M. melanonotus is rarely imported and little information is available regarding its captive care. The shovel-like lower jaw possessed by some individuals of this species has been the cause of some confusion regarding the fishes' true identity. It was originally placed in the genus Platygnathochromis, in which it was the only species. However, Ad Konings observed that amongst wild breeding populations there existed individuals both with and without the modified lower jaw. The specimens witho…

Wild caught specimens of this fish possess a truly amazing set of lips! They are massively enlarged and designed for scraping algae and invertebrates from rock surfaces. In nature, these actually develop in direct proportion to the amount of turbidity in a given locality. Fish inhabiting more turbulent waters have larger lips, as the algae in these areas is anchored to the rocks more firmly. In the aquarium, the lips usually recede or, in tank bred fish, do not develop at all, as they are not re…

The common name is derived from the fact that it was previously thought to be found only in much deeper water than we now know it inhabits. In nature, P. electra feeds from the surface of the substrate on invertebrates and other morsels stirred up by the action of digging substrate feeders such as Taeniolethrinops praeorbitalis. It is attracted to the clouds of sediment thrown up by these species.

Several colour forms exist and these should not be kept together in aquaria as they may hybridis…

The mouthparts of this species are highly specialised, reflecting its natural feeding habits of rasping algae and other organisms from rock surfaces. It feeds almost exclusively on unicellular algae and has very thick, extended lips and brush-like, mobile pads of teeth. The mouthparts thus form a rasping 'plate', used when the fish is feeding. It is somewhat rare in the hobby, perhaps due to its violent reputation or the fact that this is not a particularly gregarious species in nature…

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'…