The article in brief
Acanthophthalmus kuhlii, a fascinating freshwater fish, stands out for its unique characteristics and intriguing behaviour.
- Atypical physique Serpentiform body, 8-12 cm long, with dark and light stripes. barbillons
- Adaptation Eyes protected by a membrane, retractile spine under the eyes
- Behaviour Nocturnal, gregarious, sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure
- Maintenance Water between 23-30°C, pH 5.5-7.5, varied diet
- Longevity Can live 8 to 15 years with good care
Ah, theAcanthophthalmus kuhlii ! What an interesting little freshwater fish! I still remember the first time I saw one in our pet shop. Their serpentine body and dark stripes intrigued me straight away. Let me tell you more about this charming inhabitant of our aquariums.
Unique characteristics of Acanthophthalmus kuhlii
An atypical physique
L'Acanthophthalmus kuhliialso known as kuhli loche or rasbora catfish, has an elongated body measuring between 8 and 12 cm. Its colour varies from yellow to salmon, with dark vertical stripes that give it a truly unique appearance. But what has always fascinated me are the three pairs of barbels around the mouth. It looks like a little aquatic moustache!
Well-protected eyes
An interesting feature of this fish is the protective membrane that covers its eyes. It's as if they were constantly wearing diving goggles! This adaptation allows it to navigate without worry in the murky waters of its natural habitat. It also has a retractile spine under its eyes, a typical feature of Cobitidae. It's his little secret weapon, if you like!
Intriguing behaviour
L'Acanthophthalmus kuhlii is a nocturnal, gregarious fish. In our aquariums, we always recommend keeping them in groups of at least 5 to 10 individuals. It's a real pleasure to watch them darting between plants and rocks, especially when the lights go down. And do you know what else? They are sometimes called "barometer fish" because they are sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure. It's like having a little weather station in your aquarium!
Keeping Acanthophthalmus kuhlii in the aquarium
Ideal conditions for its development
To keep your kuhli loche happy, here are the conditions to be met:
- Temperature: between 23 and 30°C
- pH: from 5.5 to 7.5
- Hardness: 1 to 13 GH
- Minimum volume: 50 to 80 litres
I always stress to our customers the importance of maintaining good water quality. A filter suitable for aquarium is essential to ensure that the water is clear and healthy for these little fish to thrive in.
A varied diet
The Acanthophthalmus kuhlii is an omnivorous fish. In the wild, it feasts on worms, larvae, insects and algae. In the aquarium, we generally offer :
| Type of food | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spangles for bottom fish | Daily |
| Frozen bloodworms | 2-3 times a week |
| Seaweed tablets | Once a week |
Cohabitation and longevity
Good news for fans of community aquariums: theAcanthophthalmus kuhlii is a peaceful roommate. They get on well with other quiet species. I've always been impressed by their longevity: with good care, these little fish can live between 8 and 15 years! It's almost like adopting a pet for the long term.
The captivating story of Acanthophthalmus kuhlii
Did you know that this little fish has quite an interesting history? It was named after the German zoologist Heinrich Kuhl. Originally, it was known by the scientific name of Cobitis kuhliigiven by Valenciennes in 1846. Today, it is classified in the Cobitidae family, in the order Cypriniformes.
Its natural habitat is in South-East Asia, particularly Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. I've been lucky enough to visit some of these regions, and I can tell you that the waterways where thePangio kuhlii are truly magnificent. It's always fascinating to see how these little fish have adapted to their natural environment.
As a keen aquarist, I find Acanthophthalmus kuhlii an excellent choice for beginners. Its maintenance is relatively easy, and its behaviour is really captivating to observe. On the other hand, it should be noted that breeding them in captivity is quite difficult. It's a challenge that only the most experienced aquarists dare to take up!
To sum up, the Acanthophthalmus kuhlii is much more than just an aquarium fish. It's a little wonder of nature, with its unique appearance and interesting behaviour. Whether you're a beginner or an expert aquarist, I'm sure you'll be charmed by this little long-bearded catfish. Don't hesitate to come and see us in shop to find out more or to adopt your own group of kuhli loaches!
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