Like the closely related Polycentrus species from South America, with which it is sometimes confused, this fish is camouflaged to mimic a dead leaf, both in body shape and pattern. It can also change colour to match its surroundings. When hunting, it stalks its prey in a head-down stance, appearing to drift towards it like a dead leaf drifting in a current. In reality the fish is propelled by tiny movements of its transparent hind fins.

When it strikes at an item of prey, the entire mouth pro…

Also known as Peter's elephantnose, this fascinating species is currently the most common Mormyrid in the hobby. Sadly, its popularity means it is often kept in unsuitable conditions. To deny the fish a soft substrate really is cruel, as it uses its "trunk" to locate food hidden in the substrate. It also needs dim lighting, and will commonly become withdrawn and pine away if kept under bright lights. If you cannot provide suitable lighting, add food to the tank at lights out to al…

This fish is usually imported as Pseudomystus stenomus but actually seems to be an undescribed species, as it's collected from the Malay Peninsula. P. stenomus is endemic to the island of Java and supposedly exhibits a higher degree of light-coloured patterning on the body.

The genus Pseudomystus contains many similarly-patterned species, of which the most common in the hobby is the Asian bumblebee catfish, P. siamensis. This can easily be distinguished from P. sp. cf stenomus by its cha…

This species was formerly included in the genus Leiocassis, and is still referred to as such in a great deal of the available literature. The current genus Pseudomystus contains many similarly patterned species, some of which may be being imported and sold as P. siamensis. Its commonly encountered congener is P. stenomus, but this can be plainly distinguished by its lack of "bumblebee" patterning.

The Asian bumblebee can also be easily told apart from the South American Pimelodid &q…

C. tamandua is quite a rare fish in the hobby, but is imported occasionally. It's not a good beginner's fish as it requires pristine soft, acidic water conditions, will generally not feed on standard foods and attains a very respectable adult size. It's also sensitive to many aquarium medications. It can sometimes be found as a contaminant among imports of the much more common Elephant Fish, Gnathonemus petersii. Unlike this species, C. tamandua has both upper and lower jaws exten…

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…..

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….

M. ellipsifer is a stunning eel that makes a nice 'alternative' species for the Tanganyikan community tank. The species in the family Mastacembelidae are known as "spiny" eels because the dorsal rays are very hard. Care must therefore be exercised when handling them to avoid injuries. The swim bladder in these eels has also disappeared completely, an adaptation to their bottom-dwelling lifestyle. The African species such as this one can be distinguished from their Asian relat…

The only species in the genus, and a popular game fish in its native range, H. odoe superficially resembles our native European Pike. It is an ambush predator with a fearsome set of teeth, and should be handled very carefully, particularly when maintaining its tank.
Although juvenile specimens have become relatively common in the trade in the last few years, this is strictly a species for the specialist who is able to provide it with a suitably large aquarium and the correct conditions. In sm…

Due to its highly amphibious nature this must be one of the most interesting, endearing species that can be kept in aquaria. Some specimens rarely enter deep water, preferring to sit in the shallows with the body submerged and eyes protruding above the surface. Others seem to favour resting completely exposed on rocks, sand or bogwood, returning to the water periodically to wet themselves. Subdominant individuals (those that are unable to secure a favourable territory) tend to attach themselves …