Parambassis pulcinella
Humphead Perchlet
Classification
Ambassidae
Distribution
Endemic to Myanmar.
Habitat
It inhabits large freshwater streams, typified by fast flowing, well-oxygenated, clear water. The substrate in many of these biotopes is composed of smooth, water-worn rocks and boulders of varying sizes.
Maximum Standard Length
4″ (10cm).
Aquarium SizeTop ↑
This is quite an active species and needs a tank of at least 36″ x 12″ x 12″ (90x30x30cm) – 80 litres.
Maintenance
Decor is not critical. Plants, rocks, driftwood etc. can all be used to your own taste. This is a freshwater species and does not require the addition of salt to it’s tank.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 74-81°F (23-27°C)
pH: 7.0-7.5
Hardness: 8-15°H
Diet
It will accept dried pellets or flakes, but these should be supplemented with regular feedings of live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brineshrimp.
Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑
A peaceful species but it might intimidate small fish with it’s active nature and adult size. Good tankmates include rainbowfish, barbs and loaches. It can be maintained in groups although they may occasionally squabble amongst themaselves. This will rarely involve anything more than a bit of chasing, however.
Sexual Dimorphism
Apparently the hump is smaller in females than males.
Reproduction
Has not yet been achieved in aquaria.
NotesTop ↑
A new species that was only described to science in 2003, little is known about the natural behaviour of P. pulcinella. It has started to be imported quite regularly over the last couple of years, although it is still quite expensive. Unfortunately this species has suffered the same fate as some of it’s close relatives, and artificiallly dyed specimens have been making their way onto the market. These should be avoided at all costs, as the processes involved are cruel and unecessary, and usually shorten the life of the fish considerably.
The characteristic hump on the head of the fish is formed from an extension of the spine, and is scaleless.
