Care
The Kubuna Hardyhead is one of the rarely seen Craterocephalus species,a genus comprising over 20 species, which are closely related to the rainbowfish and silversides - the prominent double dorsal fin being quite the giveaway. These peaceful, active, shoaling fish are known from clear rivers and their tributary streams, as well as clear lakes with substrates of mud, rock,and sand. Provide them with a mature aquarium around 3ft in length, with a moderate current and plenty of hiding places amongst driftwood and plants (they particularly enjoy swimming in amongst plants with long, trailing roots). The water should be well-filtered, with some additional means of aeration such as a small powerhead with the flow diverter angled up towards the water's surface, and the substrate should consist of soft sand, as these fish sometimes like to pick at the substrate in search of micro-crustaceans - and some gravels can be rather coarse. Tankmates should be of similar size and temperament, and enjoy the same conditions; gobies, glassfish, and many of the rainbowfish make for excellent companions. Although the Kubuna Hardyhead commands quite a price at present, please bear in mind that this is a species that really must be kept in groups of 6 or more, as in nature it is known to form sizeable shoals. Kept this way, these fish will feel more secure and should settle in quickly, showing off their subtle, but beautiful colours in a natural-looking shoal. High water quality is essential to the well-being of Craterocephalusspecies, so regular partial water changes are essential.
Feeding
Flake, green flake, micro pellets, and small meaty frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and daphnia.
Breeding
Some Craterocephalus species have been bred in the home aquarium, largely by Australian aquarists who tend to see these species in the aquatic trade more often than we do in the UK. The fish should be conditioned in the main tank on a diet of various live/frozen foods. In the meantime, a separate breeding aquarium should be set up with matching water parameters, plenty of fine-leaved plants such as Java moss, and a small air-driven sponge filter. Increase the temperature of the breeding set up to the top of the preferred range, and then carefully acclimatize a male and female across. These fish are thought to be continuous spawners, and breed in a manner similar to rainbowfishes; the pair being likely to spawn on a daily basis for several days. The adhesive eggs will be scattered over the plants and should hatch in around 7-10 days. Some of the eggs may be eaten by the parents, but if enough plant cover is provided, the majority should avoid their attention. Acclimatize the parents back to the mainaquarium after a few days to allow the female to recuperate, and to prevent more eggs from being eaten. Once the eggs have hatched, the young will feed on their yolk sacs for the first few days, then will start to need supplemental feeding several times per day with infusoria, baby brineshrimp, and microform. Be sure to carry out plenty of very small, but very frequent water changes to ensure that nitrate is not allowed to build up.
