H-jerdoni-hd
Erethistes jerdoni Day 1870
H_jerdoni-4

Although this little Erethistini has all the markings of a moth cat, it is more commonly called an anchor cat, due to its ‘anchor’ like shape when viewed from above. Overall colouration varies from a mottled grey colour to a mottled light brown.
Although in Day’s work (1877 & 1889) he recorded that the maximum size of these fish was 38mm, subsequent works however show that they rarely exceed 25mm SL. In adult specimens the female is slightly larger and more rotund when viewed from above.

A sand substrate that has small rounded pebbles roughly scattered in amongst it, with a few grass like plants intermittently planted, and would make an ideal biotype for them to live in. Small danio's and rasbora's make excellent tank mates.

Good water quality is essential in keeping these catfish for any length of time or attempting to breed them, as they tend not to tolerate too well nitrate levels above 12.5mg/l. Ideally a pH range from 6.7 to 7.2 and a GH between 6 and 12 should be provided. Temperature is not critical as long as there is a high level of dissolved oxygen present at the higher temperatures, however; they seem more at home in the cooler temperatures of between 20°C and 22°C.

A diet of varied live foods such as small bloodworms, grindal worms, sifted daphnia, cyclops and newly hatched brine shrimp, should be provided as they tend not to feed on prepared food.

Has been bred by the author.

Synonyms

Hara jerdoni