Originally described in 1910 by Eigenmann & Hildebrand, they are found in the major drainages of Columbia. This relatively small fish will grow to a size of 14cm. The females are a little smaller growing to about 11cm. Theirs mouths are turned down, which places them into the Geophagus genus. They love to dig and sift through your substrate but they really are not into … [Read more...] about Geophagus Steindachneri
Other fish
Breeding Dicrossus maculatus
Background I have kept and bred Dicrossus filamentosus, but I never saw (except in pictures) Dicrossus maculatus until 3 years ago. You can imagine my excitement when I saw it available in a wholesaler's list. I immediately ordered 12 fish. After almost 30 years a legend became a reality. Introduction This species was found at Lago Maximo and Jose Assu as well as branches of … [Read more...] about Breeding Dicrossus maculatus
Finding the Triggers
The income tax cheque came back, and the boss of the house gave me permission to set up my second 10 gallon aquarium... The zebra danios appeared to be ready to spawn and I decided to start making our fortune: Bought three pounds of marbles so the eggs would fall through out of the parents' reach, and put in a pair. At first nothing much happened, but soon … [Read more...] about Finding the Triggers
Sorting Out the Grey Dogs
What's in a name? As a fishkeeper, you've seen it time after time: A bunch of guys at a society meeting, arguing over a white plastic pail... "It's Heros," says one. "I believe Conkel calls it Nandopsis," replies another. "They're working on the whole family...I think they put that one in Parapetenia," chimes a third. After a while the breeder's award honcho steps … [Read more...] about Sorting Out the Grey Dogs
Care and breeding of Telmatochromis bifrenatus
While Telmatochromis bifrenatus don't have the brilliant colors or extensive finnage of many other Lake Tanganyikan cichlids, nonetheless they have much to recommend them. For one thing, their shape is unusual, to say the least. Their elongated body seems out of place considering their round, blunt head. T. bifrenatus almost appears to be cross between a cichlid and an eel! T. … [Read more...] about Care and breeding of Telmatochromis bifrenatus
My Experiences with Schwetzochromis stormsi
"Ummm, how, errr. nice" my wife sighed when I showed her the picture of Schwetzochromis stormsi in the Baensch Aquarium Atlas Photo Index 1-5. "Are you sure you don't want to try that pretty electric yellow fish instead" she asked? "Labidochromis caeruleus? Sure, they're nicely colored, but just look at the contrast between black and tan on the stormsi" I exclaimed. "Just what … [Read more...] about My Experiences with Schwetzochromis stormsi
The Purple Cichlid (a.k.a. The Kribensis)
The Pelvicachromis pulcher, otherwise commonly referred to as the Kribensis, or the Purple Cichlid, is a dwarf African cichlid, not of the rift lakes, but rather, in the wild it would be found in the rivers of Nigeria, often in brackish water. This species stays relatively small for a cichlid, reaching between three and four inches (standard body length), making them ideal for … [Read more...] about The Purple Cichlid (a.k.a. The Kribensis)
Neolamprologus brichardi
Location: Widespread, Lake Tanganyika. Size: 7.5cm (3'') Description On first sight there appears to be no difference between the male and female. All fins on both are white to iridescent blue tipped, with the dorsal, anal and pelvic / ventral fins quite pointed. On the male you will find that these fins are slightly longer. There is a black bar which runs faintly from … [Read more...] about Neolamprologus brichardi
The Princess of Burundi (Neolamprologus brichardi)
This beautiful fish with its lyre-tail was once known as 'The Princess of Burundi.' It comes from the Burundi area of Lake Tanganyika. The fish was first introduced to North America in 1971 by Pierre Brichard. The males can grow to five inches and the females to three inches. They thrive in water between 76ş-82ş F. They do very well in hard water. These fish are monagomous … [Read more...] about The Princess of Burundi (Neolamprologus brichardi)
Neolamprologus brevis/BREVIS SUNSPOT
Hi my name is Ben Brevis and this is my mate Brenda. As mentioned above we are Neolamprologus brevis, also known by our friends as Brevis Sunspots. Now a bit about our family if I may. Our ancestors emigrated originally from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, but for many years now my parents and theirs have lived here in North America. In Lake Tanganyika our breed usually … [Read more...] about Neolamprologus brevis/BREVIS SUNSPOT