Whiptail Catfish 'Peru II' (Pseudohemiodon sp. 'Peru II')

Whiptail Catfish 'Peru II' Pseudohemiodon sp. 'Peru II'
Name	Whiptail Catfish 'Peru II'
Name Lat.	Pseudohemiodon sp. 'Peru II'
Family	Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes
Family lat.	Loricariidae
Order	Catfishes
Order lat.	Siluriformes
Origin	Peru
Habitat	Rivers
Diet	Carnivore
pH	6.0-7.0
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Mouthbrooder
Breeding	None reported
Life Span	8-10 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	15 cm
Temperature	24-28 °C
Hardness	1-10 °dH
Aquarium	~ 200 l
US Units
Size	6"
Temperature	75-82 °F
Hardness	18-178 ppm
Aquarium	~ 50 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the crepuscular Reticulated Flounder Catfish Peru II is in Peru. They live in shallow water preferably on sandy bottoms between fallen leaves, sunken branches and roots protruding into the water.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense border planting with roots, round stones and caves (hiding places) as well as free sandy areas of fine-grained sand covered with some foliage (oak, sea almond tree). Subdued light and a medium current are 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 feed on animal food. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for loricariids (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) as well as zooplankton, mosquito larvae, shrimp, krill, snails, fish, crab and mussel meat (live or frozen).

Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They are calm, peaceful catfish that should be kept in pairs or in a group of 3-5. Only during the spawning season they behave somewhat territorial. They can be kept very well in a community tank with other calm fish

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Sexually mature males have a distinctly enlarged mouth and spawning females appear slightly rounder

Reproduction and breeding

There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.

Presumably, like other flounder catfish, they are paternal mouthbrooders. The male picks up the egg ball in a "lip pocket" for mouth brooding. The egg ball is aerated by moving the mouthparts. After 12-14 days, the larvae hatch and brood care is complete

Important

For protection and camouflage, they sometimes bury themselves in the sand.

Special attention should be paid to good water quality and a weekly partial water change is recommended

When catching, fine-meshed nets should be used as far 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: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); SEIDL & EVERS (2005): Wels Atlas, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF