Sultan fish

Sultan fish or Leptobarbus redfin, scientific name Leptobarbus rubripinna, belongs to the Cyprinidae family. Unpretentious hardy fish, peacefully tuned to other species. The only problem is the large size of adults, sometimes exceeding one meter.

Habitat

Comes from Southeast Asia. It inhabits the lower and middle reaches of the largest river in the Mekong region, as well as the basins of the Chao Phraya and Maeklong rivers. Thus, the natural habitat extends to the vast expanses of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, central and western Thailand.

It occurs in the main channels of rivers, lakes, artificial reservoirs. Adult fish live in deep water, young fish stay in shallow water. During the rainy season, they swim to flooded areas of tropical forests to breed.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 500 liters.
• Temperature – 20-26°C
• Value pH — 6.0–8.0
• Water hardness – 2–15 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is 80–100 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful calm fish
• Content alone or in a group

Description

In favorable conditions, it can grow more than one meter in length. Single color silver color. The body shape is elongated with a short head. Pectoral, ventral, anal and caudal fins have red markings. The dorsal fin is high translucent. For the characteristic shape of the body, it was nicknamed the “Cigar Redtip Shark”.

Outwardly, it resembles another closely related species of Carp Hoven. Both species are often sold under the same name.

Food

Omnivorous species. In nature, it feeds on plant matter, zooplankton and other large aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. On occasion, it can eat small fish. In an artificial habitat, it will accept most popular dry food in the form of pellets, tablets, as well as fresh vegetables (peas, beans, potato pieces), aquatic plants such as duckweed, mussels, shrimp, etc.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Given the size of adult fish, it is necessary to provide an aquarium of the appropriate volume. For a solitary maintenance of Leptobarbus redfin, a tank of 500 liters is sufficient. The decoration is not very important, but if possible, it is desirable to recreate an environment that resembles the bottom of a river with substrates of stones, large boulders and large snags. Live plants are not recommended as they will be eaten.

Being a native of flowing reservoirs, the Sultan fish does not tolerate the accumulation of organic waste. Maintaining high water quality is a priority for long-term maintenance.

Behavior and Compatibility

Peaceful calm fish, gets along with many large species of comparable size. Small fish are likely to be considered food.

Breeding / breeding

Not bred in home aquaria. Commercial breeding is carried out on large fish farms using hormones to stimulate the spawning state.

Fish diseases

Hardy fish, cases of disease are rare. The main causes of disease are unsuitable habitat and poor food quality. If you keep in spacious aquariums and serve fresh food, then there are no problems.