We can offer now for the first time a species of the strange genus Kneria (shellears) as German bred ones. Nobody will buy a shellear for the bright coloration. These fish become about 5 – 7.5 cm long (depending on the species). They have a number of peculiarities that make them extremely interesting from a biological point of view. So, for example, they are able to move the head to the left, to the right and upwards – very unusual for a fish! The odd name „shellear“ refers to an adhesive organ the males have on the sides of the head and that looks a bit like an ear in shape of a shell. This organ is used by the male to attach on the female during mating, but the exact sense of this is not understood yet. Moreover, shellears can breath atmospheric air like anabantoids do.
Kneria stappersii originates from the upper Congo basin. Here it inhabits exclusively the Lubumbashi river. This species becomes about 5 cm long. The animal lives bottom-orientated and here it also searches for food. The omnivorous fishes are easy to feed, any type of usual fish food will be accepted. One should keep Kneria in aquaria with a good current and not too warm (18-24°C). The fish are free spawners that do not take care for the eggs or fry.
For our customers: the fish have code 141962 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
