Page 130 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

128 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Chaetostoma cf. thomsoni Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps Pseudacanthicus pirarara
Bulldog Catfish L146a Leopard Pleco L083 Scarlet Acanthicus L025
ORIGINS South America, occurring in streams in the ORIGINS South America, found in the Amazon in parts ORIGINS South America, although its precise distribution
mountains of Colombia. of both Peru and Brazil. is presently unclear.
SIZE 5 in (12.75 cm). SIZE 18 in (45 cm). SIZE 18 in (45 cm).
DIET Omnivorous. DIET Omnivorous. DIET Mainly meat-based foods.
WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft WATER Temperature 73–81°F (23–27°C); soft WATER Temperature 73–79°F (23–26°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Usually placid. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Very territorial.
Sail-like The large black spots that characterize this catfish Pronounced
dorsal fin Body plates extend over the fins and body. Sexing is possible black spots
in mature individuals, because males have a more
prominent genital papilla. Breeding in the typical
aquarium is unlikely, because these fish normally
burrow into the riverbank, where they create a
nesting chamber for their eggs. The species is
bred commercially, however, and a pink-eyed Scarlet on
albino form, showing slight traces of the spotted the fins
patterning, is sometimes available.
The Bulldog is called L146a under the L-numbering These attractive, spotted plecos grow to a large
system (see p.21) for identifying loricariids that have size, with individuals displaying varying amounts
yet to be confirmed as distinct species. Males have of scarlet on their fins. Mature males are more
larger pelvic fins than females, possibly to stop slender-bodied than adult females. These fish
sperm from washing away during spawning before can be aggressive and will defend their territory,
fertilization occurs. The female lays about 80 eggs becoming most active after dark. Although they
in the open, often on a vertical surface, and the prefer foods such as chopped shrimp and mussels,
male guards them until they hatch. Regular partial Scarlet Acanthicus are scavengers rather than active
water changes are vital during the rearing period. hunters, so they will take vegetable matter as well.

Baryancistrus xanthellus Hypostomus plecostomus
Golden Nugget Pleco L018 Pleco Hypostomus

ORIGINS South America, although its precise distribution ORIGINS South America, widely distributed in northern
is presently unclear. parts; also occurs on Trinidad.
SIZE 14 in (35 cm). SIZE 12 in (30 cm).
DIET Thawed foods and vegetables. DIET Mainly vegetarian.
WATER Temperature 77–86°F (25–30°C); soft WATER Temperature 68–86°F (20–30°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Territorially aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Relatively peaceful.
Yellow spots on the body and yellow tips to the The Pleco Hypostomus’ mottled patterning varies
dorsal and caudal fins identify the Golden Nugget throughout its range, making accurate identification
Pleco. Juveniles cannot be sexed, but adult females difficult. Mature males have thicker pectoral fins,
can be differentiated from males by their which turn reddish-pink in the spawning period.
narrower, more rounded foreheads. When these These fish tend not to occur in fast-flowing water,
fish are in breeding condition, they display by but they still need good filtration in their tank. In
digging in the substrate. Spawning occurs in caves, the wild, eggs are usually laid in a riverbank cavity
and an airstone placed nearby will ensure that below the water line, rarely in underwater caves.
there is both gentle water movement and
sufficient oxygen for the brood. The fry grow
slowly, measuring less than 2 in (5 cm)
after six months. Brine shrimp is a
suitable first food for the young.
Adults eat a variety of foods,
including thawed bloodworm
and shrimp, and will
even gnaw on slices
of cucumber or
zucchini.

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