Semaprochilodus taeniurus
Semaprochilodus taeniurus is one of the most common fish in the Amazon basin. Under natural conditions, the fish are constantly migrating, and the largest concentrations are found in floodplain lakes and forest channels. In general these fish are unpretentious, the only thing that deters many aquarists from acquiring them is the need for a very large aquarium.
Semaprochilodus taeniurus has a bright, contrasting silvery body coloration with dark mottling. The body is tall, the head slightly elongated, fins large. Dorsal, anal and tail plumage is striped. The abdominal plumage is bright red. The maximum size of the fish is 30 cm.
Given the considerable size of fish for their content requires a large aquarium of 500 liters. Semaprochilodus taeniurus relentless swimmers, so the main thing in the aquarium is to create a large area, free of decorations, for their swimming. It is possible to keep these fish in a common aquarium with fish of comparable size. When contained in a single aquarium of 2-3 fish, they become aggressive toward each other and vice versa, if the content of their group, numbering at least 6 individuals, their aggressive zeal can be significantly reduced, but only the volume of the aquarium for such a number of fish should have a volume of 1,500 liters. In all other cases, it is best to keep one specimen in the community of medium and large-sized fish.
The desired dark ground in the form of medium-sized gravel or coarse sand. At the edges of the aquarium and in the background can be placed a few large boulders and snags. Live plants to grow with these fish will not work, because they will certainly be eaten by them. If really want the aquarium was present in the living flora, it is necessary to place it only artificial counterparts.
Water parameters: temperature 23-29° C, hardness dH 2-20 °, acidity pH 5,5-7,5. Requires enhanced filtration and aeration of water, as well as its weekly replacement of 1/3 of fresh. The aquarium needs to create a flow of water, for example, using a pump or by directing the diversion nozzle water filter along the back wall of the aquarium.
The menus mainly consist of plant food such as lettuce, spinach, dandelion, nettle, flake food with spirulina. Twice a week, fish are fed Tubifeed or chironomid. Feed the fish 1 - 2 times a day.
Reproduction
Semaprochilodus taeniurus in aquarium conditions does not breed. Fish spawning is preceded by the rainy season in nature and the subsequent migration of fish upstream. By migrating fish overcome considerable distances, sometimes several hundred kilometers, to find a suitable place for spawning. Females spawn right upstream, and males immediately fertilize the eggs. The eggs are then presented to themselves and carried away by the current. The fry are born in the stream of water. It should be noted that not all fish go upstream to spawn, the older fish stay in the same place.
Semaprochilodus taeniurus are rarely found in trade due to the specific demand for them because of the increased requirements for their maintenance. All of the fish that occasionally appear in the trade are supplied to the domestic chain of pet stores from their natural habitat.
