Worm Line Peckoltia (Peckoltia braueri)

Worm Line Peckoltia Peckoltia braueri
Name	Worm Line Peckoltia
Name Lat.	Peckoltia braueri
Synonym	L121, L135, L305
Family	Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes
Family lat.	Loricariidae
Order	Catfishes
Order lat.	Siluriformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Streams, rivers
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	13 cm
Temperature	23-27 °C
Hardness	1-15 °dH
Aquarium	~ 150 l
US Units
Size	5"
Temperature	73-81 °F
Hardness	18-267 ppm
Aquarium	~ 40 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Brewer's Peckoltia are distributed in the catchment area of the Rio Demini and in the Rio Takutu (Brazil, Guyana). According to their origin their coloration and pattern varies. They live in stagnant rivers and streams, preferably among dead wood and roots that protrude into the water.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a robust planting, with stones and caves (catfish burrows) and roots that provide hiding places and at the same time are part of their diet. A sandy substrate, some subdued light (floating plants) and a weak 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 feed on plant and animal food. 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, scalded spinach, as well as zoopankton, 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

The Brauers Peckoltia L121, L135 and L305 are site variants. The catfishes L121 and L305 originate from the Rio Takutu in Guyana. The picture shows a L135, which comes from the Rio Dimini in Brazil

Aquatic plants with soft leaves could be considered food.

When catching, use as fine-meshed nets as possible to prevent the hard rays of the pectoral fins or the skin teeth (odontodes) from getting 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: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch; WERNER, LECHNER, SCHMIDT (2005): MiniAtlas L-Welse, Bede Verlag; SEIDEL & EVERS (2005): Wels Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag;

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF