Data sheet L14 catfish

German name:
L14 Catfish

Scientific name:
Scobinancistrus aureatus

Origin:
Rio Xingu, Brazil

Size:
Body length up to 45 cm

Aquarium

Length:
Length from 200 cm width and from 60 cm width

Contents:
720 liters

water values

Temperature:
25°C – 30°C

pH:
6 – 7.5

GH:
0° – 20° dH

Behave

Area:
lower area

Lining:
dry food, vegetables

Behave:
sociable, territorial in old age

Number:
at least 2 animals

Difficulty level:
medium

Look

The L14 is aimed at owners of large aquariums, because with a final size of more than 40 cm it needs space. At the same time, the animals like company, are known to be lively and mark out territories as they get older. Anyone who can fulfill this urge to move will be rewarded with a breathtaking beauty that does not have trivial names like this loricariid for nothing Sun Catfish or Sunshine Pleco brought in. The golden yellow fins make every South American tank shine.

gender differences

The sexes are best distinguished by one view from above notice. Males have a broader, almost square head and a slim waist. Females, on the other hand, have a rounded head shape and a fuller body. The spines at the ends of the pectoral fins in males are longer than those in females. However, this distinguishing feature only becomes clear in adult animals.

breed

All L14 in pet shops are wild caughtsince it has only been kept in aquariums up to now random breeds has come. The decisive factor is probably to keep a harmonious pair of sexually mature age in a sufficiently large aquarium, which hardly anyone can provide.

Since there are hardly any breeding reports, only assumptions can be made as to how the animals can be stimulated to spawn. As with many other South American catfish, however, one appears simulated rainy season to help. This includes several vigorous water changes with softer water and a simultaneous rise in temperature up to 32° C. Similar to other loricariids, the L14 also chooses correspondingly large ones tubes or caves, to guard his clutch there. A well-structured tank with sufficient hiding places should therefore be part of the basic equipment.

Only after a few months do the young develop the typical golden-yellow fin edges. Since the animals are nocturnal, a darkened tank accelerates the growth of the young fish.

socialization

The sun catfish is a peaceful, bottom-bound fish, which can easily be socialized with fish of the upper water layers. Since he feeds himself mainly vegetable, he even leaves much smaller fish alone. A socialization even with significantly smaller bottom fish, such as armored catfish, is therefore possible.

Similarly large loricariids should be avoided simply because of the enormous amount of space they require. The L14 is also not happy with territorial cichlids that claim parts of the floor space or caves for themselves.

Sun catfish are sociable among themselves when young and stake out more territories as they get older. Then a well structured pelvis with many places to hide so that the animals can avoid each other in the event of a dispute. However, the L14 should not be kept as a solitary fish.

Miscellaneous

The L14 grows very slowly, which is why it can also be kept in smaller aquariums at the beginning. When buying, however, should already be a long-term accommodation in one large aquarium be ensured, as the animals can also become very old.

As nocturnal Animal, the sun catfish likes to take on dim corners that have been darkened by floating plants or large leaves. Larger animals, however, like to show their presence in full sunlight. In general, the L14 is considered to be more active than other armored catfish of the same size.