Peckoltia furcata (L075) Care Guide
Peckoltia furcata is a small banded loricariid catfish from the Ucayali River basin in Peru, with a distinctive forked caudal fin.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Peckoltia furcata is a small armored loricariid catfish described by Fowler in 1940. It is distinguished from related Peckoltia by an upper caudal-fin spine that is longer than the lower one and by banding in the caudal fin. The species reaches about 12 cm in total length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Loricariidae
- Genus: Peckoltia
- Scientific name: Peckoltia furcata
- Describer: Fowler, 1940
- Trade designation: L075
Habitat
FishBase records Peckoltia furcata from the Ucayali River basin in Peru, with the holotype collected near Contamana. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic species of tropical climates. Members of the genus shelter among rocks and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 24-28 degrees Celsius (75-82 degrees Fahrenheit)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Provide driftwood, caves and clean, well-oxygenated water.
Diet
The species is omnivorous. Offer a varied diet of sinking prepared foods, vegetable matter and occasional protein items. It is nocturnal and feeds mainly at night.
Compatibility
Peckoltia furcata is peaceful and bottom-dwelling, and stays hidden much of the day. It suits calm tankmates such as tetras and Corydoras. Aggressive or strongly territorial plecos should be avoided.
Breeding
As a cave-spawning Peckoltia, breeding is considered advanced. Males develop hypertrophied odontodes during the breeding season.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 24 April 2014).
Breeding Peckoltia furcata (L075)
Overview
Peckoltia furcata is a small loricariid that, according to FishBase and Wikipedia, occurs in the Ucayali River basin in Peru and reaches about 12 cm. FishBase rates it Least Concern, and Wikipedia notes the species is uncommon in the trade. Species-specific spawning reports are scarce, so the account below follows the documented breeding biology of the genus Peckoltia.
Sexing
In Peckoltia, males develop hypertrophied body odontodes during the breeding season, which is the main external clue to sex; males also tend to be more slender than ripe females.
Breeding Setup
Peckoltia hide in cavities within submerged logs and rocky riffles, so the breeding tank should offer enclosed caves. Well-oxygenated water with movement reflects the riffle habitat of the genus.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As cave spawners, the female deposits a clutch inside a cave and the male is responsible for tending and guarding it, in line with the documented Peckoltia pattern.
Egg & Fry Care
Following the genus pattern, the male guards the clutch in the cave through hatching, and the fry remain in or near the cave until their yolk reserves are used up before they become free-swimming.
Common Challenges
Peckoltia are territorial toward conspecifics, so provide several caves and plenty of cover to limit aggression while a male holds a breeding territory.