The genus Leptodoras currently contains 10 species, none of which are particularly well known in the hobby. There is little published information regarding the genus, and its members are seldom exported for the aquatic trade.

L. linnelli is no exception, usually only turning up as bycatch among shipments of other species such as Opsodoras leporhinus or Hassar orestis. According to Fishbase, it can be distinguished from all other members of the genus except L. acipenserinus by the presence of…

This species can be quite delicate when first imported, but once settled is usually quite hardy. When buying the fish, check that it has a rounded belly and that its eyes aren't sunken. These are classic signs of emaciation in newly imported specimens, and fish in this condition do not often survive for long. If you can find healthy specimens for sale, it is a charming addition to the larger community tank.

It is superficially similar to the closely related Nemadoras leporhinus. The two …

This species was previously thought to be, and is often still sold as, A. hancockii, a name currently considered synonymous with Platydoras hancockii (Valenciennes 1840). It’s also known by the vernacular names of blue-eyed catfish or Hancock’s doradid, and in many ways is an ideal beginners’ catfish, being hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water conditions…

This species, which may also be referred to by the alternative vernacular names 'spotted raphael', 'white-spotted' or 'white-barred' catfish, is very common in the trade and despite its adult size is recommended to beginners and experienced aquarists alike since it is hardy, attractive and relatively-long-lived. The light body markings are highly variable in terms of exact placement and may be either white or pale to darkish yellow in colour.

It is very similar i…

Similar in lifestyle to Julidochromis species, Telmatochromis vittatus is ideal for the smaller Tanganyikan community and is also a good choice for the beginner. It can be distinguished from the similar T. brichardi and T. bifrenatus primarily by its larger size, smaller eyes and more rounded nose. Like other Lamprologines, Telmatochromis have fang-like, caniform teeth, which they use for scraping microrganisms from rock surfaces. On adult specimens these are clearly visible….

This is one of the so-called Tanganyikan Goby Cichlids. They occur only in the upper few feet of water around rocky shores, also known as the surge zone, where they scrape algae from the rocks with their specialised teeth. This habitat is typified by breaking waves and strong currents. They have a few adaptations allowing them to inhabit such an environment. The swim bladder is rendered useless to reduce their buoyancy. They also have a longand a laterally compressed body shape to allow them to …

Because of it's its tiny natural range, habitat destruction due to excess water removal (the nearby town of Kumba relies on the lake for it's water supply), deforestation, the introduction of non-native species and overfishing, it is considered to be critically endangered. All efforts at captive breeding are to be encouraged. However, it is correspondingly rare in the hobby. The area around Lake Barombi Mbo has been suggested to be designated a protected area, but as yet this has not o…

S. tinanti has a confused taxonomic history, having been previously classified in the genera Gobiochromis and then Leptotilapia, before being assigned to Steatocranus. Further taxonomic revision is likely, as it exhibits both behavioural and morphological differences to other species in the genus.

It is a reophilic fish, meaning it inhabits fast waters. Its swimbladder is relatively small to reduce buoyancy and thus prevent it from being swept away by the strong currents in its natural habita…

This species, which may also be referred to by the alternative vernacular names 'spiny catfish', 'painted talking catfish' or 'chocolate raphael', isn't particularly common in the trade and most often exported only as bycatch among shipments of Platydoras armatulus. It appears very similar to the congener A. spinosissimus with the most useful external distinguishing character being the presence of pale blotches on the dorsal surface, between the dorsal and caud…

This popular species was previously imported and classified as Sciaenochromis ahli, and is still named as such in much of the available literature. Many morphs exist, although males of all these exhibit the characteristic blue colouration, differing only in fin colouration and patterning. These should not be mixed in aquaria as they will hybridise.

Extra care must be taken regarding tankmates, too, as male S. fryeri have been known to spawn with females of other genera, particularly Aulonoca…