Long-finned Apollo Shark | Luciosoma spilopleura

Cyprinds / Long-finned Apollo Shark

Profile: Long-finned Apollo Shark
Luciosoma spilopleura Synonyms: Leuciscus spiloplerus
Physical description: A fish with an elongated, laterally compressed body. The mouth is hinge-like and turned upwards. The caudal fin is deeply forked and the other fins are elongated. The eye is large, and the upper part of the iris is yellow. The back is light olive, while the flanks are silver-gray with a silver iridescence. The lower parts are gay. The coloration may vary a bit depending on this fish's population. A faint, row of spots runs from the gill cover to the caudal peduncle, where the row becomes a stripe. The stripe passes on to the caudal fin and runs to the tip of the upper lobe. On the lower lobe is a similar marking.
Size/Length: To 10" (25 cm)
Similar species: Other Luciosoma species.
Habitat: Southeast Asia; Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam.
S: Middle, top
Aquarium: A 48" (122 cm) or 55 gallon (209 L) tank is suggested for adult Apollo Sharks. Leave large open swimming areas and use a tight-fitting cover. Some floating plants are welcomed.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.5 (7.0), 4-15 dH (8), 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Social behavior: An active species that will feed on smaller fish. The Apollo shark is intolerant of similar species and should only be combined with dissimilar, large fish.
Suggested companions: Loaches, Pimelodids, Doradids, Tinfoil Barbs, Knifefish, Acaras, Cichlasomines, Eartheaters, Cyprind sharks.
FOOD: Live; fish, worms, insects, insect larvae; occasionally flakes and pellets.
SEX: Unclear
Breeding techniques: Unknown
Breeding potential: 10. Has not been bred in aquaria.
Remarks: This species is not suitable to the average community tank.
Difficulty of care: 6. This large, hardy species requires a spacious tank. Small fish will be eaten by this predator.