Spotted Butterfly Loach (Sewellia sp. 'Spotted')
| Spotted Butterfly Loach Sewellia sp. 'Spotted' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Spotted Butterfly Loach |
| Name Lat. | Sewellia sp. 'Spotted' |
| Synonym | Sewellia sp. 'SEW01' |
| Family | Hillstream Loaches |
| Family lat. | Gastromyzontidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Vietnam |
| Habitat | Mountain streams |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6-8 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.4"-3" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution range of the Spotted Fin Sucker is in central Vietnam. They live in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich mountain streams and river headwaters, preferring shallow water, among rocks, boulders and round river pebbles densely covered with algae.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, strong lighting (algae growth), a substrate of sand and round-grained gravel, large rounded stones and roots (hiding places). They need oxygenated water and a very strong current.
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 plant cover (growth) of stones and wood and the microorganisms contained therein. For a balanced diet, feed them once a day with a high-quality sinking dry food (granules, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, they need vegetable food, such as crushed peas, scalded spinach or algae leaves. It is recommended to coat stones or roots with a slurry of spirulina, chlorella and other algae powder and place them in the aquarium after they have dried
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are active and peaceful fish that prefer to live in groups. A socialization with other small and peaceful fish like barbs, tetras etc. is possible without any problems. At least 5 animals should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Females are larger and more plump than males. Sexually mature males have tentacles on the first 5-6 pectoral fin rays.
Reproduction and breeding
There are isolated reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. They lay the eggs between stones and do not practice brood care.
Important
They have large pectoral and pelvic fins, which are designed as adhesive organs that allow them to attach to rocks in fast-flowing waters. Unlike other fin suckers, they glide over the bottom.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored 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: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF