Scleromystax prionotos
The Scleromystax prionotos occurs naturally only in rivers in the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil. This fish gets its name from the shape of the thoracic spine in the form of peculiar serrations.
Scleromystax prionotos has an elongated body shape, grey in colour with a black longitudinal stripe. The fins are large. On the pectoral and dorsal fins first beam in the form of spines, which serve as a defensive tool against predators. The outer covering of the fish, consisting of bony plates, also serves as a peculiar protection. The fish can reach a maximum size of 6.5 cm.
Coarse-grained river sand or fine ground gravel should preferably be used as a substrate. Decorations can be any and largely dependent on personal preference, but in any case, hiding places must be, so that each fish can have the opportunity in case of danger of hiding from the pursuer.
Keep Scleromystax prionotos desirable group of 4-6 fish. In this case, the fish will be less fearful and exhibit a more natural behavior. For such a number of fish the aquarium should have a volume of 100 liters. In general, the content of these fish is not difficult.
Pisces are territorial, especially this allocated males who zealously guard their territory from each other. Particularly aggressive are males during the spawning season. In this regard, preferably in one aquarium contain 1 male and 3-4 females. By other types of fish that inhabit the aquarium, Coridoras serrated not show aggression.
Water parameters: temperature 22-26° C, hardness dH 2-20°, acidity pH 6,0-8,0. Requires filtration, aeration and a weekly change of 1/5 of the aquarium water with fresh water.
The Scleromystax prionotos is an omnivorous fish. Under aquarium conditions it eats a variety of sinking dry food, live and frozen artemia, daphnia and bloodworms. A varied menu is essential for the well-being of the fish. It should be noted that corydoras must under no circumstances survive on the food "leftovers" of other aquarium inhabitants. Give as much food as possible, so that all fish inhabiting the aquarium, get it equally.
Reproduction
Breeding Scleromystax prionotos is no different from breeding other catfish species. Under acceptable conditions, fish spawn periodically without any special events for this.
Female lays eggs on a flat surface, as which may be a broad plant leaf, the surface of a flat rock or the aquarium wall. Producers do not show concern for the eggs and future fry, so the clutch with eggs should preferably be moved to another small aquarium with similar water parameters.
The eggs are incubated for 3-5 days. Immediately after birth, the fry feed on their yolk sacs, and after 3 days begin to eat a variety of specialized food designed for fry catfish. After a couple of weeks, the fry are fed with artemia.
