Loach Catfish (Aspidoras rochai)

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Loach Catfish
Aspidoras rochai
Loach Catfish (Aspidoras rochai)
Name Loach Catfish
Name Lat. Aspidoras rochai
Synonym Corydoras rochai
Family Armoured Catfishes
Family lat. Callichthyidae
Order Catfishes
Order lat. Siluriformes
Origin Brazil
Habitat Streams, rivers
Diet Omnivore
pH 6.0-7.5
Behavior Peaceful
Keeping Group
Care Level Moderate
Reproduction Substrate spawner
Breeding None reported
Life Span 10-15 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 5 cm
Temperature 21-25 °C
Hardness < 15 °dH
Aquarium ~ 100 l
US Units
Size 2"
Temperature 70-77 °F
Hardness < 267 ppm
Aquarium ~ 25 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the Rochas loach catfish is coastal rivers in the state of Cearái in northeastern Brazil. They live in shallow, slow-moving water with sandy, silty bottoms covered with branches and leaves.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have dense planting with shady hiding places (roots). In order not to injure their barbels (serve for orientation and foraging), a soft, sandy substrate is ideal, which should be covered with some mulm and foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves).

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

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 for catfish (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mysis, tubifex or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, occasionally some vegetable food, such as algae leaves or dry food with vegetable components (e.g. spirulina, kelp).

Only feed as much as is eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They live in groups and are well suited for a community tank with other peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably more Rochas loach catfish should be kept together. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The females are slightly larger and more plump when seen from above.

Reproduction and breeding

During mating (T-position), the eggs enter a pocket formed by the ventral fins of the female and, after fertilization, are glued to substrates (e.g. leaves, stems). This process is repeated a few times. The larvae hatch after about 2-3 days and swim freely after 2-5 days.

In the aquarium no breeding has succeeded so far.

Important

They have additional intestinal respiration to survive in oxygen-poor waters and sometimes come up to the water surface for air even in the oxygen-rich aquarium.

The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source.

When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to avoid snagging the hard rays of the pectoral fins, 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: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

  • Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF