bujurqui
Scientific name | Tahuantinsuyoa macantzatza |
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Descriptor | Kullander |
Year of description | 1986 |
IUCN category (World) | DD |
Family | Cichlidae |
Genus | Tahuantinsuyoa |
Introduction
The Tahuantinsuyoa macantzatza, more commonly known as bujurquina, is a tropical fish native to South America.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size7 cm
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Maximum size9 cm
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Longevity7 year
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Average size7 cm
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Maximum size9 cm
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Longevity7 year
How to recognize the bujurqui ?
The Tahuantinsuyoa species are closely related both in behavior and morphology to the Aequidens and Bujurquina.
It comes from a region partly corresponding to the former Inca empire, which earns it the English designation 'Inca Stone Fish'. The genus name 'Tahuantinsuyoa' refers to the Peruvian Inca Empire in the Inca language. The species name 'macantzatza' means 'rock fish'.
Sexual dimorphism
The difference between male and female is very visible, with the adult male being larger than the female.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving as a couple
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
This species tends to be easily stressed: this uneasiness is characterized by the appearance of marked black bars on its whole body.
The bujurquina is a fish that lives in pairs and naturally resides near the bottom. It is a species with a rather calm temperament. This species tends to easily get stressed: this discomfort is marked by the appearance of dark bars across its body.
Naturally, it tends to dig in the sand and transform its environment.
It is a territorial species, especially during breeding season. It can sometimes be aggressive towards overly insistent neighbors.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare sur substrat découvert puis incubateur buccal larvophile
This oviparous fish first lays eggs on exposed substrate (stem, leaf...). This substrate is mobile, and will be moved according to surrounding dangers.
Once hatched, the fry are regularly picked up and mouthed by each parent alternately to ensure their protection.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The Tahuantinsuyoa macantzatza is found in the rivers and streams of the Aguaytía basin, in Peru.
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature22 - 27 °C
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pH (acidity)5.5 - 6.9
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gh (hardness)2 - 10
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FlowMedium and Slow
Biotope presentation
The bujurquina resides in streams and rivers of the Amazon basin. Little information is available about its biotope.
It seems to live not far from the banks near large roots in which it seeks refuge in case of danger.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume250 liters
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Population minnot specified
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Temperature22 - 27 °C
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pH (acidity)5.5 - 6.9
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingmoderate
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Robustnesstolerant
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Behaviourslightly aggressive
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the bujurqui
The bujurqui is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 27 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 30°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.
The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.
Builder fish
This fish has the particularity to dig its territory in the sand. Therefore, it is likely to uproot plants and modify the decor of the aquarium.
Cohabitation & Environment
In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 250 liters.
Tips for feeding
The bujurqui is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.
Reproduction protocol
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Maintenance difficultymoderate
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egg-laying protectionYes
Reproduction of this species in an aquarium is considered moderate. Ideally, it takes place at a temperature of around 25 ° C for a pH of 62 .
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Robert Allgayer
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
In collaboration with : Fédération Française Aquariophilie