Allotoca dugesii
Allotoca dugesii live naturally in slow-flowing and shallow waters of Mexico and Central America. Although these fish are widespread in their natural habitat, there is little information about them due to their secretive lifestyle. These fish are also quite rare to find in the aquariums of hobbyists.
Allotoca dugesii has a compact body. The head of the fish is small, pointed. The dorsal plumage is offset toward the caudal fin. The upper part of the body is olive green with a silvery sheen, while the lower part is silvery or golden. In males, from the eyes to the base of the caudal fin, there is a dark longitudinal line with a greenish tint. The base of the fins has yellowish or orange coloration. On the sides of females are located from 4 to 11 wide vertical lines of bluish color. Some individuals also have dark spots on the sides. The size of females reaches 7 cm, and males 6 cm.
Keep fish preferably in a species-specific aquarium. Allotoca dugesii when kept in a large group or in a small aquarium begin to conflict with each other, especially excel in this case, the males do not miss a single opportunity not to pinch each other. Fish lead an active lifestyle without fatigue swimming almost the entire area of the aquarium. In this regard, contain these fish is desirable small harem, consisting of 1 male and 2-3 females. For this number of fish requires an aquarium volume of about 100 liters. In the aquarium should be placed large stones and snags, as well as densely plant the perimeter of the aquarium with a variety of tall plants.
Water parameters: temperature 18-25° C, hardness dH 15-25°, acidity pH 7,0-8,0. Need filtration and aeration of water, as well as its weekly replacement 60-80% fresh. It should be noted that the fish can easily tolerate a drop in water temperature to 15° C for several months.
In natural conditions, Allotoka dagesa feeds on various small invertebrates and insect larvae. In aquarium conditions, fish are fed artemia, moths, dry food in the form of pellets and flakes. It is necessary plant additive to the feed. Feed the fish should be 2 times a day.
Reproduction
Its sexual maturity Allotoca dugesii reaches the age of 5-6 months.
Females spawn at intervals of 2 months, hatching at a time about 10-30 fully formed fry about 5 mm long. In order to maintain the number of fry, because the producers do not mind to eat the fry, it is desirable to pregnant female in advance to drop off in another aquarium, densely planted with aquatic vegetation, so that the fry could immediately after birth to hide in their thick.
The life expectancy of Allotoca dugesii in aquarium conditions is about 3-5 years.
