Author Archives: Frank Schäfer

Scardinius erythrophthalmus – the rudd

11. May 2020

The corona crisis has delayed the start of the pond fish/cold water season, but now we have at least a few native biotope fish in stock. The name “biotope fish” should not hide the fact that these are bred fish, which are intended for aquarium and garden pond keeping and must not be released into the wild under any circumstances!

The rudd is one of our most common so-called white fish – and one of the prettiest! The body colouring is silver, often with a nice touch of brass yellow, the fins are usually vermilion; the older the fish, the more intense the fin colouring. The rudd is the native fish with the highest proportion of vegetable food. This is why it is the only native fish species that is suitable for setting limits to the spread of filamentous algae and duckweed in garden ponds. But you should not expect miracles from it.

Usually the rudd grows to a length of 15-20 cm, the maximum size is about 50 cm. As the species is temperature tolerant and can also tolerate water temperatures up to 26°C without damage, it is very suitable for keeping in aquaria. Of course you should not heat your aquarium, but you don’t have to be afraid if the thermometer shows more than 20°C in midsummer – for some cold water fish already a critical temperature range. In the aquarium you should give flake food on a vegetable basis as staple food, plus frozen and live food of all kinds.

Rudd are schooling fish and very peaceful. They reproduce as egg layers, the spawn is released into finely feathered plants. Rudds do not care for their brood. Outer sexual characteristics are largely absent, males of the same age are smaller and more delicate than the females.

For our customers: the animals have code 878503 on our stocklist. Please note, that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Poecilia sp. Central America

8. May 2020

Right now we can offer a very special delicacy for the friends of livebearers: a scientifically still undescribed wild molly!

It is a F1 offspring of a wild collected species from the Poecilia sphenops relationship. The parent animals were collected on a scientific expedition. The description of the species is in progress, so we have committed ourselves not to give any further information about the animals, in order not to endanger the scientific work. We have received about 50 specimens from our breeder. They are currently 4-5 cm long, but will probably grow a bit larger.

For our customers: the animals have code 280577 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras cf. imitator C140 Red Spot

8. May 2020

Again and again we receive imports of Corydoras from the upper Rio Negro area, which differ in details from the well known Corydoras adolfoi, C. duplicareus, C. imitator, C. serratus & Co. It is difficult to classify them in such cases. Are these only colour variations that occur in large numbers somewhere? Are they geographically isolated populations? Or are they simply sorted out from the above mentioned species that occasionally occur in large numbers and thus give the impression that they are something independent? As a rule, we cannot decide that.

In the case of C140, things are such that these long-nosed animals, which fall into the variance of C. imitator except for the red spot behind the gill cover, have been appearing once and again for years. This is also the case now; by the way, the red spot is not always equally visible in every individual. It is not a red coloured zone, but an unpigmented spot through which the blood vessels shimmer.

For our customers: the animals have code 232305 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Gobio gobio, gudgeon

7. May 2020

The gudgeon, Gobio gobio, is one of the smallest native fish. It usually grows to 8-12 cm, rarely over 15 cm long. The record is said to be 21 cm, but such giants are as rare as people over 2.20 m long. Because of its small size and pretty colouring (compared to the mostly silvery other native species) it has been kept in aquariums since the beginning of aquarium science, where it thrives very well. The water temperature can be in the range of 15-25°C, which can be easily realized in living rooms even today, avoiding long lasting temperatures above 22°C and aiming for a cool hibernation at around 8°C and 6-8 hours of light.

The gudgeon is a bottom fish that likes to swim in a troop with its own kind and is completely peaceful against other fish. It needs open bottom areas of sand and gravel where it looks for its food, which consists of small animals of all kinds (in the aquarium any usual fish food that sinks to the bottom). Vegetable food does not play a big role and is rather accidentally included. In nature, gudgeons are mainly found in clear, often flowing water. The aquarium should therefore be well maintained and have only a little mulm on the bottom.

The gudgeon is only suitable for the garden pond if it fulfils its requirements for clear, clean water and free ground surfaces with sand and gravel. The gudgeon cannot live in fully grown swamp ponds.

Gudgeons spawn in gravel; they do not care for their brood.

For our customers: the animals have code 819502 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Microctenopoma ansorgii

5. May 2020

We have very nice and stable wild catches of the Orange Bushfish from the Congo in our stock. The bubblenest-building species grows to about 6-8 cm, currently the animals are 3-4 cm long.

The Orange Bushfish is a very interesting species. It becomes already half grown and sexually mature. With increasing age the fish becomes more highbacked. Males and females are best distinguished by the shape of their ventral fins. The ventral fins of the females are considerably shorter. Other fin development is also lower in females, but males of lower social rank can reduce dorsal and anal fin development, which makes them look similar to females and reduce their exposure to attacks by dominant males. However, the ventral fins always betray them.

The colour change ability is phenomenal. Neutrally mooded animals are reddish-brown with a greenish shimmer, dark vertical bandages run over the body. Sometimes the fish show a light longitudinal band along the entire body. With increasing excitement, the basic body colouring becomes brighter and brighter, the vertical bands appear intensively. The light red in the vertical fins is not affected by this colour change and can be seen well in every mood.

The fish are cared for in tanks with a rich structure at temperatures between 20 and 24°C. Only for breeding the temperature should be increased by 2-3°C, then the water should be soft and slightly acidic. Microctenopoma ansorgii is a bubblenest builder, the reproduction is similar to that of paradise fish.

It is important to know that these fish have a high feed requirement. They are not particularly demanding, but frost and live food is preferred.

For our customers: the animals have code 115501 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Malapterurus beninensis – Electric catfish

29. April 2020

For a long time it was believed that there were only two species of electric catfish, namely the widespread Malapterurus electricus and the Congolese M. microstoma. Then two independent revisions of the genus appeared practically at the same time, one by Roberts (2000) and one by Norris (2002), which drastically increased the number of species, but for a long time it was tricky to clarify which of the doubly described species were exactly meant.

The most frequently imported species of electric catfish from Nigeria is still mostly called M. electricus in the trade, even here in Germany. In reality, however, it is M. beninensis, a species described by Murray from the Old Calabar River in Nigeria as early as 1855. For electric catfish conditions the species remains relatively small with about 25 cm final size and has the advantage of being not quite as incompatible as other electric catfish. In the literature therefore the individual keeping of electric catfish is recommended in principle. Sufficient space, good feeding and plenty of hiding places do not make this necessary for M. beninensis. And so M. beninensis could be a suitable candidate to study the still completely unknown reproductive behaviour of electric catfish. Shortly before his death, the excellent aquarist and eminent ichthyologist Joachim Knaack was apparently close to succeeding, in any case, in a telephone call he promised a breeding report in the near future. Things turned out differently, but this should serve as an incentive for others to try.

The care of M. beninensis is easy, any frozen and live food of suitable size is willingly accepted, most specimens will eat granules sooner or later. The catfish do not make any special demands on the water composition. M. beninensis is generally indifferent to other fish that are not suitable as food.

Beware of touching these fish. Even the electric shocks given from specimens that are only 4-5 cm long are very painful, although not dangerous for healthy people. It is said that the electric shocks of electric catfish can reach 350-450 volts.

For our customers: Due to the lack of imports because of the worldwide corona crisis, electric catfish are unfortunately not available at the moment.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Barbucca diabolica

27. April 2020

Currently we managed once more to import one of the cutest loaches from Borneo. Barbucca diabolica is despite its terrifying name a totally peaceful animal. Sadly almost nothing is known about the species. In nature, it lives in small forest streams in the Kapuas system on Borneo. Our animals have already almost the size of the largest specimen mentioned in the original description, which had about 2,5 cm.

It is very interesting to observe the behaviour of the fish. They are scooting along the surface of a root, rock or whatever without ever leaving it with the belly. This is why the are called „scooter loaches“. They feed on any fine food. It is very important to know that this loach will never pick food from the water column. They only feed on food which they come across during their restless „scoots“.

Lexicon: Barbucca: means „with a bearded cheek“; this refers to the tuberculate cheek patches of the males. diabolica: diabolical; refers to red shining eyes of the species.

For our customers: the fish have code 368702 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Nothobranchius rachovii

24. April 2020

Rachow´s Nothobranch (the species has been named to honour Arthur Rachow, thus the common name must end on a “w”), also called the bluefin notho, belongs not only to the longest-serving, but also to the timeless most beautiful species of killifish at all in our aquaria. Most often the orange colour morph is kept, which has been collected in 1958 near Beira and never disappeared since then, because enthusiastic hobbyist preserved them by breeding. For more informations, please see also http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fishes/killifish-en/nothobranchius-pienaari-en/

In the wild, these beautiful fish usually live for only a few months, after which their home waters dry up. But in the aquarium they can get much older, about one year. Important for the successful care is a very nutritious food (best worm food like Tubifex etc.), because the fish have a very fast metabolism. In nature, strong temperature fluctuations of the water of more than 10°C often occur in the day-night change. A daytime temperature of 24-25°C is favourable, at night the temperature may drop to room temperature (i.e. about 18°C). This temperature fluctuation is achieved quite simply by switching off the heater with the light at night. Even though the fish, which by the way become about 5 cm (males) and 4 cm (females) long, are rather indifferent to the chemical composition of the water, they are less susceptible to Oodinum in harder water.

Nothobranchius species are best kept in single-species tanks, they are hardly competitive against other fish.

For our customers: the animals have code 338003 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade. Only available in limited quantities!

Lexicon: Nothobranchius: Ancient Greek “nothos” = fake and “branchion” = gill; refers to the structure of the gills. rachovii: dedication name in honour of the German aquarist Arthur Rachow (1884-1960).

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pseudomugil furcatus (formerly Popondetta furcata)

24. April 2020

The blue-eyes Pseudomugil furcatus, relatives of the rainbow fish, originate from the island of New Guinea. However, there are never wild catches of the maximum 6 cm long, peaceful schooling fish on the market, but only offspring, all of which go back to a single collection in 1981. Since then they have been bred continuously. The natural distribution area is relatively small; the species occurs, as far as known, exclusively in the Sufia Valley, Papua New Guinea, where it lives in flowing waters. Together with P. furcatus the beautiful goby Tateurndina ocellicauda can be found (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/tateurndina_ocellicauda_en/). The water there is neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7-8) and 24-29°C warm; accordingly, P. furcatus is suitable for care and breeding in most common tap waters.

The nutritional requirements of Pseudomugil furcatus are easy to meet, a good dry food is completely sufficient as a basic diet, in addition fine live and frozen food of all kinds can be provided.

The aquarium for blue-eyes should contain a lot of free swimming space so that the fish can swim out and the males can fight out their harmless show fights, but also have a good background plantation of fine-grained plants (e.g. Myriophyllum), in which they spawn almost daily. The young fish are very small, but apart from that they are easy to raise. Pseudomugil do not exercise brood care, but they usually do not significantly feed on spawn and juveniles. Males and females can be easily distinguished by their different colouring and fin shape.

For our customers: the animals have code 444001 (sm) and 444002 (md) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Datnioides microlepis

23. April 2020

The Indonesian Tiger Fish (Datnioides microlepis) is without any doubt the most beautiful species of Tiger Perch. These large growing predators can reach a maximum length around 50 cm and are wonderful show fish for large aquaria. But the photographed fish are still young, 4-6 cm long.

There are two populations of this perch, one originating from the southeast Asian mainland (the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins, this population is sometimes regarded as a separate species, D. pulcher) which has invariably 5 bars, while specimens from Indonesia have an individually variable number of bars. Both have in common the double bar on the tail.

It is fascinating to observe how fast the fish can change their coloration. When the fish are in a cool mood, they show the typical dark bars on a light ground. When the fish are upset – for example on hunt – they become very dark within a glimpse. Even small tiger fish prefer other fish as food. The feeder fish are hunted by swimming after them or by lying in ambush. When the latter tactic is chosen, only the light blaze discloses the hunter. The remaining body melts optically with the background.

For our customers: the fish have code 414002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Datnioides: means “similar to Datnia”; Datnia is another genus of fish. microlepis: means “with small scales”. pulcher: means “beautiful”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Doryichthys martensii

21. April 2020

The up to 15 cm long becoming freshwater pipefish Doryichthys martensii is widespread in southeast Asia, one knows it from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. In nature, it is mainly found in flowing waters (streams, small rivers), where the animals can be found in the undergrowth of riparian vegetation. As with all pipefish, the male takes care of the brood and carries the eggs in the large and easily recognizable brood pouch until the young animals hatch. In other words: the males of D. martensii have, as with us humans, the thick belly, the females are always slim.

The adult pipefish live exclusively in freshwater, but it is not known whether the freshly born young animals may spend a period of their life in brackish water or in the sea. D. martensii lives more bottom-orientated than many other long-nosed pipefish species, but also often swims in open water. The species can easily be confused with Hippichthys spicifer, which looks very similar and also occurs in the same area. In H. spicifer the dorsal fin starts behind the anus (in Doryichthys before the anus) and H. spicifer has 9 caudal fin rays, Doryichthys 10.

Freshwater pipefish are care objects for advanced aquarists, which can especially meet the high food requirements of the animals. The needles only eat live food, such as Artemia nauplii, Cyclops, small water fleas etc. The water temperature can be between 22 and 28°C, the chemical composition of the water is not important, but the pH-value should be above 7 if possible.

For our customers: D. martensii has code 414301 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Guianacara dacrya

17. April 2020

The genus Guianacara currently comprises seven described species, all of which originate from the Guiana shield in South America. The genus was only established in 1989 and only one species – G. geayi – was known before; Pellegrin described it in 1909. From this one can already conclude that the species look quite similar. Before the genus Guianacra was established, the only known species G. geayi was listed in the genera Aequidens and Acarichthys. The aquarists who were lucky enough to get such animals speculated even then whether the different “colour forms” might not be independent species after all. Guianacara dacrya was described in 2011 and originates from the tributaries of the rivers Rio Branco and Essequibo.

Apart from minor anatomical differences, the species differ mainly in their colouring. This makes a determination quite difficult, because there are only a few cichlids that change their coloration as drastically as the Guianacara species, and that within seconds! The determination of our G. dacrya, which we are currently able to offer, was nevertheless easy, because they are bred ones and the breeders of such “special fish” usually know exactly which species they are looking after.

Guianacara are high backed, medium sized cichlids (12-15 cm), which reproduce as cave breeders with parent family. For cichlid conditions they can be considered peaceful, as cave breeders they do not dig excessively and plant food is not on their menu. This makes them ideal cichlids for larger community aquariums.

For our customers: the animals have code 682783 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Microctenopoma fasciolatum

17. April 2020

Within the African labyrinth fishes, the so-called bushfishes, one can roughly differentiate between two groups: those that do not care for their brood and those in which the males build a foam or bubble nest, into which they are spawned and which is guarded by the male until the young fish are independent. The latter group was separated from the other bushfish (Ctenopoma) as a second genus Microctenopoma. At present 12 species are scientifically known, but only four of them are occasionally kept in the aquarium, including Microctenopoma fasciolatum, which is actually widely distributed in the Congo basin. We have now once again received very nice wild catches from the area around Lac Mai Ndombe in Central Congo.

This beautiful bushfish grows about 8 cm long. Males and females differ mainly in the colouring of the fins: Males have spots in the caudal, dorsal, and anal fin which are missing in the females. In behaviour M. fasciolatum can best be compared with paradise fish (Macropodus). Like these they like to be quite rough with each other, which usually shows in fin damage. Also our new imports all have slight fin defects, but these heal quickly and without complications.

You should offer bushfish well planted, richly structured aquariums. It is best to keep them in the company of medium sized barbs or congo tetras. In the single species tank they are often shy and you will not see them often. The water temperature for maintenance should be not too high, preferably between 22 and 26°C, for breeding the temperature should be increased by 2-3°C. All usual fish food is eaten, preferably frozen and live food. Plants are neglected by bushfish.

For our customers: the animals have code 117002 (4-6 cm) and 117003 (6-8 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras orphnopterus

15. April 2020

216 scientifically described Corydoras species, of which 163 are generally accepted as valid (this number is, of course, constantly changing, as of March 2020), 159 C-numbers and 160 CW-numbers: one should think that gradually all Corydoras are sufficiently known. But there are still several species which are known only because of their scientific description and which are difficult to assign to living imported specimens.

One of these species is Corydoras orphnopterus which has been described in 1970. This long-nosed Corydoras catfish has the following unique combination of colour characteristics: it has a dark eye mask, a black spot in the dorsal fin, which is most intense at the front edge of the centre of the fin, a pattern of relatively small dots, which form three parallel lines on the caudal peduncle in the middle of the body, in the space between which the basic colour of the body – whitish – is lighter than on the rest of the body, resulting in two light bands and a pattern of approximately 6-7 thin bands in the caudal fin, which are dissolved into individual spots. C. orphnopterus has been described on the basis of three specimens collected by an unknown collector at an undocumented time in Ecuador (at the lower Rio Bobonaza between Montalvo (2°06’S, 76°59’W) and Chicherota (2°22’S, 76°38’W, province of Pastaza). The Rio Bobonaza belongs to the catchment area of the Rio Pastaza, which in turn flows into the Amazon in Peru.

For some years now, Corydoras orphnopterus from Peru has been offered, although comparatively rarely and at relatively high prices. Initially, the location where these animals were found was not known. For this reason, and because details of the colour pattern were coarser than in the holotype of C. orphnopterus, and because literally nothing is known about the colour variance of C. orphnopterus, these animals were called CW58 in the hobby as a precaution.

Now we succeeded in importing 40 specimens of this form. The exporter gave us the Rio Tigre as the collecting place. This river originates in Ecuador, also in the province of Pastaza, and flows into the Amazon in Peru. Our current import shows the large individual range of colour patterns typical for long-nosed corys. You can recognize each individual by its pattern of drawings. Among our animals there are some that correspond almost in every detail to the holotype of C. orphnopterus, as well as roughly patterned specimens of type CW58. In between there are all conceivable transitions. From the similar, also highly variable Corydoras leopardus, C. orphnopterus and CW58 are always distinguished by the dark eye-band, which is missing in C. leopardus.

Taking all the facts together, CW58 is a variant of Corydoras orphnopterus originating from the Rio Tigre according to current knowledge. There are still some doubts, because there are still no known living specimens from the Rio Bobonazo, but all in all it can be said that thanks to aquarium science a white spot on the map of knowledge about Corydoras could be filled with content.

For our customers: C. cf. orphnopterus from em Rio Tigre has code 238205 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Terapon jarbua

8. April 2020

This brackish water fish – adult Terapon jarbua usually live in the sea, juveniles in brackish water, but the species is euryhalin and can be found both in the sea and in freshwater – is widespread along the coasts of South East Asia to Australia and East Africa. From the Red Sea, T. jarbua has even migrated into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. However, this attractive fish, which can reach a length of up to approx. 35 cm, is only found comparatively rarely in trade. We have now once again received charming 2-3 cm long juveniles from Singapore.

Terapon jarbua changes its behaviour several times during its life. Small juveniles, like the ones we imported, are lively schooling fish that roam the shallow water. With a length of 5-6 cm they become sedentary and occupy small territories in sand pits. In this phase they are very quarrelsome against conspecifics. With the onset of sexual maturity, i.e. with 8-10 cm length, T. jarbua become swarm fish again and migrate together through the free water.

Little is known about the reproductive behaviour of the animals, they are said to spawn in the sea and the spawn is guarded by the male. The fish are very greedy and always need plenty of food. Well fed they are also less quarrelsome. The chemical composition of the water should always be considered: while the salt content may vary in a broad range, the pH-value should never drop below 8, otherwise T. jarbua will quickly show discomfort. The water temperature should be between 24 and 28°C.

For our customers: the animals have code 468001 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hemimyzon nanensis

6. April 2020

With the import of Hemimyzon nanensis we were once again able to fill a white spot on the map of fishes that have become known in the aquarium with content. At least for us it is a first import. Hemimyzon belongs to the family of hillstream loaches (Balitoridae) and is closely related to the genus Jinshaia. Both genera differ quite well from the other Balitoridae in that in Hemimyzon and Jishaia the pelvic fins are not merge together to form a sucking disc, but are still separate from each other. In Hemimyzon the caudal fin is straight cut off or slightly emarginated, in Jinshaia it is deeply forked.

The particularly interesting thing about H. nanensis is that all other species of the genus originate from China or Taiwan. H. nanensis, on the other hand, is found in the upper reaches of the Chao Phraya basin in northern Thailand. Like all hillstream loaches, H. nanensis loves strong currents and prefers to feed from solid substrate. The animals are very variable in colour and are peaceful among each other. You should not keep them too warm, 16-22°C are ideal. Very important is clear, oxygen-rich, bacteria-poor water, whose composition is otherwise rather secondary. A good lighting is favourable to promote algae growth. Many microorganisms live in the algae film and are used by H. nanensis as food.

Hemimyzon nanensis grows 6-8 cm long. Since these are fish for specialists, we have imported only a few specimens, all of which have already been sold.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tanichthys micagemmae – Jewel minnow

3. April 2020

Currently three species of the genus Tanichthys are known in the hobby: the White Cloud Mountain minnow Tanichthys albonubes, the Jewel Minnow, T. micagemmae, and T. kuehnei, which was termed T. sp. „Vietnam“ prior to its scientific description. The White Cloud is available exclusively as bred specimens, wheras the Jewel minnow is also imported as wild collected fish. The Jewel minnow has been discovered in 2001 in Central Vietnam.

The maximum size of the Jewel minnow is less than 3 cm, so the species is an ideal fish for the so-called nano-aquaria. Males and females can easily become distinguished by the shape and colour of dorsal and anal fin, which are much larger and more colorful in males.

The Jewel minnow should be kept and bred in schools. The fish are completely peaceful among any other fish. If they are kept in a one-species tank no additional heater is necessary in indoor aquaria. The species spawn in fine plant material. The offspring swims close under the water surface. If the parental are fed properly and with a good variety of food, usually some of the young survive even in the community tank (surface plants are necessary, especially Riccia).

Tanichthy micagemmae is a real jewel and every fishkeeper should have tried it.

For our customers: the fish have code 459002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply to the wholesale market.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pangio alternans

3. April 2020

Kuhlii loaches (Pangio) are very popular aquarium fish. They are cute, small and often colourful. In community aquariums the small water snakes act as a cleaning crew, which reliably prevents food residues from being left lying around. The animals are completely peaceful and love the company of conspecifics. Kuhlii loaches become restless before thunderstorms and then often swim hectically through the aquarium, thus indicating the weather; therefore, an aquarium with Kuhlii loaches must be covered absolutely gaplessly, otherwise the fish will emigrate.

It is important for the Kuhlii loaches care that the aquarium has been in operation for a while and that there are small accumulations of debris in it, which serve as an indispensable food supplement for the Kuhlii loaches.

As simple as their care is, as complicated is their species identification. This is due to the fact that it is mainly colour characteristics that distinguish the species, but the colouring is extremely variable. In some species there are hardly two individuals with exactly the same pattern.

Pangio alternans, a 6-7 cm long species from Borneo, also belongs to this category. In trade, hardly ever a distinction is made between the different species. We also buy them as “Kuhlii Loach” and sell them again under that name. In contrast to the “real” Pangio kuhlii, P. alternans does not have a white belly, but pyramid-like spots come up from the belly side. At least that’s the case with typical specimens. But there are also individuals which are striped like P. kuhlii and which can only be distinguished from P. kuhlii by the fact that P. alternans does not have a massive dark spot at the base of the caudal fin (P. kuhlii always has such a spot), but only a diffuse vertical strip in the otherwise colourless caudal fin.

To make things a bit more complicated: loach specialists believe that the animals shown here are not P. alternans at all, but a scientifically still undescribed species they call Pangio sp. PAN03.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Crenicichla sp. “regani-Orinoco”

1. April 2020

The pike cichlids (Crenicichla) are one of the most species-rich cichlid genera with 94 valid species at present. Many species grow to well over 20 cm in length and thus belong to the large cichlids, but there are also dwarf cichlids. The latter include the beautiful, slender C. regani, which according to literature should grow 15 cm long in the male sex and 8 cm in the female sex. Wild catches, as we usually have in stock, are however considerably smaller. The larger of the photographed animals, for example, which are already sexually mature, have a total length (i.e. with caudal fin) of 7 cm (males) and 5 cm (females), while the slightly smaller specimens from our current stock, which do not yet show any differences in colour, are only 1-2 cm smaller.

The species Crenicichla regani is widely distributed in Amazonia. Similar to the Tropheus cichlids in Lake Tanganyika, they form numerous geographical colour variants, of which it is unclear in individual cases whether they belong to the species C. regani, to the closely related species C. notophthalmus, C. wallacei or to a new species yet to be described.

In this category belong the beautiful animals that we regularly import from Venezuela and Colombia and call Crenicichla sp. “regani-Orinoco”. Characteristic for this species/population is the cherry-red edge around the eye spot (ocellus) in the dorsal fin of the female, which by the way is a sure sex difference; however, among the currently in our stock, about 45 specimens (4-7 cm long), not a single one shows a dorsal fin spot. As it is very unlikely that these are only males and that there are clearly animals with a “female figure” (i.e. a clearly rounder, reddish belly), we assume that the females probably still have to train the ocellus in the dorsal fin and are currently a little too young for this.

It is not difficult to keep these beautiful animals. But you should not put them in too small aquaria, they are very quarrelsome there. They eat coarse frozen and live food of all kinds. In nature the animals can be found in soft, very sour water. In the aquarium this is not so important, but you should keep the animals warm (27-32°C). All Crenicichla are cave breeders with parent family.

For our customers: the animals have code 672712 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Crenicichla: ancient Greek, means “Cichla with comb”; Cichla is another genus of cichlid. regani: dedication name for Charles Tate Regan (1878 – 1943), a famous ichthyologist at the British Museum in London.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Cyclocheilichthys janthochir

30. March 2020

Once more we have this beautiful species of shark in stock. Of course it belongs to the barb family, but species of several barb genera that have a similar body shape, are commonly called “shark” in the hobby. In our fishhouse it got the nickname “top-model-barb”, for it is very pretty, but looks also a bit skinny. However, Cyclocheilichthys janthochir is neither fastidious regarding food, nor uptight in any other way.

The species originates from the island of Borneo, where it occurs in typical black water. The maximum size reported is around 20 cm. Currently our specimens are 10-12 cm long. Each centimeter the fish grow they become more beautiful, for the fins become more and more red.

Cyclocheilichthys janthochir is a schooling fish and for sure an enrichment for any large community tank. The care temperature should be 24-28°C, delicate plants are in danger of being eaten. Any common fish food is accepted by the peaceful animals without any problems.

For our customers: the animals have code 412834 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hemirhamphodon tengah

27. March 2020

This pretty little fish is a challenge for experienced hobbyists. The species originates from Borneo. In contrast to the widespread prejudice halfbeaks of the genus Hemirhamphodon do not appear in brackish water; they are strictly bound to very soft and acidic water! These fishes are commonly found along with chocolate gouramis and small rasboras.

The other species of Hemirhamphodon are livebearers. Not so H. tengah: this is an egg-laying species. Breeding H. tengah is in most respects similar to breeding killifishes of the Apyhosemion-type. The females like to spawn in java moss, peat or in artificial breeding mops made of wool.

The fish are strictly surface-dwellers. They are not very demanding regarding food, but never take food from the bottom. So they should be fed with flakes and different types of live food. Small fruit flies (Drosophila) are a delicacy for Hemirhamphodon. Maximum length of the fish is about 6 cm.

For our customers: the fish have code 421552 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexikon. Hemirhamphodon: from ancient Greek, means about “with teeth on the halfbeak”. tengah: after the province Kalimantan tengah on Borneo, where the species has been collected initially.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

In order to inform you continuously about beautiful and interesting aquarium inhabitants, we have prepared some posts for later publication. This is one of them. Unfortunately the shown animals are already sold out, sorry.

Brachyplatystoma platynemum

27. March 2020

From Peru we have received some specimens of this very rarely imported catfish. The animals are in top condition and currently 10 – 12 cm long. Brachyplatystoma platynemum used to be placed in a separate genus, Goslinia, which is now a synonym for Brachyplatystoma. B. platynemum is distributed throughout the Amazon and Orinoco region and grows to about 1 m long in the Amazon, while the largest known B. platynemum from the Orinoco even measured 117 cm. As it is a popular food fish, one is well informed about average sizes. Males usually grow to about 65 cm and females to about 75 cm.

The special feature of this predatory catfish are the flattened barbels (platys = broad, nema = thread), which the fish always orientate perpendicular to the water current. They are lurking hunters, which usually rest on the large pelvic fins and hunt for prey fish of suitable size with their head pointing upwards and against the current. Like most predatory catfish, they are largely indifferent to each other and are also peaceful towards other fish that are not suitable as food. As a white water inhabitant B. platynemum does not make any noteworthy demands on the water composition, any common tap water is well suited for maintenance. The water temperature should be in the range of 24 to 28°C, but occasionally the fish tolerate higher or lower temperatures well.

For our customers: the fish have code 254782 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Triportheus cf. nematurus

25. March 2020

The unusual genus Triportheus contains very interesting, somewhat larger species. Depending on the species these fish attain a length of 15-25 cm. Currently 16 species are distinguished that inhabit all major river systems of South America. From time to time we import members of the genus from Paraguay. Two species can be found there, namely T. nematurus and T. pantanensis. Both species can be only told apart for sure by using a method that cannot be observed in live fish: the count of the gill rakers on the first gill arch. However, T. panatanesis is more deep-bodied than T. nematurus (although the measurements that express this overlap to a certain degree). This is why we suppose that our fsh belong to T. nematurus, this view is encouraged by the counts of the lateral scale row and details of the coloration.

T. nematurus becomes about 20 cm long. Like all species of Triportheus it has mighty pectoral muscles. This shows that the tetras – much alike the hatched fishes – jump out of the water when hunted by a predator and „fly“ for a short distance. The way this species feeds is also very interesting. In contrast to most other tetras, which are pickers, Triportheus slurps with many fast openings of the mouth the water surface and swirls small food particles in the mouth by doing so.

As a subtropical species it tolerates a relatively wide temperature range, which can be between 16°C (rarely even less) and 28°C during the season. Regarding the chemical composition of the water, these animals are undemanding, any drinking water is suitable for maintenance.

Breeding in the aquarium has not yet been reported, it has probably never been tried. As far as we know the animals are free spawners without brood care.

Adult narrow hatchetfishes have fold-out skin flaps on their lower lip, with the help of which they can survive in oxygen-poor waters. In such cases, the animals, which live close to the surface anyway, swim just below the water surface and swirl the air with the uppermost layer of water with rapid mouth movements. The skin lobes are able to absorb the oxygen that gets into the water in a way that is usable for the fish.

Triportherus are omnivores; in nature, insects that fall into the water should make up an important part of their diet. In the aquarium they take every usual ornamental fish food, big specimens become dangerous even for small mouth-sized fish.

For our customers: the fish have code 298401 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parambassis pulcinella

23. March 2020

Once more we were able to import the most peculiar species of glass perch: Parambassis pulcinella. This freshwater fish originates from clear streams in the border region between Thailand and Burma. The maximum size reported so far is about 10 cm. Against conspecifics the species is rather peaceful. They tend to tease each other sometimes over a short period, but this is harmless. It is best to keep this fish in groups of 8-10 specimens. In our experience, a strong current is very beneficial for the well-being of the animals. Like all glass perches, this species needs live and frozen food as food, dry food is usually refused.

Nobody knows what the odd hump is good for. But the males have a larger hump than the females, so the hump may have do something with the sexual life of the animals. However, nothing about the sexual life of Parambassis pulcinella is known yet.

For our customers: the fish have code 441294 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

L330 scientifically described: Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabianae

23. March 2020

Many fish scientists (ichthyologists) currently reject the concept of the subspecies. They argue that either there are definable characteristics, in which case it is a species, or there are no characteristics, in which case the form cannot be named. However, this concept has only limited relevance to reality; in the case of the large striped loricariid catfish from the relationship group around Panaque nigrolineatus, the Royal Plecos, it has been known for a long time that there are different looking populations in different river systems. They were given the L-numbers L 27 (Brazil: Rio Tocantins), LDA 63 (Brazil: Rio Xingu), LDA 77 (Brazil: Rio Tapajós = Panaque armbrusteri), L190 (Colombia/Venezuela: Rio Meta), L191 (Colombia: Rio Caqueta), L330 (Colombia: Rio Guaviare), L418 (Peru: Rio Tingo Maria), L488 (Brazil: Rio Aripuana); there is also the “Golden L27” from the Rio Araguaia in Brazil without a L-number.

L330 differs from L190 in age in that it develops a dot pattern instead of the longitudinal stripes (small young animals cannot be distinguished) and has considerably larger sensory papillae on the lower half of the mouth disc (compared to L190). L190 is considered to be the “typical” Panaque nigrolineatus, a species which was scientifically described as early as 1877. The occurrences of both L190 and L330 are in the upper reaches of rivers that belong to the Orinoco system, while the third Colombian, L191 (the “green” one, probably belonging to the species Panaque titan) comes from a river that drains towards the Amazon.

Due to the commercial importance of L330 and also because recent molecular studies have shown that L330 and L190 are probably not identical at species level, Armando Ortego-Lara and Nathan K. Lujan have decided to go against the trend and describe the population of the black stripe loricariid from the river system of the Rio Guaviare (L330) as a subspecies of Panaque nigrolineatus. L330 is now correctly named Panaque nigrolineatus laurafabianae, L190 Panaque nigrolineatus nigrolineatus.

The authors explicitly point out that there are specimens of P. n. nigrolineatus which show characteristics of P. n. laurafabianae as well as vice versa, but these are exceptions.

Both subspecies grow very large, well over 40 cm, and feed mainly on wood. As this is a very low-nutrient diet, the animals defecate abundantly. Larger specimens are also often incompatible with each other. One should therefore only buy Panaque nigrolineatus (no matter which form) if one has aquariums of an appropriate size.

Text: Frank Schäfer, photos: Frank Schäfer and Erwin Schraml

Corydoras cf. atropersonatus “Morocha“

20. March 2020

For the first time ever we have received a very attractive Corydoras (called „Moriocha“) from Peru (unfortunately not more details), which looks very similar to Corydoras atropersonatus (this species also comes from Peru – Rio Nanay basin – and we have received this at the same time), but is even more attractive.

Corydoras atropersonatus has been described by specimens from Ecuador (Rio Tigre basin). These show a few spots in the dorsal fin, which are located on the fin rays. The remaining fins show no spots. The muzzle is not dotted.

The C. atropersonatus (Rio Nanay) imported from Peru since years have no spots in the fins or on the muzzle.

The now imported “Morocha” (unknown catching place) have distinct spots in the dorsal fin, often on the fin rays, but also on the fin membranes, some animals have spots in the caudal fin and all have clearly dotted muzzles. In “Morocha” the spots on the body are also particularly numerous and contrasting.

For our customers: Corydoras cf. atropersonatus “Morocha” have code 222513 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Rasbora cephalotaenia

20. March 2020

One of the unfortunately very rare black water rasboras on offer is Rasbora cephalotaenia. The species is quite widespread on the Malay Peninsula to southern Thailand and on the large Sunda Islands (Borneo, Sumatra), presumably it is also found on smaller islands of the Sunda archipelago in suitable habitats. However, as peat swamps are drained all over South East Asia and used for oil palm plantations, this beautiful species is also endangered by environmental destruction.

As far as the water composition is concerned, Rasbora cephalotaenia are undemanding in themselves, at least as long as one does not want to breed; however, the beautiful colour marks, which are needed in the dark black water (practically no hardness, pH between 4 and 5) due to the poor underwater visibility to identify conspecifics, shine considerably more intensely in soft water tinted brownish by peat, dead leaves and alder cones.

Rasbora cephalotaenia grows to over 10 cm in length and is ideal for community aquariums, e.g. with harlequin barbs, labyrinths or catfish, given they are also blackwater inhabitants. The peaceful animals like to swim in a swarm with their conspecifics. They are free spawners without brood care. They eat all usual fish food. The water temperature should be between 24 and 28°C, for breeding 2-3°C higher.

For our customers: the fish have code 451602 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Moenkhausia hemigrammoides

18. March 2020

From Venezuela we recently received „feather tetras“. This is what we used to call tetras that have a striking black stripe in the anal fin, accompanied by a white line in front of it. In general, however, the term “feather tetra” is alternatively used to species of the genus Hemiodus or Hyphessobrycon copelandi. Our “feather tetra” was first identified by us as Hemigrammus unilineatus.

Hemigrammus unilineatus is the type species of the genus Hemigrammus. It has a double, namely Moenkhausia hemigrammoides. The only externally visible difference between these two species is the lateral line, i.e. the sensory organ running over the flanks of the fish. In Hemigrammus this sideline runs over half the body length (Hemi: half, grammus: drawn), in Moenkhausia it runs over the whole body length. This feature can be seen on sharp photos.

Until recently, Moenkhausia hemigrammoides was thought to occur only in the Guyana countries, while Hemigrammus unilineatus occurs there and also in large parts of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Bolivia; this explains why we first called our new imports H. unilineatus without much thought. But now we found the time to take a closer look at them and lo and behold: they have a complete lateral line, so it must be Moenkhausia hemigrammoides!

By chance, a study has just been published – in September 2019 – which for the first time describes the occurrence of M. hemigrammoides in Colombia (rivers Ariari and Inirida, both tributaries to the Rio Guaviare in the upper Orinoco basin), which makes the occurrence of the species in Venezuela very likely.

Moenkhausia hemigrammoides are very lively fish that constantly play with each other and rush through the aquarium in lightning-fast turns. The fish grow to about 4 cm in length (in nature the size of adult animals is between 2.1 and 3.3 cm, measured without caudal fin) and are therefore a real enrichment of the aquarium, even if they are not very conspicuous in colour.

For our customers: the animals have code 268653 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature:

Géry, J.(1965): Notes on characoid fishes collected in Surinam by Mr. HP Pijpers, with descriptions of new forms. Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde 35 (1): 101–126.

Méndez-López, A. & A. Urbano-Bonilla (2019): Moenkhausia hemigrammoides Géry, 1965 (Characidae, Stethaprioninae) in Colombia: new records and comments on morphology. Check List 15 (5): 867-874

Hypancistrus sp L471 “dwarf, big spots”

16. March 2020

From the Rio Ventuari in Venezuela we have received this extraordinarily beautiful Hypancistrus, which is very similar to H. inspector, H. contradens and L201, but has considerably larger spots, which also appear slightly yellowish. At least wild collected L471 seem to remain much smaller than the other mentioned Hypancistrus and hardly grow beyond 6 cm. Of course this makes them especially attractive for owners of smaller aquariums. However, offspring – the species is, like all Hypancistrus, a cave-breeder – can grow slightly larger (by 8 cm).

Important for the successful care of these otherwise undemanding animals are comparatively high water temperatures, which should be in the range of 26-30°C, and good filtration. Hypancistrus are not algae eaters, but prefer to eat frozen and dry food. A piece of raw potato, carrot or zucchini is also gnawed, but one should use these foods sparingly, as they pollute the water considerably when they start to rot.

For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 471-1 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Oryzias javanicus

13. March 2020

The rice fish (Oryzias) have been in the focus of aquarists for several years. First the fantastically colored O. woworae were discovered on Sulawesi, then the Japanese Medakas (O. latipes) experienced a renaissance, because many interesting new breeding forms developed. Most species of the genus, which comprises more than 30 species, occur quite locally. Two species, however, have a wide distribution because they are so salt-tolerant that they can even tolerate pure seawater: Oryzias dancena and O. javanicus. They are therefore found in nature not only in fresh water, but also in brackish water and along the coasts of South and Southeast Asia.

We were able to import a nice number of wild Oryzias from Sumatra, which must have been one of the two species. Oryzias dancena and O. javanicus are very similar, females can hardly be distinguished. In O. dancena the males have silver-white fin seams, but lack the yellow stripes in the caudal fin that distinguish the males of O. javanicus. In both species the males develop long, free fin rays in the anal fin, the edge of which is smooth in the females. Our current imports could be identified as O. javanicus based on the above mentioned characteristics.

Basically it doesn’t matter which of the two species you care for, both are very pretty, peaceful, small (3-4 cm) and easy to care for. They are also easy to breed, the females carry the eggs in the form of grape-like bundles for a while before they shed them in plants etc., as is common with Oryzias. But as both species can crossbreed, the hybrids often have many deformations and are not breedable in the long run, it is better not to mix the two species in the aquarium.

For our customers: Oryzias javanicus has code 339703 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brittanichthys axelrodi

13. March 2020

From the catchment area of the Rio Negro these interesting, rarely traded characins reached us. Brittanichthys axelrodi is a true black water fish, which should be kept at pH 4.5 – 6 and low hardness.

Filtering via peat can be very helpful here. In addition to improving the chemical parameters, the bactericidal effect of peat also reduces the bacterial pressure in the aquarium. These small treasures grow to a maximum size of 4 cm.

During the acclimatisation period, small live food such as Artemia nauplii or sieved pond food should be fed, frozen food is also accepted, a change to dry food can also be tried.

There are indications of internal fertilization: during scientific research sperm have been found in females. The males can be recognized by the strange glandular scales in the caudal fin, whose meaning is unknown.

Peter and Martin Hoffmann published a detailed breeding report in the German magazine DATZ (Issue 3/2010, page 18)

For our customers: the animals have code 211903 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pseudochalceus kyburzi

11. March 2020

After several years we finally were able again to import this very beautiful tetra from Colombia once more. This species attains usually a length of about 5 cm, the largest one reported had about 8 cm in length. In respect of the general look and the behaviour Pseudochalceus kyburzi can be best compared with the emperor tetras (Nematobrycon). By the way: the species name – kyburzi – was chosen to honour the discoverer of the emperor tetra, William A. Kyburz of Colombia, at the time a famous exporter of ornamental fish.

We have received some fully grown animals in the current import. The large male, which serves as model here, measures a stately 6.5 cm. Among themselves these fish are always out for quarrels. If you look into the mouth of the big male, you know why the fins of most of the specimens make a slightly disheveled impression, very similar to what you know from many blood tetras: there is an impressive battery of teeth! But a plenty of food keeps damage within limits and the fins heal quickly.

For our customers: the fish has code 283802 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pseudorinelepis sp. L95

9. March 2020

The loricariids of the genus Pseudorinelepis are the most heavily armored loricariids at all. They are widely distributed in the basins of the large South American rivers Amazon and Orinoco. The imported animals often look a little bit different, but scientifically only one species, P. genibarbis, is recognized at present. The coloration varies greatly individually, geographically and also depending on the aquarium’s setup.

Aquarists agree that L95 from the Rio Negro, there again from the Rio Demini, is the most attractive form of the complex and that it is probably a species to be distinguished from P. genibarbis. The animals are unfortunately only available comparatively rarely and so we are very happy that we have once again succeeded in importing them. Besides some 10-12 cm long animals (we obtained for the first time animals in that handy size!) we also have a 25-30 cm long specimen in stock.

L95 grows up to half a meter long and large specimens are extremely incompatible with each other. So if you want to take care of these beautiful animals, you have to provide a really big aquarium. Concerning water composition and food supply (the animals feed mainly vegetable) L95 are undemanding, but the water temperature should not fall below 24°C for long periods of time.

For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 095-2 (10-12 cm) and 26480-L 095-7 (25-30 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Puntioplites falcifer

6. March 2020

These large barbs differ from all other barb relatives by an easily recognisable external feature, namely a strong ossified anal fin spine, which can be smooth or serrated. Within the Cyprinidae in a broader sense only carp and crucian carp show this anatomical feature, but these two genera are not barbs.

So while the genus Puntioplites can be easily recognized, the species is quite different. Usually four species are recognized, two with serrated anal fin spines (P. falcifer and P. proctozysron) and two with smooth ones (P. bulu and P. waandersi). P. falcifer is probably the most attractive species, it has long, orange fins, those of P. proctozysron are said to be dark. P. bulu has a vertical banding and P. waandersi does not. All species grow 30-50 cm long and have a high amount of vegetable food on the menu. Not much can be said about the care of the currently 12-15 cm long animals, but they are attractive fish that are also interesting for public aquariums. In behaviour they are rather to be classified as calm, they completely lack the headless panic-mongering that many other larger barbs show during the acclimatisation phase. P. falcifer occurs in the large southeast-asian streams Mekong, Xe Bangfai and Nam Theun.

For our customers: the animals have code 447554 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Paedocypris: the smallest fish in the world

6. March 2020

With a length of 7 mm the females of the smallest fish species in the world, Paedocypris progenetica, become sexually mature. And also the two other scientifically described species, P. carbunculus and P. micromegethes, grow only a few mm longer. All species occur in very acidic black waters in Indonesia and Malaysia. The genus name “Paedocypris” means something like “child carp” and wants to suggest that these dwarfs become sexually mature as larvae, because even fully adult Paedocypris show anatomical features that are otherwise only found in fish larvae.

We could finally import these interesting dwarfs in good numbers and condition, after occasional attempts in the years before could not satisfy. The key to success lies in the catching technique. These tiny creatures should not be exposed to the air if possible. If you catch them with a scoop, i.e. always leave them under water, they are by no means sensitive.

What species we actually have is not entirely certain. Males that are active in mating are crystal red and have a red mark on their head that is used as a blinking light to lure the females to the spawning ground. They spawn in a belly up position, the eggs are attached to the underside of plant leaves. Usually this Paedocypris species is referred to as P. carbunculus, which we neither exclude nor want to confirm with certainty, since we do not know the exact origin, without which a reliable determination is not possible. It is assumed that there are still a number of scientifically undescribed Paedocypris species.

For our customers: the animals have code 441268 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Betta raja

4. March 2020

With 73 species generally regarded as valid, the genus Betta has become rather confusing and without knowledge of the origin, even specialists find it difficult to identify the species. We have just received very beautiful mouth-breeding Bettas from Sumatra, including Betta raja.

Betta raja belongs to the closer relatives of Betta pugnax. The most reliable identification feature are the extremely long ventral fins of the males, which almost reach the caudal fin when put on. The pelvic fins are also the best distinguishing feature of the sexes, because those of the females are usually much shorter than those of the males. Additionally the males have a blue-green face mask and a wonderfully long caudal fin.

So far Betta raja, which by the way was only scientifically described in 2005, has been confirmed on Sumatra by the following sites: Lowland swamp forests of the Batang Hari Basin in Jambi, the northern part of Sumatra Selatan, the Indragiri Basin in Riau and the eastern part of Sumatra Barat in Sijunjung. Before the scientific description of the species, it was often confused with the species Betta schalleri, which was already described in 1994. Betta schalleri looks extremely similar, but only occurs on the relatively small island of Bangka off the coast of Sumatra.

With a body length of 6-7 cm (without fins) Betta raja belongs to the medium sized Betta species. They are peaceful, somewhat shy animals that are best kept in company with conspecifics and other calm and peaceful fish. They go down in rough company. Betta raja are undemanding in terms of water values, except for breeding. Then you should offer soft and slightly acidic water to the mouth breeders in the male sex. The care temperature should be 24-26°C, for breeding 2-3°C warmer.

For our customers: the animals have code 387564 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Garra lissorhynchus

2. March 2020

Algae eaters do not have to be pretty, they should eat algae. This basic motto also applies to Garra lissorhynchus, for which the name “chocolate algae eater” was coined to promote sales, but which is mainly dressed by friendly grey tones. The 1-3 cm long juveniles of this species, which comes from India, or more precisely from the Khasi Hills on the edge of the Himalayas in northeastern India, are among the best algae eaters of all that are available for the aquarium. In this size the fish are very adaptable; in nature the pH-value of the waters fluctuates between pH 4.5 and 9 throughout the year and the water temperature can be 16-28°C, depending on the season. A fish that lives there must be correspondingly adaptable.

Unfortunately only the young are really good algae eaters. Adult specimens of practically all algae eaters need only little energy (young animals need a lot, they want to grow and algae are a low-nutrient food, therefore the diligence) and therefore adult algae eaters usually cover their nutrient requirements with the food of the other aquarium fish.

Our shipments of Garra lissorhynchus almost always contain other species of algae eaters as by-catch, mostly Garra gotyla and Tariqilabeo latius (formerly Crossocheilus latius). We cannot sort them without risking damage to the animals, so we leave that alone. Since all three species are equally excellent algae eaters, it doesn’t matter.

For our customers: Garra lissorhynchus has code 416261 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Colombia… a journey to the habitats of our fish Part 2

28. February 2020

After our excursion to the Rio Guaviare we went by boat in direction to Rio Inirida, up the river of the same name up to the Caño Bocón. The Caño Bocón is a small tributary of the Rio Inirida that carries black water. Leonell catches his fish here, which we later keep in our aquariums in Germany. But until the time comes, the fish are kept about three hours upstream at a collecting point in large outdoor ponds with fresh water supply. Many of the fish we know swim here in 26°C warm water with a pH value of 4.2 and 21 microsimens, such as Paracheirodon simulans (GERY, 1963), the blue neon or Crenuchus spilurus GÜNTHER, 1863, a magnificent tetra.

Boulengerella lateristriga (BOULENGER, 1895), Rio Inirida

Hydrolycus armatus (JARDINE, 1841), Rio Inirida

We used our stay at Caño Bocón to fish a smaller inflow, the Caño Jota in the estuary area. This small inflow had everything what one imagines from a small jungle creek, if …yes, if there were not an infinite number of small blackflies that could make the life hell. Since we arrived here in the early afternoon, we only had to dress up thick until sunset to avoid being completely bitten. During the night and the following morning we had the opportunity to look for fish without blackflies. Since such places with lots of blackflies are not really popular, we drove down the Caño Bocón again towards Rio Inirida around noon.

Brycon amazonicus (SPIX & AGASSIZ, 1829)

Dicrossus gladicauda SCHINDLER & STAECK, 2008

Crenuchus spilurus GÜNTHER, 1863 from the Caño Jota

Collecting station at Caño Bocón, Roland Rietsch measuring water chemistry

The catch of a fisherman on the Caño Bocón is examined

Chelonoidis denticulatus (LINNAEUS, 1766) a forest turtle in the village of Comunidad Remanso

Roland Rietsch films in a clear water tributary to the Rio Inirida

The following day we reached the Comunidad Remanso at the Rio Inirida, there are the last foothills of the Guyana Shield. Three round granite rocks, the Cerro Mavicure, Mono & Pajarito form a natural obstacle for the Rio Inirida, with a big rapids. Here it was also possible to stay for three days to explore the surrounding area. We circumnavigated the Cerro Pajarito in a day trip and in the evening we fell in our hammocks from the manifold impressions of the day. A little above the rapids there is a small black water inflow of the Caño San Joaquin, which turned out to be an interesting fishing water for us. On the way back to Puerto Inirida, we made a short stop to climb the Cerro Mavicure and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking landscape of the Guyana Shield. In Puerto Inrida we visited the export station of Leonell and accommodated our self-caught fish there.

View from Cerro Mavicure to the Cerro Mono & Pajarito

View from Cerro Mavicure to the rapids of Rio Inirida

Brycon falcatus MÜLLER & TROSCHEL, 1845 a common tetra in the region

Apistogramma lineata MESA & LASSO, 2011, male

Lonchogenys ilisha MYERS, 1927, a typical blackwater fish with large eyes from the Caño San Joaquin

Export station in Puerto Inirida by Leonell, we get to choose fish

Export station in Puerto Inirida, fish bags for the weekly transport to Bogota and Europe are prepared

Bryconops caudomaculatus (GÜNTHER, 1864) a common inhabitant of the Orinoco system

Hemiloricaria formosa (ISBRÜCKER & NIJSSEN, 1979)

We took the opportunity to look for interesting fish in Leonell’s ponds, which we could have sent to Germany with the fish we caught ourselves.
The end of the really great fishing tour was at Caño Coco, which is a tributary of the Rio Atabapo and of course also hosts some of the species that are found there.

Our tourguide and fish collector Leonell

A big thank you to Aquarium Glaser, as well as to Leonell, his son Camillo and our Indian boatman Kortez, without whom this tour would not have been possible.

Text, pictures and film: Thomas Große

Part one of the story can be found here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/colombia-a-journey-to-the-habitats-of-our-fishes/

Indostomus paradoxus

27. February 2020

The Burmese Dwarf Stickleback or Paradox Fish, Indostomus paradoxus is a tiny species, it becomes only 2-3 cm long and originates from the northern parts of Burma. The charming creature should be kept in single species tanks, so called nano-tanks fit perfectly. Indostomus are very peaceful against conspecifics, but they are too weak to compete with other species. The Paradox Fish feeds exclusively on small live food.

The species should be kept best at room temperature (18-22°C), the water should be medium hard to hard and the pH should be around 6.5 – 8. Despite its diminutiveness the fish is rather hardy and can live for a long time in aquaria. It has been bred occassionally already, females become larger than males, otherwise the sexes are difficult to distinguish. The Burmese Dwarf Stickleback breeds in caves like bamboo stems etc..

For our customers: the fish have code 421713 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Indostomus: means about “with a very tiny mouth”. paradoxus: means “very strange, paradox”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Potamotrygon orbignyi BRED and P. sp. Mantilla PERU

24. February 2020

For the first time we can offer a good number of German offspring of the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon orbignyi. Because of the extreme variability in colour this species, which was already scientifically described in 1855, is difficult to determine. The type specimen that Castelnau had at hand came from the Rio Tocantins in Brazil. As there are rays of this type in practically the whole of tropical South America east of the Andes, the question now is whether they all represent the same species, or whether they are in fact not just similar-looking but different animals.

The offsprings now show very nicely that the high colour variability, which is observed in imports, also occurs in the offsprings. From strongly patterned to almost monochrome ochre-coloured animals everything is represented. As a constant colour feature, a dark line behind the spiracle (i.e. the gill opening on the backside) shows up; possibly this inconspicuous detail plays a bigger role in the determination than was previously thought. After all, this colour feature is also visible in the drawing of the type specimen from 1855, which, as a dry preparation, hardly shows any colour features.

We got one single specimen of an extremely unusual ray from Peru; it is a female. In terms of colour, it is completely similar to a ray that is called P. sp. Mantilla and that we previously received from Paraguay (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/potamotrygon-sp-mantilla-ray-en/). It may be a rare colour variation of the Potamotrygon tatianae, which was described in 2011 (this species was usually assigned to P. castexi before it was described and exported from Peru as “Otorongo” or “Tigrillo” ray). In any case this beautiful animal is a fish for people with a thirst for research and a very large aquarium, because it can be expected that the animal will reach a good 60 cm disc diameter.

Potamotrygon orbignyi belongs to the comparatively smaller species and reaches “only” about 35 cm disc diameter.

For our customers: the offspring of P. orbignyi have code 282673 and the Mantilla Ray code 282534 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Nimbochromis livingstonii

21. February 2020

The genus Nimbochromis is probably best known to aquarists through the “sleeper”, N. livingstonii. All Nimbochromis species have a camouflage pattern of irregular brown spots. N. livingstonii uses this to imitate a decaying fish, because fish carrion look very similarly spotted. So the sleeper lies on his side on the ground and plays dead fish. Unsuspecting young fish that want to eat from the carrion are thus attracted and land in the stomach of the sleeper.

The animal received the name “sleeper” from the fishermen of Lake Malawi, who were able to observe the unusual lying around of the perch, which grows to over 20 cm in length, through the often crystal clear water of the lake. The sleeper is found seawide, local forms are not known in the hobby. Among each other the animals are quite aggressive, therefore they should be kept in as large groups as possible and with (robust and sufficiently large!) accompanying fish, but not with other Nimbochromis species, as the animals can hybridize.

Very interesting is that each sleeper has an individual spot pattern, possibly this prevents the prey fish from adapting to a certain enemy image, which would reduce the hunting success. In other Lake Malawi cichlids the body pattern is usually so constant that it can be used as a species characteristic.

For our customers: the animals have code 530003 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras robustus

21. February 2020

This Corydoras belongs with 9-10 cm of total-length to the biggest and most splendid species of the genus at all. Both sexes develop, when they are sexually active, long dorsal fins. The males can be recognized by the additional long ventral fins. At the moment we have wonderful, fully grown, well settled animals in stock. More photos of sexually active animals can be found here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/corydoras_robustus_en/.

For our customers: the fish have code 244106 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Pethia bandula

19. February 2020

In the south of India and on the opposite island of Sri Lanka there is a small group of barb species that look very similar. All three are wonderful aquarium fish, one of them, the black ruby barb Pethia nigrofasciata, was already known and loved by our aquaristic grandfathers.

A second species, Pethia narayani, is so to speak the black ruby barb barb in orange and pinbk. Although it was scientifically described as early as 1937, this species, which is only known from the Cauvery River, Western Ghats, southern India, has always remained a rarity in the hobby.

The third species, P. bandula, which like B. nigrofasciata originates from Sri Lanka, is even rarer in the aquarium. This is a great pity, because this species is threatened with extinction in nature. It would therefore be desirable if more of these beautiful fish would be sold to ensure the survival of the species at least in the aquarium.

In nature the species inhabits an area of only 4 km2. Until recently, the main threat was the accumulation of pesticides from the rice fields in the area where the species occurs, now drought events due to climate change are added to this. It is to be feared that the species will become completely extinct in nature.

For a long time now, we have once again had Bandula barbs on offer, European bred ones. As they only give a hint of the beauty of adult animals, Ingo Seidel kindly (fame and honour for Ingo!) gave us a picture of an adult male.

For our customers: P. bandula has code 368903 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pseudacanthicus leopardus LDA7

17. February 2020

Species of Pseudacanthicus are also known under their popular name “cactus catfish”, for the species are very spiny and it is no good idea to catch a larger specimen with bare hands. Some species of Pseudacanthicus can reach one metre in length, but there are other species that grow up only to 25 cm. As a rule one must be aware that Pseudacanthicus become bigger than many other common aquarium fish. Larger specimens are quarrelsome against congeneers and so spacy tanks with a lot of hiding places are needed for Pseudacanthicus. On the other hand there are reports of successful breeding of some species in the aquarium. The fish are typical cave brooders. Male are more robust than females (they have especially a broader and heavier head) and have more spines during breeding season.

One of the most popular Pseudacanthicus is L114 which originates from the middle Rio Negro basin in Brazil. This cactus cat was thought to represent the described species Pseudacanthicus leopardus for a long time. However, the real P. leopardus originates from the border region of Brazil and Guyana. There are only very few catchers of ornamental fish in that region and so we are very proud that we were successful in importing a good number of the real P. leopardus in different sizes now. They were collected in the Takutu river that belongs to the system of the upper Rio Branco.

Compared with L114 the fish are much flatter and have a slighly different coloration.

Almost simultaneously the numbers L114 and LDA7 were given for the same fish in different magazines. Both numbers refer to the Pseudacanthicus from the middle Rio Negro. However, when the „real“ Pseudacanthicus leopardus appeared in the ornamental fish trade, the number LDA7 was used for that fish from then on. Despite this is „technically“ wrong, the number LDA7 as a popular name is very well established among hobbyists for Pseudacanthicus leopardus to distinguish it from the similar L114.

For our customers: the fish have code 26480-LDA 007-3 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply to the wholesale market.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Elassoma evergladei

14. February 2020

The pygmy sunfish, Elassoma evergladei, is a real classic among the dwarf fish. Many generations of hobbyists already enjoyed keeping and breeding the tiny species. It is best kept in a small single species tank that should not be heated.

For our customers: the fish have code 404603 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Sundadanio retiarius

14. February 2020

The dwarf-fish of the genus Sundadanio become only 1,5-2 cm long. They are strongly adapted to black water and require careful acclimatisation. Especially the parasite Piscinoodinum makes life difficult for the tiny fish and is also very difficult to detect on the small fish bodies. Once successfully acclimated, Sundadanio are surprisingly tough fellows that you can enjoy for many years.

For many years only one species was known, which found its way into the aquarium as Rasbora axelrodi, and in which different colour varieties were distinguished. In the meantime, there is a consensus that these are not variants, but independent species. Sundadanio retiarius of Borneo (Central Kalimantan) was known in the hobby as Rasbora axelrodi “Red” before its scientific naming. The males can be recognized by the black front anal fin rays, they also grow larger than the females. We currently have a good number of this rarity in stock.

For our customers: the animals have code 450513 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Cichlasoma boliviense

12. February 2020

In the past, the genus Cichlasoma included practically all the larger Central and South American cichlids, more than 200 species; currently there are only 16 species in the genus, all were cultivated and valued in the early days of aquarium science as Aequidens portalegrense. It is rarely possible to distinguish the 16 scientifically described Cichlasoma species with certainty, as they form numerous colour and local variants. If – as in the present case – the original location is unknown, one can only roughly indicate to which species the animals are closest.

The very beautiful Cichlasoma, which we can offer as offspring from a German breeder, were discovered by him in a pet shop; these animals were probably already bred. They are obviously the closest to the species Cichlasoma boliviense.

All Cichlasoma species in the narrower sense are comparatively tolerable, calm cichlids; the larger the aquarium, the less important are occasional digging and the very rare tantrums. C. boliviense grows to about 14 cm in length, but is already capable to breed when half grown. The species is temperature tolerant (20-28°C) and can be kept in any water that is suitable for drinking. The animals are open spawners and form a parent family. If a pair leads their offspring, there should be plenty of hiding places available for possible tankmates, because C. boliviense are very good parents who do not allow other fish to eat their cubs…

For our customers: the animals have code 641102 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text: Frank Schäfer, photos: Thilo Hanold

Biotodoma cupido Peru

10. February 2020

The small cichlid Biotodoma cupido – the species can attain a maximum length of about 12-15 cm, but is sexually mature already at 6-8 cm total length – is probably the species of cichlid with the widest distribution in Amazonia. However, experts are merrily discordant wether all the different looking populations represent only varieties of the same species or represent different species on their own.

May that be as it is: the specimens originating from the vicinity of Iquitos in Peru can be easily recognized by the large, bronce- or copper-colored spot that is exhibited by the male and that makes the fish very attractive. Females lack this spot and sometimes have also a differently-shaped dorsal spot. We have a video of our current import online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZFRAksTFew

The fish are very peaceful – except when they start breeding. Then the openbrooding species becomes very aggressive against tankmates. These fish prefer water with some current in the wild. Otherwise they are very adaptive and some populations of Biotodoma can be found even in tidal zones.

For our customers: the animals have code 634005 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Biotodoma: means “house of life”; formerly scientists believed the species would be mouthbrooding. cupido: after a Roman God of love.

Common name: Cupido cichlid.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Chromaphyosemion bitaeniatum IJEBU ODE

8. February 2020

Finally we have once again this beautiful killi as German offspring in our stock. The species grows 4-5 cm long.

Unfortunately, this magnificent killi is offered only very rarely. At the moment we have some of these offspring from the population Ijebu Ode (Nigeria, state of Ogun) in stock, fully colored and very colorful. This species is well suited for community aquariums with peaceful small fish (characins, barbs, catfish etc.).

For our customers: the fish have code 305312 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale. Only available in limited quantities!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Serrasalmus geryi

8. February 2020

If ichthyologists were superstitious, they would surely believe that Serrasalmus geryi was sent to them so that they would not despair. No other species of piranha can be identified at all stages of its life as reliably and unequivocally as this endemic (i.e. it occurs exclusively there) of the Rio Tocantins in Brazil. The reddish-brown eel-stripe makes S. geryi, which grows 20-25 cm long, unmistakable.

In nature this species, like probably most Serrasalmus species, is a rather solitary fin-eater. But there are some aquarists who successfully keep this piranha in groups and even breeding has been successful.

So a Piranha-fan known to us has maintained a functioning group S. geryi for several years, which was gradually brought together. The eight animals first swam together for about 2 years in a 1,000 litre, very elongated aquarium. Swarm behaviour could not be observed. Afterwards the animals were between 17 and 24 (!) cm long.

Spawning occurred when the fish had to be temporarily transferred to a much smaller tank for four weeks due to a hospital stay, in which NO water change was carried out over the period of four weeks. Apparently these piranhas spawn in nature under dry season conditions. Only one pair was involved in spawning (no external sex differences could be seen), no brood care was exhibited and the fish acted as free spawners.

Currently we have some very nice wild catches of this species of 10-12 cm length in stock.

For our customers: the animals have code 291904 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Discus Rosé Lake Tureré

5. February 2020

The approximately 300 km long Nhamundá River, one of the smaller left hand tributaries of the Amazon, forms the border between the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará. Near the mouth of the Nhamundá River into the Amazon lies the city of Nhamundá. The estuary is basically a large lake district. One of these estuary lakes is Lago Tureré.

The Nhamundá discus have long been famous and sought-after aquarium fish. They differ from the majority of the other brown and blue discus in that males and females are often of different colours. There are especially many females here, which correspond more to the type of the brown discus and – especially in the front third of the body – show an intensive red coloration. Many males, however, correspond to the blue discus, often they are so-called Royal Blue. Although this distinction is not very sharp (there are also females of the blue type), it is striking and characteristic.

We currently have wonderful wild catches of the Nhamundá discus from Lago Tureré in our stock. The animals have grown perfectly and look like painted – a dream!

For our customers: the fish have code 731444 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

L128 Blue Phantom

3. February 2020

There is no „official“ paper that states in which genus this popular species from Venezuela should be placed in, but the catfish community agrees that it most probably is a member of the genus Hemiancistrus. Currently we have very nice youngsters of 3-4 cm length in stock, and some smaller as well as some larger specimens, too. The species attains a length over 25 cm. The fish have an individually differing pattern.

Keeping L128 is not difficult at all. However, one should use not too small tanks, as the fish attains a respecatble length. It is important to keep these suckers at comparatively high temperatures. The Orinoco river always has 28-33°C where they are collected. So water temperature should not fall below 25°C for longer periods.

For our customers: the fish have code 26480-L 128-1 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Uaru amphiacanthoides WILD

31. January 2020

Within the genus Uaru only two species are scientifically distinguished at present: U. amphiacanthoides and U. fernandezyepezi. However, there are different local variants of U. amphiacanthoides, which differ in the size and position of the lateral spot. Right now we can offer wonderful, large and three-quarter sized wild catches from the Rio Negro in Brazil.

Additionally we have juvenile Uaru amphiacanthoides offspring. Only few cichlids change their colouring so drastically during growth as the triangle cichlid, Uaru amphiacanthoides. By the way, Uaru are close relatives of the discus cichlids and are very similar in behaviour. However, Uaru are mainly vegetarians.

For our customers: the offspring (4-6 cm) have code 688502, the wildcatch 12-15 cm have code 688516 and the wildcatch 16-20 cm have code 688518 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Bunocephalus coracoideus

31. January 2020

Banjo catfish (Bunocephalus) are very common in nature. That is why we always have them on offer. Mostly we call them Bunocephalus coracoideus, which may be correct in many cases. But if you look into such a swarm of banjo catfish you will notice that there are always other species in between. Usually they cannot be determined with reasonable effort and certainly not sorted, but it is very exciting to raise and observe a group of maybe 20 of these animals in the aquarium. Then you notice how variable in colouration these animals are, that there are clear differences in anatomy (especially the bone ridges along the middle of the back in front of the dorsal fin) and also that some species prefer much more to burry themselves in the sand in than others.

We currently have very nice banjo catfish from Colombia and Venezuela in stock.

For our customers: the animals have code 212903 (4-6 cm) and 212904 (5-8 cm) in stock. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Channa melanoptera

29. January 2020

Channa melanoptera from Indonesia belongs with a maximum length of 65 cm to the large Channa species from the species group around Channa marulius. Like all species of this group, C. melanoptera undergoes a drastic colour change from youth to adult. Right now we have lovely young animals of about 4-5 cm length in stock.

When buying them, you should consider the attainable final size. Even if in nature usually “only” 30-40 cm length is reached, the fish in the aquarium can grow up to record sizes because of the considerably longer life time in the aquarium, the better food supply and the good medical care. Juveniles in baby pattern are schooling fish, later they are solitary. However, Channa melanoptera, even as a semi-strong and sexually mature fish, is much less quarrelsome towards conspecifics than is known from many considerably smaller species.

For our customers: the animals have code 409141 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Wakin goldfish Hoe Kim

27. January 2020

One of the earliest fin changes to occur in goldfish is a doubling of the caudal fin, a mutation that occurs exclusively in the species „goldfish“. Simple goldfish with a double caudal fin are called Wakin.

The red-and-white fish is one of the most common and most beautiful colour variations of the goldfish. One calls red-white-colored animals Sarasa. The Sarasa-Wakin is also called Wakin Hoe Kim.

Wakin goldfish are also completely winter hardy here. One must consider however that the animals are bred in tropical Asia and are used to higher water temperatures (18-24°C). Therefore, they should be kept indoors until the water temperature in the pond is permanently above 16°C, unless the pond is heatable. In the autumn, the fish kept during the warm season in the pond will get used to the gradually sinking temperatures without any problems.

Wakin goldfish, just like the basic form, usually grow to 15-20 cm long, with a maximum length of approx. 30 cm.

For our customers: the animals have code 808702 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Nannostomus anduzei

24. January 2020

Finally we could import one of the smallest fish species of the Amazon basin again: Nannostomus anduzei. They stay – including the tail fin – usually smaller than 2 cm. Our current import came via Manaus, so they are Brazilian animals; the specimens on which the original description was based came from the department Amazonas in Venezuela. Optically there is no difference between the Venezuelan and Brazilian animals. A detailed breeding report about these minature fish can be found here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/nannostomus-anduzei/

For our customers: the animals have code 271352 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Dianema urostriatum

24. January 2020

The most beautiful species of the Callichthyinae relationship is undoubtedly Dianema urostriatum. The striking black and white striped caudal fin indicates its origin: water coloured dark brown by humic substances. Here, fish that prefer to live in groups need signals that allow them to recognize themselves even in poor visibility. Cardinal tetras, which live in the same biotope, have their neon stripe, Dianema urostriatum the striped tail fin.

They are peaceful journeymen, that hardly become dangerous to other fish despite the stately size (over 10 cm); they have only a small mouth. They feed on every usual dry, frost and live-food for ornamental-fish; plants are not bothered. In contrast to most other related species, D. urostriatum much is on the move in the free water. The males build a foam-nest in the bredding season, similarly like the labyrinth-fish, and guard the spawn until the free-swimming of the young.

For our customers: the animals have code 251705 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ancistrus leucostictus

22. January 2020

From the Guyana states (French Guiana, Guyana and Surinam) there are for various reasons hardly any commercial ornamental fish exports. The ornamental fish originating there, e.g. the glow-light tetra, are therefore practically exclusively traded as bred specimens. This is also true for Ancistrus leucostictus, which was brought back from a tributary of the Mazaruni River near its confluence with the Essequibo River by traveling aquarists in 2000.

In the same year the breeding of the comparatively small species (10-12 cm total length, the bristle-bearing males on the photos are about 6 cm long) succeeded and since then the animal is maintained and bred in aquaria. Also our specimens are German offspring. Usually, this bristlenose catfish shows up with uniformly black basic coloring and white points. Excited specimens (in our pictures slightly annoyed by the obtrusive photographer) show bright zones and a pattern in the form of a lying 8 on the front back. These patterns disappear when the animals dream away the day in their favourite hiding place…

For our customers: the animals have code 204452 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Steatogenys elegans

20. January 2020

From Peru we have received extremely pretty knife fish of the species Steatogenys elegans. The genus Steatogenys comprises three species, which are all zebra-like striped. With a total length of approximately 20 cm, they remain comparatively small, only S. ocellatus clearly becomes bigger with 30 cm. The three species are very similar in color. One can distinguish them best on the basis of the anal-fin-coloring. S. elegans has a largely colourless anal fin, this fin is strongly marbled in S. duidae and dark in S. ocellatus with light spots along the belly.

Steatogenys are considered comparatively peaceful among each other and against other fish. They mainly feed on small invertebrates such as mosquito larvae, crustaceans or worms.

Around the mouth the animals show extremely pronounced sensory pits. With this, they can still perceive the electrical activity of the muscle activity of a wriggling worm. The eyes are overgrown with a fine skin and not very functional. This clearly shows that these knife fish, which are found in nature in the Terra firme forests of the entire Amazonas and Orinoco river basin, do not seek and find their food optically but sensory.

For our customers: the animals have code 293804 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parosphromenus paludicola

17. January 2020

The magnificent licorice gouramis (Parosphromenus) are among the most threatened fish species on earth. This is due to the extensive destruction of the environment in their habitats. Most of the currently 20 scientifically described species have only been discovered in the last 40 years thanks to aquarium science, as the licorice gouramis differ mainly in colour. A determination of most species is hardly possible without the breeding colouration of the males.

An exception in this respect is the P. paludicola from the Malay peninsula, which was described as the second species of the genus in 1952. This species is anatomically and ecologically so clearly separated from other licorice gouramis that it could almost be placed in a subgenus of its own. In contrast to all other Parosphromenus species, which are adapted to extremely acid black water with pH values between 3.5 and 4.5, this species also occurs in almost neutral water. Due to its comparatively low requirements, the species P. paludicola is also recommended for beginners in Paro care and breeding.

At the moment we have very nice wild catches of this species from the surroundings of Narathiwat in Thailand in stock. The trade with wild catches of such species does not endanger the wild stocks, as scientific studies clearly show. If at all the trade has only a positive influence on the natural populations, because the endangered habitats of the animals are possibly protected, if a certain income of the local human population can be obtained from it; otherwise the swamps are drained and oil palm plantations are created, which leads to the complete extinction of the original fauna and flora there.

Wild catches also provide insights into the variance of such species, an important prerequisite for species conservation programmes. Among the animals we currently imported are a few with a spot on the flank, which is so far unknown to P. paludicola; we are documenting this phenomenon here for the first time.

For our customers: the animals have code 441139 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Channa sp. Laos Fireback

17. January 2020

For the first time we received this splendid snakehead in the year 2011. It obviously represents a species unknown to science so far. I reminds one strongly to the far spread and variety rich species C. gachua, but the “Fireback” is much bigger, reaching 15 -20 cm (some sources give even 25 cm), it lacks the stripes in the pectoral fins, which are so characteristical for gachua and of course the “Fireback” has the broad, bright orange seams in the dorsal and the caudal fin that are responsible for its popular name. The geographical part of the popular name is misleading, the species originates from northern Thailand.

This species is – like all members of the C. gachua relationship – a mouthbrooder with biparental broodcare. Males and females can be distinguished best by a look from above. The males have a much broader head than the females.

With the exception of the breeding season these snakeheads are strictly solitary fish and keeping them together with other fish – it does not matter whether these fish are conspecifics or belong to a completely different group of fish – is always a high risk. Channa sp. Laos Fireback are large, predatory fish that need substantial food, like feeder fish, earthworms, mealworms, crickets and so on.

For our customers: the fish have code 409394 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Channa: ancient Greek, means “snapper”, probably referring to the airbreathing. gachua: after a native name for the fish in Bengal.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Datnioides quadrifasciatus

15. January 2020

Some aquarium fish are more of a pet than just an observation object. They grow larger than usual and communicate with their keeper. It is often not clear who is observing whom more intensively: the vertebrate in front of the aquarium or the one behind it. Datnioides quadrifasciatus clearly belongs to this category of fish. With a maximum length of 30-40 cm (although most specimens in nature only grow to around 20 cm) they are large fish for large aquaria. The water for this species should be hard and above all, the pH-value should be above 8, as these tiger perches also often occur in brackish water and tolerate soft, acidic water only very badly.

These predatory fish become so tame that they take food (preferably frozen, whole fish of suitable size) from the forceps. They also eat them from the fingers, but with larger specimens this can be painful…

More recently, D. quadrifasciatus, which we import from Vietnam, has been synonymized with D. polota from India. We do not follow this view, because Datnioides polota from India differs significantly in colour from our Vietnamese. However, the name D. quadrifasciatus is not available in a scientific sense due to the current zoological nomenclature rules, so that it has to be assumed that in case of a revision of the tigerfish a name change will be necessary.

For our customers: the animals have code 414104 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Apistogramma rubrolineata

20. December 2019

The Bolivian dwarf cichlid Apistogramma rubrolineata is one of the true rarities in the trade. The species was only discovered in 2001 and scientifically described in 2002. The scientific name of the species refers to the seven brown-red longitudinal stripes that this species has. However, they are to be seen in full expression only in certain moods in dominant males. In the normal case, these fish look like on the photos. They are very pretty animals, which we can offer currently as German offspring in excellent quality.

For our customers: the animals have code 628053 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text Frank Schäfer, photos Frank Schäfer & Dieter Bork

Xiphophorus hellerii “Tiger”

20. December 2019

Breeding marbled swordtails with red basic colour is a challenge. With the “Tiger”, which we can offer for the first time, this goal has succeeded. In every “tiger” the body spotting is individually different. So far that type of swordtails were offered almost exclusively with whitish body-basic-coloring (then one calls them Marble). Many of the black scales have a blue glimmer (in breeder circles one calls that the “mirror”) what shines splendidly and glitters with lateral incident light. In the age, the black coloring of these sword-bearers increases more and more. They are beautiful animals, which a German breeder could deliver to us.

For our customers: the animals have code 420409 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Benitochromis riomuniensis

18. December 2019

Benitochromis are closely related to the Pelvicachromis species and can be compared regarding the aquarium biology quite good with these peaceful and colorful cichlids. In contrast to Pelvicachromis, which are cave brooders, Benitochromis are biparental, ovophilous mouthbrooders. This means that both parents take care for eggs and fry; eggs and fry are given from parent to parent several times per day. The eggs are taken in the mouth immediately after spawning (= ovophilous).

There is no common name for this species – which originates from Cameroon, our fish are German bred ones – so far; due to the pretty yellow lips and throat we suggest “Golden Throated King Cichlid”.

For our customers: the fish have code 503062 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras crypticus and Corydoras cf. crypticus CW 157

16. December 2019

The high number of varierties of Corydoras in the upper Rio Negro is very confusing and even Corydoras experts in some cases have great difficulty in addressing the very similar species. A controversial species from the beginning is Corydoras crypticus, which was described together with C. amandajanea in 1995. The main difference between C. crypticus and this species is the shorter body and the lack of spots.

Recently we have received one of the very rare consignments of C. crypticus. On closer inspection, two types of different appearance can be distinguished, namely saddle-nosed, slightly slimmer fish and long-snouted, slightly higher-backed animals. The research revealed that the latter were recently assigned the CW number 157. However, the differentiation between CW 157 and C. crypticus is tricky and rather a matter of feeling, as we had to find out during sorting.

For our customers: Corydoras crypticus has code 226604, CW 157 code 226634 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras serratus

13. December 2019

One of the most coveted Corydoras is the saddle-nosed Corydoras serratus from the upper Rio Negro area in Brazil. Because the saddle-nosed Corydoras are rather loners in contrast to the long- and round-nosed Corydoras, they cannot be collected in larger numbers. This and the fact that these fish were sometimes paid incredible prices in Japan made them top rarities in the ornamental fish market for a long time.

There are some breeders of these beautiful fish. It is interesting to note that the offspring are quite different in colour. Although the breeder breeds exclusively with animals that visually correspond to the ideal of C. serratus (with a broad dorsal bandage from the base of the dorsal fin to the tail), there are also specimens among their offspring that have a vertical strip under the dorsal fin instead of a continuous dorsal bandage.

Such a variance has also been observed in wild catches, but the uncertainty remained as to whether these were not other, closely related species. This question could be clarified clearly by the offspring.

We have now once again received fully grown wild catches of this beautiful catfish. They show the already mentioned variance in colouring, but most of them have the wide and long back strip.

For our customers: the animals have code 245614 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Betta apollon

13. December 2019

The number of known mouthbrooding fighting fish has virtually exploded in the last 30 years. From around 10 species known in the early 1980s, the number has risen to well over 70. It is hardly possible to keep track of all of them, especially as many variants are already known in the hobby, but not scientifically determined.

Betta apollon was named in 2006 and comes from forest streams in the hilly country west of Narathiwat in Thailand. It belongs to the immediate relationship of Betta pugnax. The species was named after the Greek god Apollon, who stands for beauty and elegance among other things – an aptly chosen name for the only 4-5 cm (standard length without tail fin) long, peaceful species, which we can now offer as a wild catch.

For our customers: the animals have code 376503 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Aplocheilus lineatus RED

11. December 2019

The striped panchax (Aplocheilus lineatus) from South India has been inspiring generations of aquarists for over 100 years. Its magnificent coloration compensates for its sometimes quarrelsome temperament. One should not keep the striped panchax together with too tender fish, very small fish are also eaten by the up to 10 cm long animal. But with medium-sized barbels, catfish and labyrinth fish the care is problem-free and here the striped panchax is a perfect tankmate for the upper water layers.

In the last years mainly the golden cultivated form of the striped panchax was in the trade, we have now once again received wild-colored fish, which are really beautiful and for better differentiation from the golden ones are called “Red”.

For our customers: the animals have code 303603 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pipa parva

9. December 2019

The dwarf Surinam toad (Pipa parva) from Venezuela is a real rarity in the aquarium. We have a breeder who can occasionally offer us some of them. At first sight the nice animals remind us of dwarf clawed frogs (Hymenochirus), but you can always tell them apart from them by the branched fingertips – typical for all Pipa species.

The eggs of all Surinam toads develop, after they have been laid and fertilized, in the back skin of the female, which completely grows over the eggs. In the case of the Great Surinam toad (Pipa pipa and closely related species), fully developed young frogs hatch from the back skin, while in the case of the dwarf Surinam toad it is tadpoles that break through the mother’s back skin and begin an independent life. The tadpoles have a broad mouth and feed on plankton animals (freshly hatched Artemia nauplii in the aquarium).

One should maintain and breed Pipa parva with water-temperatures between 26 and 28°C. The dwarf Surinam toad is easy to feed with all kinds of frozen food for ornamental fish, many specimens also get used to granulated food. Very important is the complete covering of the aquarium, otherwise the Surinam toads go sooner or later on wanderings, which usually ends fatally in an apartment.

For our customers: the animals have code 485964 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Dicrossus maculatus xxl German Bred

6. December 2019

The checkerboard dwarf cichlids (Dicrossus) belong to the most beautiful of all dwarf cichlids. However, they are very demanding concerning the chemical water composition, at least when it comes to breeding. Then they need almost distilled water with a pH value around 5. Any bacterial load is only poorly tolerated. For this reason, Dicrossus are only very rarely reproduced by professional breeders, for the high amount of work required is hardly rewarded in the trade.

Now, however, we have received truly wonderful, fully grown German offspring from D. maculatus. Of course the animals are not cheap, but their colourfulness justifies the price. The males are more than twice as big as the females. One should keep this species, as in nature, in a harem association, i.e. per male with 3-7 females.

For our customers: the fish have code 668514 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hypancistrus spec. L 401

6. December 2019

This in the DATZ 12/05 newly introduced very beautiful Hypancistrus variant is currently available in small quantities. The animals remind in their habitus of L 333 and are sometimes confused with them.

All in all L401 are more dainty, somewhat more stretched and reach only a total-length of maximum 12 cm, while L 333 can reach 16 cm of total-length. However, the most conspicuous difference is to be seen in the golden-yellow ground-color on which a dark brown line-pattern looms. In the English-speaking area and in Japan, they are known under the name “golden mega clown zebra” due to this coloring.

In respect of maintanace, they hardly differ from other Hypancistrus species. They like a diet with a carnal emphasis, but are not averse to occasional cucumber or courgette gifts. With good water hygiene, temperatures above 27°C and a high oxygen content they can be well cared for. They make no special demands on the chemical-physical properties of the water. They could be bred by the author at pH 7,9, DGH 12, KH 6 and a conductivity of 350mS. The young fish grow slowly and seem to be somewhat more sensitive than young L 333.

For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 401-2 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text: Klaus Diehl, photos: Frank Schäfer

Astronotus ocellatus Oscars 12-15 cm Mixed Colour

4. December 2019

Why the Oscar is called the Oscar? Honestly, we don’t know that for sure. But what is certain is that the name originated in the USA. In 1936, an essay by E. W. Clarke about Astrontus appeared in the journal “The Aquarium”. In 1949 Gene Wolfsheimer reported in „The Aquarium Journal“ that the aquarists in California called Astronotus cichlids Oscars (Wayne Leibel, Aquarium USA Annual 2001). But it is also conceivable that the word “Oscar” is a corruption of the scientific name (Astronotus) or the Tupi word for all possible larger cichlids “Acara”. Tupi is the language of the people living in Brazil before the Europeans arrived in America.

The Oscar is despite its stately size – it can become over 45 cm long and 1,5 kg heavy, although such giants are very rare; usually, Oscars become 25-30 cm long – a popular aquarium-fish. Only few species of fish unite so splendid colors and so much charisma, besides, Oscars, at least for fish-continuances, are rather intelligent and are clearly more pet than aquarium-fish sometime.

We have just some very beautiful, 12-15 cm big Oscars of different colors in the stock, that spent their youth in a garden-pond in Southern France and grew up to powerful adolescents. We have no information whether they became special friends of the film “Oscar” with Luis des Funes during their time in France.

For our customers: the animals have code 632906 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Trigonopoma pauciperforatum

2. December 2019

In the black water of Sundaland (Indonesia, Malay Peninsula) you will find many wonderful aquarium fish like chocolate gouramis, harlequin barbs and kuhli loaches. However, these are only the best known; the numerous species of small and colourful barbs and rasboras, for example, are only known by a few.

Among them is Trigonopoma pauciperforatum (formerly Rasbora pauciperforata), which we have once again received from Indonesia, one of the prettiest. In fact, the fish, usually up to 4 cm long (some literature say up to 7 cm), looks like a twin species of the glow-light tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) from the Essequibo River in Guyana, although the muzzle of T. pauciperforatum is much more pointed and the adipose fin is missing.

For our customers: the animals have code 452602 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Afruca (formerly: Uca) tangeri

27. November 2019

The eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Angola, is the origin of the fiddler crab Afruca tangeri, where it inhabits sand and mangrove coasts. We obtain the animal from Nigeria. The to an enormous size grown major claw of the males is remarkable. It is used for attracting the females and for the fight between rivaling males.

In their periodically flooded habitat they inhabit muddy burrows, which they leave at ebb-tide for the intake of food. As omnivores they are not discriminating anything and feed on nearly each organic matter the sea is offering them. With the domestic care, frosted and granulated food can be fed, also different fruits and vegetables. For maintenance it should be tried to imitate their habitat, i.e. a land part with sand and gravel and a water part filled with brackish water should be present in the aquarium. Some hiding places give them retreat possibilities.

For our customers: the animals have code 489603 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Photos: F. Schäfer, text: K. Diehl

Hemiodus thayeria

25. November 2019

Shortly after the first import of Argonectes longiceps we were able to import another feather tetra, which has not yet been seen, at least by us: Hemiodus thayeria. This beautiful, elegant fish comes from the border area of Brazil and Colombia at the Rio Negro. The type specimen was already collected in 1925 by Carl Ternetz, but only in 1955 by James Böhlke worked on and named it, because the feather tetras are – from a systematic point of view – a quite complicated group. Very similar to H. thayeria are H. tocantinensis and H. ternetzi, but in both the dark longitudinal stripe begins directly behind the eye.

In the aquarium, H. thayeria show up as very peaceful and amazingly calm representatives of their genus, whose species are known to be somewhat shy and sometimes even tend to panic reactions. The very big eye and the reddish zone over the nose-back are remarkable. Obviously, both characteristics serve the species-recognition, because in the photo tank, both specimens were very interested in their mirror-picture; in the photo tank, a small pocket-mirror is installed in order to animate cichlids to mirror-fights; other fish, above all tetra and barbs ignore their mirror-picture usually, Hemiodus thayeria are a very noteworthy exception in this context.

Our animals are currently between 5 and 8 cm long, according to literature the species becomes about 9 cm long without the caudal fin, which is a total length of about 11 cm.

For our customers: the animals have code 258223 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras elegans “Peru”

22. November 2019

There are several species of Corydoras, which even pronounced specialists are not able to distinguish. In such cases it might be useful to speak of species groups instead of species. One such example is the species group around Corydoras elegans in the narrower sense, which includes C. elegans, C. napoensis, C. nanus and several C- and CW-numbers. What they all have in common is that the males and females are completely different in colour during the breeding season. In addition, these species swim more frequently in open water than other Corydoras.

In wild catches, a distinction is usually made between Corydoras elegans (widespread in Amazonia), in which the sexually active males have bands in the dorsal fin, and C. napoensis (Peru, Rio Napo), in which the sexually active males have a black dot in the dorsal fin; there are usually no imports from the distribution area of C. nanus (Suriname) and the various C- and CW-numbers. Based on the characteristic of the dorsal fin coloration, the beautiful Corydoras we have currently in our stock from Peru are C. elegans.

For our customers: the animals have code 229054 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Gambusia hurtadoi

22. November 2019

Gambuses don’t have a good reputation in aquaristics. They are considered grey, quarrelsome and difficult fish. This is not completely wrong, especially when it comes to the worldwide plague Gambusia holbrooki. But few aquarists realize that there are 45 different species of Gambusia and it is very unfair to use the same comb for all of them.

Gambusia hurtadoi is a pretty and quite peaceful species. Unfortunately, it belongs to the endangered fish species, because it only exists in a single area of less than 4 km2 in Mexico. There it colonizes a pond called El Ojo de Haicenda Delores and its drains. The pond is used as a recreational area and swimming pool. In addition, too much groundwater is taken in the area, which can quickly lead to the disappearance of this animal forever.

There are still quite good aquarium stocks of this Gambusia, but of course such a fish is not for common aquariums, but belongs to the attentive care of connoisseurs and experts who appreciate the pretty creature.

For our customers: the little fishes have code 416211 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Chaetostoma sp. L455 Tiger

20. November 2019

After longer time we could import again the beautiful Chaetostoma sp. L455 Tiger from Peru. Generally speaking, Chaetostoma species do not stand out because of their attractive colors, but this species makes a clear exception – at least the males. The females are colored considerably simpler. Some specimens show a red coloration in the tail fin, whose intensity seems to be mood-dependent however.

For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 455-4 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Serrasalmus cf. sanchezi “Pará”

18. November 2019

When trying to identify piranhas, one often pokes in the dark. The differences between juvenile and adult forms are dramatic, both in terms of physical and color characteristics. Over the decades that we have imported young piranhas from all parts of South America, some characteristics have proved to be quite reliable in combination: 1- is a dark pigmented shoulder spot (= humeral spot) present or not? 2 – Are dark bands present in the caudal fin and where do they run (e.g. at the edge of the fin, through the fin or at the base); 3 – the colour of the iris (red or brass). With these few characteristics the species can be limited quite well.

Serrasalmlus sanchezi was only scientifically described in 1964. The type was found in Peru (“Caño yarina”, on the bank of the River Pacaya, tributary of the Puinahua Canal, arm of the lower Rio Ucayali). Now we have received 5-8 cm long piranhas from the Brazilian state of Pará, which best correspond to S. sanchezi in their combination of characteristics. However, since the region of origin is quite far from Ucayali (approx. 2,000 km), we have decided to call them S. cf. sanchezi “Pará”. S. hollandi has a very similar pattern, but has a much duller head profile. S. hollandi comes from the river system of the Rio Madeira.

With about 15 cm final size (this information comes from the scientific literature) S. sanchezi remains quite small; it is a very aggressive species, which is best cared for individually.

For our customers: the animals have code 292863 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Gnathocharax steindachneri

15. November 2019

In the natural habitat of the cardinal tetra food sources are very scarce. So it is really astonishing how many species can exist there. However, many of them stay very small. Good luck for the aquarium hobby, for they all make very good ornamental species!

Even a predatory species of that biotope is such a dwarf: Gnathocharax steindachneri. It attains a maximum length of only 5 cm and belongs to the closer relationship to the freshwater barracudas (Acestrorhynchus), what is clearly visibly by the structure of the fangs and teeth. However, Gnathocharax is not dangerous for other fishes larger than approx. 1 cm. Most probably the species feeds on fish and insect larvae in the wild.

Currently we were able once more to import this most interesting, sadly only rarely offered species of tetra. It is perfectly suitable for community tanks with cardinals and other tetras. Here Gnathocharax loves to swim along with conspecifics in the upper third of the water column. The fish feed readily on any type of usual fish food, even dry food is taken from the very first day on, despite the specialized dentition.

For our customers: the fish have code 254653 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Gymnogeophagus caaguazuensis

15. November 2019

We have received beautiful wild collectes animals of this larvophile maternal mouth-breeding cichlid from Paraguay (i.e. the female incubates the larvae in her mouth, while the animals spawn on stones etc. and take care for the eggs here like open-breeding cichlid until they hatch). With only scarcely 9 cm of standard length (with tail fin thus at most 12 cm in total length), Gymnogeophagus caaguazuensis is one of the smallest species of the genus. We can offer it in two sizes: 5-8 cm (hardly sexually mature), 8-12 cm (showsize).

For our customers: the fish have code 676752 (5-8 cm) and 676754 (8-12 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Laetacara dorsigera Wild

11. November 2019

Finally, after several years, we received again beautiful wild collected specimens of this charming dwarf cichlid from Paraguay. Males become around 8 cm, females about 6 cm long. The species is very pretty even in “normal” mood, but when they come in breeding condition they get a lilac colored throat that makes them even more attractive!

For our customers: the animals have code 605002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Argonectes longiceps

8. November 2019

We could import a quite unusual tetra for the first time in some specimens from Colombia: Argonectes longiceps. Although the species is inconspicuously colored, it looks quite attractive with its black and white tail fin pattern. They are peaceful animals which, in contrast to the closely related Hemiodus species, have a normal, i.e. horizontal swimming posture, while Hemiodus typically swim with their heads upwards. With their small mouths Argonectes pick up food particles from the ground, the feeding with frost and dry food does not cause any problems. The maximum length given in the scientific literature is approx. 25 cm standard length (without caudal fin).

For our customers: the animals have code 208094 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers. Only available in small quantities!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Betta simorum

8. November 2019

We can just offer wonderful, full-grown German offspring of the largest bubblenest building fighting fish: Betta simorum. The animals reach a standard length (without caudal fin) of over 7 cm with a very slender body, i.e. almost 9 cm with caudal fin. Betta simorum occurs in the black water swamps of the province Jambi on Sumatra, in Riau province, and in West Kalimantan (Borneo) near Pontiak. The species is very closely related to Betta bellica, which also occurs on Sumatra (although in the Medan area), but whose main distribution area is in Malaysia. Both species can hardly be kept apart optically.

Betta simorum needs soft and acidic, ideally slightly brownish water and temperatures of 26-28°C in order to develop optimally and show beautiful colours. Among each other these fighting fish, like most wild forms, are relatively peaceful. In a well-structured aquarium with a lot of dead wood, dead leaves on the bottom and rich vegetation the fish are a show. The Rasbors living in such biotopes, like the harlequin barb (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), Rasbora kalochroma etc., are particularly suitable for community tanks with B. simorum. Pearl gourami (Trichogaster leerii) are also very suitable.

For our customers: the animals have code 387813 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Xiphophorus maculatus “Belize Purple”

6. November 2019

The wild type of the “normal” Platys (Xiphophorus maculatus) is cared for as good as never in the aquarium. This is partly due to the fact that “the” wild type of the Platy does not exist at all, but a large number of colour variants, which partly only occur locally, but partly also in different populations. Already between 1912 and 1934 different such colour variants were imported and bred in the aquarium, so “pulchra” (= the beautiful one), “rubra” (= the red one), “nigra” (= the black one) or “cyanellus” (= the blue one). The fact that these are not independent species, but only colour variations, is made clear by the fact that several variants often occur at the same locality. These colour variants form the basis for the many Platy breeding forms that exist today in the aquarium.

Despite the many breeding forms, wild types are desirable and interesting fish, because they show us the breeding choice of nature, not the taste of human breeders. One such wild form is the Belize Purple, which Harry Grier collected in 2003 at a place called “Kate´s Lagoon” on the Belize River. There do occur four colour variants: body red (br), which are the “Belize Purple”, but also spotted dorsal (sd), iridescent blue (blue) and wild type body (+). The abbreviations in brackets indicate the genetic code used internationally by Platy researchers.

Belize Purple is pure breeding, both sexes show the unusual red coloration, but it is more intense in the males. According to our breeder, the colours of older fish become even more intense!

For our customers: the animals have code 476568 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

4. November 2019

What can we say about the harlequin barb (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) that hasn’t been said 1,000 times already? It is simply one of the most beautiful and proven aquarium fish of all. And also when looking at it 1.001 times is a pleasure to see it. If they didn’t exist, they would have to be invented! We have especially pretty German offspring in stock right now.

For our customers: the animals have code 452503 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tanichthys breeding form linni veiltail XXL

1. November 2019

The white cloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes) has not disappeared from the aquariums since its discovery in 1932. In nature, however, the species is threatened with extinction. Since no wild fish are collected because of its easy breeding ability, nobody noticed this for decades. The reason for the danger in nature is, as always, the destruction of the habitat, in this case the deforestation of the forests.

A particularly pretty, long-finned breeding-form is called “Tanichthys linni” in the trade, a pure fantasy-name without scientific meaning. One of our suppliers breeds this form for us and occasionally supplies it in XXL size. These are really magnificent animals!

For our customers: the fish have code 458004 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Apistogramma atahualpa

1. November 2019

Before its scientific description this beautiful species of dwarf cichlid from Peru was known in the hobby as the „Sunset-Apistogramma“. And in fact the body coloration of a female during brood care reminds one in a sunset. The scientific name, atahualpa, refers to the last great ruler of the Inka empire: Atahualpa. He was captured by the Spain Pizarro in 1532 and in 1533 executed; this was the sunset of the Inka empire.

Currently we obtain beautiful wild collected specimens of A. atahualpa.

For our customers: the animals have code 614913 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras polystictus and C. albolineatus

31. October 2019

We currently have two rarely available species of Corydoras in stock, which look very similar to each other: Corydoras polystictus and C. albolineatus. The former has a wide distribution in southern South America, while the latter was discovered comparatively late and described from the Rio Itanez in Bolivia. However, our specimens come from the Brazilian side of the same river called Rio Guaporé in Brazil. The only well recognizable difference between C. polystictus and C. albolineatus lies in the whitish, vertical line below the dorsal fin in C. albolineatus, to which the name also refers (albus: white, lineatus: striped).

Coryd

Both types reach approximately 4,5 cm of length, are very pretty and peaceful fish, that one should not care too warmly (22-24°C, occasionally calmly also somewhat cooler).

For our customers: C. polystictus has code 241002, C. albolineatus code 221533 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Moenkhausia celibela

28. October 2019

For over 150 years a small tetra is known in science, that is placed due to the scaltion of the tail fin at present into the genus Moenkhausia, under the name M. lepidura. The species differs from all other Moenkhausia species, it was thought, by the coloration of the tail fin, in the upper half of which there is a black spot, while the lower half is colorless.

Only in 2016 Marhino & Langeani showed that there are several species with this pattern. They found out that the “real” M. lepidura can be recognized by a special feature in the scalation. On the back of M. lepidura the edges of the scales of the flanks meet directly against each other (like in a house of cards), while in other, similar species an additional row of scales forms a ridge, so to speak. On a photo of this post, in which the fish is taken frontally, this can be seen well.

We have now received from Colombia a Moenkhausia species of this species complex, which cannot be M. lepidura due to back scalation. If one follows the identification key of Marhino & Langeani, it is most probably M. celibela, but there is also much similarity to M. mikia. Of course, we can never completely rule out that this is a scientifically not yet recorded, new species. By the way, our fish are extremely similar in colour to a scientifically undescribed Bryconops species from the Rio Xingu in Brazil. However, Bryconops species have long anal fins, comparatively larger eyes and a completely different swimming behaviour.

For our customers: the animals have code 268663 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature:

Marinho, M. M., & F. Langeani (2016). Reconciling more than 150 years of taxonomic confusion: the true identity of Moenkhausia lepidura, with a key to the species of the M. lepidura group (Characiformes: Characidae). Zootaxa, 4107 (3), 338-352.

Satanoperca lilith

25. October 2019

This beautiful cichlid from Brazil is only very rarely imported. Currently we can offer some specimens in perfect size.

Despite the frightening name o the fish Satanoperca lilith is a very peaceful and reserved species, it can be even a bit shy. Maximum length reported for the fish is around 20-25 cm, our specimens are currently 8-10 cm and not yet sexually differentiated.

All species of Satanoperca are closely associated to sandy bottom. The tank for these fish should contain fine sand under all circumstances. This substratum is chewed through the whole day for food particles. S. lilith lives in black water, so it prefers soft and acidic milieu, which must be poor in bacteria.

To the best of our knowledge Satanoperca has not been bred in aquaria yet. However, it is very likely the the fish are hollow breeders like their closest relative, S. daemon. The sexes look alike in respect of coloration. The best way to distinguish the sexes are the ventral fins which are in males much longer (in specimens of comparable size). Moreover, the attractive filaments of the dorsal fin are more developed in males.

For our customers: the fish have code 687564 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very limited numbers only.

Lexicon: Satanoperca: means “Devil perch”. lilith: this is the name of a female demon, the companion of the devil. demon: means “demon”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hyphessobrycon hexastichos

25. October 2019

This pretty tetra is a double of the very similarly colored species Moenkhausia agnesae. It remains however with 5,5 cm length smaller than M. agnesae, which becomes nearly 7 cm long. In addition, H. hexastichos, which occurs exclusively in the upper catchment area of the Rio Tapajós in Brazil, is not as quarrelsome as M. agnesae.

We have now received again a small number of German offspring of this beautiful rarity.

For our customers: the animals have code 261153 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Microglanis carlae

23. October 2019

Usually the „typical“ catfish with long barbels become quite big and are therefore also called “predatory catfish” in the hobby. The lovers of these animals therefore have really large aquariums to care for their favourite fish. However, there is a species from South America, more precisely from Paraguay, which is truly also suitable for nano aquariums, since so far no specimens have been known from the wild that were larger than about 4 cm: Microglanis carlae. With about 2.5 cm length (without tail fin) the little animals are already sexually mature.

We could just import a number of these pretty catfish from Paraguay.

For our customers: the animals have code 268132 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tropheus duboisi

21. October 2019

Tropheus duboisi are the “somewhat different” Tropheus. While the remaining species of the genus Tropheus are hectic, in groups living, always quarreling swimmers, T. duboisi are at least in the nature rather singulary living fish, who are found occasionally also in pairs. They are clearly calmer and also considerably less aggressive than the other Tropheus. Adult animals are blue-black with a cream-colored or yellow, vertical bandage. The young are quite delightful and often let also non-cichlidiots become weak. They look like little goblins, pitch black with a white starry sky pattern. Like all Tropheus species, this one also originates from Lake Tanganyika.

For our customers: the animals have code 580502 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Metynnis fasciatus

18. October 2019

This beautiful fish, a serrasalmid and thus a relative of piranhas a pacus, is still enigmatic for scientists. The species Metynnis fasciatus has been described on the basis of a young fish from Brazil (Rio Capiru). The type specimen is regarded as lost. The species is identical with M. hypsauchen in all respects exept the coloration in young specimens. In M. fasciatus a pattern of regular and bold stripes exist which is lacking usually in M. hypsauchen. Until now no adult specimens with a regular stripe pattern is known to scientists and it was thought that M. fasciatus represents only a rare juvenile phase of M. hypsauchen.

However, we were able to import again comparatively large (8-10 cm) specimens of this extraordinary silver dollar from Brazil. Each specimen shows an individual pattern, but all were sexually differentiated already and thus definetly no juveniles anymore.

All Metynnis feed on plant material and most species become around 15 cm long. Males and females can be told apart by the shape of the anal fin. A member of our staff has acquired some specimens for his home aquarium so maybe we can give you more informations on the topic in one or two years when the fish are fully grown.

For our customers: the fish have code 267754 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Metynnis: ancient Greek, means “in between the share”; this refers to the spine before the dorsal fin. fasciatus: means “striped”.

Common name: Striped silver dollar

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Pseudohemiodon sp. Peru II German Bred

15. October 2019

Floundercatfish are very popular with catfish lovers because they combine an interesting appearance with the interesting mouth brood care. Some species become quite big, so P. laticeps from Paraguay, that can become well and gladly 35 cm long, but there are also smaller species. Among the latter are two scientifically seemingly not yet described species from Peru, one rather drawingless and one with a dot and worm line pattern on the head. The first is called in the hobby as P. sp. Peru I (it has, apart from the coloring also particularly large ventral fins) the second as P. sp. Peru II. Both types become 12-15 cm long, in addition comes a well body-long filament at the upper end of the tail fin. We can currently offer some almost full-grown specimens of P. sp. Peru II as German offspring.

For our customers: the animals have code 284564 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Colisa chuna

14. October 2019

Colisa chuna

The coloration of the honey gurami, Colisa chuna, is unique among the freshwater fish of the world and also among the labyrinth fish, to which the honey gurami belongs. All other Colisa species have a pattern of vertical stripes, only the honey gurami has no such pattern. In neutral mood the animals are beige with a dark longitudinal band. Males in breeding mood, on the other hand, become bright orange on the body, the throat deep black and the dorsal fin lemon yellow. With regard to these striking colours, the honey gurami can certainly be counted among the most beautiful freshwater fish of all.

The honey gurami originates from India and Bangladesh. However, it is not as widespread there as the other members of the genus, which is probably the reason why the species was imported for aquaristics only in 1962.

For our customers: the animals have code 411104 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Glossolepis incisus

11. October 2019

The red rainbow fish, Glossolepis incisus, is one of the magnificent classics among the rainbow fish. One can well understand that this fish caused real storms of enthusiasm in the 1970s, when only two relatively inconspicuous species of this group of fish were known in the hobby. The home of Glossolepis incisus lies in western Papua New Guinea, where it inhabits Lake Sentani and its surroundings. Due to the increasing pollution of the lake, the species is considered endangered. In the hobby, only bred ones are represented.

The red rainbow fish becomes 15 cm long in the male sex, females remain smaller. Regarding the coloration, the red glittering splendour increases with every centimeter that the fish grows. But also our usually traded, 6-7 cm long animals are already very nicely colored.

For our customers: the animals have code 417303 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

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