Sandelia capensis

Cape kurper

Classification

Anabantidae

Distribution

Endemic to the Cape Province, South Africa. It’s quite widely distributed and can be found in the middle to lower reaches of many rivers.

Habitat

Inhabits various biotopes from rocky, flowing streams to more sluggish, heavily-vegetated waters. Apparently it prefers quieter marginal areas, where it shelters among rocks, submerged roots and branches or aquatic plants.

Maximum Standard Length

8.6″ (21.5cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

A 48″ x 18″ x 18″ (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) – 255 litre tank should be the minimum size considered.

Maintenance

A heavily-furnished setup is recommended. A well planted tank with some twisted roots, branches and a layer of floating vegetation would work very well. Alternatively, using a sandy substrate with scattered water-worn rocks would also replicate some of its biotopes accurately.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 64 to 71°F (18 to 22°C)

pH: 6.5 to 7.2

Hardness: 5 to 15°H

Diet

In nature it feeds on smaller fish, aquatic invertebrates and even crabs. Thankfully it seems to adapt well to dead alternatives in captivity. Offer a varied diet containing meaty foods such as bloodworm, prawn, mussel, earthworms etc.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Keep alone to avoid any possibility of disease transfer or death of these fish due to aggression from tankmates.

Sexual Dimorphism

The male is the more colourful sex.

Reproduction

Certainly possible if the species ever becomes available. It’s been bred in captivity at the Albany Museum in South Africa. During spawning the male chooses a site on the substrate, which is defended aggressively from other males. He also takes on a patterning of dark vertical bars with black fins, and a darkening of the lower mouthparts. Passing females are courted with displays of bubble blowing.

The advanced stages of courtship involve some fairly vigorous chasing and biting, at the climax of which the pair spawn. There are conflicting reports regarding the spawning act itself, but the most detailed record that the pair does not come together in any kind of “embrace” typical of other anabantids. Instead the female simply lays her eggs over the spawning site, while the male takes up position behind her. These are adhesive and drop directly onto the substrate, where they take hold. When all the eggs have been laid, the male moves over them and releases his milt.

Post spawning the male chases the female away, assuming sole responsibility for guarding and tending the brood.

NotesTop ↑

There are only two described species in the genus Sandelia. Both have limited natural ranges in parts of South Africa, which in itself is odd as they’re completely isolated from other genera of anabantoids. This is probably due to some ancient radiation of species, but as yet remains unresolved. Sandelia spp. are also considered the most primitive of anabantids, as they possess a less well-developed labyrinth organ than their relatives.

S. capensis is of considerable conservation importance as some of its habitats are being destroyed and its numbers declining. Various factors are to blame, including introduced predators, damming, pollution and climatic changes.

While it’s currently considered a single species, genetic studies have revealed that there are at least two, possibly several deep lineages. This would appear to indicate the presence of multiple species, and would likely cause its conservation status to be reviewed.