Family: Prochilodontidae
Distribution: Semaprochilodus insignis, also known as Insignis Prochilodus, is native to Brazil Guyana, Peru, Columbia and Ecudaor; it feeds mostly in floodplains but migrates and spawns in the river channels.
PH: 5.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 22°C – 26C (72 – 81F)
Hardness: 1 – 15 dH
Description: Semaprochilodus insignis can reach a maximum length of around 27 cm. This species is very closely related to Semaprochilodus taeniurus in shape and colour; the difference is that Semaprochilodus insignis has a dark marking on its gill plate that fades in time. Mature females have rounder bellies than males.
Diet: Semaprochilodus insignis, an omnivore, leans more towards vegetables than live food. Provide it with vegetables – spinach, lettuce, algae wafers and cucumber – along with some dried foods and bloodworm on occasions.
Breeding: There is not a great deal of information available on this species regarding tank breeding. They haven’t been known to spawn in tanks because of the migratory patterns they have in nature; Semaprochilodus insignis migrates twice a year and may travel hundreds of kilometres doing so.
Comments: Semaprochilodus insignis should be kept in a tank of at least 540 litres. Your tank should have a river sand substrate and a few driftwood branches; avoid a densely planted tank as it will devour soft-leaved species. This species is semi-rare and very tough to breed, making it suitable for hobbyists with some experience.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Semaprochilodus insignis may flare up at members of its own species and should be kept in groups of six in large tanks. You could house it with large characins, Loricariids, peaceful cichlids, knifefish, freshwater stingrays and Doradids.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 11:14:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
