Data sheet round-headed flounder loricariid

German name:
Round-headed flounder loricariid

Scientific name:
Planiloricaria cryptodon

Origin:
South America

Size:
Body length up to 20 cm

Aquarium

Length:
Length from 120 cm width and from 60 cm width

Contents:
from 250 liters

water values

Temperature:
24°-28° C

pH:
5.5 – 7.5

GH:
2° – 15° dH

Behave

Area:
lower area

Lining:
omnivorous

Behave:
peaceful

Number:
3-5 animals

Difficulty level:
Beginner, breeding difficult

The origin of the round-headed flounder pleco is the Rio Madeira in the Amazon river system in Peru, Brazil and Bolivia.

Look

The area flounder shape describes the name round-headed flounder loricariid perfectly. It has finely branched barbels on its lips, which spread particularly well in the current. He uses them to filter plankton out of the water. The coloring is grey-brown to dark or eggshell. There are numerous small dots distributed over the body, sometimes running into each other and forming stripes.

Posture recommendation

The species-appropriate aquarium is large and has a volume of 250 liters or more. It houses a Group of 5 or more conspecifics. A dimmed brightness is also necessary, but at least shaded areas. The facility does not house any plants, and if they do, then only a few. More important are sufficient retreats from different caves eg from stones, wood and roots. The bottom is large and consists of fine sand.

The water quality is warm, soft to medium hard. It should be well filtered and aerated and a good one flow have.

food

Planiloricaria is a omnivore (omnivorous) and eats both animal and vegetable food. This includes live, frozen, flake and granulated food as well as special complete food for plecos. The species-appropriate, high-quality feed provides the animal with all the important building blocks for healthy and strong development. Nutritious roughage from chitin and plant fibers ensure a functioning digestion. Proteins from insect larvae and carbohydrate-rich vegetables such as scalded broccoli, peas, potatoes, zucchini, cucumber and salads are also suitable.

Since the animal likes to stay at the bottom of the aquarium, is quick sinking feed perfect. Mosquito larvae and water fleas are eaten with pleasure. If the food consists of chips, the catfish can pursue its natural scraping behavior.

gender differences

The male has significantly longer and pointed pelvic fins. In addition, the coloring is stronger.

breeding and rearing

Breeding of Planiloricaria cryptodon can be successful. The male catfish incubate the eggs in their mouths (mouthbrooders). Depending on the temperature, the spawning disc is carried around for ten to almost twenty days. During this period, the male ate very little.

One Stimulating successful mating behavior through soft water, frequent water changes, a current and good food is advisable. If the fish feel comfortable in the area, the female will soon start spawning.

socialization

Planiloricaria cryptodon is a peaceful and rather reserved species of catfish. It fits in perfectly community aquarium. The animals get along with other peaceful catfish and with tetras, for example. On the other hand, shrimp are excluded as companions. Because it happens that the invertebrates look for food on the fine mucous membrane of the catfish and «graze» on it. This injures the skin and puts the catfish under stress.

With good care, the round-headed flounder pleco can live up to 25 years to reach.