|
|
A fish with an elongated, laterally compressed body. The mouth is
hinge-like and turned upwards. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the
other fins are elongated. The eye is large, and the upper part of the iris is
yellow. The back is light olive, while the flanks are silver-gray with a
silver iridescence. The lower parts are gay. The coloration may vary a bit
depending on this fishâs population. A faint, row of spots runs from the
gill cover to the caudal penuncle, where the row becomes a stripe. The
stripe passes on to the caudal fin and runs to the tip of the upper lobe. On
the lower lobe is a similar marking.
These fish grow to 10" (25 cm)in length and are best kept with species
such as Loaches, Pimelodids, Doradids, Tinfoil Barbs, Knifefish,
Acaras, Cichlasomines, Eartheaters, Cyprind sharks.
They are found in parts of Southeast Asia, paticularly Indonesia,
Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They prefer to inhabit the top and
middle portions of the tank. A tank of 55 gallons (209 L) is suggested
for adult Apollo Sharks. Leave large open swimming areas and use a
tight-fitting cover. Some floating plants are welcomed. The water
parameters should be in the ranges of pH 6-7.5 (7.0), 4-15 dH (8), with
temperatures in the ranges of 75-82°F (24-28°C).
This fish is an active species that will feed on smaller fish. The Apollo
shark is intolerant of similar species and should only be combined with
dissimilar, large fish. It thrives on foods such as fish, worms, insects,
insect larvae; occasionally flakes and pellets.
It is unclear how to determine sex and this species has never been bred
in aquaria. This species is not suitable to the average community tank.
This large, hardy species requires a spacious tank and small fish will be
eaten by this predator.
