Edit Lepidocephalichthys thermalis
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Name
Scientific name
Lepidocephalichthys thermalis
Described by
Authority Valenciennes, Year 1846, Bracketed
Family
Cobitidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 11 credited
Summary
Lepidocephalichthys thermalis is a cobitid loach from Sri Lanka and Peninsular India, described from the hot waters of Cania, Sri Lanka. Av…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
50mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 45 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–26°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
2–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
India, Sri Lanka, Cauvery, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Palar, Periyar
Writing
Etymology
Lepidocephalichthys: from the Greek lepis, meaning 'scale, kephalos, meanig 'head', and ichthys, meaning 'fish'. thermalis: from the Latin thermalis, meaning '…
Distribution
Described from 'Hot waters of Cania, Sri Lanka' and also occurs in Peninsular India. In the latter it's known from the Godavari, Krishna, Palar, Kaveri and Per…
Habitat
Unlike most members of the genus L. thermalis shows a preference for headwaters and streams with clear, flowing water and substrates of rocks, pebbles, submerg…
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of 45 ∗ 30 cm or more are recommended.
Maintenance
This species will do well in most well-maintained aquaria if plenty of hiding places are provided and should not harm softer-leaved plants. However we highly r…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Probably a micropredator feeding on insect larvae and suchlike in nature. In the aquarium it will accept sinking dried foods but should also be offered regular…
Behaviour and compatibility
Lepidocephalichthys spp. are peaceful both with one another and other fishes and there exist no reports of them harming tankmates though they may prey on eggs …
Sexual dimorphism
In mature males the pectoral fins are enlarged with fused, thickened innermost (7th and 8th) rays forming a structure known as the lamina circularis. This gene…
Reproduction
Presumably a seasonal spawner in nature but hasn't been bred in captivity as far as we know although purported courtship behaviour has been observed.
Notes
This species is available sporadically and makes an excellent choice for those new to keeping loaches. It's distinguishable from congeners by a combination of …
References
References
7 on this profile