沙尔氏短攀鲈

Overview

Trichopsis schalleri is a small sound-producing labyrinth fish that is generally peaceful outside breeding. Its upper body stripe changes with state and may disappear, so a temporary faded marking should not be treated as a fixed diagnostic character.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in the lower Mekong basin of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, plus central Thai Chao Phraya tributaries and eastern drainages between the two systems. It favors densely vegetated, very slow or still lowland waters, including swamp forest, floodplains, canals, rice fields, and ditches.

Aquarium setup

Provide a shaded, densely planted aquarium with floating cover, wood, and small shelters. Dried leaves add cover and support microorganisms that can supplement fry food. Keep filtration gentle.

Fit a secure lid and leave an air space above the water. This fish jumps and needs access to humid air. A warm, moist air layer is especially important for labyrinth-organ development in fry.

Diet & feeding

Wild food probably consists of insects and other small invertebrates. Settled fish generally accept dry foods, but provide plenty of small live or frozen supplements such as Daphnia, brine shrimp, and appropriately sized bloodworms.

Behaviour & compatibility

Pairs or small groups can be maintained. Generally calm outside reproduction, the fish displays social and acoustic interactions that require renewed observation when nest defense begins.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger, with longer extensions to the pelvic, dorsal, anal, and tail fins. Visible ovaries can offer an additional clue in mature females.

Breeding

The male builds a bubble nest among surface plants, beneath an overhang, or inside a cavity. Soft water and slightly higher temperature are said to encourage reproduction, but do not guarantee success. A receptive female may approach head-up while making sounds. Spawning embraces release small packets of eggs, which he carries to the nest. A brood may reach about 200 eggs.

Adults can usually remain afterward. The male generally tolerates the female, who may help defend the surrounding area. Hatching normally occurs within two days, followed by another three or four days in the nest while yolk reserves are absorbed. Once fry swim freely, male care ends and either generation can be moved.

Begin with infusoria-sized foods before progressing to microworms and brine shrimp nauplii. Make small, regular water changes.

Notes

Compared with Trichopsis pumila, it is larger and has a more variable upper stripe. Both sexes use specialized pectoral structures to produce sounds during courtship and disputes.