Suckermouthed Catfish (Hypostomus punctatus)
| Suckermouthed Catfish Hypostomus punctatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Suckermouthed Catfish |
| Name Lat. | Hypostomus punctatus |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Rivers |
| Diet | Omnivore, soft wood |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Nocturnal, peaceful |
| Keeping | Individual, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 10-15 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 26-30 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-25 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 400 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 10"-12" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-445 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Spotted Shield Catfish is the southeast of Brazil. They live in rivers and streams, preferably in sections with low current as well as in floodplains. Roots protruding into the water, sunken tree trunks and branches serve as their habitat.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, with roots and branches that provide hiding places and are also part of their diet, as well as caves and a sandy substrate. Subdued light and a weak current is 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 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 and nocturnal. Older animals sometimes behave intra-species territorial, without serious confrontations. Multiple animals should only be kept in large and richly structured tanks. They are very peaceful towards other fish and can be socialized well with larger fish.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized
Sex dimorphism
There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
Aquarium plants basically do not serve as food for them, but they can be damaged or uprooted. They have a strong sucking mouth, with spoon-shaped teeth for scraping off wood, and intestinal flora that enables the fish to digest the cellulose.
When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to avoid snagging the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) 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: Werner Winter; 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