Parotocinclus
maculicauda (Steindachner,
1877) |
his is an inoffensive little fish that does well in an
aquaria of similar sized fishes, it has also become a popular addition
to the tanks of U.K. aquarists. It is a member of the Loricariidae
family and is in the sub-family of Hypoptopomatinae which
also includes the Hypoptopoma and Otocinclus genera.
To differentiate between Parotocinclus and Otocinclus
is comparatively easy as the former has an adipose fin while
the latter does not.
There are approximately 18 species of Parotocinclus from
Brazil, with Dr.Garavello reviewing this genus in 1977 in the Arquivos
de Zoologia, Sâo Paulo in a paper 'Systematics and Geographical
distributions of the genus Parotocinclus'. He also stated that
the males have a genital papilla and as such it is a good way to
sex out this genus.
It is a favourite here in the U.K on the show circuit as you can
purchase this fish at nearly show size, and with its good deportment
and colour it can do very well.
Below you can see the difference concerning the lack of an adipose
fin in the Otocinclus genera to differentiate it from Parotocinclus.
Parotocinclus
maculicauda in good condition can
possess a golden body colouration with brown blotches, especially
along the lateral line, and a blotch on the caudal peduncle ( where
the caudal fin meets the fleshy part of the body) hence the latin
name of maculicauda ( spot on caudal peduncle) The leading
ray to the dorsal, pectoral and caudal fins is red with brown banding.
There have been spawning reports on some members of this genus and
for one such report you can go to Article
20 in the breeding article section of ScotCat.
Dorsal 1/7; Anal 1/5; Pectorals; 1/6; Ventrals
1/5; 24 bony scutes in a lateral series.
Grey-green to yellow-green, also grey-brown,
with irregular blotches on the flanks which may unite into vague-edged
longitudinal bands. Underside pale yellow to grey. A large dark
blotch at the root of the tail, which may be more or less extended
into the lower caudal lobe, is characteristic of this species.
The leading ray to the dorsal, pectoral and caudal fins is red
with brown banding.
Keeping this species is not too difficult
as long as you can keep the water clean and don't let the p.H.
drop too much. Keep up the water changes and try to keep them
in the lower tropical temperatures as they do come from the southern
parts of Brazil.
Usually lays its eggs on vegetation in
the aquarium ( see Article
20 )
They are omnivorous ( vegetable and meat
diet ) and will eat lettuce, cucumber, courgette (zucchini) and
also white and grindal worm, frozen bloodworm, flake and tablet
food.
| References |
Garavello,
J.C. (1977): Systematics and geographical distribution
of the genus Parotocinlcus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889
(Ostariophysi, Loricariidae). Arq. Zool. S. Paulo 28 (4):
1-37.
Sands, David: Catfishes of the World vol 4,1984.
Sterba, Gunther: Freshwater Fishes of the World vol.2.
1973.
|
| Photo
Credits |
 |
Brazil, Südöstlichen,
Rio de Janeiro-South Brazilian coastline. 
