Livebearers as guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) can be very useful in the tank systems of public aquariums and other fish-holding facilities. They are fairly easy to raise in moderate to large numbers in a facility. When raised in a facility, as opposed to being collected in the wild, they do not normally carry various internal parasites that … [Read more...] about Livebearing Fish Use in Tanks
How to Quarantine Fresh and Salt Water Fish, and Invertebrates
While at first thought quarantining your newly purchased fish or invertebrate may seem to be a royal pain, this simple procedure can, in the long run, save you from a number of problems that could endanger the well-being of the animals already present in your system. One should assume that all fish, either captive bred or (especially) wild are carriers of one form of nasty … [Read more...] about How to Quarantine Fresh and Salt Water Fish, and Invertebrates
Three Strikes
Over time, each species of fish has evolved to fit into the environment in which it is found. Because the species has evolved over thousands of years to a particular environment, that environment can be termed to be the optimum environment. As fish keepers, when we know a species' optimum environment, we can then modify an aquariums set-up to most closely suit that species. … [Read more...] about Three Strikes
A TASTE IN FINGERS? – BITTEN BY THE SOUTHERN MOUTHBROODER
The cichlid genus Pseudocrenilabrus consists of four scientifically named Dwarf Haplochromis endemic to the African continent. Here they are found in a variety of freshwater habitats (including rivers, sinkholes, lakes and creeks) abounding with natural forms of cover which afford protection against the activities of fishing birds and snakes but, sadly, cannot hold back habitat … [Read more...] about A TASTE IN FINGERS? – BITTEN BY THE SOUTHERN MOUTHBROODER
Diseases and Your Fish Room an alternative approach
At certain times of the year, it seems a rash of a disease makes its way around any given fish room. As a beginner, I have learned the hard way a lot about controlling disease from books, the internet and experimentation. The most important thing to remember is to sanitize (see Cleaning Bowls & Stuff for some advice). When changing water, place your sick fish into a … [Read more...] about Diseases and Your Fish Room an alternative approach
Neolamprologus pulcher Daffodil II
When I first started keeping tropical fish as a young child, I often marveled at a fish many stores identified as the brichardi cichlid. The fish may not have been colored with the spectacular coloration of the Malawi Peacocks or the Victorian Haps, but what it lacked in flashy color the brichardi made up for in grace. Since those early days, Ive kept many different fish, but … [Read more...] about Neolamprologus pulcher Daffodil II
How to Buy a Used Tank
How do you beat the high cost of keeping fish? Seems like every time you turn around you have to buy something! Fortunately, there are many ways to cut down on the little costs that make up our hobby. This month, the DIY project is going to come from a ground-floor perspective. Just because new tanks are expensive, it doesn't mean that you have to start out with a new one in … [Read more...] about How to Buy a Used Tank
Striking Tanganyikan Gold
While the Mbunas and Haploids of Lake Malawi would be more familiar to most aquarists of the ACT and surrounds, many fish from Lake Tanganyika are commonly found in local fish shops. The Lemon Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi), the Princess Cichlid (Neolamprologus brichardi), and several species belonging to the Juliochromis genus and Tropheus genus are commonly kept. Perhaps … [Read more...] about Striking Tanganyikan Gold
Spawning Neolamprologus sp. ‘caudopunctatus kipili’
This is another species of Lake Tanganyikan cichlid that I have been working with recently. As you can tell by the name this is a species of fish that has yet to be officially named. Although it does resemble Neolamprologus quite a bit, it is currently classified as a separate species. In Ad Konings 'Back to Nature Guide to Tanganyika Cichlids', the author gives this fish … [Read more...] about Spawning Neolamprologus sp. ‘caudopunctatus kipili’
How Long Do You Wait Before Adding Fish? – and other tips
Opinions vary so much on this subject that it is hard to give a reasonable answer. The Americans for instance have what is known as "cycling", which is the period of time a tank has to remain empty of fish until the good bacteria have established themselves and are controlling the conditions of the water in the tank. Most aquarists in the States recommend a six week waiting … [Read more...] about How Long Do You Wait Before Adding Fish? – and other tips