Hemirhamphodon are among the most sensitive aquarium fishes. They especially do not tolerate transport well. They come from very soft, acidic water, so called black water. The conditions there are almost hostile to life, which means that there is hardly any bacterial contamination, because even for bacteria the food supply there is too poor. It is therefore hardly surprising that fish which tolerate such an environment are sensitive to bacterial contamination, which cannot be avoided during transport. So Hemirhamphodon require careful and long acclimation. After that, however, they thrive well in the aquarium. Hemirhamphodon reproduce viviparously.
We have just well acclimated Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus in stock. This species usually grows to about 6 cm long, but there have been reported specimens as long as 10 cm. The species lives in the peat swamps of southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. These fish always swim just below the water surface; they go deeper only briefly and exceptionally. The best food for Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus is mosquito larvae of all kinds, but dry food is also eaten with pleasure. Towards all fishes Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus are peaceful, but eventual tankmates must not be too robust, because the Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus are a bit shy and skittish. Males among themselves can be quite quarrelsome.
For our customers: the animals have code 421404 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
