Acari Bola Branca (Spectracanthicus zuanoni)
| Acari Bola Branca Spectracanthicus zuanoni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Acari Bola Branca |
| Name Lat. | Spectracanthicus zuanoni |
| Synonym | Oligancistrus zuanoni, L20 |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 5-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-12 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | < 20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4"-4.7" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | < 356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Gray-spotted Sailfin Catfish is the Rio Xingu in Pará, Brazil. They live in oxygen-rich, well-flowed waters with large stones and sunken tree trunks.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting with various sized round stones and roots that provide hiding places and are also part of their diet. A round-grained substrate, subdued light (floating plant cover) and a medium current are ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed mainly on animal food. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for loricariids (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) as well as zooplankton, cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, shrimp, etc. (live or frozen).
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
Gray spotted sailfin catfish are crepuscular and nocturnal. They are very peaceful and lively fish that can be kept well with other peaceful fish. Several sailfin catfish should always be kept together in a group.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar water condition and water temperature requirements should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The males have a more massive head than the females.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
When trapping, use the finest mesh nets possible to prevent the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) from becoming caught on the bone plates, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch; SCHMIDT, WERNER, LECHNER (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF