Platyrhyncha Pleco (Cordylancistrus platyrhynchus)
| Platyrhyncha Pleco Cordylancistrus platyrhynchus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Platyrhyncha Pleco |
| Name Lat. | Cordylancistrus platyrhynchus |
| Synonym | Chaetostoma platyrhyncha |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Omnivore, soft wood |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 1-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Cordylancistrus platyrhynchus are distributed in the catchment area of the upper Caqueta River and the upper Japura River (Colombia). According to their origin their coloration and pattern varies. They live in mountain streams and small rivers, preferably among dead wood and roots that protrude into the water.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a robust border planting with round stones, caves (catfish burrows) and roots, which provide hiding places and which are also part of the food. A medium 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 eat the vegetable cover (growth) of stones, wood, plants, etc. and the microorganisms contained therein. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for loricariid catfish (granules, pellets, chips, tablets), supplemented with algae leaves, soft wood and fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, bruised peas or scalded spinach, plus occasional small amounts of zooplankton, cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). Feed only as much as will be eaten within a few minutes, excluding plant foods. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are crepuscular to nocturnal. Within the species they behave occasionally territorial, so several animals should be maintained only in a richly structured tank. They are very peaceful towards other fish and are well suited for a community tank
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Sexually mature males possess odontodes (pointed skin teeth).
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. It is assumed that they spawn in caves and the clutch is guarded by the male.
Important
Aquatic plants with soft leaves could be considered food.
When catching, use as fine-meshed nets as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) do not get 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: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch;
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF