Rhynchodoras woodsi

Parrot Doradid

Classification

Doradidae

Distribution

Appears to be endemic to the Rio Marañon basin, Ecuador.

Habitat

It’s usually found sheltering among roots or sunken logs in flowing rivers and tributaries.

Maximum Standard Length

4.4″ (11cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

A standard 36″ x 15″ x 12″ (90cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) – 100 litres tank is big enough to house a small group of these comfortably.

Maintenance

It’s a shy, nocturnal species so it’s best to keep the tank dimly lit. Provide plenty of hiding places in the form of clay flowerpots, lengths of plastic piping, tangles of driftwood etc. It seems to be particularly fond of the latter. Plants aren’t essential but are useful in cutting out the amount of light hitting the bottom of the tank and providing extra cover. A degree of flow in the tank also seems to be appreciated.

If you buy one of these for your community tank you’ll probably find it will head straight for an area of cover and remain there during the hours of daylight. If you want to see it more often, consider installing a red light above the tank. It can’t see red lightwaves, so if you switch this on at night you should be able to observe it foraging for food.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 75 to 79°F (24 to 26°C)

pH: 5.8 to 7.0

Hardness: 2 to 12°H

Diet

Omnivorous and easy to feed. Use a good quality sinking pellet or tablet as the staple diet. Supplement this with live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, small earthworms and similar. Hobbyist reports suggest that it feeds exclusively under cover of darkness, so food should always be added after lights out.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

While very peaceful, it’s not suitable for every community as it won’t compete well for food with other bottom dwellers. It’s best kept with placid species that inhabit other areas of the tank, such as small to medium-sized characins, cyprinids, anabantoids, livebearers and cichlids.

It’s tolerant of conspecifics and a group can usually be kept without any problems. If several are present they’ll often share the same refuge during the day. While some jostling for position might occur, no physical damage is usually done.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Unreported.

NotesTop ↑

An interesting but rare species in the hobby, R. woodsi is nicknamed the “parrot doradid” due to its inquisitive feeding habits, and the curious bony growth extending from the upper mouthparts. The precise use of the bony growth isn’t known, although one theory suggests it provides protection for the delicate barbels. Another hypothesis considers that it’s some sort of feeding tool, possibly being used to lever aquatic invertebrates from crevices in submerged logs and roots.