Chaetobranchopsis australis

Introduction

Chaetobranchopsis australis is a medium sized fish with a standard length of 5" and total length of 8".

Taxonomy

Chaetobranchopsis australis was first described by Eigenmann & Ward, 1907 and is placed in Chaetobranchopsis.

Description

Chaetobranchopsis australis is a quiet fish which finds shelter among aquatic plant stocks or amidst tree roots.

Distribution & Habitat

Chaetobranchopsis australis is native to South America, and is found in Paraná River basin, in the Paraguay River in Brazil and Paraguay. , Paraná River close to the mouth of the Paraguay River in Argentina; probably in the Amazon River basin in Bolivia and Brazil.

Chaetobranchopsis australis occurs in swamps and flooded grounds with shallow, almost stagnant water, which may either be clear or loaded with sediments.

Sexual Dimorphism

They are mono morphic in nature, i.e male and female are alike.

Feeding

Chaetobranchopsis australis has long dense branchiospines, which suggest microphagous and planktophagous feeding, possibly including small crustaceans.
It possesses weak teeth, indicating that it is not a predator. This makes feeding in aquariums bit of problem

Keeping in Aquarium

Tank Size:

Not much information is available on its being kept in aquariums.
However as it is a medium sized fish a tank of about 400 lit can be used.

Tank Mates:

Although it is peaceful fish with mild aggression towards its own species, it should be kept in a species only tank due to its unique diet habits.

Breeding

They lay eggs on substrate, however not much information is available on its breeding.