Snakeheads are not monstrous eating machines that will cross highways to kill your dog. It is a shame that during this last summer of 2012, this and other equally ridiculous things were being said about a FISH. You heard it. You saw it on TV. We laughed about it at an MAS meeting. I even had to face an email tirade from a young hobbyist in Northern Wisconsin after listing some … [Read more...] about In Defense of Snakeheads. My Experience with Channa orientalis.
The Thrill of the Buy
Once a week, usually Mondays, I drive during my lunch break to the LFS of my youth. Filled with clean tanks, they showcase the best of each breed of freshwater, pond and saltwater animals. Right in front, just as you pass the 1,300-gallon shark tank, are the Bettas. Three tiers, each having 10 partitions, state-of-the-art filtration, and full-spectrum lighting; here is the … [Read more...] about The Thrill of the Buy
How I Raise Anabantoid Fry
The first egglayer I ever spawned was Betta splendens. I did this in a five gallon metal framed aquarium with no heater. Now those of you who know anything about how Bettas love warm water for spawning are going to be a bit skeptical about this statement, but I kept the water warm by keeping the incandescent light in the metal hood lit continuously. I don't know how those fish … [Read more...] about How I Raise Anabantoid Fry
What is a Fish Worth?
I recently saw an article in the Buntbarsche Bulletin about how many supposed F0 (wild) African cichlids are actually farmed there at the shore of the lakes. When people are paying premium prices for wild caught fish and they don't get wild caught fish, they are being gypped, aren't they? This issue got me to thinking about an even more general issue and that is how much you … [Read more...] about What is a Fish Worth?
Catfish: Understanding These Scavengers
When an aquarist makes the decision to introduce catfish into the community aquarium or to set-up an aquarium dedicated to a group of catfish, understanding the needs of these fish is a must. Catfish are a large group of fishes that are regarded by most as a single order called Siluriformes (sometimes called Nematognathi). Others place them as a suborder, Siluroidei, of the … [Read more...] about Catfish: Understanding These Scavengers
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Scientific Name: Tanichthys albonubes Wild distribution: China Length: Up to 1.5 inches Water Temperature: 66f to 83f The White Cloud is an excellent little minnow. It is said to have been discovered by a small boy (Tan) in the White Cloud Mountains of China in the 1930s. This fish is an excellent beginner fish and is a surface dweller in the community tank. It enjoys … [Read more...] about White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Barbus titteya (Cherry Barb)
The Cherry Barb originates from the shaded streams and rivers on the plains of Sri Lanka. Most of the species are attractive and peaceful aquarium fish. They also have the further attraction of being hardy and easily bred. They are not touchy where food is concerned as long as they receive lots of it. It has been advised that you condition the pair before you are ready … [Read more...] about Barbus titteya (Cherry Barb)
Barbus fasciatus – Absolutely Beautiful!
Barbus fasciatus originate from Southeast Asia, and are not often seen in the aquarium shops. George obtained the Barbus fasciatus when they were young from Bernie Halverson, and Bernie called them by the common name of Panda Barb, which when you look at them they certainly have that Panda appearance. In the aquatic literature weve found, they also go by the Banded Barb for a … [Read more...] about Barbus fasciatus – Absolutely Beautiful!
My Experience with Filters (positive results)
Knowing that some Bettas have difficulty with a filtered tank, I thought you all might want to hear some positive experiences regarding Bettas and filtration. I received my first Betta, "Sushi" as a gift from a co-worker in March/April 2002. He came with a gallon size vase, gravel and a silk plant. I purchased additional silk plants and decorated his home as an underwater … [Read more...] about My Experience with Filters (positive results)
Breeding Microrasbora sp. “Galaxy”
This is a newly discovered fish from Myanmar in August, 2006. It has gotten a lot of attention in the aquarium trade and fish keepers around the globe. It has quite a few common trade names. They are sold under the Galaxy rasbora, Fireworks rasbora, Rasbora toei, Celestial pearl danio and of course the Microrasbora sp. "Galaxy". However the scientific name is now known as … [Read more...] about Breeding Microrasbora sp. “Galaxy”