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Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 10000 litres / 2641.72 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 70.0cm / 27.56inches |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 27°C / 80.60°F |
| Hardness | 2.02dgH / 36ppm - 15.02dgH / 268ppm |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
General Description
Phalacronotus apogon, commonly known as the "blue neon sheatfish" or "metallic cheatfish," belongs to the family Siluridae under the order Siluriformes. It is a predatory species and an obligate but generalized piscivore, preying on pelagic fishes in the middle-and-upper water columns in its natural habitat. This species can grow up to 70.0cm in length and is often found in murky main river channels and large streams, venturing into temporarily-flooded areas during the wet season.
Aquarium Setup
The ideal tank setup for P. apogon includes a minimum tank size of 10000 litres with weak lighting conditions preferred. It is crucial not to introduce the species to a biologically immature aquarium to prevent susceptibility to fluctuations in water chemistry. Water conditions should be maintained with a hardness of 36-268ppm, a pH range of 6.0-7.5, and a temperature between 20-27°C (see table).
Behaviour
P. apogon is best kept alone or with similarly-sized, non-aggressive fish species. While peaceful with larger tankmates, it can be maintained in a group in a suitably-sized aquarium. Notably, adult males exhibit a slimmer physique compared to females, and male pectoral-fin spines have a serrated posterior edge as opposed to the smooth edge in females.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, P. apogon preys on pelagic fishes, and newly-imported specimens may initially resist non-live food options. With proper conditioning, they can be weaned onto dead alternatives. It is essential to avoid feeding mammalian or avian meat, as well as long-term reliance on live feeder fish due to disease risks and inadequate nutritional value.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Reproduction of P. apogon remains unrecorded in aquaria but in the wild, spawning aligns with the onset of the wet season and seasonal floods. Adult males exhibit a slimmer profile than females, with distinguishable serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine in males.
Habitat and Distribution
In its natural habitat, P. apogon thrives in pelagic zones of major river systems in Southeast Asia, encompassing Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and various Indonesian islands. The species inhabits murky river channels and migrates to flooded areas during the wet season, showcasing both mottled and laterally-striped color forms.