Banded banjo - Platystacus cotylephorus
Scientific name: Platystacus cotylephorus
Common name: Banded banjo
Family: Aspredinidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 32 cm (9.84 - 12.6 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.7 - 8.2
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 24°N (214.29 - 428.57ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and feeding
Banded banjo’s will accept flakes or pellets but their main dietary needs are covered by giving them live or frozen foods. Daphnia, blood worms, Mysis and shrimp pellets are readily accepted.
Origin
South and Central America; Banded banjo’s are to be found in many of the fresh water and brackish waterways.
Sexing
Females will have a shorter dorsal fin than the males. Their colouration will be identical.
Breeding
Banded Banjo fish have an unusual method of incubation where the female will carry the eggs under her abdomen. There are a few cases of successfully raising fry but it is very difficult. When the eggs have hatched, it will take another 2-3 days before the fry are free swimming. They will accept newly hatched brine shrimp or grindal worms for their first food.
Lifespan
The expected life span of Platystacus cotylephorus is 8-12 years.
Short description
A sandy substrate should be used in the tank as these fish prefer to bury themselves rather than seek hiding places. Platystacus cotylephorus are a peaceful species, but if keeping more than on specimen, allow for a larger tank to give them large enough territories.