Results for “shoal”

The genus Exodon is currently monotypic, with this single species having uniquely designed teeth. These allow it to rip the scales from other species. It's an ideal choice for those wishing to keep a large shoal of a predatory species without possessing the massive amount of tank space needed for a shoal of piranha or similar. A tank full of these makes for a very colourful and active display....

F. rostratus was formerly classified as Haplochromis rostratus. When startled, it may bury itself in the substrate. It often displays its natural sand-sifting method of feeding in aquaria, and a substrate of sand is essential as gravel may injure the fish. In nature, it is only the largest dominant males that build nests, whilst the subdominant males and females shoal together. There also exists a feeding relationship between this species and Cyrtocara moorii in the wild, in which shoals of C. m...

Semaprochilodus are one of the most common and widespread shoaling fish found in South America. Over a dozen species have been described but most are never imported. They are used as food fish in their native countries. It makes a stunning addition to a community of larger fish. Along with some congeners, S. insignis is commonly known as the Jaraqui in Brazil. It is an interesting species both ecologically and biologically. In nature it migrates over large distances in huge shoals according ...

Although gregarious by nature it is a shoaling rather than schooling species which develops a distinct pecking order between males. It should ideally be maintained in a group of 8 or more but the tank must be of a sufficient size which will allow weaker individuals some respite from dominant conspecifics and decorated in such a way that many broken lines of sight are provided. Conversely if kept singly, in a very small group or in cramped conditions it can become withdrawn and subdominant fish may be bullied incessantly.

Not imported all that often, this species seems to ship quite poorly. Once acclimatised, it usually proves quite hardy. A big shoal of adults can look stunning in the right setting.

This species occurs alongside a near-identical congener, C. condiscipulus in nature. In fact condiscipulus literally means 'schoolmate', as the species are often found shoaling together. The only external difference between the 2 seems to be the longer snout and wider distribution within the Rio Oyapock of condiscipulus....

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...

A gentle giant ideal for the larger community of Malawi cichlids, this species was formerly named Haplochromis moorii. It is occasionally referred to by the common name, "Humphead Mouthbrooder". In nature, it exhibits an interesting feeding behaviour in which it will be attracted to clouds of sand thrown up by the activity of substrate-sifting species such as Fossorochromis rostratus or Taeniolethrinops praeorbitalis. Shoals of C. moorii will follow these species and feast on any mo...

For many years this species has (and still is) imported as Pelteobagrus ornatus. It was assigned to the new genus Hyalobagrus, and discovered to be a distinct species, during a taxonomic revision of the Bagridae family in 1998. The other 2 species which were also thought to be P. ornatus are H. leiacanthus and H. ornatus. Apparently these two are imported rarely, if ever. Unlike the vast majority of catfish, H. flavus is a diurnal species, and spends much of its time swimming in shoals in m...

A voracious piscivore that hunts in large shoals in the wild, this species is perfectly designed for its lifestyle. It is very streamlined and muscular and has one of the most amazing sets of teeth of any freshwater fish. These are dagger-shaped and interlock, meaning the fish can rip chunks out of its prey. The teeth are visible even when the animal's mouth is closed, which makes for a fearsome sight. It is a popular game fish in its native range, with the largest specimen caught weighi...

In nature, the spawning nests of large male fish may measure several meters across and contain hundreds of snail shells. Interestingly, when they are protecting brooding females males do not eat and eventually become so weak that their territories are taken over by stronger fish. Immature and sub-dominant males can be seen over areas of open substrate where they feed voraciously in large shoals. Females are only ever found in areas containing the nests of dominant males. It appears that the ...

This species is something of an "ugly duckling", as it's usually sold as a fairly bland looking, silvery juvenile. Given time and a good diet it develops into a magnificent fish as an adult, that really does sparkle like a diamond. A big shoal of these in a planted tank looks stunning. The taxonomic status of all species in the genus Moenkhausia is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for a large number of small ch...

Apparently this species is often seen living and feeding with a congener, M. multiradiatus in large shoals. It is the only species of Mystus to possess laterally positioned eyes, all the others having their eyes in a dorsolateral position. It is an ideal peaceful catfish for larger communities and as with many other bagrids, is in our opinion somewhat underrated in the hobby....

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....

This large Tanganyikan species is not seen very often in the hobby. It is often seen in shoals in nature, where it appears to feed primarily on phytoplankton. An adult male would make a truly stunning specimen fish....

Although P. brieni is better kept in a group, it tends to form much looser shoals than the similar Cyprichromis species. Male fish form territories under overhangs if they are available and can often be seen hanging upside down under these or vertically against rock walls. In the aquarium if it is not provided with such retreats, or if it is housed under bright lighting or with boisterous fish it will rapidly lose its best colouration. It is quite easily confused with P. nigripinnis, it'...

Although P. nigripinnis is better kept in a group, it tends to form much looser shoals than the similar Cyprichromis species. Male fish form territories under overhangs if they are available and can often be seen hanging upside down under these or vertically against rock walls. In the aquarium, if it is not provided with such retreats, or if it is housed under bright lighting or with boisterous fish, it will rapidly lose it's best colouration. It is quite easily confused with P. brieni,...

Semaprochilodus are one of the most common and widespread shoaling fish found in South America. Over a dozen species have been described but most are never imported. They are used as food fish in their native countries. It makes a stunning addition to a community of larger fish. S. taeniurus is also sold as the Silver Prochilodus or Fei Feng. Along with some congeners, it is commonly known as the Jaraqui in Brazil. It is an interesting species both ecologically and biologically. In nature it...

This fish feeds in a similar way to Geophagus species in that it will sift sand through its gills to extract invertebrates and morsels hidden in the substrate. It was until recently classified in the genus Enatiopus and is still named as such in much of the available literature. There are slight geographical variations in colour but these are not major. Interestingly, the shoals in which these fish live in nature appear to be fixed. That is, that an individual will remain in the same group for ...