Question: Mystery Fish - Flag prochilodus
It isn't terribly unsual to see a unidentifiable fish at a store or aquarium display. On some occasisons even the owner is unsure of the fish species. That was the case in a recent inquiry I recieved from a reader. Here is what he had to say.
Answer: "I enjoy reading all the many postings about aquarium/fish keeping. I am getting back into the hobby after about 12 years (college/Grad School). I'm excited!
I recently visited a local aquarium and took a snap shot of a fish that I am interested in keeping. There was no label/identifier for the fish, and the part-time staffer could not recall the name. It was kept in a tank with very mature Angel Fish and Gourami's. It looks similar to a Tinfoil Barb, but with much smaller scale, and a different black/red pattern on the fins. It's mouth was rather large/wide as well, and a bit higher on the nose than T-foils.
My local pet store could not assist me, and since I live in a very small, rural community this will likely be a fish I order online (never done that). I am attaching a very poor quality photo. Please, HELP ME!!!
What Is It?
The fish in your photo does look a bit like a Tinfoil Barb, but it's not even in the same family. It is actually one of the so-called American Characin, and is part of the family Prochilodontidae.
This species is often referred to as a Flag prochilodus, and hails from South America. The primary reason you don't see them sold in the aquarium trade is because most of species in this family are all silver in color, which means they don't sell well enough to be profitable. Instead they are usually harvested as a food fish.
All prochilodus are herbivores, and most sift for their food in the mud and silt. Hence, you may see them referred to as limnivores, or earth/mud-eater. They do quite well with other large peaceful fish, and would work well in your tank, as long as the tank is large enough. You can expect a full grown Flag prochilodus to reach ten to twelve inches in length.
If you want to order one online, you will need the scientific name of the fish, which is Semaprochilodus insignis. Good luck in your quest! If anyone reading this FAQ owns a Flag, prochilodus, please post or e-mail your experiences. We'd enjoy hearing from you.
