The import season for this charming algae killer has started. Parotocinclus jumbo is both one of the largest species of the genus (maximum size is reported to be around 6-7 cm!) and one of the prettiest. Astonishingly there is so far no report in the aquarium literature on the very obvious sexual dichromatism found in this species. Males get wonderful shining, blueish-green saddles on the back which are missing in females. Besides this the females are much more plump than the males.
There are some spawning reports on the species. It seems to have an positive effect if a rainy season is simulated as it is found in many Corydoras species. Practically speaking this means large waterchanges with cooler and softer water than the water used for regular keeping. However, the temperature difference should not be too big, about 5°C are suitable.
The fish does not practice brood care in any way. The eggs are sticky and become attached on the glasses or tank equipment – again here are many parallels to Corydoras. It is reported that raising the spawn is rather difficult and that the eggs tend to get fungus.
For our customers: the fish have code 26480-LDA 025-3 on our stocklist. Please notew that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Parotocinclus: ancient Greek, means “alike Otocinclus”; Otocinclus is another genus of catfish. jumbo: refers to the unusual size of the species compared with other members of the genus.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Brasilien / Brazil |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 4-5 |
