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Etymology: floridae; named after the finding place Florida USA

Synonyms: Unk

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order: Siluriformes Family: Loricariidae (Armored catfishes), subfamily: Ancistrinae

First European import: Germany, 1914, by F. Kurich. First American import: N/A, Native fish.

Description: See picture

Care: The American Flag fish should be kept in a 60 cm tank minimum, at lower temperatures. A very hardy fish, that does well in any type of water. The fish can be fed on most common foods, but require algae as well. A sunny location of the tank is beneficial. Soft and delicate plants are part of the menu as well, and shouldn't be present in the tank. Javafern and other hard plants are not touched. A dark soil, some driftwood and some floating plants are recommended. These fish are not suitable for the community tank, since they are quite aggressiv, and will nibble on the fins of other fish.

Temperature: 19 - 22°C

Feeding: Omnivorous, worms, insects, plant matter, frozen and flake food.

Size: Up to 6 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: The breeding behaviour of these fish shows a similarity to that of some cichlids. The male will dig a ditch in the gravel, and the couple wil mate in the ditch. Up to a 100 eggs are laid, which are giarded by the male, until they hatch(depending on the temperature after 6-9 days). The fry can be fed with small live food in the beginning, but require large amounts of algae as well.

Sexual dimorphism: Females dull olive brown, with a spot in the dorsal fin, males more colorful, especially more red.

Prices: Around 2-3€

Additional: Can be used as algae removers!

Picture references: Picture 1 by E. Naus.

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)Mills&Vevers.