Data sheet elf catfish
German name:
Elf Catfish
Scientific name:
Acanthicus adonis
Origin:
Brazil (in clear water areas of the Amazon and Rio Tocantins)
Size:
Body length 45 cm up to 120 cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 250 cm width and from 80 cm width
Contents:
Attention – from 1,400 liters
water values
Temperature:
24°- 30° C
pH:
5 – 8
GH:
5° – 15° dH
Behave
Area:
lower area, on the ground
Lining:
mainly from plant-based food (spinach, lettuce, peas), supplemented by food tablets or pellets
Behave:
adult males can develop territorial behavior towards conspecifics, otherwise peaceful
Number:
Individually/as a pair
Difficulty level:
advanced
Origin
The elf catfish belongs to the Loricaridae family, i.e. the armored catfish, and can live to be over twenty years old. It is native to South America, Brazil, especially in the Rio Tocantis, but can also be found in the Rio Araguaia and the Rio Orinoco.
Look
Acanthicus adonis – elf catfish approx. 20cm – Image 1 | © Fishtopia GmbH
Young elven catfish are black with white spots, which fade as they grow and eventually disappear altogether. Typical of the Loricariidae family, they have no adipose fin. The animals grow very quickly and can reach a maximum size of about two meters. Because of their size, they can only be kept in a group in a show aquarium, such as the zoo has.
Posture recommendation
Since elf catfish are nocturnal, there should be enough shelters, such as caves and tubes, that offer darkness in the aquarium. They are also cave breeders, which means they attach their eggs to the ceiling of caves. The caves and tubes should be adapted to the size of the fish. Next to these shelters there should also be aquarium plants, roots and stones, the bottom should be covered with dark sand or fine gravel. The wood that they grate off is particularly important for the elf catfish, as they need it for digestion.
Elf catfish live at the bottom of the aquarium, so it is recommended to build in several tiers of slabs of slate to give the animals more floor space. This is especially advisable if more than one catfish lives in the aquarium.
Keeping the animals is relatively easy, the water quality is unproblematic, simple tap water is perfectly adequate, and a weak current is ideal.
food
They are omnivores, so they can be fed dry and frozen food, as well as raw vegetables such as spinach, peas or lettuce.
gender differences
The sexes of the elf catfish are relatively easy to distinguish. In contrast to the female, the male has longer spines on the pectoral fins and the first pectoral fin ray is more thickened. In addition, increased odontode growth on the gill cover can be seen on the male.
socialization
The socialization with large cichlids and large tetras is possible without any problems and no unusual aggressions towards smaller catfish species are known. Other peaceful species that live in the upper areas of the aquarium are just as easy. Elf catfish will eat dead fish but not live ones, although adult males can exhibit territorial behavior within the same species. Territorial behavior and, under certain circumstances, food envy can also be seen in other species of large loricariids.
breed
Due to the size of the animal, breeding in the aquarium has so far only been sporadically successful, i.e. hardly possible. If breeding is attempted, it is advisable to provide caves or pipes for the elf catfish to attach their eggs to the ceilings of these shelters. If tubes suitable for the size of the fish are not commercially available, you can easily make them yourself. Clay is best for this, which – depending on the type and color – has to be fired at around 900-1150°C. The pipes should be open on both sides and/or have entrances and exits on the side. Roof tiles are also suitable for larger pipes and slabs of slate for caves, which can be glued together as desired. Edges and edges should be sanded to prevent the animals from injuring themselves.