Ornate Thornback
Aracana ornata
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Boxfish
Family: Aracanidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Ornate Thornback
General information
The Ornate Thornback (Aracana ornata) is a small freshwater fish that grows to about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length. They are typically brown with yellow spots and a white belly, and their bodies are covered in small spines. They are native to South America and can be found in slow-moving rivers and streams.
Diet & nutrition
Ornate Thornbacks are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods in the wild, including insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In captivity, they should be fed a balanced diet that includes both commercial fish food and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
Determining sex
It is difficult to distinguish between male and female Ornate Thornbacks by external characteristics alone. However, during breeding season, males may develop a slightly more elongated anal fin than females.
Breeding & spawning
Little is known about breeding and spawning in Ornate Thornbacks, as they have not been extensively bred in captivity. However, they are egg layers and will scatter their eggs over a substrate in the aquarium.
Diseases
Ornate Thornbacks are generally hardy fish that are not prone to many diseases. However, like all fish, they can be susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections if water quality is poor. Regular water changes and proper filtration can help prevent these issues.
Origination
The Ornate Thornback is native to South America, specifically Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.
Cautions
Ornate Thornbacks are generally peaceful fish and can be kept with other small, non-aggressive species. However, they may become aggressive towards each other or other fish if their territory is threatened or if they do not have enough space.
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