Sturisomatichthys aureus
Sturisomatichthys aureus was first described in 1900 by Steindachner. The genus name can be broken into two parts. Sturisoma to show that they are closely related to that genus. The second part, “ichthys,” means fish. The species name “aureus” means “golden”; this is a reference to the golden glints that can be found all over the body.
Although the old name Sturisoma aureum is still used in many books, websites, and shops, it has now become a synonym.
Description
Sturisomatichthys aureus can reach a length of about 30 centimeters. This is an elongated fish; it has a brown color with black spots on its body and a pointed head, and 2/3 of the fish consists of its tail with a forked end. In the males, there are small rows of spiky hairs along the head; in the females, there are not. There are 14 similar species that are very difficult to tell apart. On the tail is a string, from which you can see if the water is polluted, or has a high bacteria ratio, it will disappear. In good water, the string can become longer than that of fish. The strings can sometimes get stuck and break off at the tail, but they grow back automatically.
Origin
Colombia, western Amazon.
The aquarium
These algae eaters require an aquarium of at least 2 meters. Set up the tank with a few large pieces of driftwood root and large stones. Put in a few hard plants, such as Vallisneria and the Amazon sword plant. Use sand or very fine gravel for the bottom. They do appreciate a slight current, change the water regularly.
Water parameters
Temperature: 25-29 degrees Celsius.
PH: 6-7.5
GH: 12-16
In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten their average lifespan.
Diet
Sturisomatichthys aureus prefers vegetable food such as lettuce, cucumber, spinach, pre-cooked peas, and spirulina. Live food can also be given, such as white, red, and black mosquito larvae, artemia, water fleas, and frozen food.
Character
They are very calm fish with a special appearance. They usually sit all day on the same stone or piece of wood. In the evening they are more active. They leave other bottom dwellers and fish alone. They can be kept as a couple or as a school.
Breeding Sturisomatichthys aureus
Place the parents in a large breeding tank that is already heavily algaed. Sturisomatichthys aureus lays 80 to 100 eggs; the male has brood care and guards the eggs—the temperature in the breeding tank may be 30 degrees Celsius. After laying eggs, remove the parents because otherwise, they will eat all the algae that the little ones need. The yolk sac is used up after 4 days; the young can then be fed with artemia-nauplii, pre-cooked spinach, or dry food tablets.
Video
Authors
Coby
John de Lange
Copyright images
Bart Beurskens
Simon
