Pseudacanthicus cf. leopardus
Note:
Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.
Distribution
Mostly collected in the in the rio Negro basin, Amazonas
state, Brazil, and in particular the rio Demini, a northern tributary flowing
into the central Negro in the municipality of Barcelos.
P. leopardus was described from the Rupununi River in
Guyana and the identity of this fish thus remains unconfirmed.
Maximum Standard Length
200 ? 250 mm.
Aquarium Size ?
An aquarium with base dimensions of 180 ? 60 cm or larger is required
for long-term care.
Maintenance
Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we
strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing river
with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some
water-worn boulders.
This can be further furnished with driftwood branches,
terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks,
crannies, and shaded spots, thus providing broken lines of sight.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 24 ? 30 ?C
pH: 5.5 ? 7.5
Hardness: 18 ? 268 ppm
Diet
Wild specimens are likely omnivorous but with a preference
for aquatic invertebrates and suchlike.
In the aquarium it does best when offered a varied diet
comprising sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, chironomid
larvae (bloodworm), and prawn/shrimp, for, example, plus some fresh fruit,
parboiled potato, etc.
Home-made foods using a mixture of natural ingredients
bound with gelatin are very useful since they can be tailored to contain fresh
vegetables, Spirulina and meatier ingredients.
Sexual Dimorphism
Adult males possess a broader head plus more extensive
odontode development than females, particularly on the leading pectoral-fin
rays and interopercular region.
Reproduction
Cave-spawner with the male responsible for brood care. Has
been bred in aquaria