We were able to import once more hillstream loaches from Vietnam. Instead of the expected Annamia normai (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/loaches-en/Annamia_normani_en/)
we received another species. The determination is a very tricky thing.
The most coincidences are to the species Homaloptera leonardi.
Especially the scale-less zone between pectoral and ventral fins is said
to be very typical for H. leonardi. It looks at least on our photos (we
had no losses and refuse to preserve fish for determination) that this
feature is present in our new fish. If they are identical with H.
leonardi they should attain a maximum length of about 6.5 cm.
One
very special thing is observable in some of our new fish: they show a
magnificent, bright green coloration. It is unknown to us whether this
represents sexual differences or if these green colours are only a
temporary phenomenon.
Generally
speaking, hillstream loaches should be kept in an aquarium that
imitates a fast running brook. There should be a good current in the
tank. The water temperature should be between 22 and 24°C. One should
offer several types of gravel, sand and stone (up to round river pebbles
of the size of a large man´s fist) so that the fish can choose.
Homaloptera are micropredators and feed on a wide variety of live and
frozen food items. Well acclimatized specimens often also accept dried
food (best: granulates), but one should not do any feeding experiments
in the phase of settling, because uneaten food will pollute the water
heavily.
For
our customers: the fish have code 421579 on our stocklist. Please note
that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited
numbers only!
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
