Saturday, March 31, 2007

Update Fish Stocks

This is my currently updated fish stock.

2" L91 - 15/3/07
2" L114 - 29/3/07
5" L200 - 21/3/07
3" L273 - 17/3/07
3" L25 - 10/3/07
2" L14 - 5/3/07
6" L95 - 1/3/07
3" Albino Adonis - 27/2/07
4" L600 - 15/2/07
5" L25 - 7/2/07
4" L25 - 7/2/07
7" L24 - 17/12/06
3" L25 - 17/12/06
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L264
Veiltail
L177
L360
L56
L600
5" L160
3" L02
1" L204
2" L203
2"L47
3" L128
2" L25
4" L190 - 15/9/06
2" L260
2" L134
3" L24
1" Adonis

L114 Leopard Cactus Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Pseudacanthicus leopardus L114/LDA07
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : Leopard Cactus Pleco
Maximum Length : 30cm / 12"
Origin : Rio Demini, Brazil
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4

Things to note: The "brother" species of L600, there are a lot of similarities between the two species. The most accepted difference is that on a L114 the spots are even throughout the body, while on a L600, the spots get smaller or disappear on the head portion. L114 also has a smaller maximum size compared to a L600.

Personal comments : While L600 is mostly black/grey with red fins, L114 is yellow/orange with red fins. This makes it slightly less attractive in terms of coloration contrasts. Nevertheless a great addition to any tank.

Tips : Keep the L114 in a tank with black Oyama, where its body will become darker. Coupled with a red light tube to accentuate the red colour of its fins, it becomes a beautiful display fish immediately. It is not certain if there's any way to reduce or even stop the leaching of colours.
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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Unknown.

Feeding : Carnivore but not a predator. Favours prawns as well as small pieces of fish. Provide some vegetables for a balanced diet. When it gets used to the aquarium it will also eat pellets and wafers.

Behavior in captivity : L114s are extremely shy and introverted fish and require low lighting or darkness and a cave they can call their own. They are particularly aggressive and territorial towards conspecifics. Should there be a challenge expect to see violent fights and bullying until the hierarchy is established. Due to their size and strength fights may have detrimental outcomes. Provide clearly separated spaces for them in the tank and ensure each stays there by minimising the need for them to look for food outside their space. Given time they will get used to each others presence and learn to live harmoniously.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

L47 Mango Pleco Profile

Scientific Name : Baryancistrus sp. L47
Family : Loricariidae
Common Name : High Fin Green Spot Pleco
Maximum Length : 28cm / 11"
Origin : Rio Xingu, Brazil - A black water river
pH Level : 6.0 - 7.4 Things to note: One of the easiest plecos to recognise and keep, the Mango Pleco is a traditional favourite among pleco keepers, and is easy enough to start with. The yellow fins against a green background cuts a beautiful sight in any tank.

Personal comments : Having sold my L47 among other plecos, it is the one pleco I miss the most, because it is so visually arresting and also cute to look at.

Tips : L47 are known to be slow in acclimatising to local conditions. Make sure that the L47 at your LFS is already there for a while before bagging it home.

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Sexual dimporphism / reproduction : Not known.

Feeding : A look at the mouth of the Mango Pleco reveals that this species is an "Aufwuchs" eater. It eats almost everything though.

Behavior in captivity : This species gets on well with most bottom dwellers and will not proactively attack other fish.