Cyclocheilichthys apogon
The Cyclocheilichthys apogon is widely distributed in water bodies of Southeast Asia (Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra). The fish are found in rivers, lowland marshes, lakes and reservoirs. It is a migratory species that enters flooded areas during floods.
Cyclocheilichthys apogon has no whiskers thanks to which the fish is also called beardless barbless. At the base of the tail there is a black spot, and along the rows of scales - rows of black spots. Females are slightly larger than males. The length of the fish reaches 25 cm.
This is a large fish, which in nature in search of food all the time digging in the ground, looking for in it insect larvae and organic debris (detritus). Particular requirements for the content of barbs apogon no, and they can be kept in a common aquarium with larger and more peaceful catfish. By nature, apogon barbs gregarious fish. Ideally, they should be kept in an aquarium in a group of at least six individuals. In this case, the fish exhibit a brighter coloring and generally look more natural.
The Cyclocheilichthys apogon is a calm and peaceful gregarious fish that is only suitable for keeping in a home aquarium at a young age. Since it can grow very large, you can keep it in a large aquarium of 500 liters or more. The aquarium, on the sides and in the background should be densely planted with a variety of plants, preferably broad-leaved. At the bottom should be placed snags and large stones. The substrate should be sandy, poured a layer of about 5 cm. Need to take care of free space for swimming fish. Fish do not harm the plants.
Cyclocheilichthys apogon prefers low-light environment. The duration of the daylight hours of about 12 hours a day. It is desirable to place on the surface of the water a few bushes of floating plants, which will serve as natural light filters and create more natural conditions.
Water parameters: temperature 20-27° C, hardness dH 2-15°, pH 6,5-7,5. Requires quality filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh. Extreme values of water parameters should be avoided.
In nature, apogon barbs feed on insects, crustaceans, and fry other fish. Under aquarium conditions, neither eat almost any live, frozen and dry food (artemia, daphnia, moths, flake and pelleted food).
Reproduction
Nothing is known about the successful breeding of Cyclocheilichthys apogon under aquarium conditions.
