Akysis Varius

Datasheet

Behaviour

The Akysis Varius is not particularly competitive and should not be housed with significantly larger or aggressive fish. Suitable tankmates include miniature schooling cyprinids like Boraras, Microdevario, smaller Danio or Rasbora species, as well as similarly-sized catfishes and loaches. It is non-aggressive towards its own kind and can be kept singly or in groups.

Aquarium Setup

To keep the Akysis Varius, it is recommended to provide a soft, sandy substrate as they spend time buried or partially buried. Decorate the tank with water-worn rocks, driftwood roots, branches, and aquatic plants like Microsorum and Anubias. Leaf litter, such as beech, oak, or Ketapang leaves, can also be used. Clean water with high dissolved oxygen and good water movement is essential, requiring regular 30-50% weekly water changes.

Feeding and Diet

Primarily nocturnal micropredators, Akysis species feed on small aquatic crustaceans, worms, insect larvae, and zooplankton. They may be picky eaters initially, preferring live or frozen foods like Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworm, or glassworm. Feeding after dark allows them to exhibit natural behavior, with most specimens learning to emerge at feeding times.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

There is limited information on the reproduction of Akysis Varius. Successful spawning has been observed in related species triggered by a temperature decrease. Sexual dimorphism is reported in other Akysis species, with differences in the genital papilla morphology and fin lengths between males and females.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in the Xe Bangfai river system in Laos, the Mun River basin in Thailand, and the Siem Reap river in Cambodia, Akysis Varius inhabits swiftly-flowing streams with sandy, gravel, and rocky substrates. They prefer transparent to slightly turbid water and are usually found in environments without aquatic plants but with leaf litter and underwater structures.