The first version was put forward and is supported by a large aquarium fish supplier. The second version is confirmed by the successful crossbreeding of neon blue with various acaras and some nannacara, resulting in healthy and fertile offspring. The third assumption recently (in 2022) appeared after successful selection based on several species of nannacara, resulting in blue-colored cichlids (it has not yet been possible to fix the color characteristics).
Origin, selection
The origin of the neon nanacara is a mystery. The most plausible version is that it was bred by a breeding company in Southeast Asia. Appearance, dimorphism
Electrics are typical nannacara bred by crossing and selecting different species of the nannacara genus (based on nannacara anomalus).
Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum inhabits South America, the Suriname, Corantijn, and Essequibo rivers. Confirmed populations exist in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. Cases in Paraguay and Uruguay appear to be unconfirmed.
It inhabits a variety of habitats, from large rivers and lakes to flooded forests. Presumably, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum is often found in habitats that many large Pimelodids avoid.
They can grow to about a meter in length and are distinctly nocturnal predators, feeding mainly on other fish and crabs. Using their sensitive whiskers to locate prey, they lie in wait for unsuspecting fish that venture too close.
In nature, they are known to hunt all living things, from other species of catfish and cichlids to freshwater crabs. They hunt mainly at night.
The tiger pseudoplacistoma is a large cat that looks like a tiger, but it is actually something else: it lives in Africa, prefers humid forests, and is nocturnal. Outwardly, it resembles a mixture of a panther and a tiger because of the stripes on its coat, but it is not related to tigers — it is a separate species of wild cat. The animal is very rare, little studied, and almost invisible: it hides in dense thickets and is rarely seen by humans. Due to deforestation and poaching, its population is declining, so today the tiger pseudoplaty is considered one of the most vulnerable wild cats on the planet.
Difficulty of keeping
There is debate about whether this fish can even be considered an aquarium fish, given its size.
Very often, juveniles are sold without mentioning the size that pseudoplatistoma can reach. But these fish will reach their maximum size and do so quickly. Talk that they will grow no larger than the aquarium allows is a myth.
Considering that they can live up to 20 years, think carefully before buying. Some people buy them thinking that they will eventually transfer them to a more spacious aquarium, but this often ends up with them having to get rid of the fish.
There is simply nowhere to keep it; zoos are inundated with offers, and enthusiasts rarely have suitable aquariums at home.
This is an interesting and beautiful fish in its own way, but think carefully before buying it.
Description
They reach sexual maturity at a body length of 55 cm (females) and 45 cm (males). At the same time, the maximum body length can reach 104 cm, and the weight up to 70 kg! This is the size of the largest fish caught and recorded by science. It is believed that in some waters it can grow even larger.
Like all members of the family, they have long, sensitive whiskers that serve as indicators of prey. The body is gray on top and light on the bottom. The back is covered with dark spots and vertical lines, which is how the fish got its name. The eyes are small, but the mouth is huge.
Keeping in an aquarium
When buying a pseudoplaty, keep in mind its size; it is better to plan for a very large volume from the outset. This will save you from having to buy another aquarium in the future or look for a new home. It will also reduce the stress it will experience when moving.
Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum grows very quickly in its early years and is quite large, so you will need a very decent-sized aquarium. For an adult pair, this is no less than 1000 liters, preferably even more.
It is best to use sand and large stones as substrate. Gravel is not recommended, as it can be eaten and clog the stomach. Large caves in which Pseudoplacistoma fasciatum can hide are highly desirable.
You can use several large pieces of driftwood for this, putting them together to create something like a cave. Such a cave significantly reduces stress for this shy fish and allows it to rest during the day.
Strictly speaking, decor is not necessary for an aquarium containing adult fish, provided that the lighting is fairly dim. However, you can add a few large pieces of wood, beech branches, or smooth stones if you wish. Make sure that the items are too heavy to be moved and that there is plenty of open space for swimming. Young fish like shelters in the form of tangles of roots and branches, stone piles, or pieces of plastic pipe of a suitable diameter.
Choosing a substrate can be a problem, as most types of gravel can either be swallowed or get stuck in their delicate gills. Sand is a good choice, but don't expect it to stay in one place. A layer of large, smooth pebbles is the best option. Some hobbyists simply leave the aquarium completely without substrate, which certainly makes cleaning easier.
A large and effective biological filter is necessary to cope with the amount of waste produced by fish of this size. Remember that it is a predator and eats a lot, therefore producing a lot of waste. Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum is sensitive to the nitrate content in the water and requires a powerful filter and regular water changes.
Large pseudoplacistoma can easily destroy glass thermostats and thermometers, as aquarium maintenance causes fear in fish, and they may start to thrash about, splashing water. Be sure to cover the aquarium with a lid, as they tend to jump out of the water.
The recommended temperature for keeping them is 22-26 °C. If extremes are avoided, the fish adapts to both hard and soft water, with a pH of 6.0 – 7.5.
Compatibility
Avoid keeping tiger pseudoplacistoma together with timid fish, as this will make it even more timid. Also, do not keep fish that it can swallow, as it will definitely do so.
However, keeping it with large species usually does not cause problems, as the pseudoplatistoma is too large for anyone to bother it. As a rule, this fish is kept alone in display aquariums. Although it will devour any small fish without hesitation, it is actually quite peaceful and can be kept alongside other species of similar size in a suitable environment.
It is territorial towards both its own kind and other large catfish, so in most situations it should be the only fish of this type.
Feeding
Predators by nature, they feed mainly on fish, but in aquarium conditions they adapt to other types of food. They eat protein foods such as shrimp, mussels, lobsters, earthworms, krill meat, etc.
Large specimens enjoy eating fish fillets (white fish should be used). Try to feed the pseudoplacist tiger fish a varied diet, as it gets used to one type of food and refuses to eat other foods. It is prone to overeating and gluttony.
It is easy to overfeed them in an aquarium, which leads to obesity and health problems in the future. Feed young specimens daily, reducing the frequency as they grow. Adults can eat once a week without harming their health.
It is best not to feed these fish meat from mammals or birds. The protein they contain cannot be properly digested by the digestive system and leads to fat accumulation.
Feeding live fish, such as goldfish or livebearers, is possible but risky. If you are not sure that these fish are completely healthy, it is better to give other types of food. The risk of introducing disease is too great.
Sexual differences
Unknown. It is believed that females grow larger.
The tiger pseudoplacistoma is a truly impressive representative of the underwater world. Its unusual appearance and large size make it a living decoration for large aquariums, but also place a huge responsibility on the future owner.
The main thing to remember is that this fish is not for beginners and not for small tanks. It needs a spacious home, well-chosen neighbors, and special attention to nutrition. Ignoring these conditions will lead to health and behavioral problems for the catfish.
If you are ready for a long-term commitment and can provide suitable conditions, you will have a unique and memorable pet. Watching its unhurried, almost prehistoric movements can be a real pleasure for connoisseurs of serious aquarium fish.
