Skiffia multipunctata - Back to Care Guide Page
 

   
    Water Conditions- Not Critical. Temp 68-74, Water changes, plants, Uncovered Tanks
    Behavior- Peaceful community fish.
    Breeding- 5-20 young every 60 days.
    Size- 3.0 Inches

    This is one of the most attractive lines of multipunctata out there, and fortunately, it is also very hardy. They require
    plants to hide in, but a good portion of the older fish are generally out near the front of the tank. They require
    some water movement and aeration, and do best when mulm is not allowed to accumulate on the bottom of the tank.
    Though two or three pair could occupy a 10 gallon tank, they would be far better suited in at least a 20 gallon tank
    as older females can get quite large. The black splotching on the males is unique to each individual and continues to
    increase as the fish ages.

    Unlike some lines of multipunctata, the females will also develop some minor black splotching in the fins. This line
    has maintained its strong color and appearance, and I have never attempted to selectively breed it. This species was
    crossed with a Skiffia francescae by Jim Langhammer many years ago, and a hybrid line called the "Black Beauty" was
    developed, which came close to creating an all black goodeid. It is not known whether this specific line was used for
    that cross, but these do come close to producing a similar, all black fish. Generally they breed regularly, and the
    females do not mind being moved to have their fry. They are also seasonal, where their reproduction ends by mid October
    and resumes early April. Though some fry are eaten, the population will gradually increase if allowed to colony breed.
    5-20 young are born with a gestation of about 60 days.

    They tend not to eat their young, but females can put into their own 5 or 10 gallon aquarium to drop. The fry are
    fairly large and will eat baby brine shrimp and crushed dry food immediately. They grow quickly and are past being
    threatened by the adults at only 2-3 weeks.

    Like the Characodon lateralis, a recent improvement to address humidity in the fishroom resulted in losses in 2011.
    Tops were made for all tanks, and the Skiffias and Characodons suffered losses. After experimenting through many
    variables, it was found that hese fish and he Characodons do best when kept in uncovered tanks, with open air movement
    and exchange at the water surface.
   


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