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Australian Species
There are 2 species of Saratoga that are available in Australia, the Gulf Saratoga (Scleropages jardini) and the Queensland Saratoga (Scleropages leichardti). The Gulf Saratoga is bronze in colour and has a more curved dorsal profile than the Queensland, with the head sloping downwards. The Queensland Saratoga has a silver coloured body, and lacks pattern on its gill covers.
Natural Range
Northern Australia around the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Maximum Size
Grow to about 90cm and 5kg.
Water Quality
· Temperature: 22°C - 28°C.
· pH: 7.0
· General Hardness: 50—200 ppm.
Feeding
Saratoga are active predators. In the wild they eat terrestrial insects, small fish, crustaceans and frogs. In the aquarium they will eat crickets, meal worms, live fish, AI Naturals Frozen Bloodworm and AI Naturals Frozen Brine Shrimp. They can be weaned onto floating pellets such as Tetra Cichlid Sticks. Smaller Saratoga may be trained to eat Freeze Dried Black Worms after acclimatisation—be sure to crumble these before feeding.
Compatibility
Saratoga are solitary fish and are very aggressive towards other members of their own species. They can however be kept with large robust species. Make sure that the tank mates are not overly aggressive and are large enough not to fit into the Saratoga’s mouth.
Suitable tankmates include: Eeltail Catfish, large Rainbowfish, Silver Perch and Archerfish.
General Information
Saratoga require a lot of open space in the aquarium and inhabit the upper layers of the tank. They are very flighty fish but will settle down as they mature and get accustomed to their surroundings. Ensure that you provide a secure tight fitting lid because Saratoga are likely to jump.
Good filtration and adequate aquarium maintenance (filter cleans and water changes) are essential as Saratoga are sensitive to water pollutants.
Southern saratoga are native to the Fitzroy River system.[1] They are commonly found in freshwater impoundments on the Mary, Dawson and Burnett rivers. Stocks have also been introduced to dams on the Brisbane, North Pine and Noosa Rivers. Southern saratoga prefer still waters and slow flowing sections of rivers and can be found sheltering in lily-pads or below fallen timber. They are very aggressive and territorial fish.
Limited Quantity Available - Will Sell out Fast!
Note:
We can’t ship Livestock and Live Plants to WA and TAS due to State Restrictions. Kindly check out our DOA and other policies before purchase!!
What to Expect from Us
All Aquatic plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee!!
Important Notes:
Our goal is to use the fastest delivery service possible, although the shipping fee may be higher, we always want our customers to be satisfied and make sure the livestock arrives at your door safe and healthy.
** DOA POLICY UPDATED AUGUST 02 2023
** Area do not ship.
** Shipping Unit.
** How long is the shipping time for livestock?
** For other shipping.
However, the shrimp and fish you receive may be discolored and the reason of this issue is strong vibration during transportation and they're not be fed during the transport period
To handle this problem we highly recommend to you:
🚩Let the fish relax helps them adapt to any changes in water temperature in the tank. Also prevents pH shock - an imbalance between the water in the shop tank and your tank.
🚩Place the fish bag in a cool, corner, and dark place. Prevent the bag from being bumped, slipped, or dropped. This'll give your new fish a good recovery and acclimatization after a shaky ride from the shop to your home.
🚩Feed your old fish first to distract them, preventing them from bullying your new fish.
🚩Your new aquarium tank should have a pH of zero ammonia and chlorine before adding new fish.
🚩Turn off the lights, reduce the glare in the room, or limit the light entering the aquarium. This will help the new fish not be stressed.