Sandelia bainsii

Eastern Cape Rocky

Classification

Anabantidae

Distribution

Endemic to a handful of river systems of the southeastern Cape, South Africa.

Habitat

It’s a stream-dwelling, predatory species that tends to be found in quieter marginal zones with rocky substrates, or under large rocks and overhangs. Here it positions itself facing into the flow, waiting for items of prey to appear.

Maximum Standard Length

13″ (32.5cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

You’re going to need quite a big tank for a group of these. Something in the region of 72″ x 24″ x 24″ (180cm x 60cm x 60cm) – 648 litres would be acceptable.

Maintenance

It really should be kept in a setup dedicated to replicating its natural biotope. This would consist of a sandy substrate, over which are scattered smooth, water-worn rocks of varying sizes. The other main requirements are a good amount of water flow and a high level of oxygenation. Use an external canister or internal power filter, and direct the outlet so that it is directed from one end of the tank to the other.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 64 to 71°F (18 to 22°C)

pH: 6.8 to 8.0

Hardness: 10 to 30°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 ↑

Considering its conservation status, it’s best kept alone to avoid any possibility of deaths due to disease transfer, aggression or other factors.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are more brightly coloured than females.

Reproduction

May be 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 darkens in colour, making the white patches in the unpaired fins appear very prominent. Passing females are courted with displays of bubble blowing.

The advanced stages of courtship involve some fairly vigorous chasing and biting (apparently the male may even take the female’s entire head in his mouth on occasion!), at the climax of which the pair spawn in an embrace. This is slightly different to that of other anabantoids, the female remaining upright throughout. Several of these embraces usually occur during a single spawning sequence.

When released the adhesive eggs drop directly onto the substrate, where they stick. Post spawning the male chases the female away, assuming sole responsibility for guarding the brood.

NotesTop ↑

There are only two described species in the genus Sandelia. Both have very 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 anabantoids, as they possess a less well-developed labyrinth organ than their relatives.

You’re unlikely to see any of these for sale as the species has been listed as “endangered” on the IUCN red list of threatened species since 1994. In nature it occurs in short sections of only half a dozen rivers. Most of these habitats are being destroyed as a result of multiple factors, including introduced predators, damming, pollution and climatic changes.

In 1991 a project to preserve the species was developed, based at the Blaauwkrantz Nature Reserve on the river Kowie in South Africa. This is still ongoing, and involves education programmes, captive breeding, the release of captive-bred juvenile fish and intensive research on the early life history and habitat of the species. The original reserve site is now suffering from pollution and excessive water removal, but captive-bred fish have been introduced successfully at several other locations.