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)
Azoo Palm Aquariums
What another wonderful little death trap for bettas. And the only thing the azoo website has to say is this: The AZOO Palm Aquarium is designed to be small and decorative. Aside from traditional glass bowls, the Palm Aquarium gives uniqueness and beauty like no other. Small and decorative it is. The shapes are lovely and the colors are superb-but these little creations … [Read more...] about Azoo Palm Aquariums
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)
Teeny Weeny Algae Eaters
The Otocinclus genus are currently classified with the large family of Loricariidae, the sucker-mouthed catfishes. This genus is made up of very diminutive fishes, usually reaching no more two inches long at maturity. They are generally coloured in shades of creamy beige and browns, with occasional species exhibiting dark, almost black, markings. Those species that have … [Read more...] about Teeny Weeny Algae Eaters
Clarius – The Walking Catfish
Background The catfish family Clariidae comprises members of the genus Chanallabes, Clarias, Heterobranchus, Gymnallabes and Heteropneustes. All these fish have been well provided for, by nature, in the struggle for natural survival. Perhaps the best know genus within this family is that of Clarias so we turn our attention to these fish over the pages which follow. Members … [Read more...] about Clarius – The Walking Catfish
Pseudosphromenus dayi (Spike-Tailed Gourami)
The Pseudosphromenus dayi is a very interesting fish that comes from Southeast Asia. It is stated that the natural habitat of the dayi is the coastal lowlands of the Coromandel coastline in southeast India and the coast region of west Malaya. The body of the dayi is light brown. The fins are a light red with blue on the edges. The fish get to be about 3 inches. The males are … [Read more...] about Pseudosphromenus dayi (Spike-Tailed Gourami)
The Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma acutirostre)
Common Names - Leopard Bushfish, Spotted Climbing Perch, Congo Leaf Fish, Purple Bushfish. Scientific Name - Ctenopoma acutirostre Description These fish, with their prehistoric looks, have a very strong resemblance to the South American Leaf fish of the genus Polycentrus and Monocirrhus. In reality this is a case of conversant evolution as both the Leopard Bushfish … [Read more...] about The Leopard Bushfish (Ctenopoma acutirostre)