Rocky kurper (Sandelia bainsii)

Scientific name: Sandelia bainsii Castelnau, 1861

The Rocky kurper (Sandelia bainsii) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 18–22°C (64–72°F). Native range: Africa, Kowie, Great Fish, Buffalo, Keiskamma and Nahoon River systems, southeast Cape, South Africa.

Rocky kurper care at a glance

Temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F)

Biology

Found in rocky streams, favoring marginal habitats where the current is slow. Preys on insects, crabs and small fish. Is preyed upon by introduced predators such as bass and sharptooth catfish. Breeds in summer. Males guard the eggs and larvae which are found on the substrate. Upon hatching, larvae adhered permanently to the substrate at the nesting site.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Sandelia bainsii
Family: Anabantidae (Climbing gouramies)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 26.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.8 - 8.0; dH range: 10 - 30 benthopelagic
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Africa: Kowie, Great Fish, Buffalo, Keiskamma and Nahoon River systems, southeast Cape, South Africa.
Conservation status (IUCN): Endangered (EN) (B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii))
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=2)