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One of the smallest species in the genus, it is rarely seen in the trade. A pity, as its diminutive size makes for an ideal aquarium subject. Like others in the suborder Anabantoidei, the species possesses an accessory breathing organ known as the labyrinth organ. So-called due to its maze-like structure, this organ allows the fish to breathe atmospheric air to a certain extent. It is formed by a modification of the first gill arch, and consists of many highly vascularised, folded flaps of sk...

There are currently 20 species of Ctenopoma, most of which most are seldom seen in the aquatic trade. Originally the genus was significantly larger, but a number of original members were reclassified by Norris in 1995. Whilst describing what were apparently two new Ctenopoma, he discovered sufficient morphological anomalies in the fish to erect a new genus for them. The name Microctenopoma was chosen, although this does not relate to the size of the fish. Similar defining characteristics were al...

This species is also referred to by the alternative vernacular name of 'noble gourami' and is currently the only recognised member of the genus Ctenops. It is usually regarded as being very difficult to keep whereas in reality it is quite adaptable once acclimatised but appears to react poorly to the export and shipping process meaning it is often seen on sale in poor condition and susceptible to or already infested with secondary health issues such as Oödinium, to which it appear...

Endemic to a handful of natural springs in the Río Verde valley, San Luis Potosí state, Central Mexico. The valley is believed to have once been filled by a large lake and the relict springs are part of the elevated Río (river) Verde basin which later drains into the much larger Río Pánuco system. Much of the aquatic fauna found in the valley is endemic to the area but in many cases threatened by introduced species.

There are only two described species of Cyathopharynx, each with several colour forms. These should not be kept together in aquaria, as they can hybridise. They are among the most beautiful of all freshwater fish and are highly sought after in the hobby, although they are fairly delicate. The highest water quality is required for males to fully develop their stunning adult colouration, which happens when they are around 4" in length. This may take a good few months if you are buying young f...

In the aquarium trade this species may also be seen on sale as 'skinhead barb'. As with others in the genus little has been written regarding its captive care but it makes a peaceful and unusual addition to larger aquaria. The best way of obtaining it may be to keep an eye on shipments of wild fishes from Indochina and the Greater Sunda Islands as it's rarely imported in large numbers and most often arrives as bycatch.

It can be distinguished from congeners by possessing one or two pairs of barbels, a black blotch at the base of the caudal-fin, and rows of dark spots along the lateral scale rows. Members of Cyclocheilichthys are characterised by possessing a serrated dorsal fin spine, 9 branched pelvic fin rays, a conical snout, small, subterminal...

This species is currently understood to have a considerable natural range extending eastwards from Myanmar via Thailand, Laos, Cambodia as far as Vietnam and to the south through Peninsular Malaysia and into the Greater Sunda Islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It thus occurs in the Mekong, Mae Klong and Chao Phraya drainages as well as a host of other river basins, lakes and reservoirs including the Tonlé Sap river...

In the exceptionally diverse Danau Sentarum lake system of the upper Kapuas River basin, West Kalimantan, sympatric species include Scleropages formosus, Barbonymus gonionotus, B. schwanenfeldii, Crossocheilus nigriloba, Cyclocheilichthys apogon, C. repasson, Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, Labiobarbus ocellatus , Leptobarbus hoevenii, Luciosoma spilopleura plus various representatives of Barbodes, Rasbora and Osteochilus.

As with others in the genus little has been written regarding captive care of this species, but it makes a peaceful and unusual addition to larger aquaria. The best way of obtaining it may be to keep an eye on shipments of wild fishes from Indochina. It can be distinguished from congeners by possessing 20 circumpeduncular scales and lacking barbels entirely.

An ideal resident of the larger, well-furnished community set-up though it might upset slow-moving or timid companions simply by its size. There are plenty of suitable tankmates including many cyprinids, loaches, cichlids, catfish and characins, but as always when selecting a compatible community of fish proper research is essential. A community based around one of its native countries or river basins...

In the Mekong, it has been observed to migrate upstream from Phnom Penh to Khone Falls between November and February, returning downstream between May and August. The downstream migration ends in the Mekong delta area in Vietnam, where the fish remain until the floods reach their peak in October and November. These lower Mekong migrations mostly comprise juveniles and sub-adults, whereas above Khone Falls...

This species is rare in the aquarium trade but is arguably more suitable for the home aquarium than some of its better-known relatives given its adult size and relatively docile behaviour. Other vernacular names include 'Dientón' (Peru), 'Perrito' (Ecuador), 'Payara-chata' or 'Payarin' (Venezuela) and 'Icanga', 'Minguilista' or 'Peice-cachorro' (Brazil), some of which are also applied to related species.

C. afra is easily confused with some species of Pseudotropheus, but can be distinguished by its smaller adult size and unicuspid (as opposed to bicuspid) teeth. Also in this species the black bars on the flanks continue into the dorsal fin, unlike in Pseudotropheus zebra, for example. It exists in many different colour forms in nature. These forms should not be mixed in aquaria as they may spawn with each other, producing unwanted hybrid fry. Despite this ability to interbreed, it's probabl...

Populations of C. frontosa from different localities are often labelled as such in order to maintain accuracy and preserve pure bloodlines. The majority possess 6 vertical bands on the body with the exception of the form from Kigoma on the eastern side of the lake, which has 7. Forms referred to as 'Blue Zaire' are sometimes misidentified as C. frontosa but are representative of its congener C. gibberosa.

Prior to the description of C. gibberosa in 2003 the genus Cyphotilapia was considered monotypic for almost a century. Members are separated from other cichlid taxa inhabiting Lake Tanganyika by possession of a hump on the forehead and broad vertical bands on the body, although the latter tend not to be visible in large males.

One of the favourite Tanganyikan cichlids among hobbyists, this species occurs in several geographical morphs. Each of these further exists in both blue and yellow-tailed forms. They congregate in large shoals of several thousand in nature, preying on zooplankton. In the hobby you may also see C. leptosoma sp. "Jumbo" for sale. These fish grow to the size quoted above, whilst the "true" leptosoma only reaches around 4" in length. Although it's likely we are deal...

Quite a rarity in the hobby, but when available it is much sought after by enthusiasts. It can be found living in huge mixed species groups with other Cyprichromis species and the similar Paracyprichromis. There are a few geographical variants known, each of which has both a yellow and blue tailed form. Individual populations can also contain males with different colour and patterning, a phenomenon known as polychromatism. The different forms should never be mixed in the aquarium, as they will i...

The type locality originally consisted of a single spring-fed pond located in an endorheic basin known as 'La Hediondilla' at the foot of the 'Cerro Potosí' mountain and around 1880 m AMSL. It had been modified to make it larger via an earth and rock dam, and below the pond were several distributaries running for a distance of 1-1.5 km.

Endemic to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas where it's known from six hypersaline lakes; Crescent Pond, Osprey Lake, Oyster Lake, Little Lake, Wild Dilly Pond and Moon Rock Pond. Type locality is 'San Salvador Island, Bahamas: Crescent Pond, 1 km SE of the Gerace Research Centre, lat 24°06'45"N, long 74°27'28"W'.