Paracanthocobitis pictilis
Paracanthocobitis pictilis occurs naturally in water bodies of Burma and Thailand. The fish are kept in fast currents and require similar conditions when kept in an aquarium. Considering this, as well as the aggressive disposition of the fish, we recommend keeping them only for experienced aquarists.
Paracanthocobitis pictilis has an elongated body. The fins are small. Coloration of the body gray with a pattern of brownish spots. The belly is light. The mouth has two pairs of small antennae. Sexual differences are expressed poorly. In males, during the spawning period fins become reddish coloration. In addition, under the eyes of males can be seen a small groove. The maximum size of fish is 9 cm.
Paracanthocobitis pictilis fish are aggressive, especially males are irreconcilable with each other. When keeping fish singly or in a small group, they become overly aggressive not only to their congeners, but also to any fish in the aquarium. When the contents of fish a group of 6-7 individuals aggressive temper of the males blunted and fairly large aquarium they peacefully get along with each other. Perhaps the content in a common aquarium with other types of fish occupying the upper and middle layers of water. With bottom species such as other types of loaches or catfish Paracanthocobitis pictilis better not contain.
Keep fish preferably in an aquarium of 200 liters. The substrate used is a mixture of sand and gravel. At the bottom should be placed large stones and grottos. The aquarium can plant plants such as anubias and microsorum, although the fish are indifferent to them and can do without them.
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Water parameters: temperature 21-26° C, hardness dH 3-8°, pH 6,5-7,5. Necessary filtration and powerful aeration of water, as well as its weekly replacement of 1/3 of fresh. The aquarium should create a small stream of water, for example, by directing the withdrawal nozzle water filter along the back wall of the aquarium.
Lighting of medium intensity, lasting about 10 hours a day.
The fish are omnivores and will eat practically any food: live, frozen and dry. It is important only to consider that the fish take food only from the bottom, so the food should be sinking. The food is given 1-2 times a day.
Reproduction
Paracanthocobitis pictilis do not breed under aquarium conditions. All fish occasionally appearing on the shelves of pet stores, supplied from their natural habitat.
The life span of Paracanthocobitis pictilis is 5-6 years.
