Peckoltia Bachi

Datasheet

General Description

Peckoltia Bachi, also known by various L-numbers, is a species within the Loricariidae family of the Siluriformes order. It is characterized by unique morphological features like deep pockets on the ventral portion of the pelvic girdle and widened pelvic-fin spines. The species can be identified by its mottled color pattern and large, diffuse spots on the head. Found in the upper Amazon region, it has been collected from various tributary drainages in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Aquarium Setup

To ensure the well-being of Peckoltia Bachi in captivity, a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream is recommended. The setup should include a substrate of rocks, sand, fine gravel, and water-worn boulders. Additional elements such as driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, and plant pots can be added to create a network of hiding spots. Maintaining water conditions with a hardness of 36-268ppm, a pH range of 6.0-8.0, and a temperature between 22-29°C is crucial.

Behaviour

Peckoltia Bachi typically exhibits peaceful behavior but can be territorial, especially towards conspecifics and similarly-shaped species. Its preference for marginal zones in river channels with flowing water indicates a natural tendency to dwell among submerged structures like grasses, twigs, and branches. The species may use its hypertrophied pelvic muscles and widened pelvic-fin spines to navigate and secure themselves in such environments.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Peckoltia Bachi is presumed to be omnivorous, with a focus on aquatic invertebrates. To ensure a balanced diet in captivity, offering sinking dried foods, frozen Daphnia, mosquito larvae, chironomid larvae, and prawn/shrimp is recommended. Additionally, supplementing with fresh fruits, parboiled potatoes, and homemade gelatin-bound foods enriched with vegetables and proteins is beneficial for their overall health.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

As a cave-spawner, Peckoltia Bachi exhibits unique reproductive behavior where the male takes responsibility for brood care. Adult males can be distinguished by the presence of odontodes on the rear body portion and, in some instances, on the opercle. These physical characteristics aid in identifying sexual dimorphism within the species.

Habitat and Distribution

Field observations suggest that Peckoltia Bachi favors marginal zones in medium to large river channels where it can be found amidst flowing water and submerged vegetation. The species is distributed throughout the upper Amazon region, with specific records from tributary drainages in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Despite its widespread presence, anomalies like a single record from the upper Río Meta raise questions about the entirety of its distribution.

Etymology

The genus name "Peckoltia" is a tribute to Gustavo Peckolt, a German botanist known for his work in Brazil. The species epithet "bachi" honors Dr. J. Bach, the collector of the type specimen.