The Aquatic Farmer – Sand Flatter, also known as a substrate-dwelling fish, is an ideal addition to freshwater aquariums. This peaceful fish not only adds aesthetic appeal but also plays a practical role by helping to maintain smooth sand and fine gravel substrates. With their unique behavior of sifting through the substrate, they promote cleanliness and aeration. Their gentle nature makes them excellent companions in community tanks, particularly for planted aquariums.

Key Features:

• Functional Beauty: The Sand Flatter brings more than just visual appeal to your aquarium. As it sifts and smooths the sand, it prevents the buildup of harmful gases and keeps the substrate aerated.
• Natural Scavenger: Known for its foraging behavior, the Sand Flatter naturally assists in cleaning the bottom of the tank by consuming leftover food.
• Peaceful Companion: This species is highly suitable for community tanks as it coexists peacefully with other non-aggressive fish.

Ideal Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.5
• Water Hardness: 2 to 10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended to give the Sand Flatter enough space to forage across the substrate.

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Use soft sand or fine gravel to avoid damaging the delicate underbelly and barbels of the Sand Flatter.
• Aquascaping: Planted tanks with driftwood, rocks, and caves provide the perfect environment. Their natural habitat includes shaded areas, so floating plants help diffuse light.
• Filtration: Opt for a gentle filtration system to maintain water quality without generating strong currents, as these fish prefer calm waters.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible Species: Ideal tank mates include peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and small gouramis. Shrimp and snails also make great companions.
• Avoid Aggression: Steer clear of large or aggressive fish, such as cichlids or predatory species, which may cause stress or harm.

Feeding Habits:

• Diet: Sand Flatters are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Offer sinking pellets, wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. They also forage for leftover food in the substrate, helping maintain cleanliness.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them twice daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom of the tank. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Care Tips:

• Regular Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of about 20-30% to keep the water parameters stable and healthy.
• Observation: Monitor their behavior. If the fish becomes lethargic or shows signs of distress, check water conditions and tank setup.
• Substrate Cleaning: Regularly vacuum the substrate to remove waste and uneaten food, but ensure the process is gentle to avoid disturbing the fish.

Breeding Information:

• Breeding Behavior: Sand Flatters are egg layers but can be difficult to breed in captivity. To encourage breeding, provide hiding spots like caves or dense plants.
• Water Conditions for Breeding: A slightly cooler temperature (70°F to 74°F) and soft water are ideal for triggering spawning behavior.
• Fry Care: Once the eggs hatch, the fry can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food until they are large enough to eat crushed flakes or micro-pellets.