L240 - Sailfin proboscis catfish - Leporacanthicus sp. - 6cm

The exact species affiliation of the sailfin proboscis catfish L240 is not known, therefore it is called Leporacanthicus sp. It grows 25 to 30 cm and comes from the upper Rio Orinoco, from the Amazon, and also in Venezuela one finds occurrences of this beautiful armored catfish.

While the juveniles still have large white spots on a black background, these spots become much smaller and more numerous in the older catfish. They cover the entire body of the loricariid catfish with the conspicuously large sail fins, especially in adult catfish. The males of the sailfin proboscis catfish have a conspicuously broad head and very pronounced pectoral spines. Their head and mouth margin are covered with strong odontodes.

The calm and well tolerated Sailfin Trunktooth Catfish needs a large aquarium from 150 cm edge length. The Sailfin Trunktooth Catfish tolerates soft to hard water, a GH of 0-20, a KH of 0-5 and a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The aquarium temperature may be a cozy 26 to 29 °C Humic substances in the aquarium water are recommended, they contribute significantly to the well-being of this Leporacanthicus species.

Large, heavily spined males of the Sailfin Snout Catfish need a well structured territory with roots and stones. In the aquarium there must be sufficiently large Caves as a retreat for the catfish. The tank can be gladly well planted, because these predatory catfish do not go to the plants. However, the aquarium should still provide enough space for the catfish to swim. The bottom substrate of the aquarium for the Sailfin Trunktooth Catfish can be sand or fine gravel .
The Sailfin Trunktooth Catfish has a good appetite and metabolism to match. The filter of the aquarium must work well so that the water is always clean. A good oxygen supply is mandatory, as is a moderate to strong current.

Nothing is known about the breeding of Leporacanthicus sp. L240 in the aquarium, but it can be assumed that, like most loricariid catfishes, this is probably a cave spawner. Similar species have already been bred in soft water. These preferred caves with a lateral entrance for spawning. The males took over the brood care until the larvae swam free, which could be raised easily with Artemia and good food tablets.

Leporacanthicus sp. L240 is a carnivorous catfish, meaning it is a carnivore. As a bottom-oriented aquarium catfish, it prefers sinking live foods such as shiner worms, but it also likes to eat frozen foods such as smelts, clam meat, shrimp, insect larvae or krill.

Shrimp or crabs are not suitable company for the predatory catfish. While dwarf shrimp and fan shrimp can be eaten, crayfish and large-armed shrimp can injure catfish in the aquarium. The Sailfin Snout Catfish gets along well with peaceful aquarium fish. It is perfect for socializing with South American fish that prefer the upper layers of water, such as tetras.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed for all aufwuchs feeding Saugwelse in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish eat gladly. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes, which provide the sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.

Picture: Enrico Richter - exclusively for Garnelio