Pterosturisoma microps
The Longtailed Sturisoma is in fact a rather frequent export from it's homeland Peru. This is because of it's relative abundance in major collecting areas near Iquitos, and of course also due to it's appealing looks. They have no colours to show off, but it's their gracile, elongated body and their long fin filaments that make them seductive creatures to fishkeepers unaware of their high demands...this is not a fish for beginners at all. Pterosturisoma microps is best suited for a special set up where they don't have too much competition for resources. Almost all imported animals are subadult or adults, where are the juveniles?
Facts:
Name: Pterosturisoma microps (Eigenmann & Allen, 1942)
Trade names: Longtail Sturisoma
Origin: Areas around the city of Iquitos, peru.
Maximum size: 20 cm / 8''
Pterosturisoma microps is a grazer. They are often shy and hard to acclimatize, and if they are stressed and unsettled they don't feed. As a result, freshly imported specimens are often malnourished, and have trouble with their digestive system. Feeding them a spoonful of natural yoghurt has proven effective, as this appears to restore their gut bacteria and make them able to feed and regain their vitality. Food is a chapter in it's own right; a mixture of small live/frozen/dry foods and vegetable matter is required. They are made to feed almost constantly in the wild, so they should be given food several times per day. This of course affects the water quality if you're not careful, and this again makes your Pterosturisoma microps unhappy and stressed. They love current, so a strong flow of oxygen rich water with 27-28 C will make them thrive. If the conditions in the tank don't make them at ease, they will spend most their time hanging on the aquarium walls. If they do thrive however, they will venture down to the bottom to feed. The tank should be furnished with some large pieces of wood along with flat stone plates. The sexes can be told apart by the shape of their genital area; females have a bigger unplated area due to their larger genital papilla. Breeding has occurred a couple of times in captivity, and the eggs are placed on a hard surface where the male guards them.
More info:
http://www.l-welse.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/892/cat/all
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=242