Family: Osphronemidae
Distribution: Sturisoma panamense, sometimes known as Royal Whiptail, is a freshwater species found in the Pacific slope rivers of Panama, Ecuador and Columbia.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 20°C – 22C (72 – 77F)
Hardness: 10 – 20 dH
Description: Sturisoma panamense can reach a maximum length of around 26 cm, but is usually around the 15 – 18 cm mark. This large-finned species has an elongated body and a silver-white belly with yellow-brown spots. Its body and fins have red, sometimes yellow, elements to them. Males have a wider, more powerful head, while the female is paler in its colouration.
Diet: The Royal Whiptail can be given plenty of different foods, such as blanched zucchini, crushed fish flakes, catfish pellets and bloodworms.
Breeding: Sturisoma panamense females will attempt to attract males; the female, once spawning is complete, will lay up to 90 eggs in your tank. Males will sit on top of the eggs for 5 – 6 days, waiting until the fry is ready to hatch. Females exhibit no parental care at all. The fry, once hatched, are perfect miniature replicas of their parents.
Comments: Sturisoma panamense should be kept in a tank of at least 35 gallons. Your tank should have plenty of open swimming areas and, if you like, you can decorate it with vegetation that resembles its natural environment. This species is quite rare within the hobby and is suitable for hobbyists with experience, as it requires moderate care.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Sturisoma panamense is a peaceful, They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 11:33:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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