Anableps (Anableps anableps)

Scientific Name(s): Anableps anableps, Anableps gronovii, Anableps lineatus, Anableps surinamensis, Anableps tetrophthalmus, Cobitis anableps

 

Common Name(s): Anableps, Four-Eyed Fish, Largescale Foureyes

 

Family: Anablepidae

 

Species Type: Livebearers

 

Maximum Size: 12 inches

 

Life Span: 6 years

 

Natural Habitat: South American estuaries

 

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

 

Tank Region: Top

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other larger peaceful fish.

 

Description: This fish actually only has two eyes, but each eye is divided for seeing above and underwater. As an insectivore, it benefits from being able to see its prey above water (in fact, it'll jump for them, so keep the tank covered!). Also, it benefits from being able to see predators possibly coming from below. It is best to keep these fish in an aquarium that is not filled up all the way so that you can see them, at least, partially, from above. They do not require a deep tank as they spend the majority of their time at the surface. Also, by filling the aquarium only partially allows some distance between the eyes of these fish and the bright lights of the aquarium.

 

Temperature Range 74°F - 82°F

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pH Range 7 - 8.4

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 10° - 25°

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Breeding Information: These fish are livebearers, and thus practice internal fertilization. The gestation period of these fish is about 8 weeks, depending on the temperature of the water. 10-15 fry are born, that measure 5-7cm. Fry should be moved to their own tank, as the parents have been known to eat them. The fry grow quickly, maturing at 15-20cm and around 8 months.

 

Sexing Information: Males have a gonopodium and females are consideraly larger than males.

 

Diet: Carnivorous - prefers live insect type foods but will accept flakes or pellets.

 

Temperment: Peaceful schooling fish

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species

 

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Four-Eyed Anableps (Anableps anableps)