Mekong Sole Fish

[Jammiedodger]

Hey guys,
I went out today with the intention of getting either a small group of Kuhli loaches (which I did ) or a pair of horse faces to help 'shuffle' my substrate and slow bacterial build up.
Upon searching 7 LFS's and locating the Kuhlis the store clerk recommended me the 'Mekong Sole Fish' in addition, which due to it's exotic nature and reassurances that if the fish did not thrive I would be refunded... I decided to buy one for £12.

I was informed that the fish would grow to around 4" in diameter at most, would tolerate my slightly hard, slightly alkaline water and would like to be fed on frozen bloodworm.
I believe that the fish is the Brachirus harmandi but will upload pictures tomorrow when tank lighting is on to confirm, I was told that it is the "worlds only true freshwater flatfish".
I was also surprised at the flatfish's nature, for an apparently carnivorous fish it was placid in the tank of rainbow's at my LFS and with my juvenile malawis at home, instore the clerk even demonstrated handfeeding the sole... it swam straight to her and ate the bloodworm from her hand.

I feel that although I have some good background information on the fish I would like to know more and would welcome any advice from current keepers, or a factsheet/caresheet if one can be found?

Cheers,
Jamie

 

[mattlee]

stick this in the oddball section and wait for neale monks to reply. im sure he will help you out

if its feeding then thats a good sign but just be carefull with tank mates as the flatfish wont be an agressive eater so not too much competition for food otherwise it wont get its fair share.

im not 100% on there actually being a total freshwater flatfish... im pretty sure they need brackish conditions when bigger but as i said im not 100% on that.

neale will let you know for sure

take a look at this. i believe neale may have even wrote it.
http/homepage.mac.com/nmonks/Projects/FAQ/4h.html

 

[maurizio]

There's an old ID made by Neal on Harmandi.

Lovely fish!

 

[Jammiedodger]

Hey again guys, thanks for the replies.

I'll make sure to repost in oddballs for a bit more info but these articles are great

Thought I might let you know aswell that he seems to have settled in well on his first day, having relocated from one end to the other in the tank and eating some frozen bloodworm (after some prompting by holding it at his mouth). I appreciate all the help and may (after finding out more) add another sole, this one has very quickly became my favorite fish in the tank.

Thanks,
Jamie

 

[mattlee]

no problem keep us posted on its progress. it will be interested to learn about its behaviour etc.

im sure Neale will sort you out though as he is pretty much all the info you need when it comes to fish like these