Cascarudo - Callichthys callichthys

Scientific name: Callichthys callichthys

Common name: Cascarudo

Family: Callichthyidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 17 cm (5.12 - 6.69 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.8 - 8.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 24°N (71.43 - 428.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Although Cascarudo will accept all foods, it does prefer live foods. Quality flakes or pellets can be given with the addition of blood worms and brine shrimp. It will catch small tank mates if given the chance.

Origin

South America; Cascarudo is found in a large area, the Amazonian River Basins plus the River Basins of the River Paraguay.

Sexing

Females will have an olive, green body colour but the males will display a brighter body colouration.

Breeding

The male will build a bubble nest to act as a spawning site, the addition of floating plants to the tank will aid this, and the female will then be invited to lay her eggs in there. Once the eggs have been laid, the male will take on the parental control, guarding the nest. After 4 weeks, the fry should emerge from the nest and will accept newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Callichthys callichthys is 5-8 years.

Short description

Cascarudo’s are excellent jumpers; always use a tight fitting lid when keeping them. Cascarudo’s are most active at night, hiding places should be provided for them in the daytime.Also known as the ’Armoured Catfish’.

Pictures

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