Spotted Barramundi [Pictures]
Scleropages leicharati Synonyms: None
Physical description:
Virtually identical in body shape to
S. jardini.
The back is gray while the flanks are
silver with a silver iridescence.
Each scale is marked with one or two orange spots.
The fins are marked with orange spots.
The
anal, dorsal, and caudal fins are edged in black.
Size/Length: To 32" (80 cm) in nature; rarely larger than 20" (51 cm) in aquaria
Similar species: Scleropages
formosus, S. jardini Habitat: Fitzroy River in Northern Australia
S: top
Aquarium: A tank measuring 48" (122 cm) or 55 gallons (209 L) is minimum for young individuals.
They
will quickly out-grow an aquarium of this size!
Follow suggestions for
O. bicirrhosum.
Water chemistry: pH 7-8 (7.5), 6-16 dH (12), 77-86°F (25-30°C)
Social behavior: This large, predatory species is aggressive towards its own and similar species.
Combine
only with other robust, large species.
Suggested companions: As for S.
jardini. FOOD: Live; fish, spiders, large flying insects,
Tubifex; may accept pellets and flakes
Sexual differences:
The females are usually fatter during the spawning season when mature.
Breeding techniques:
Spawning has been observed in nature.
The male mouthbroods the eggs until fry are able
to swim. Breeding potential: 10.
Breeding has not been successful in captivity.
Remarks:
The Spotted Barramundi is very sensitive to water conditions, more so than
S. jardini.
The
Spotted Barramundi is considered an Endangered Species and cannot be imported.
Difficulty of care: 9.
The Spotted Barramundi grows very large.
This predator is sensitive to water pollutants
and requires frequent partial water changes.
This fish must be fed live foods.
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 Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date.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.
