Pseudolaguvia ribeiroi (Hora 1921)
This little Erethistid was described as belonging in the genus
Laguvia. However, it has since been moved into the genus
Pseudolaguvia.
Colouration and markings vary to some extent from specimen to
specimen, but generally conforms similarly across the species to
that of the genus Hara. The head being somewhat dappled light grey
to black from the snout unto the pectoral fins, with an area of
light grey interspersed with black speckles extending as far back
as the ventral fins or slightly beyond, this in turn is followed by
a band of light grey, and again this is followed by a dark grey to
black banding running vertically through the adipose and anal fin,
this in turn is followed by a narrow band of light grey until it
reaches the caudal peduncle which is coloured a dark grey.
Although there are no reports of any successful spawning, these
small Erethisids are relatively easy to sex, with the females being
slightly fuller in body and having a more convex posterior margin
to the pectoral fins.
A substrate of small to medium sized pebbles and stones in-filled
with aquarium grade sand, with pieces of bogwood and a scattering
of plants would make an ideal biotype for these small catfishes to
live in. Similar sized non-boisterous fish, like Brachydanio kerri,
Chela dadyburjoni and Rasbora espei; make excellent tank
mates.
These small Erethistids do much better when there is a small amount
of water movement in the aquaria, although these catfish do better
in water with temperatures of around 22ºC and having a neutral pH,
they can tolerate higher temperature and a fluctuation in pH, as
long as the water is well oxygenated and well filtered. They do not
tolerate nitrate levels above 12.5 p/ml
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.
Synonyms
Laguvia
ribeiroi - Laguvia ribeiroi-ribeiroi
(
photo courtesy of Dave Rinaldo)