Chameleon Whiptail Catfish (Pseudohemiodon apithanos)
| Chameleon Whiptail Catfish Pseudohemiodon apithanos | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Chameleon Whiptail Catfish |
| Name Lat. | Pseudohemiodon apithanos |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Ecuador, Colombia |
| Habitat | Rivers, streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.4-7.6 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 8-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 15-20 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 300 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 6"-8" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the crepuscular chameleon flounder catfish is the river system of the Rio San Miguel (Ecuador) and the western catchment area of the Amazon. They live in shallow water preferentially on sandy bottoms among fallen leaves, sunken branches and roots protruding into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting with roots, round stones and caves (hiding places) as well as free sandy areas of fine-grained sand covered with some foliage (oak, sea almond tree). Subdued light 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 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, mosquito larvae, shrimp, krill, snails, fish, crab and mussel meat (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
They are calm, peaceful catfish that are somewhat territorial only during spawning season and are very suitable for a community tank with other calm fish. It is recommended to keep them in pairs or in a group of 3-5.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Sexually mature males have a distinctly enlarged mouth and spawning females are rounder
Reproduction and breeding
They are paternal mouth brooders. The male picks up the egg ball in a "lip pocket" for mouth brooding. The egg ball is aerated by moving the mouthparts. After 12-14 days, the larvae hatch and brood care is complete. After another 2-3 days, the fry have consumed their yolk sac and begin to feed on their own. The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, microworms, Cylops, fine dry food)
In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
For protection and camouflage they bury themselves in the sand. They have individually different black bands on their backs. When disturbed, the light gray animals can turn almost completely black.
When trapping, use the finest mesh nets possible to prevent the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) from getting 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: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (1997): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF