example of Zonancistrus brachyurus L168
At exhibitions, fairs and trade fairs, customers often ask us how many juvenile fish can be reared in an hanging box (EHK) and up to what size. I would like to explain this here using an example, namely the butterfly catfish Zonacistrus brachyurus L168.
The clutch (estimated at just under 50 eggs) was transferred to the EHK on 21 November 2017, around 5-6 days after spawning. The animals hatched about 1-2 days later. Feeding of the larvae then began a few days later. The quantity is initially extremely low, but is then continuously increased. On 7 January 2018, 47 young L168 were then removed from the EHK, with a size between around 30 and 35 mm; the average growth rate was therefore more than 0.6 mm per day. During these 47 days, apart from the addition of food (5 times a week), no maintenance was carried out on and in the EHK, and very importantly: there were always plenty of walnut leaves as a silent food reserve, but also a bark shelter and a decorative clay leaf as hiding places.
The story in (yes I know, improvable) pictures
The adult tank
The clutch
Young larva Zonancistrus brachyurus L168 after hatching
The hanging box (EHK) with clay leaves and bark shelter as a hiding place and walnut leaves as a food reservoir
The final result…
