SOLVING TWO PROBLEMS SIMULTANEOUSLY
Main text by Majid Ali
Additional notes, as indicated, by David Marshall
Please note that this article was adapted from three pieces which Majid and David
wrote for, and subsequently had published in, both Ryedale Reporter Magazine (monthly
publication of Ryedale Aquarist Society) and the British Aquarist Magazine (quarterly
publication of the FNAS).
Aquarticles
I was always envious of tropical freshwater aquarists who could enjoy the company of Plecostomus
catfish and their allies while also having, on hand, fish which could keep down the amount
of algae in their tanks. Finding coldwater species with Plecostomus
looks and the ability to perform the algae ridding task proved much more difficult until,
in 1998, I came across the following species: -
1. Chinese/Hong Kong Plecs. (Pseudagastromyzon myersi and P. ctenaplamis).
2. Borneo Sucker (Gastromyzon borneenis).
3. Levett Loach (Beufortia leveretti).
Apparently the above species can live at room temperature without any problems but do
need specific requirements in order to thrive, so we will look at these requirements as we
review the three species as follows. At this stage please note that all of these fish are
slightly sensitive to aquatic medications and the addition of tonic salts to their
aquarium.
1. Chinese/Hong Kong Plec. - These hill stream loaches are often sold
under the trade name of 'butterfly plec.' Originating from Asia these fish, of the family Balitoridae,
are nocturnal in nature and thus require an aquarium dotted with hiding places. Easy to
feed, as along with algae they enjoy blanched lettuce leaves, cucumber slices, frozen
bloodworm and commercial aquarium fish foods.
Adapted to life in fast flowing streams they are best kept in aquaria with a strong
water flow and strong aeration. These fish have no swim bladder, and in their natural
habitat make use of their sucking disc in order to hold onto and swim over wet rocks.
** David - If purchasing a 'butterfly plec.' from an aquatic retail outlet where the
boundary between coldwater and tropical species is not clear take great care as this is a
trade name also used for more than one Peckoltia species.
2. Borneo Sucker - Very similar in appearance to the Hong Kong
plec. but with a flatter body. These fish have a total body length of 4". According
to my research their requirements are very similar to those mentioned above.
David asks me to note that in contrast to many fellow loach species, e.g. Botia
and Garra species, these fish are fairly short-lived. They can die very suddenly
(and for no apparent reason) and if this should happen remove the body as quickly as is
possible because, as with the tropical zebra Peckoltia and several fellow 'L'
numbered Loricarins, their decaying bodies quickly form a very nasty and rampant bacteria
which can decimate their fellow tank mates in a short amount of time.
** David - I am of the opinion that 73 F is the optimum temperature requirement for
these fish. They make great 'fish viewing' as it is possible to see their hearts and blood
circulatory system working. They can move over aquarium decor at an incredible speed, can
cling to rocks like limpets and their escape manoeuvres have to be witnessed to be
believed.
3. Levett's Loach - Originating from China these peaceful fish, best
kept in small groups, keep to themselves. Nocturnal in nature they occupy the middle and
bottom areas of the tank. Omnivorous in diet. They are another Hong Kong plec. look alike
but are brighter in colour and more attractive in looks. Aquarium temperature 72 to 74 F.
** David - Having seen, on more than one occasion, Levett's loach offered for sale in
aquatic retail outlets under the name Levans loach, I conducted some research and
the results can be seen in the footnote to our article.
We end on a note of caution?
In the U.K. both Sucking Loaches (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)
and the Gudgeon (Gobio gobio) are also sold as algae eating fish
for the coldwater aquarium. Generally regarded as tropical fish the sucking loach can
survive at room temperatures but is best avoided, as certain individuals will develop the
habit of sucking mucus from the bodies of other fish species. Gudgeon, at maturity, become
very territorial and begin to attach themselves to the scales of their companions causing
great distress and even death (they have been known to eat fish smaller than themselves)
to their victims.
Conclusion - As we have seen from this article it is possible to solve
two problems in one go as plecs. are available for the coldwater aquarium that will keep
down the amount of algae in the tank.
Footnote - My initial thoughts were that either the tank labelling
carried a spelling mistake, probably originating from a wholesale establishment, or that
Levans was the local name for a colour variant of the Levett's Loach? Searching through
lists of fish common names revealed that there was indeed a valid Levans loach but this
did not belong to a Plecostomus lookalike (as the fish labelled were) but to a
member of the Cobitis genus. Further research revealed the true Levans loach to
be Cobitis levantina, from Syria and the Lebanon. This fish is of the typical Cobitis
body shape and has a body that is yellow-brown above and light ochre with a golden tinge
below the mid-lateral line. Females lay 'sticky' eggs that attach themselves to both
gravel and aquatic vegetation and males are told apart by having longer posterial barbels.
As far as I am aware these particular fish have yet to make an appearance in our hobby?
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