Butterfly Loach (Sewellia breviventralis)
| Butterfly Loach Sewellia breviventralis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Butterfly Loach |
| Name Lat. | Sewellia breviventralis |
| Family | Hillstream Loaches |
| Family lat. | Gastromyzontidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Vietnam |
| Habitat | Mountain streams |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Oviparous |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | 2-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | 36-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Vietnam Fin Sucker is the Pako River in central Vietnam. They live in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich mountain streams and river headwaters, preferring shallow water, among rocks, boulders and round river pebbles densely covered with algae.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, a substrate of sand and round-grained gravel, large rounded rocks and roots (hiding places), and strong lighting to encourage algae growth. They require oxygenated water and a very strong current.
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 eat the plant cover (growth) of stones and wood and the microorganisms contained therein. For a balanced diet, feed them once a day with a high-quality sinking dry food (granules, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, they need vegetable food, such as crushed peas, scalded spinach or algae leaves. It is recommended to coat stones or roots with a slurry of spirulina, chlorella and other algae powder and place them in the aquarium after they have dried
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are active and peaceful fish that prefer to live in groups. At least 5 Vietnam Fin Suckers should be kept together. A socialization with other peaceful fish, such as Danios, Rasboras, Tanichthys as well as catfish is possible without any problems.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Females have a comparatively broader body than males when viewed from above. Sexually mature males develop tentacles on the first 5-6 pectoral fin rays.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
They have large pectoral and pelvic fins, which are formed as adhesive organs and with which they can attach themselves to stones in the fast-flowing waters. When changing location, they swim only short distances, fast and shallow over the bottom, to immediately suck themselves back in.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load has 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: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF