- Acanthophthalmus semicinctus
Taxobox
name = "Acanthophthalmus semicinctus"
regnum =Animalia
phylum =Chordata
classis =Actinopterygii
ordo =Cypriniformes
familia =Cobitidae
genus = "Acanthophthalmus "
species = "A. semicinctus"
binomial = "Acanthophthalmus semicinctus"
binomial_authority = (Fraser -Brunner , 1940)The "Acanthophthalmus semicinctus" is a small
fresh water fish belonging to theCobitidae family. Approximately a dozen species of "Acanthophthalmus" exist, though identification still presents experts with notable difficulties. The name "Acanthophthalmus" means "that brings a thorn upon its eye" and is accurate as this fish actually presents one hard and spiny thorn upon each of its eyes."Acanthophthalmus semicinctus" is well-known to
aquarium lovers who call it "kuhli": this nickname derives from the scientific name of one particular breed, the "Acanthophthalmus kuhlii", first described byGeorges Cuvier andAchille Valenciennes in 1846. For a long time, the various species of "Acantophthalmus" imported from tropical Asia were believed to belong to this species and this is why they were given the common name of "kuhli". Later, experts discovered that those were very distinct species, even though very similar in the exterior aspect. "A. semicinctus" is now distinguished by the common name "Half-banded kuhli loach."The "Acanthophthalmus seminctus" described in this article lives in brooks of
Malesia . This little long and narrow fish lives overgravel depths and avoidssunlight . In an aquarium it is necessary to give it a shelter under a stone or within a coconut shell, in which he could hide.The diet of this fish consists of little
shellfish andinsect s. It also devours tubificidi andworm s. Some species of "Acanthophthalmus" have reproduced in aquariums. The male builds a nest of bubbles of air wrapped inmucus , in which the female lays the eggs.The "Acanthophthalmus semicinctus" is
oviparous but the number of eggs it lays is unknown. The length of the adult ranges from 8–9 cm. It is useful in an aquarium as a depth cleaner. The optimal water temperature for it ranges from 24–28°C .External links
* http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=59459
* http://www.webcityof.com/miff1069.htm#Pangiosemicinctus
* http://aquaria.info/profiles/acanthophthalmus-semicinctus.htm
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