Phractolaemus ansorgii

[funkybodal]

Hey there,

This is a top oddball (can use it's swimbladder like a lung to breathe air) that I've been after for ages, has anyone had any experience in keeping them and have any idea where I could get one?

There's a pic. here:

Phractolaemus

Although contrary to what it says here they can infact grow up to 20cm.

Any info. would be great.
Cheers,
Luke.

 

[CFC]

Ive never seen one in any shop or any stocklist available in the UK, shame really as i wouldnt mind keeping them myself.

 

[Fruitbat]

I currently have three Phractolaemus ansorgei in one of my tanks. They are relatively secretive fish that feed on materials that they find on the bottom and in plants. I've had good success feeding them frozen bloodworms, frozen brine shrimp and frozen daphnia as well as occasional flake food. They are not aggressive fish and have relatively tiny mouths so they are safe with all but the smallest of tank-mates. They are not particularly strong swimmers so a tank with a powerful current is not a good idea.

Here is a picture of one of a couple of my Phractolaemus ansorgei. Please note that these pictures were taken shortly after I released the fish from their shipping bag. They are wild-caught fish and were pretty tattered during the process. They have healed up perfectly now and are thriving in a tank with small bichirs and a few small Synodontis catfish. I don't have any current pictures but I'll try to take some in the next couple of days.

-Joe

 

[Fruitbat]

Oh....and Luke....you don't say where you're from (though I did spot the Lake Tanganyika, Africa on your post....I'm not sure if you're serious or not about that). Toyin at Rehoboth Aquatics out of Houston, Texas has Phractolaemus ansorgei available. I've had great success receiving fish from him. You can check out his web site at http/www.rehobothaquatics.com

-Joe

 

[pica_nuttalli]

awwwww!!!!!! they look like giant khulli loaches! (in the face, in the face)

heh, now i kinda want one!

 

[funkybodal]

Hey Fruitbat,

Thanks alot for the info - very nice fish you've got there
I did infact read about this guy Toyin obtaining some phractolaemus - I think it was on predatoryfish.net or something similar. Unfortunately, I actually live in London so it would be tricky but I just noticed that he does do international shipping but it could be abit of a journey for the fish

Thanks again,
Luke.