Brahiramdia March

Martha’s Brachyrhamdia, scientific name Brachyrhamdia marthae, belongs to the Heptapteridae family (Heptapterid catfishes). Catfish comes from South America from the Madeira River basin, which in turn is one of the right tributaries of the Amazon.

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of about 7–8 cm. The fish has a somewhat elongated body with large fins and a forked tail. At the mouth are thin long antennae.

The coloring is unremarkable – gray and dark shades prevail. Juveniles are lighter, the body covers are translucent, which makes the catfish appear pink.

Behavior and Compatibility

Considered a peaceful species. However, in a small aquarium it can show territorial behavior, competing with relatives for the best area on the bottom. Competition is also possible with other benthic species.

As neighbors, it is recommended to select non-aggressive fish of a comparable size that live in the water column or near the surface.

It is worth noting that fry and fish that can fit in Brahiramdia Martha’s mouth will be eaten.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 120 liters.
• Temperature – 24-26°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.0
• Water hardness – up to 15 dGH
• Substrate type — stony
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – low or medium
• The size of the fish is 7–8 cm.
• Food – any sinking food
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Content – alone or in a group

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for a group of 3-4 catfish starts from 120-130 liters. In the design, the main attention is paid to decorating the bottom. It is necessary to combine open ground with places for shelters. As the latter, it is permissible to place both natural, such as driftwood, and artificial objects. It is preferable to use gravel rocky substrates. The lighting is subdued. Floating plants are one way to provide natural shading.

The rest of the design is selected at the discretion of the aquarist or based on the needs of other fish.

Brahiramdia Martha is not demanding on the conditions of detention and successfully adapts to life in various conditions. Comfortable is the environment with a temperature of 24–26°C in the following range of hydrochemical parameters: 6.0–7.0 pH, up to 15 dH.

Food

Accepts most foods intended for aquarium fish. The satiety instinct is not developed, so there is a threat to overfeed the catfish.