Indonesia is increasingly becoming a center for the breeding of ornamental fish, particularly larger species. In the characin group, various silver dollars and pacus (e.g., Metynnis, Myloplus, and Colossoma), Semaprochilodus, Chalceus species, and headstanders (Chilodus, Leporinus, Abramites, Anostomus, Synaptolaemus) have been bred here, some of them already for decades. Most of these fish reach sizes between 15 and 30 cm, making them significantly larger than the “classic” ornamental fish size. Some species (e.g., Colossoma) are certainly used for dual purposes. The attractive juveniles are marketed for the aquarium trade, while the larger specimens are sold as food fish.
Thanks to this strategy, Indonesia possesses the highly specialized expertise that makes it possible to breed even those species that are rarely available from the wild and only in very small numbers. Hypomasticus despaxi (which was classified in the genus Leporinus until a few years ago) is one of the smaller species in the genus. Its maximum length is reported to be 16 cm. It occurs exclusively in fast-flowing sections of the upper reaches of rivers in French Guiana (from the Maroni to the Oyapock). These are very difficult-to-access areas. We are now able to offer captive-bred specimens of this attractive species for the first time. In adult specimens, the second light-colored longitudinal band from the top is a vivid pink—very attractive!
Maximum size: approx. 16 cm; Temperature: 22–28°C; pH and hardness: not significant for general care (tap water), but soft and acidic for breeding; Diet: Omnivorous, plant-based food is very important; Social behavior: Interacts intensively with conspecifics; a hierarchy is established, which is accompanied by harmless fin damage (the fins grow back); juveniles exhibit schooling behavior.
For our customers: these animals are listed under code 265737 (3–5 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesale customers.
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
