Sahyadria chalakkudiensis, Puntius chalakkudiensis
Sahyadria chalakkudiensis, Puntius chalakkudiensis in natural conditions lives in the Chalakuda River flowing in Kerala. The fish stick to rocky banks with dense coastal vegetation and a substrate of a mixture of sand and gravel. These fish have been available for sale relatively recently, in 2001. Despite the fact that this type of barbos rather simple in content, however, their breeding in an aquarium environment with some difficulties. These fish can be recommended to trained aquarists.
Sahyadria chalakkudiensis have a silver coloration. Along the whole body, from the eyes to the root of the tail plumage is a dark longitudinal stripe. There are black spots on the tips of the dorsal and tail plumage. A distinctive business card of these fish is a bright red band originating from the eyes and running approximately to the middle of the body. Pectoral and anal fins are colorless. Adult females are slightly larger than males, have a rounded abdomen and less bright coloration. The maximum size of fish is 10-12.5 cm.
Puntius chalakkudiensis shows signs of aggression to other types of fish, so if the content of fish in a common aquarium, you need to carefully select their neighbors. The most preferred roommates are commensurate or slightly larger fish family of carps, characinov, loaches and some species of catfish. Keep Sahyadria chalakkudiensis desirable group of at least 8 individuals. If the fish will be less, the stronger fish will pursue weaker, as a result, most fish will seek to hide in hiding.
Sahyadria chalakkudiensis desirable to contain in an aquarium of 200 liters, the bottom of which resembles a river bed with a substrate of scattered at the bottom of the stones and snags.
Water parameters: temperature 15-25° C, hardness dH 5-20°, pH 6,5-7,5. Pisces are intolerant to the presence of high concentrations of organic matter in the water, so you must have a highly efficient water filter. Also requires aeration and weekly replacement of up to 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh. It is desirable to create a small stream of water by directing the diversion nozzle water filter along the back wall of the aquarium.
By light no special requirements, the fish feel equally well under bright light and medium-intensity light.
In natural conditions Sahyadria chalakkudiensis feed on worms, insects, crustaceans and plants. in aquarium conditions the fish are fed chironomid, daphnia, artemia, dry food in the form of flakes and pellets. According to some aquarists, the red pigmentation on the body of fish can be made brighter by adding astaxanthin in the feed. Feed the fish 1-2 times a day.
Reproduction
The breeding of Sahyadria chalakkudiensis in an aquarium has some difficulties. The thing is that in nature, spawning of fish occurs in the rainy season, which is a stimulating moment for them. Such conditions are very difficult to recreate in an aquarium, so basically all fish appearing in the local distribution network are supplied from their natural habitat.
The lifespan of Sahyadria chalakkudiensis in aquarium conditions is about 3-5 years.
