Peppered Firetail Botia (Syncrossus berdmorei)
| Peppered Firetail Botia Syncrossus berdmorei | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Peppered Firetail Botia |
| Name Lat. | Syncrossus berdmorei |
| Synonym | Botia berdmorei |
| Family | Pointface Loaches |
| Family lat. | Botiidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Myanmar, Thailand |
| Habitat | Streams, rivers |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Oviparous |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 8-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 20-25 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 400 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 8"-10" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the redfin tiger loach is the Shweli River near Mandalay in Myanmar and tributaries of the Chao Phraya in Thailand. They live in shady, clear, slow flowing waters with dead wood, roots and foliage.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, shady hiding places (roots, stones, caves), subdued light (floating plants), sufficient swimming space and a weak current. In order not to injure their barbels, a fine-grained substrate (sand, round gravel) is ideal, which can be covered with some 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 food, such as snails, daphnia, mysis, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also eaten in frozen form without any problems, plus commercially available, frozen special food mixtures, supplemented with high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, tablets). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as zucchini, avocado, broccoli or scalded spinach, as well as dry food with high vegetable content (e.g. spirulina, kelp).
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are sociable fish that can be well socialized in the group with not too small fish. Individually kept animals sometimes behave aggressively towards other fish. At least 5, but preferably more animals should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
There are no definite distinguishing characteristics. Adult females are slightly larger and rounder than males of the same age.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Syncrossus berdmorei are very similar to Syncrossus beauforti, but have fewer dorsal fin rays (9-10). They are predominantly crepuscular and usually remain hidden in narrow burrows appropriate to their size or under rocks and roots during the day. The tank needs good cover as they occasionally jump
By rapidly sucking in and expelling water through their mouths, they can make distinctly audible cracking sounds that are probably important for territorial behavior. A strict hierarchy prevails within the group.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. 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: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF