Enteromius callipterus
The Enteromius callipterus naturally inhabits water bodies in West Africa from Cameroon to Nigeria. These fish were first described in 1907. They are easy to keep, even for novice aquarists.
Enteromius callipterus has an elongated body. The scales are large and gray with a silvery sheen. A sort of calling card of the fish is a contrasting dorsal fin of red-orange colour with a small black spot. For this fin colouring the fish got its name. Sex differences are subtle. Unerringly determine sex fish can only be during the spawning period, at this time, the abdomen of the female is rounded, and she looks much larger than the male. The maximum size of the fish is 9 cm.
The Enteromius callipterus is a peace-loving, swift fish. Keep these fish in a small flock of at least 6-8. For this number of fish need an aquarium volume of 200 liters. The fish can easily be kept in a common aquarium with other peace-loving fish. The perimeter of the aquarium should be densely planted, where the mottled barbs will hide. At the same time, provide enough space for the fish to swim freely. Use coarse-grained river sand or fine, polished dark gravel as a substrate, through which the fish look more attractive.
Water parameters: temperature 19-25° C, hardness dH 2-12°, pH 6,0-7,0. Requires filtration, aeration and a weekly change of 1/5 of the aquarium water with fresh. Spotted barbs are excellent jumpers, so the aquarium should always have a cover.
Medium-intensity, diffused lighting. Daylight duration about 10 hours per day.
The Enteromius callipterus is an omnivore, so feeding is not a problem. The fish are fed with frozen and live bloodworms, a variety of dry pellets and flakes. Feed the fish twice a day.
Reproduction
Breeding Enteromius callipterus is easy. Spawning usually takes place at dawn. Female lays eggs chaotically scattered throughout the aquarium. Producers do not mind to eat eggs during spawning, so its safety needs to be placed on the bottom of the separator mesh. Once spawning is complete, the spawners should be removed.
The larvae will hatch after 30 hours. After another 3-4 days, the fry begin to swim and feed. At this time, they begin to be fed nauplii artemia at least 4 times a day.
Life expectancy for Enteromius callipterus in an aquarium is 7-8 years.
