The Fork Tail Hoplo Catfish is a widespread species of heavily armored catfish found throughout much of the Amazon, where it is found in a wide variety of habitat types. Like their more well known relative, the Spotted Hoplo (M. thoracata) and are especially hardy due to their ability to breathe atmospheric air when dissolved oxygen levels are low. In the aquarium, they will thrive in a wide variety of conditions and make excellent tankmates for most medium to large sized fish.