Striped Rubbernose Plecostomus (Chaetostoma thomsoni)
| Striped Rubbernose Plecostomus Chaetostoma thomsoni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Striped Rubbernose Plecostomus |
| Name Lat. | Chaetostoma thomsoni |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Habitat | Mountain streams |
| Diet | Limnivore, soft wood |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 8-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10 cm |
| Temperature | 20-22 °C |
| Hardness | 1-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4" |
| Temperature | 68-72 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Thomson's mountain catfish are native to the Rio Magdalena watershed in Colombia. They live in fast flowing gebeirg streams and small oxygen-rich rivers with rocks, stones and roots and a substrate of round gravel.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a robust edge planting with large river pebbles, caves (catfish burrows) and roots that provide hiding places and are also part of the food. A round-grained substrate and a strong current are ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, and 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 sometimes behave intra-species territorial, so several animals should be kept only in large and richly structured tanks. They are very peaceful towards other fish and can be socialized well with them.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The slightly larger males have a more angular head shape than the females, which appear somewhat rounder around the ventral area. With some experience the sexes can be distinguished by their gental papilla.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. They are cave breeders and the male does the brood care.
Important
When trapping, use the finest mesh nets possible to prevent the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) from becoming 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: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch; SEIDL & EVERS (2005): Wels Atlas, Mergus Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF