Blue sheatfish - Kryptopterus cryptopterus

Scientific name: Kryptopterus cryptopterus

Common name: Blue sheatfish

Family: Siluridae

Usual size in fish tanks: 19 - 21 cm (7.48 - 8.27 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 6.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 16°N (142.86 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Blue sheatfish are not fussy eaters so use a quality flake or pellets for the staple diet but they will also require regular meals of live or frozen foods to vary this. Blood worms, brine shrimp and mysis are ideal.

Origin

South East Asia; Blue sheatfish are native to Borneo and Indonesia.

Sexing

Males have a slimmer body shape than the females. The males will also have a serrated edge on their pectoral fin, this is not seen on the females.

Breeding

As of yet, there are no reported cases of these breeding in the aquarium.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Kryptopterus cryptopterus is 5-8 years.

Short description

Kryptopterus cryptopterus is very peaceful to other tank mates but to make it feel secure they should be kept in small groups of at least 3 specimens. Use a planted tank but ensure that there are open swimming spaces at the front as they are very active swimmers. They are not that common in the aquarium hobby but specialised suppliers should be able to obtain them.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.