Care
Lamontichthys filamentosus, also known as the Kite Plec, is known from fast-flowing waters of the western Amazon basin. Despite the somewhat fragile appearance of this fish, it must be housed in an aquarium with strong current and a high level of oxygenation. The high-velocity natural habitat should be replicated by use of extra powerheads (in addition to the return flow from canister filters) to create a river type effect. The surface of the water should be visibly moving to ensure that there is a high amount of oxygenation within the water at all times. An additional air-pump is also a handy back-up. Without such a high level of oxygenation and water movement, this species will not fare well at all. Kite Plecs should only be added to aquariums that are biologically mature. Such tanks will have a good established growth of algae for the fish to graze upon in order to consume the micro-organisms within, and will provide a source of nourishment whilst the fish may be adapting to the taking of prepared foods. The front glass can be wiped free of algae, but it is recommended that you allow algae to freely colonise the sides and back glass, and over the decor. Lighting should be bright in order to encourage a decent amount of algal growth. Provide a multitude of hiding spots amongst rocks, cobbles and bogwood. Flat smooth rocks should be placed in the path of the flow, where these fish will often congregate. Plants can be incorporated into the river-style aquarium, but not all species will flourish under the conditions of fast current. Having said this, many aquarists have had a good deal of success with Anubias species, Java fern (Microsorum sp.) and some species of Cryptocoryne, such as C. balansae. Plants are not found in the natural habitat of Kite Plecs, so are not considered essential, but they will help with water quality and will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing. This is a peaceful species which may be kept in good sized groups. Tankmates should be small and peaceful and enjoy fast-flowing conditions. Recommended for experienced fishkeepers only.
Feeding
Although these fish will graze upon the natural algae within the aquarium for the small micro-organisms it may contain, the diet must be supplemented with small frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, cyclops, Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp etc and vegetable matter e.g. cucumber or courgette. Some specimens will also adapt to taking dried foods such as sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, and sheets of Nori, although frozen foods tend to be preferred. Do not offer an excessive amount of meaty foods as this will lead to health problems.
Breeding
This species has spawned in the home aquarium, but details are few and far between. Fast-flowing, highly oxygenated conditions are obviously requisite. Following a series of cool partial water changes, the fish spawned secretively at the back of the tank, behind some rocks and in the full flow of current, with around 50 adhesive eggs being deposited on the tank glass. The eggs hatched in 8 days at 27 °C.
