The first thing that I have to point out is that I'm not an expert on cichlids by anyone's definition, but I do consider myself to be an enthusiastic hobbyist who is lucky enough to be having my fair share of success. I first started keeping cichlids about two years ago after about two years of keeping tropicals. I also joined the Cichlid Society about two years ago. My … [Read more...] about Pseudotropheus saulosi
Breeding Bettas
Pseudotropheus flavus
Pseudotropheus flavus also known by the trade name of dinghani comes from only two remote islands in Lake Malawi. These two locations are Chinyamwezi Rocks and Chinyankwazi Island. From Kambiri Point this is about a 2 hour boat ride in one of Stuart Grant's boats. The water is extremely clear here, because these islands are far from the mainland. On a perfectly clear day the … [Read more...] about Pseudotropheus flavus
Astatotilapia brownae
Endemic to Lake Victoria, and formerly known as Haplochromis brownae, Astatotilapia brownaeis an insectivore occurring in shallow waters along the sandy shores. It grows to 12 cm and is one of the few species from Lake Victoria available in Australia. Others include Haplochromis nigricans, Haplochromis limax, Haplochromis burtoni and Haplochromis nyererei. The aquarium … [Read more...] about Astatotilapia brownae
Pacu – A Giant Characin of the Amazon
Background In recent times a large number of dramatically written press reports, originating both in Europe and North America, have spoken of large pirhana species which uncaring pet keepers have deliberately released into various waterways once these fish have outgrown their aquaria. Many of these stories have turned out not to relate to the various pirhana species but to … [Read more...] about Pacu – A Giant Characin of the Amazon
Finally I Made It – Cardinal Tetras
Visiting Jem Aquatics shop I saw some pretty young Cardinal Tetras from a recent shipment. The fish were in excellent condition, of good shape and young, just ready and promising. In the past I have bought, tried to breed and wasted probably well over 300 dollars on Cardinals. The visit to the shop tempted me once more. With Bob's (the owner) permission I was able to … [Read more...] about Finally I Made It – Cardinal Tetras
Black Emperor Tetras
Yes Virginia, there is such a thing as Black Emperor Tetras. There is also a lot of debate on whether it is a man-made colour strain or the third species of Emperor tetra, which is probably never seen. Nearly two years ago I came across a few Black Emperor Tetras in a local pet shop. I bought the best two pairs from the few that were in the tank. I have, over the years seen … [Read more...] about Black Emperor Tetras
The Golden Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi)
This article should be titled "The Fish That Never Was." This is a very interesting story. First, let me describe this beautiful fish. The Golden Tetra appears as if it was made of metal and does appear as if it was really made of gold. Both sexes look the same with a black spot at the base of the tail and the dorsal and anal fins are edged in white. This species was first … [Read more...] about The Golden Tetra (Hemigrammus rodwayi)
Spawning Rummynose Tetras
I bought my Rummynose Tetras in the summer; they were said to have been bred here in Ontario. The price was a special of five for so much and so I had them catch me five and went home hoping that I would have better luck with these than I had with some that I had bought a good number of years ago. Those unfortunately did not last a week. After quarantining the fish for a couple … [Read more...] about Spawning Rummynose Tetras
The Bruin Skreeuber (Synodontis zambezensis)
In the summer of 2003 several major aquatic wholesalers were given the opportunity to bring into the U.K. a large consignment of a 'new' Synodontis species, all of a juvenile form, known commonly as the Bruin Skreeuber (Afrikaans), Brown Squeaker, and to science as Synodontis zambezensis. As the majority of catfish fans will be aware, squeaker refers to the noise the majority … [Read more...] about The Bruin Skreeuber (Synodontis zambezensis)
The Clown Squeaker (Synodontis decorus)
Common Names - Clown squeaker, Clown catfish, Clown Synodontis, Décor-Synodontis, Decorated Synodontis, Barredtailed squeaker. Scientific Name - Synodontis decorus. Also known under the synonym names of Synodontis labeo and Synodontis vittatus. Natural Distribution - The Congo basin (with the exception of the Luapula River system) of Africa. Many of the wild caught fish … [Read more...] about The Clown Squeaker (Synodontis decorus)