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 leleupi
I have always admired this fish but had not had any success in keeping it in my tanks. I found myself in a local pet shop looking at the most brilliant yellow leleupi I had seen in many years. The store clerk must have picked up on my interest, maybe I had lingered too long, and joined me to watch these young fish swim around the tank. After a short discussion I was the owner … [Read more...] about Neolamprologus leleupi
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
Fearless Steinem Builds a Nest!
We all know that it is the male betta, who builds the great bubblenest in high hopes that a lovely lady betta will by chance happen along, so that he can embrace her! During the embrace, he wraps himself around her to trigger the release of her eggs. He then rushes around quickly, gathering the eggs up into his mouth and then blows them into the nest, where they are safely … [Read more...] about Fearless Steinem Builds a Nest!
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”
Lucky’s Story
This is the story of Lucky, that I sent to a betta list many years ago, when I was a complete newbie. This is a horrifying account of what happens when the peace lily vase with a betta is sold to unsuspecting people… "On Monday a colleague brought a vase with a peace lily to my office and said, "I think my fish is dying!" It was given to him as gift 5 weeks ago and the … [Read more...] about Lucky’s Story
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