. The fish were double bagged, had heat pads, and their bags were wrapped in lots of newspaper. They came with detailed instructions on what PH and Temp they had been kept at, etc..

I just had a quick look and they will ship to Wales!

http/shop.sweetknowleaquatics.co.uk

It says out of stock for the hoplos on site but I'm sure if you ring them they will be able to tell you when they next have them in.

 

[nurglespuss]

Thanks for the great advice!

 

[IanL]

never thought of the "spoon squashing" idea...thanks a lot! I recently added my 3rd hoplos to my tank.... great little fellas,always on the go,and very friendly..