Spotted Saratoga (Scleropages leichardti) Care Guide
Scleropages leichardti is a southern Australian bonytongue from the Fitzroy River system, distinguished by a red or pink spot on each scale.
Overview
Scleropages leichardti is a bonytongue fish of the family Osteoglossidae, native to Australia. Known as the southern saratoga or spotted bonytongue, it is distinguished from the related S. jardinii by a red or pink spot on each scale. It is a large, surface-oriented predator that is sometimes called the Australian arowana by non-Australian aquarists.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osteoglossidae
- Genus: Scleropages
- Scientific name: Scleropages leichardti
- Describer: Günther, 1864
Habitat
The species is native to the Fitzroy River system of central-eastern Queensland, and also occurs in the Mary, Dawson and Burnett rivers. It has been introduced to a few other southeastern Queensland systems, including the Brisbane, North Pine and Noosa rivers. It favours still waters and slow-flowing sections of rivers, sheltering among lily pads and fallen timber.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L (528 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Adult size: 60-90 cm (24-35 in)
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
- A tightly secured lid is essential, as the species jumps
Diet
Scleropages leichardti is carnivorous, feeding on aquatic and terrestrial insects, fishes, frogs and crayfish in the wild. Its FishBase trophic level is estimated at 3.9. In captivity it takes large meaty foods.
Compatibility
The species is described as very aggressive and territorial. It is best kept alone or only with large, robust tankmates, and small fish should be avoided as they are treated as prey.
Breeding
Scleropages leichardti is a mouthbrooder. It reaches sexual maturity at around 48-49 cm, after which a parent carries the eggs and developing young in the mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (assessed 14 February 2019). It is not listed on CITES appendices.