A rare species in the hobby, P. humilis is also the largest known species in the genus. Several morphs are available, including "Guinea" and "Liberia red". Some of these may eventually be described as distinct species, as they are quite different in colouration and, to a lesser extent, morphology. This has already occured with P. rubrolabiatus and P. signatus, both of which were originally assigned to the humilis complex but have recently been reclassified.

The easiest wa…

This is one of the less commonly seen Pelvicachromis species in the hobby. There are a few morphs available, including "Matadi" and "Moanda". Males and females of these should not be cross bred in order to keep the lines pure. It can be distinguished from others in the genus by it's higher, shorter body shape and by the fact that the spotting in the upper part of the is much lighter in this species than in others. A female condition is hard to confuse with anything else….

This species is one of a handful that closely resemble the popular red-eyed tetra, M. sanctaefilomenae. This species is seen much less often in the hobby than its relative however and is also known as the glassy tetra.

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 characin species. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likel…

One of the most common and popular Cichlid species in the hobby, the vast majority of Kribensis (often simply called "Krib" by many fishkeepers) seen in the hobby today are captive bred and are far more adaptable in terms of water chemistry than the wild fish. They also tend to be less aggressive when breeding. An aquarium sport albino form is available and is fairly popular.

This fish is one of the best choices for newcomers to both Cichlids and fish breeding, being of a manageable…

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,…

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'…

O. lithobates is a true rock dweller and is hardly ever seen in open water, even in aquaria. In fact, the scientific name lithobates literally translates as "rock dweller". Breeding males of this species rank among the most stunning of Lake Malawi Haplochromine cichlids. The three characteristic spots on the flanks disappear and are masked by a stunning neon blue patterning. Almost the entireand top of the head turn a deep yellow-orange colour. The most colourful variant is the "…

O. stormsi was previously classified as Schwetzochromis stormsi and is still named as such by many sources. Its swimbladder is modified, being much reduced in size. This makes the fish less buoyant and therefore less likely to be swept away by the strong currents in its natural habitat. In the aquarium it spends most of its time on the substrate, where it swims in a characteristic 'hopping' fashion. Unfortunately, it is rather rare in the hobby….

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….

A rather rare fish in the UK hobby. It occasionally shows up as a contaminant among imports of more popular species.

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 characin species. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many of these will be placed into new or different genera….