Desmopuntius foerschi
The Desmopuntius foerschi is naturally found in the water bodies of Kalimantan Island, Southeast Asia. The fish can be found in rivers, streams and peat bogs located in the shade of the rainforest. The substrate in these areas is a mixture of sand, fallen tree leaves and turf. As a result of the decomposition of plant organic matter, the water is coloured brownish. The fish gets its name after Dr. Walter Fersch, who first described it.
Desmopuntius foerschi have a silvery colour with black transverse stripes and spots. the tail plumage and fins are translucent. Adult males tend to be slightly smaller, noticeably slimmer and have a more intense colouration than females. The maximum size of the fish is 5 - 5.5 cm.
The barbel fish is an ideal fish for an aquarium containing various peace-loving fish. Avoid keeping them together with fast and aggressive fish.
Desmopuntius foerschi barred should be kept in a small group of at least 8-10. In this case, the fish will be less fearful, and in addition, in the process of competing with each other for the attention of females will show the males bright colours.
The fish can be kept in an aquarium with a capacity of 80 liters. The perimeter of the aquarium should be densely planted. On the surface of the water is desirable to place a few bushes of floating plants. Sand can be used as a substrate. Place large driftwood and a few stones at the bottom. Adding pre-dried oak leaves on the bottom, further enhances the natural environment to which the fish are accustomed in nature. It is advisable to replace leaf litter once every 2-3 weeks with fresh litter.
Water parameters: temperature 20-28° C, hardness dH 1-10°, pH 5,0-7,0. Requires filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of 1/5 of the aquarium water with fresh.
Low, diffused light. The duration of daylight hours of 10-12 hours a day.
In the wild, fish eat algae, organic detritus, small insects, worms, crustaceans, etc.. In aquariums, they are fed with bloodworms, daphnia, Artemia nauplii, as well as dry flakes and pelleted food containing spirulina. The feed is given twice a day.
Reproduction
In aquarium conditions Desmopuntius foerschi not breed. All fish are supplied to the domestic market from their natural habitat.
