Synonyms: Amblydoras affinis, Doras affinis, D. hancockii Physical description: A flattened, stocky fish having three pair of large barbels extending from the mouth. The dorsal fin is tall and a row of spines runs from gills to the caudal fin. The body coloration is variable, although usually ranges from light brown to gray with various lighter and darker markings. Size/Length: To 6" (10 cm) Similar species: Other Doradids. H: Inhabits still and slow moving waters in South America; widespread throughout the Amazon basin. A: bottom Aquarium: A 32" (81 cm) or 30 gallon (114 L) tank is sufficient. The tank should be well-planted and have hiding places among rocks, wood, and roots. Leave open swimming areas and allow the growth of algae. This species appreciates a shallow tank with a low water level. Water chemistry: pH 5.8-7.5 (7.2), 2-20 dH (10), 73-82°F (23-28°F) Social behavior: A peaceful, nocturnal species that is suited for a community tank having medium to large sized fish. This fish lives in large schools (exceeding 1000) in nature. Social behavior: Angelfish, larger Characins, Heros, Mesonauta, Eartheaters, Gouramis, Pimelodus FOOD: Algae; plant matter; live; insect larvae, worms, crustaceans; tablets. Suggested companions: The belly of the female is said to be brownish-white, while the male has a speckled belly. Breeding techniques: Has not been successful in captivity, although has been observed in nature. Spawning is said to occur during the rains, after the male constructs a nest of leaves. Breeding potential: 10. No reports of spawning in captivity. Remarks: When removed from the water this species makes a growling noise. Difficulty of care: 3. This robust species can be kept in a community tank having similarly sized fish. Its diet should include live foods. Recent articles about fish Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees (2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health. Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees (10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine. Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater (12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina. |
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Copyright Rhett Butler 1994-2009 The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me. |
