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Aquaria Now - The Flagtail Prochilodus (Semaprochilodus insignis)
Aquaria Now Home > Fish Profiles:
Flagtail Prochilodus - Semaprochilodus insignis (Jardine & Schomburgk, 1841)
| Family |
Distribution |
Max. Size |
pH |
Temp. |
Breeding |
|
Prochilodontidae
|
South America
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14"
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SlightlyAcidic
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72-82° F.
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Unreported
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| Diet |
Swim Range |
Temperment |
Sociability |
Min. Tank |
Availability |
|
Herbivorous
|
All Ranges
|
Beware
|
Groups
|
90 gallons
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Semi-Rare
|
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No photo
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Notes
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The Flagtail Prochilodus, or Semaprochilodus insignis, is a large fish from South America that is closely-related to the more common S. taeniurus. The main difference in appearance comes from the dark marking on the gill plate; S. taeniurus keeps this marking all its life while the Flagtail Prochilodus has it fade with maturity.
At an adult length of fourteen inches, this fish requires a very large aquarium. They are strong swimmers that should be provided with a lot of open swimming space, so a tank of 100 gallons or more is ideal. While they prefer to be in the company of their own kind, they will fight if space is limited.
Beware that all Prochilodus sp. are algae grazers and will eat most plant life you put in the aquarium with them. Artificial plants may be the only way to go. Driftwood is appreciated, as well as a sandy substrate that the fish can pick through for leftover food. These fish are herbivores that require vegetable matter in their diets.
Breeding and sexing information is limited. These fish have not been known to spawn in home aquariums due to their migratory patterns involved in the process in nature.
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