Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias(l240)
Note:
Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.
Size 240mm or
9.4" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification All
Leporacanthicus spp. have a small backwards facing slightly proud blunt
thorn-like plate on top of their heads.
This Venezuelan species is very similar to Leproacanthicus
galaxias and may well turn out to represent the Northern limit of that species
range. The unpaired fins of adult fish have very few or no spots at their tips
giving the appearance of a black edge.
Sexing Adult
males have a much longer and broader head with small odontodes on the sides of
head, more odontodes on pectoral fin spine and on the whole body, a bigger
dorsal fin and normally a prettier coloration. The characteristic spine
protruding from the top of the head is also said to be longer in males.
Jump to next section Habitat Information
Distribution Venezuela:
Amazonas: Upper Orinoco
Temperature 28.0-31.0?C
or 82.4-87.8?F
Feeding Not a true
vegetarian so a wide variety of foods, including algae wafers, cucumber or
courgette (zuchini), frozen bloodworm, prawns, shrimps and tablet food. Shelled
crustaceans or molluscs appear favourite foods but should be fed sparingly or
used for conditioning.
Furniture Prefers
bogwood and darker rocks.
Compatibility Gets
on with small lively catfish but avoid too many other larger bottom dwellers
(unless space permits) due to the territorial disputes. They are also
aggressive against other catfish with similar coloration.
Breeding The
species has been bred by Swedish aquarist Cristoffer Forssander, he reports the
following:
Keep at least one female to one male or a few more females
if possible. The males can be very aggressive to each other so need a lot of
space to hide.
This species is a cave spawner. The female lays around 50
to 150 eggs depending on female size. The eggs are quite large, around 5-6 mm
and orange in colour.
The male will stay in the cave with the eggs and guard his
den until the fry have absorbed their yolk sac. The eggs hatch in 2-3 days when
the temperature is around 29- 31?C.
The eggs are very sensitive, so to hatch successfully, good
water conditions are a must, as indeed, is the case to get this species to
breed in the first place.
The pH was 6.2 when they were breeding and the temperature
was fluctuated temperature weeks before to simulate dry- and wet periods.
The fry will absorb the yolk sac within 12 days. The male
guard the eggs until they hatch, and depending on the male, sometimes even
longer.
The fry will feed on crushed pellets; Artemia and mysis are
also highly recommended.