Erethistes pusillus (Muller & Troschel 1845)
This small mothcat can at times be seen for sale as Hara hara and
visa versa. Both; when small, have similar body markings,
colouration and body shape.
Although colouration on E pusillus can vary, generally the body
base colour is mottled dark to silver grey, with four dark grey
coloured bands overlaying the base colour. The degree of mottling
around the head varies from specimen to specimen, but is usually a
dark grey with light grey mottling. The dorsal fin is dark grey,
having a hyaline posterior edge to it. The pectoral fins are light
grey with a white tip to them.
There are many fine granulations running parallel to each other
along the body either side of the lateral line, commencing from
below the dorsal fine and terminating at the caudal peduncle. These
granulations are so fine that it is possible for them to go
un-noticed to the naked eye, when the fish are in excellent health
and condition.
Good water quality is essential if one wishes to keep these small
Erethestini alive for any length of time as they tend not to
tolerate nitrate levels above 25mg/l. Ideally a pH range from 6.5
to 7.2 and a GH between 3 and 12 should be provided they also seem
to prefer cooler temperatures of between 18°C and 22°C. Although
they can cope with higher temperatures as long as there is a high
level of dissolved oxygen present.
A
substrate fine sand and a intersperse of small rounded rocks and
pebbles, with grass like plants intermittently planted amongst the
substrate, makes an ideal biotype for them to live in. Small sized
fish like Barbus titteya, Brachydanio rerio and the like make
excellent tank
A diet of varied live foods such as daphnia, blood-worms and
grindal worms should be provided, as they tend not to feed to well
on prepared food.