Results for “hybridisation”

There are currently 4 described subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida. The principle differences are generally in colour, pattern and fin counts, although even these vary depending on the locality of the fish. The different forms and subspecies should not be mixed in the aquarium, as they may hybridise. Adult specimens are rarely seen for sale, and it's the much drabber juvenile fish that are almost always offered in dealers tanks. However, exercise some patience (even on a good diet, full c...

There are currently 4 described subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida, of which this species is one of the most colourful. The principle differences are generally in colour, pattern and fin counts, although even these vary depending on the locality of the fish. The different forms and subspecies should not be mixed in the aquarium, as they may hybridise. Adult specimens are rarely seen for sale, and it's the much drabber juvenile fish that are almost always offered in dealers tanks. However,...

M. trifasciata exhibits a wide variation in colour and patterning depending on locality, and it's very important that the different morphs are not mixed in the aquarium, as they will hybridise freely. These different forms are often distinguished by the addition of the name of collection locality being added to the scientific name of the fish. It's thought that several species may in fact be in evidence here, and a reclassification will probably occur at some point As with many othe...

This stunning species was only described in 1997 and is included in the so-called "Brichardi complex", which also includes N. brichardi, crassus, falcicula, gracilis, pulcher, savoryi and splendens. The species should not be mixed in aquaria as they will hybridise freely. N. helianthus can be distinguished from others in the complex by its overall yellow-orange patterning and v-shaped cheek marking....

This species is included in the so-called "Brichardi complex", which also includes N. brichardi, crassus, falcicula, gracilis, pulcher, savoryi and splendens. These should not be mixed in aquaria, as they will hybridise freely. N. olivaceouscan be distinguished from others in the complex by the two curved markings on the gill cover. It is possible that it is synonymous with N. pulcher, as proposed by Konings (1993)....

This species is included in the so-called "Brichardi complex", which also includes N. brichardi, crassus, falcicula, gracilis, helianthus, olivaceous, pulcher, and splendens. These should not be mixed in aquaria as they will hybridise freely. N. savoryi can be distinguished from others in the complex by it's distinctive patterning of vertical bars....

O. nasuta can be distinguished from other members of the genus primarily by the fleshy proboscis-like growth that extends beyond the upper lip. It exists in several different geographical morphs including "Kachese", "Mpimbwe", "Cape Tembwe" and "Chamba", among others. These should not be mixed in aquaria as they will hybridise freely....

This is a truly stunning species that does well in a Tanganyikan community with well-chosen tankmates. It exists in well over 20 colour morphs, too many to list here. Obviously these should not be mixed in aquaria as they will hybridise freely. In nature, it is only the largest dominant males that build nests whilst the subdominant males and females shoal together. The territories of these dominant fish may measure several metres across....

P. arnoulti has been in the aquarium hobby for many years but was identified as the congener P. omalonotus prior to its description. It appears in the majority of older aquarium literature under that name and as a result a degree of hybridisation has undoubtedly occurred.

It's care requirements, disposition, and especially conservation status dictate that it should be maintained alone or alongside a group of small, peaceful cyprinids such as Boraras or Sundadanio spp. Likewise, different Parosphromenus spp. should not be kept together since the females of many are very difficult to tell apart and some are undoubtedly capable of hybridising.

Generally considered one of the hardiest small cyprinids available in the aquarium hobby, P. conchonius is an excellent choice for the beginner. Selective breeding has produced various ornamental strains including long-finned, 'veil-tail', 'super red', 'neon', and 'golden' forms. It's also been hybridised with some congeners although the offspring of such experiments are apparently infertile. It was formerly included in th...

Protomelas sp. "steveni taiwan reef" is often sold as a subspecies of P. fenestratus, but is actually thought not to be synonymous and is currently undescribed. It can be distinguished from similar species such as P. fenestratus and P. taeniolatus by the bright redof adult males. None of these related species or morphs should be kept together in aquaria as they may hybridise. Some captive spawns of this species have resulted in albino fry. It is one of the more popular and readily a...

Over 30 different forms of this species occur in Lake Malawi. These should not be mixed in the aquarium as they will hybridise freely. P. elongatus differs morphologically from other mbuna, being relatively slender and elongate. In nature females protect territories which contain 'gardens' of algae which they leave to breed before returning once they are holding eggs. Juvenile fish from previous spawns also inhabit the territory, protecting it when the female is away. This species i...

This is an excellent beginner's species as it is relatively peaceful and easily bred. Despite being undescribed to science it is widely available in the hobby. It is sometimes sold as Gephyrochromis acei. Several colour forms are available, including "yellow tail acei" and "white tail acei". None of these should be kept together in aquaria to prevent hybridisation. In nature it feeds specifically on algae and other organisms growing on submerged wood, and is the only ...

This popular species was previously imported and classified as Sciaenochromis ahli, and is still named as such in much of the available literature. Many morphs exist, although males of all these exhibit the characteristic blue colouration, differing only in fin colouration and patterning. These should not be mixed in aquaria as they will hybridise. Extra care must be taken regarding tankmates, too, as male S. fryeri have been known to spawn with females of other genera, particularly Aulonoca...