Spiny monster - Pseudolithoxus anthrax

Scientific name: Pseudolithoxus anthrax

Common name: Spiny monster

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 12 - 15 cm (4.72 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 19°N (107.14 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°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

Spiny monsters require lots of vegetable matter in their diet. Use a vegetable based flake for the staple diet and add algae wafers to the tank on a regular basis. They will also require meaty foods so give them treats of live or frozen foods twice a week.

Origin

South America; Spiny monsters are found in the tributaries of the River Orinoco.

Sexing

Mature males will have longer bristles on their cheeks.

Breeding

As of yet there are no reported cases of Spiny monsters breeding in the aquarium.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Pseudolithoxus anthrax is 8+ years.

Short description

Acclimatise these fish very slowly to your tank when you first add them as they are very sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters. Pseudolithoxus anthrax will become territorial as they mature so only keep one specimen unless the tank is large enough for more. Add rocks to create caves, they seem to prefer these to wood and use a medium water flow. Also known as Flyer catfish.

Pictures

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