Mesonoemacheilus Petrubanarescui

Datasheet

General Description

Mesonoemacheilus Petrubanarescui is a small loach species that can grow up to 5.0cm in size. It is characterized by an incomplete lateral line, dark saddle-shaped markings on the dorsal surface, and varying broken bars on the flanks. This species is part of the Nemacheilidae family and is primarily found in the Western Ghats mountain range in India. Its body patterning helps distinguish it from other members of the genus Mesonoemacheilus, which are endemic to rivers in the Western Ghats region.

Aquarium Setup

Maintaining Mesonoemacheilus Petrubanarescui in an aquarium requires replicating its natural habitat. It is recommended to set up the tank to resemble a flowing stream or river, with a substrate of rocks, sand, fine gravel, and water-worn boulders. The tank can be decorated with driftwood branches to create hiding spots and broken lines of sight. Hardy aquatic plants like Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias species can be added to the setup. Ensuring high oxygen levels and moderate water flow is essential, achieved through power filters, powerheads, or airstones. Regular water changes of 30-50% tank volume are necessary to maintain water quality.

Behaviour

Mesonoemacheilus Petrubanarescui is a relatively peaceful species, especially when kept in groups of four or more individuals. It appreciates being in the company of conspecifics and displays more confidence in the presence of other small, open-water dwelling cyprinids or rheophilic loaches. It is essential to avoid combining it with delicate species or sedate bottom-dwellers in the aquarium, as it thrives best in the company of suitable tankmates.

Feeding and Diet

In its natural habitat, Mesonoemacheilus Petrubanarescui primarily feeds on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton, with minimal plant matter consumption. In captivity, they accept a variety of foods, including live and frozen options like Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms. While they can consume dried foods, a diet rich in live and frozen options contributes to their coloration and overall condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction details of Mesonoemacheilus Petrubanarescui remain unrecorded. Adult females are expected to grow slightly larger and have rounder bellies when gravid compared to males. Dimorphism is subtle, with these physical differences being the key indicators.

Habitat and Distribution

Mesonoemacheilus Petrubanarescui is endemic to the Netravati and Kabini River basins within the Western Ghats mountain range in India. It inhabits clear, well-oxygenated headwater streams with substrates of sand, gravel, rocks, and boulders covered in algae and detritus. The species is adapted to varying flow rates and turbidity levels, which increase during the monsoon season. The distribution of this species is limited to specific regions within the Western Ghats.