Giant Pikehead
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
With a reputation as a difficult species to maintain in captivity, L. pulcher is recommended only to those enthusiasts able to provide the specialist diet and care it requires for its long-term health. It seems to travel very poorly, and is often seen on sale in a weakened, emaciated state. It is also particularly susceptible to bacterial infections when initially imported. Observe the fish carefully when buying and avoid any that are showing red patches around the mouthparts or fins, or that ap…
1 comment » |
Eyespot Gourami
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
To date the species is known mostly from the upper Ayeyarwady River basin in northern Myanmar where it’s been collected close to the city of Myitkyina in Kachin State as well as around nearby Lake Indawgyi, the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia and home to ten globally threatened bird species.
The lake and surrounding area were designated a protected zone by the Ministry of Ecotourism in 1999 and now form the Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanc…
1 comment » | Category: Labyrinth Fishes, Perciformes
Kissing Gourami
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
The pinkish-white form of this species is among the most widely-traded aquarium fishes in the world but does not occur naturally and is in fact a leucistic variant bred specifically for ornamental purposes. The 'short-bodied' or 'balloon' variety also continues to be fashionable but under no circumstances do we recommend the purchase of these intentionally disfigured animals which tend to have much shorter life spans than the naturally-shaped fish. There also exists a less-po…
3 comments » | Category: Labyrinth Fishes, Perciformes
Eastern Cape Rocky
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
There are only two described species in the genus Sandelia. Both have very limited natural ranges in parts of South Africa, which in itself is odd as they're completely isolated from other genera of anabantoids. This is probably due to some ancient radiation of species, but as yet remains unresolved. Sandelia spp. are also considered the most primitive of anabantoids, as they possess a less well-developed labyrinth organ than their relatives.
You're unlikely to see any of these fo…
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Ornate ctenopoma
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
This is the most colourful of the African anabantoids and is much sought after by hobbyists. A male in full breeding dress is truly a sight to behold. In nature it can be found in small streams, inhabiting areas of dense vegetation close to the riverbanks. It is difficult to collect a lot of fish from these habitats and so M. ansorgei is relatively rare in the hobby. These fish can be difficult to acclimatise but once settled are very hardy and can live up to 5 years in the aquarium….
1 comment » |
Black Piranha/Rhom
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
There are in excess of 30 described species of Serrasalmus many of which appear superficially similar and have confusing taxonomic histories. S. rhombeus is among the most convoluted of all with numerous synonyms of which S. niger is the most well-known. There has also been a muddle surrounding the common names "white" and "black" piranha, both of which have been used to describe the species.
Of greater interest to both scientists and hobbyists has been the discovery of n…
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Cape kurper
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
There are only two described species in the genus Sandelia. Both have limited natural ranges in parts of South Africa, which in itself is odd as they're completely isolated from other genera of anabantoids. This is probably due to some ancient radiation of species, but as yet remains unresolved. Sandelia spp. are also considered the most primitive of anabantids, as they possess a less well-developed labyrinth organ than their relatives.
S. capensis is of considerable conservation importa…
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Ocellated Bushfish
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
One of the smallest species in the genus, it is rarely seen in the trade. A pity, as its diminutive size makes for an ideal aquarium subject.
Like others in the suborder Anabantoidei, the species possesses an accessory breathing organ known as the labyrinth organ. So-called due to its maze-like structure, this organ allows the fish to breathe atmospheric air to a certain extent. It is formed by a modification of the first gill arch, and consists of many highly vascularised, folded flaps of sk…
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Mottled Bushfish
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
There are currently 20 species of Ctenopoma, most of which most are seldom seen in the aquatic trade. Originally the genus was significantly larger, but a number of original members were reclassified by Norris in 1995. Whilst describing what were apparently two new Ctenopoma, he discovered sufficient morphological anomalies in the fish to erect a new genus for them. The name Microctenopoma was chosen, although this does not relate to the size of the fish. Similar defining characteristics were al…
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Agassizi's Dwarf Cichlid
March 13th, 2012 — 1:18pm
Numerous ornamental forms of this species have been selectively-bred for the aquarium trade, some of which include. It has also been assigned the 'A' number A234 under the DATZ system with possibly conspecific, related forms similarly numbered A235, A236, A237, A238, A239, A240, A241 and A242 depending on locality.
The genus Apistogramma is among the most speciose of South American cichlid genera with around 70 species valid at present but many more awaiting description. In addition …
2 comments » | Category: Cichlids, Perciformes
Product reviewers wanted
Hello! Very much interested in writing for you, please include me in the info. Thank you for the opportunity!
6th Sep 2020
Product reviewers wanted
I would be interested in reviewing products. Before retiring I was a technical writer and managed a Quality Management Program.
30th Aug 2020
Product reviewers wanted
I'm interested and can write reviews from the perspective of someone new to the hobby. I'm only 3-4 months in, but hopefully I can help someone that's...
23rd Aug 2020
Product reviewers wanted
I’m interested in doing this if there is still availability, it sounds like fun! Thanks
19th Aug 2020
Barbodes semifasciolatus – Golden Barb* (Barbus sachsii, Puntius schuberti)
I simply had a question (please forgive if this is not allowed, I read the FAQ but I was not sure). I was wondering if there is any evidence of offsp...
12th Aug 2020