Kraussii Basketmouth (Caquetaia kraussii)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the Magdalena River basin and Lake Maracaibo (Colombia, Venezuela). Populates highly diverse habitats, including quiet lakes and moderate-flowing tributaries.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Caquetaia Kraussii. Large South American predatory cichlid (over 25 cm / 10 inches). Presents a remarkable predatory adaptation: the protractile jaw that extends for over 1/4 of the total length of the fish, forming a "tube" to suck in prey.

Social Behavior: Solitary and very aggressive. Highly intolerant towards conspecifics if the tank is not of public proportions. Fiercely defends its territory from anyone.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Iridescent livery depending on the mood. Golden-gray background with conspicuous dark vertical bands on the back and an evident ocellus at the base of the tail. Males become much more massive, with sharp odd fins.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 150 cm (60 inches) tank. Needs wide spaces and very few furnishings, limited to robust submerged roots and flat stones. Plants will be regularly uprooted or destroyed.

Diet and Feeding: Macro-eater and piscivore. Swallows surprisingly large fish thanks to the telescopic mouth. Accepts Jumbo size pellets, whole krill, white fish fillets and giant earthworms.

Water Quality: Very resilient. Tolerates a wide range of hardness and pH, but produces enormous waste. A massive mechanical and biological filtration (preferably with sump) is mandatory.

Compatibility and Tankmates: "Monster Tank" species. Can only coexist with fish of equal or greater size (e.g. large Plecostomus, Oscars, Pacu), provided they are in suitable water volumes. Eats anyone that fits in its mouth.

Aquarium Reproduction: Open substrate spawners. Reproduction in the aquarium is hindered by the ferocity of the pair: the male can kill the female if she is not ready to spawn. Parents defend the offspring by butchering tankmates.

Risks and Diseases: Robust to parasites, but risks severe infections to the labial and maxillary tissues (which it uses as a weapon and extends to hunt) if it crashes against sharp furnishings or glass.