Pangio shelfordii
The acanthophthalmus Shelford or Pangio Shelford, Pangio Shelfordi is naturally found in the waters of Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo. The fish are mainly found in shallow waters, slow-flowing forest streams, marshes, oxbow ponds and backwaters. Often these areas are in the shade of dense tree crowns and tall riparian vegetation. The water usually contains a small percentage of dissolved minerals, and its pH is only 3.0-4.0 due to the gradual release of tannins and organic acids from decomposing tree leaves at the bottom. Depending on the locality, the substrate may consist of peat, silt or sand, and it is usually covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves.
Pangio shelfordii is light gray in coloration with dark spots running in the central part of the body, sometimes forming a continuous longitudinal band from the head to the root of the tail plumage. There are also small spots on the fins. Adult females usually have a more stocky body and slightly larger than males, while males have a noticeably branched and thickened first pectoral fin ray. The maximum size of the fish is 7-8 cm. The fish have a crepuscular lifestyle.
Pangio shelfordii fish are peaceful, they do not cause trouble with the neighbours in the aquarium, although they do not mind to eat eggs and fry. In nature, they are often found in large flocks. Under aquarium conditions, they often gather in a secluded nook, crevice or cave, where they rest during the day. At least 5 to 6 fish should be kept in an aquarium. If the fish are kept in a community tank with other inhabitants, the best neighbours for them will be Rasboras, chocolate gourami and others.
As substrate in the aquarium preferably use coarse river sand, because these fish like to dig into the substrate, and even completely burrow into it. If gravel is used, the fish may injure themselves if they try to burrow into the substrate.
Several snags should be placed at the bottom in such a way as to create plenty of shaded areas. Pre-dried beech or oak leaves may also be added to the bottom, creating a natural-looking environment.
Water parameters: temperature 21-26° C, hardness dH 0-9°, acidity pH 4.0-7.0. Filtration should be gentle so as not to allow strong water currents. Aeration and a weekly change of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh water is necessary. The aquarium should have a cover to prevent the fish from jumping out of it.
Dimmed lighting is preferable. When planting living plants in an aquarium, select the species that can develop normally in these conditions, such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum and Cryptocoryne.
Acanthophthalmus Shelford in nature feeds on insect larvae and small crustaceans, which they extract by sifting the sandy substrate through the mouth and gills. In an aquarium, the fish are fed with live and frozen daphnia, artemia nauplii, bloodworms and microworms. Feed in the evening before lights out in the aquarium.
Reproduction
Pangio shelfordii does not breed in the aquarium. All fish are imported into local zoos from their natural habitats.
