Flat-headed loach (Oreonectes platycephalus)

Parámetros de cuidado

Temperatura

18–26 °C

pH

6.5–7.5

Dureza GH

5–15 dGH

Tamaño adulto

7.5–11 cm

Tanque mínimo

145 L

Capa de nado

Bottom-dwelling

Dificultad

Moderada

Temperamento

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand

Origen

cave waters of Guangxi, China

Descripción de la especie

Oreonectes platycephalus, a member of the family Nemacheilidae, is native to cave waters of Guangxi, China. Half of its life happens after dark; give it fine sand and it will reward you with natural foraging. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 7.5–11 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Use a soft sand bed and feed sinking foods; coarse gravel wears down its sensory barbels. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.

Biotopo natural

Hábitat

Hill-streams and riffles over pebbles

Corriente

Strong, well-oxygenated current

Oxígeno disuelto

Requires well-oxygenated water

Paisaje y equipo

Sustrato

Smooth pebbles and coarse sand

Decoración dura

Stacked stones forming crevices

Plantas

Anubias and other hardy attachers

Temperamento, dieta y compañeros

Sociabilidad

Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy

Dieta

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods

Compañeros recomendados

• Small calm cyprinids — Occupy a different water layer

Evitar con

• Large predators — Loaches are on the menu

Cría y notas

Dimorfismo sexual

Females rounder-bodied

Método de cría

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned