Erethistoides sicula Ng 2005
These small Erethistids, vary little in markings and colouration
from specimen to specimen, with the head being brown to black with
cream and bronze dappling; with the dappling becoming more visible
towards the posterior of the head and unto and slightly beyond the
dorsal fin. This colouration then becomes banded, with the first
band running vertically through the adipose fin and the second band
being at the caudal peduncle; these bands are connected by a brown
to black line running along the dorsum edge with cream & bronze
dappling running through the body, with the ventral surface being
white. The pectoral, dorsal and adipose fins are marked with black
to dark brown flashes with the base being hyaline, the ventral and
anal fins being hyaline throughout. There are four pairs of
barbels.
Although water conditions are not critical in keeping Erethistoides
sicula alive, it is important to make sure that the water is well
filtered, and free of nitrates. This is a catfish that is suitable
for the smaller aquariums. An aquarium, having a substrate of fine
sand, interspersed with rounded pebbles and stones, with small
clumps of fine leaved plants and pieces of bog wood in which to
retire to, would be ideal for these diminutive Asian Hillstream
catfish. Non-boisterous tank mates such as Danio choprae, Chela
dadyburjoni and Rasbora espei make excellent tank mates.
(photo courtesy of Dave
Rinaldo)