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
Breeding Bettas
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
Metriaclima mbenji (Mbenji Zebra)
Most people know this fish as the "Red Top Cobalt Zebra" or the "Mbenji Zebra". It is a beautifully coloured mbuna (rock dwelling fish) from the Mbenji Islands in Lake Malawi. Coloured males are an overall light cobalt blue with red dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins. Females tend to show more brownish tones with some hints of blue. The female also retains some red in the … [Read more...] about Metriaclima mbenji (Mbenji Zebra)
The Search for the Elusive “Marmalade Cat”
The search for the elusive "Marmalade Cat"! That term, "marmalade cat" is applied to several Malawi cichlid species that have special markings: OB (originally "orange blotched" but now, any 'blotched' mbuna), an orange dorsal fin, and 'calico-like' body colors (i.e. blue or blue hued). You'll generally not see two OB fish with similar markings the pattern develops randomly. … [Read more...] about The Search for the Elusive “Marmalade Cat”
Oscar FAQ
Why get an oscar? What sized aquarium should I use? What kind of heater should I use? What kind of filter should I use? What about lighting? Does my oscar tank need a lid? What substrate can I use in my oscar tank? What decorations can be used? Can plants be used? What sort of water does my oscar need? What diet does my oscar need? Should my … [Read more...] about Oscar FAQ