Results for “tank”

The Pearlscale Cichlid is an extremely attractive fish, showing some gorgeous bluey green hues and reflective flecks on their flanks. They aren't difficult to look after or breed, but be careful when choosing tankmates. The only problem with spawning is that the male may become aggressive towards the female - it is certainly wise to have a tank divider, just in case. Look out for Pearlscale Cichlids labelled as Texas Cichlids, as it is a misleading common name that is often given to Heri...

This species is one of the most popular Rift Lake cichlids in the hobby, due to its striking colouration and somewhat peaceful (for a mbuna) nature. It exists in many different colour forms in nature, and the ubiquitous "electric yellow" morph, so popular in the hobby, is actually one of the rarer forms in nature, with the blue and white variety being more widespread. Wild fish are correspondingly rare in the hobby, with the vast majority of specimens offered for sale being tank-bred. ...

This common mbuna also goes by the names "Eduard's mbuna" and "Pindani". It is one of the most popular Rift Lake cichlids in the hobby due to its striking colouration and somewhat peaceful nature (for a mbuna). Wild fish can now be quite difficult to find, as the vast majority of specimens offered for sale are tank-bred. An albino form exists in aquaria and has achieved a fair degree of popularity. A highly recommended beginner's mbuna....

Vieja bifasciata are often confused for vieja synspilum but can be told apart as bifasciata have two prominent horizontal lines running between their eyes (hence the name). They are a very colourful fish and respond to their owner's presence - usually looking for food! Bifasciata are not particularly demanding in terms of water parameters and easy to keep, especially if suitable tankmates can be found. It is sometimes the case that a pair of fish that will not live together in a tank on ...

Salvin's Cichlid has a well deserved reputation for aggression, especially when breeding. They are regularly available in the trade and make an extremely colourful addition to any north/central American aggression tank. Take care when choosing tank mates, however. If only this species is kept in the tank, it will be quite shy until mature or until the natural domination order has been established. If a single fish of this species is kept alone, it will be extremely shy, usually choosing ...

For long-term success it's best to provide a mature aquarium with a plentiful supply of algae-covered rocks and other surfaces. If unable to grow sufficient algae in the main tank or you have a community containing numerous herbivorous fishes which consume what's available quickly it may be necessary to maintain a separate tank in which to grow algae on rocks and switch them with those in the main tank on a cyclical basis.

Bunocephalus is the largest genus within the Aspredinidae family and there are several undescribed species. B. coracoideus is the most common member seen in dealers' tanks. Its native name "Guitarrita" translates as "little guitar" and refers to the shape of the fish when viewed from above. Despite the regularity with which it is seen for sale, it isn't really a good catfish for the general community tank because it's a largely inactive, secretive species, ...

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....

This species is rarely seen in the trade but makes a superb addition to the smaller community tank. Often appears quite bland in dealer's tanks but, in the correct environment, is a stunning little fish....

Also known as both the Clown Squeaker and Decorated Synodontis, the first ray of theis greatly extended in this species. It is one of the more secretive, nocturnal Synos and if you wish to observe it regularly we recommend the addition of a 'moon' light or a red bulb timed to come on for a couple of hours after the main tank lights go off. If some food is added to the tank under these lighting conditions it should emerge to feed. This is one of only 3 members of the genus to exhibit...

Previously included as a member of the genus Cichlasoma, the red devil is often confused with the midas cichlid, A. citrinellus. The two can be distinguished through differences in morphology. As suggested by its scientific name, A. labiatus possesses characteristically large lips, although in reality this is variable and should not be used as a defining indicator of species. Certainly, tank bred fish tend not to have these large lips. More reliable differences include the bigger nuchal hump and mo...

A good beginner's tetra, as it's a hardy species that will adapt to a relatively wide range of conditions. In a well-insulated house it can even be kept in an unheated tank, although it won't be as colourful as when kept in warmer water. It's also quite long-lived and captive specimens over ten years old are not unheard of...

This species is not recommended to those lacking the facilities to house it for life. Sadly it's all too often seen for sale as an attractive, silvery 2-3" juvenile, supposedly suitable for the general freshwater community tank. To make matters worse, it is also usually given an 'alluring' name such as 'black-finned' or 'silvertip' shark catfish. The fate of the majority of these specimens is in all likelihood a depressing one.

'B.' candens is not really suitable for most community aquaria as it has something of a shy, retiring nature and may be intimidated or outcompeted for food by larger/more boisterous tankmates. Choose similarly-sized, peaceful African species such as 'B.' jae, Aplocheilichthys spp., Ladigesia roloffi or Lepidarchus adonis. We suspect it will also do ok with many small South American characins, Otocinclus or smaller Corydoras catfish and other cyprinids like Trigonostigma or Boraras species.

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.

This is a great oddball species for the Tanganyikan community tank, although it is not as attractive as the closely related Aethiomastacembelus ellipsifer. It is rarely seen in the hobby. The species in the family Mastacembelidae are known as "spiny" eels because the dorsal rays are stiffened. Care must therefore be exercised when handling them to avoid injuries. Spiny eels also have no swim bladder, an adaptation to their benthic lifestyle....

Very rarely seen in the hobby, this species makes an interesting oddball addition to the Tanganyikan community tank. The species in the family Mastacembelidae are known as "spiny" eels because the dorsal rays are stiffened. Care must therefore be exercised when handling them to avoid injuries. Spiny eels also have no swim bladder, an adaptation to their benthic lifestyle.....

Cichlasoma Trimaculatus is a large colourful cichlid, if a little aggressive. It is believed to be one of the fish that was used to create the hybrid Flowerhorn cichlid. We prefer it in its natural state. As with most large cichlids they can be fairly messy eaters so ensure decent filtration is provided. It is recommended to use a spraybar to disperse the water returning to the tank as trimacs will not appreciate strong flow....

Also known as the network cory, this is one of the commoner species seen in dealers tanks, and is a good cory for the beginner.

Crenicichla compressiceps are an excellent little fish. They are small, but they swim a great deal (and can be incredibly quick) so require larger aquaria than other, similar sized fish. In the wild, Compressiceps are insect feeders. They will wait quietly then quickly sweep down and prey on any nearby insects. They have good vision in the night and will often feed in the dark. Be careful when choosing tankmates, though as previously mentioned it may be mandatory to include some fish to e...