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| Baby Whale
Petrocephalus
bovei bovei (Valenciennes, 1847)
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| Temperment |
Sociability |
Min. Tank |
Availability
|
Area |
| Beware |
Groups |
25 gallons |
Common |
Bottom-Middle
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Baby Whales are from the family Mormyridae, and are obviously not
related to true Whales. They like to school in "pods", but the tank must be
large or they will be bothered by each other's electrical impulses. The body
fish is similar to the closely-related Elephantnose, but lacks the long
snout. The body is dark, glossy and elongated, with far set back dorsal and
anal fins. The head is blunt and rounded.
Baby Whales are nocturnal and like to hide out during the day. PVC pipes or
a similar cave-like structure is appreciated by the fish as a hiding place.
A sandy substrate with rocks and wood are helpful to keep the Baby Whale
calm in the aquarium.
Baby Whales are carnivorous fish and need a supply of live foods. Earthworms
are a favorite, and chopped beef heart is usually accepted. Sinking foods
are appreciated.
Baby Whales need a very efficient filtration system in order to keep the
water clean enough for them to thrive. A pH value between 6.5-7.5 and a
temperature between 75-82 degrees F will suffice.
Breeding is close to impossible in captivity. With a large enough aquarium
and a whole lot of luck, a pair will form and make a nest in a dark corner
of the tank. Provide plants and vegetation, as this is what the parents
construct the nest out of. |
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