Golden Eel Loach (Pangio doriae)
| Golden Eel Loach Pangio doriae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Golden Eel Loach |
| Name Lat. | Pangio doriae |
| Family | Longfin Loaches |
| Family lat. | Cobitidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Forest streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Swarm |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 8-9 cm |
| Temperature | 21-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-8 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3"-3.5" |
| Temperature | 70-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-142 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the violet eel-thorn eyes is the Malay Peninsula as well as the northwest of the island of Borneo (Sarawak). They live in slow flowing sections of forest streams as well as in lakes and ponds with soft, muddy bottoms, among fallen leaves, plants and roots.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting with numerous hiding places (roots, stones, caves). To be able to burrow in, they need a soft, fine-grained substrate (sand, round gravel) covered with some mulm and foliage (e.g. sea almond tree, oak). Subdued light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water with little current is 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 bottom-dwelling small crustaceans (bosmids, ostracods, etc.). The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high quality sinking dry food (granules, pellets, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, bosmids, tubifex and mosquito larvae (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
These gregarious, crepuscular to nocturnal fish are completely peaceful. At least 10 Violet Aaldorn Eyes should be kept together. They are well suited for a community tank with other calm and peaceful fish, such as barbs, rasboras, gourami, etc.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar water condition and water temperature requirements should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. In sexually mature males, the first pectoral fin ray is branched and thickened, and the pectoral fins are directed upward and are slightly longer than those of females. Females are slightly larger and appear rounder than males.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Predominantly crepuscular to nocturnal, these fish tend to stay hidden in caves or under rocks and roots during the day
In addition to the purple eel-thorn eyes, there is a golden color variant
Foliage (e.g., sea almond tree or oak leaves) not only provides cover, but when rotting encourages the development of microorganisms that are a valuable secondary food source.
When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to avoid snagging the subocular spines (under the eye) that are normally hidden under the skin.
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 if the contaminant level 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: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Zootierhaltung, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF