Parosphromenus Quindecim

Datasheet

Behaviour

Parosphromenus Quindecim is not recommended for the general community aquarium due to its specific care requirements, disposition, and conservation status. It is best maintained alone or with small, peaceful cyprinids like Boraras or Sundadanio species. Keeping different Parosphromenus species together is also discouraged, as hybridization can occur and females of many species are challenging to differentiate. While a mixed-sex group can be kept, breeders often prefer sexed pairs to prevent fry survival issues.

Feeding and Diet

Parosphromenus Quindecim primarily feeds on tiny aquatic invertebrates, making it a micropredator. In an aquarium setup, it requires a variety of small live foods such as Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, Moina, mosquito larvae, and micro worms. Although frozen foods are sometimes accepted, they are not considered sufficiently nutritious, and most dried products are typically refused.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

This species reproduces by spawning in small caves or among leaf litter, with the male taking sole responsibility for egg and brood care. Males display various courtship behaviors, and successful spawns result in fry that can feed on Paramecium, rotifers, and Artemia nauplii. In terms of dimorphism, males exhibit colorful patterns in the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, while females are less vibrant. Nuptial males and females both display an oblique dark bar through the eye and can change color based on mood.

Habitat and Distribution

Parosphromenus Quindecim is found in the Pawan and Liong river basins in southeastern West Kalimantan, Indonesia, within peat swamp forests and blackwater streams. These habitats are characterized by low light penetration, acidic water with negligible mineral content, and a pH as low as 3.0 to 4.0. Unfortunately, some of its known habitats have been cleared for agriculture, putting the species at risk. In nature, it may coexist with P. ornaticauda.