Salt-pan Sole | Brachinus salinarum

Others / Soleidae / Salt-pan Sole

Profile: Salt-pan Sole
Brachinus salinarum Synonyms: Trichobrachirus salinarum
Physical description: A flat fish with an oval body shape. The body is elongated and the eyes are located on the right side of the body. The body color is light brown to beige and is irregularly spotted with large and small brown markings. The caudal fin is made up of 12 rays.
Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm)
Similar species: Achinus errans, Brachinus selheimi
Habitat: In slow-moving, fresh and brackish rivers with sandy substrates. Northern Australia; rivers that flow into the the Gulf of Carpentaria.
S: bottom
Aquarium: 32" (90 cm) or 30 gallons (114 L). See A. errans .
Water chemistry: pH 7.2-8.4 (7.8), 10-20 dH (12), 72-77°F (22-25°C). A 1% addition of salt is recommended. This can be accomplished by adding 4 TSP. of salt to every 10 gallons (10 g/10 L)
Social behavior: Peaceful. Keep with other peaceful small to medium sized fish. This fish does best in a species tank.
Suggested companions: Rainbowfish, Killifish, Bumblebee Fish, Glassfish, Orange Chromide.
FOOD: Live; Tubifex , chopped earthworms, insect larvae, shrimp; chopped meat; occasionally tablets. This fish should be fed after the lights are turned off.
Sexual differences: Unknown
Breeding techniques: Unknown
Breeding potential: 10. This fish has not bred in captivity.
REMARKS: This nocturnal species is more available and hardier than A. errans . Also a short-lived fish.
Difficulty of care: 7. This species is somewhat sensitive to water pollutants and requires a diet including live foods.