Roundhead flounder catfish - Planiloricaria cryptodon 8cm

Planiloricaria cryptodon is a catfish with a large distribution area, its occurrence extends in South America over Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. The sexes of the Roundhead Flounder Catfish can be distinguished relatively easily. In male Planiloricaria cryptodon catfishes, the ventral fins, compared to those of females, are significantly longer and more pointed. The catfish are of a grayish brown to dark sandy ground color and have many, many small spots, some of which combine to form a striped pattern. The males are more strongly colored. The catfish are strikingly flat, almost like a flounder.

Aquariums in which Planiloricaria are kept should not have too bright lighting, or should at least have shaded areas. In any case, good structuring with stone structures and roots absolutely contributes to the well-being of the Roundhead Flounder Catfish. Here the ornamental fish find retreat possibilities and resting places. The aquarium should have as large a base area as possible and the substrate should consist of fine sand. These loricariid catfish partially burrow into the substrate. An edge length of 120 cm or more is the minimum for Roundhead Flounder Catfish. Plants can be used, but they are not absolutely necessary and may be dug out.

The breeding of this impressively large loricariid catfish has been successful several times. The main trigger here is a frequent water change, soft water and an additional current. Planiloricaria are mouth breeding catfish.

Planiloricaria should be kept in soft to medium hard water, with a water temperature of about 24-28 °C. The round-headed flounder catfish can grow up to 35 cm long when measured by the tail filaments. A group of 3-5 Planiloricaria cryptodon should therefore be offered a tank from 200 l, ideally a large bottom area, the aquarium height plays only a subordinate role.

Since these Harnischwelse are peaceful and very compatible and rather shy catfishes, one cansocialize them very well . With shrimps one should be a little more careful. If the shrimp population is too large, it has happened that they also "graze" the fine mucous membrane of the loricariid catfish in search of food and damage it in the process. This is a great stress factor. The Planiloricaria cannot defend themselves against this, the only way to help them is to bury them completely in the sand.

Planiloricaria are omnivores. Since they live at the bottom of the aquarium, the food should also be chosen so that it sinks quickly. Gladly mosquito larvae and water fleas are eaten. In addition, food tablets for loricariid catfish or flake food are also accepted.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed is a professionally formulated complete food especially for all sucking catfish. The food tabs contain important dietary fibers such as chitin and plant fibers, which are essential for the survival of catfish for a well-functioning digestion. With strong proteins from insect larvae as well as carbohydrate-rich vegetables NatureHolic Catfish Feed provides all sucking catfish optimally with all important building materials for a fast and healthy growth. The extra hard chips can be scraped off by the catfish close to nature - here they really have to do something for their food! An occupation like in nature.

Our plant recommendation: Use for the 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.