Somik Pleko

Squaliform emarginata or Catfish Pleco, scientific name Squaliforma emarginata, belongs to the Loricariidae family. In fact, several closely related species are combined under one name at once, in the scientific classification they are assigned numbers L035, L116, L153, ​​L166, L108, L195 and others. Outwardly, they practically do not differ from each other, have similar living conditions, although they come from different regions. In the aquarium trade, catfish are valued for their peaceful disposition and unpretentiousness in keeping, they are perfect for large freshwater aquariums.

Habitat

It is widely distributed throughout the Amazon River basin in the territory of the modern states of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. It lives in flowing waters with a high content of dissolved oxygen in regions with sandy-stony substrates.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 250 liters.
• Temperature – 25-28°C
• Value pH — 6.4–7.2
• Water hardness – soft (5-10 dGH)
• Substrate type – any soft
• Lighting – subdued or moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – light or moderate
• The size of the fish is up to 40 cm.
• Nutrition – any drowning
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content single or in a group

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of up to 40 cm, grow somewhat smaller in the aquarium. The body is elongated, flattened from above, tapering towards the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is high translucent. The color varies from pink-blue to yellow-brown and depends on the specific region of origin. A characteristic feature of the color is numerous black polka dots all over the body. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed, there are no obvious differences between males and females.

Food

They are not at all pretentious in terms of food, they accept most popular food (sinking!) For aquarium fish. Herbal supplements such as peeled cucumbers, zucchini, spinach, etc. may also be suggested.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Such a large fish will require a spacious aquarium, for one catfish you will need a tank of at least 250 liters. The decoration is arbitrary, provided that there are shelters of a suitable size. As a recommendation, it is advisable to use large plants with a powerful root system, several smooth boulders and a low power lighting system, since Catfish Pleco feels most comfortable in a shaded aquarium.

The equipment is selected based on the needs of fish for a high content of dissolved oxygen (aeration) and the need to purify water from a large amount of waste (filtration) and maintain an optimal hydrochemical composition.

Behavior and Compatibility

Surprisingly peaceful and calm looking, pairs well with other similar sized fish. Not territorial, therefore, it can be in the company of its relatives, of course, this will require a very large aquarium.

Due to its size, the Squiliform emarginata is not suitable for keeping with small fish that will either be intimidated or accidentally eaten. Catfish are illegible in food and, on occasion, can bite into smaller fish.

Fish diseases

The main cause of most diseases is unsuitable living conditions and poor-quality food. If the first symptoms are detected, you should check the water parameters and the presence of high concentrations of hazardous substances (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, etc.), if necessary, bring the indicators back to normal and only then proceed with treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.