The native name for this species is Caribito Parguasero. It's sometimes sold as the "green tiger piranha" in the trade and is usually highly coveted and expensive when available. A notoriously sensitive traveller, mortality rates are sadly quite high among imported fish. The lack of fully-grown specimens known to the hobby is also a worry, and would suggest that the majority are not being maintained correctly. This really is a species for the specialist with the resources necessar…

S. elongatus is known as "Caribe Pinche" in its native countries and is a rare find in the trade, tending to be quite expensive as a result. Individuals seem to vary in personality. While some are particularly fearless and will actively chase and attempt to bite hands or fingers placed in or up against the aquarium, others will always appear to be shy and nervous. The streamlined body form that gives rise to the species name is unique among serrasalmids, and has probably developed as a…

This species is a popular food fish in it's native countries. It is not often seen for sale these days, although it is both beautiful and peaceful. The alternative common name of 'Giant Gourami' is not particularly apt, although it is the largest species in the genus.

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 atmospheri…

This stunning species is now much more readily available than it once was. There are over a dozen morphs available, including "Dehane", "Moliwe", "Kienke", "Lobe", "Wouri", "Nigeria Red" and "Calabar". 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 the more pronounced upper lip, which is often bright yellow in colour. Males of this spe…

This species is readily available in the aquarium trade and is a good subject for those new to the hobby given its peaceable nature and relative adaptability in terms of water chemistry. It’s sold under various names including

A number of selectively-bred ornamental strains have also been produced including ‘red’, ‘sunset’, and ‘golden’, for which care is identical to the natural form.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….