golden sturisoma

The golden sturisoma, scientific name Sturisomatichthys aureum (obsolete Sturisoma aureum), belongs to the family Loricariidae (Mail catfish). The fish is native to South America. Inhabits the basin of the Magdalena River, which flows through the territory of Colombia. B occurs in sections of rivers with a fast current and a rocky bottom among flooded snags.

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of up to 20 cm. Catfish has a very slender elongated body with a large pointed head. Outwardly, it resembles a stick or a twig, which helps to disguise itself at the bottom between snags. The fins are large with thickened first rays, which are sharp spikes. The color is gray, the belly is silvery with a golden tint.

Behavior and Compatibility

A peaceful and somewhat timid shy fish that is unable to compete for territory and food with tougher bottom dwellers. Golden Sturisoma prefers to be in a group rather than alone.

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

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 250 liters.
• Temperature – 20-26°C
• Value pH — 6.6–7.6
• Water hardness – 5–19 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is up to 20 cm.
• Nutrition – plant-based food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content in a group of 3-4 individuals

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for a group of 3-4 catfish starts from 250-300 liters. In the design, it is necessary to provide places for shelters in the form of natural or artificial snags, thickets of plants and other decor. They prefer a subdued level of lighting, so they will be most active after the lights are turned off.

For long-term keeping, it is important to provide clean, oxygen-rich water. The hydrochemical composition has a relatively large allowable range of values, which simplifies the process of water treatment during aquarium maintenance.

It is noted that despite the origin of the tropics, Golden Sturisoma does not tolerate high temperatures. For this reason, do not exceed 26°C for a long time.

Food

Refers to herbivorous species. In nature, it feeds on a raid of algae from stones and snags, along with the organisms inhabiting them. The basis of the diet in a home aquarium will be specialized food based on plant ingredients (flakes, granules, tablets, etc.), as well as fresh pieces of green vegetables such as cucumber and spinach.

Do not feed exclusively on plant products. It is important to regularly feed foods with protein supplements, such as conventional dry sink foods.

Breeding / breeding

In favorable conditions and a balanced diet, reproduction is not uncommon. Catfish are caring parents. The female lays (fixes) eggs on any solid surface, even the side wall of the aquarium can become it. The male fertilizes the clutch and remains near the eggs for the entire incubation period to protect future offspring.