The Dogtooth characins (Hydrolycus) are small genus of tetras (four species) that have a wide distribution in tropical South America. They have in common very long saber-like teeth in the lower jaw. In the upper jaw cave-like notches are present, as otherwise the fish would not be able to close the mouth.
These saber-teeth are used to stab the fish the Dogtooth characins feed on to death before they eat them.
Hydrolycus scomberoides is one of the largest species of the genus. The maximum length reported so far is more than a meter. This fish weighs around 18 kg. So it is clear that this species can be kept in very large aquaria only.
H. scomberoides can be easily recognized by a distinct black spot on the innermost rays of the pectoral fins. This is a feature unique to that species.
In the aquarium H. scomberoides require not much space (compared with other fish), as well settles specimens do not move much. They stand in their genus-typical head-down position and wait for prey. Although these predators stand clear to congeneers they are not aggressiv e at all. Water temperature should be between 22 and 28°C. The remaining water conditions are of no great importance. Live fish are prefered as prey, but well settled specimens will also accept dead fish for food.
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Peru |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 8-12 |
