Sandelia Capensis

Datasheet

General Description

Sandelia Capensis, commonly known as Cape Kurper, is a species belonging to the Anabantidae family. It is one of the two described species within the genus Sandelia, characterized by its limited natural range in parts of South Africa. The fish is considered primitive among anabantids due to its less-developed labyrinth organ. The conservation status of S. capensis is of significant concern, with habitat destruction and declining numbers attributed to various factors such as introduced predators and pollution.

Aquarium Setup

For Cape Kurper, a minimum tank size of 255 litres is recommended. The ideal tank setup includes heavy furnishing with plants, twisted roots, branches, and floating vegetation. Alternatively, replicating its natural biotopes can be achieved with a sandy substrate and scattered water-worn rocks. Water conditions should be maintained with a pH range of 6.5-7.2, water hardness of 5-15°dH, and a temperature between 18-22°C.

Behaviour

It is advisable to keep Cape Kurper isolated to prevent disease transfer or aggression from tankmates. This solitary nature helps in ensuring the well-being of the fish within the aquarium environment.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Cape Kurper feeds on smaller fish, aquatic invertebrates, and crustaceans. In captivity, they readily adapt to a varied diet of meaty foods such as bloodworms, prawns, mussels, and earthworms. Offering a diverse diet helps in meeting their nutritional requirements effectively.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction of Cape Kurper is feasible in captivity, as demonstrated by successful breeding at the Albany Museum in South Africa. During spawning, the male exhibits territorial behavior by defending a specific site on the substrate. The male showcases distinctive coloration and engages in courtship displays, including bubble blowing. Sexual dimorphism is evident in Cape Kurper, with males displaying more vibrant colors than females.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to the Cape Province in South Africa, Cape Kurper is widely distributed across various rivers in the region. The fish occupies different biotopes ranging from rocky, flowing streams to heavily-vegetated waters, with a preference for quieter marginal areas with ample shelter provided by rocks, submerged roots, branches, or aquatic plants.