Bocilia-chameleon

The chameleon bocilia, scientific name Syncrossus beauforti, belongs to the Cobitidae family. Unfriendly to other species, making it difficult to choose tankmates. Otherwise, it is unpretentious and does not cause much trouble in maintenance. With the right approach, it can be a good addition to the tropical fish community.

Habitat

It comes from Southeast Asia from the territory of the peninsular and western part of Thailand and southern Burma. The fish are found in the upper reaches of the rivers, they prefer shaded areas with a slow current. The natural habitat is characterized by very clear water, sandy-stony substrate, many snags and fallen leaves.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 250 liters.
• Temperature – 22-30°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness – soft (2-12 dGH)
• Substrate type – sandy or rocky
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is 16–18 cm.
• Nutrition – any drowning
• Temperament – inhospitable
• Content in a group of at least 5 individuals

Description

Adult fish reach a length of about 16–18 cm. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. Females are larger than males, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to reliably distinguish them from each other, especially in a group of different ages. The color is gray-green, marsh color. The pattern consists of dark speckles and horizontal stripes stretching from the head to the dorsal fin.

Food

An omnivorous species, it accepts almost any food intended for aquarium fish. The main condition is that they must be sinking and contain herbal supplements, otherwise Chameleon Bocilia will bite off pieces from aquatic plants. It is advisable, at least several times a week, to serve frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp or pieces of earthworm, mollusks.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Recommended aquarium sizes for a group of 5 fish start at 250 liters. The design is arbitrary, provided that there are shelters in the form of snags or heaps of stones that form crevices and grottoes. The presence of living shade-loving plants is welcome.

Optimal housing conditions are achieved in conditions of low light, moderate current and high water quality. A productive filtration system along with a weekly replacement of part of the water (30-35% of the volume) with fresh water will prevent excessive accumulation of organic waste, which can adversely affect the health of the fish. .

Behavior and Compatibility

The content in the group is at least 5 individuals, the best option is from 10. Intraspecific relationships are built on an internal hierarchy, no conflicts were noted. As for the attitude towards other fish, Bocilia-chameleon can show aggression towards smaller neighbors, and will also compete with other bottom species for territory. In addition, ornamental fish with long fins should be avoided. Joint keeping is possible with hardy species of comparable size living in the water column or near the surface.

Breeding / breeding

Due to the characteristics of reproduction associated with annual migration in the wild, breeding this species of charr is difficult. Commercial fish farms use hormonal injections to stimulate spawning.

Fish diseases

Health problems arise only in case of injuries or when kept in unsuitable conditions, which depresses the immune system and, as a result, provokes the occurrence of any disease. In the event of the appearance of the first symptoms, first of all, it is necessary to check the water for the excess of certain indicators or the presence of dangerous concentrations of toxic substances (nitrites, nitrates, ammonium, etc.). If deviations are found, bring all values ​​back to normal and only then proceed with treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.