S. altuvei is very scarce in the hobby, most commonly being found among imports of juvenile S. rhombeus (the type species of the genus). It's also known as the "Caribe azul" or "blue caribe" in the trade. There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look superficially similar. This one is considered a member of the "compressed group". This grouping of morphologically similar species currently comprises S. altuvei, S. geryi, S. compress…

There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look superficially similar. S. sanchezi has frequently been confused with S. spilopleura in the past, and is sometimes still sold as "Spilo cf" or "Ruby-red Spilo". It actually appears to be more closely related to S. rhombeus or S. irritans than S. spilopleura. The characteristic red throat has also led to it being confused with S. medinai and even the red-bellied piranha Pygocentrus nattereri on occasion…

An interesting addition to the Tanganyikan community that is not often seen in the hobby. There is a rumour that this cat can secrete a poisonous mucous when stressed that can kill other fish in the aquarium but this has not yet been 100% confirmed. It may be wise to keep it in as large an aquarium as possible just in case. There are currently just 4 species of Lophiobagrus described. All are from Lake Tanganyika….

This is not a particularly common species in the trade, probably as it's not especially attractive to look at and grows very large. It's unsuitable for all but the biggest aquaria.

One of the largest freshwater fish species found in Africa, this is not a very good aquarium inhabitant. It is suitable only for the truly dedicated hobbyist able to house it properly or for public aquaria. It can be distinguished from similar members of the genus by its very long adipose fin….

An incredibly hardy species, the walking catfish is tolerant of a very wide range of water chemistry and temperature. It can also survive in oxygen-depleted conditions due to its ability to breathe atmospheric air. In fact, it is thought that the fish can literally drown if deprived access to the water surface for long enough.

The common name is derived from its natural ability to move across land using its stiff pectoral spines, provided it stays damp. It has special mucous-producing pores …

Etroplus is the only cichlid genus native to the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka and currently comprises three species among which E. canarensis is uniquely limited to freshwater and restricted in range.

Its congeners E. maculatus and E. suratensis are both euryhaline inhabiting estuaries, coastal lagoons and the lower reaches of rivers around coastlines of western and southern India plus northern Sri Lanka.

This species is also traded as ‘golden cobra snakehead’ and is available in the aquarium trade on a regular basis.

It can be distinguished from other Channa species by the following combination of characters: 51-54 lateral line scales; 45-47 dorsal-fin rays; 28-30 anal-fin rays; 8-12 cheek scales; 50-52 total verte…

Chaca are unsuitable subjects for the general aquarist, but are quite popular among lovers of oddball species. This species is very similar in appearance to the closely related C. bankanensis. However, it's usually a bit lighter in colour than its relative and possesses small hooklets on the lower lip and body that are not present in bankanensis. It's a true master of disguise and is also known as the angler catfish, due to its ability to use its barbels as a kind of lure. These can be…

Chaca are unsuitable subjects for the general aquarist, but are relatively popular among lovers of oddball species. This species is very similar in appearance to the closely related C. chaca. However, it is somewhat darker and redder in colour than its relative, and lacks the hooklets that occur on the lips and body of chaca. It is a true master of disguise, and is also known as the angler catfish, due to it's ability to use its barbels as a kind of lure, using them to simulate the movement…