Author Archives: Paul_

Mastacembelus erythrotaenia

18. September 2012

We do not have only one of the smallest species of spiny eel in stock, eg M. taeniagaster, but also one of the largest: Mastacembelus erythrotaenia. These splendid guys reach us from Indonesia and are real personalities for the owners of large tanks. The largest known specimen was about 1 m long. Currently we have small (8-10 cm), medium sized (20-25 cm) and large (40-45 cm) specimens in stock.

Spiny eels are very calm aquarium inhabitants. They also become very tame. One can train them easily, for example on sounds like a whistle. Once they are trained the large fish come along and pick up food from the tip of a forceps. One can feed the also with bare fingers, but the spiny eels are not always very unerring…

Regarding the water conditions these spiny eels are not very demanding. The water temperature should be between 24-28°C. Such large fish are fed best with frozen food like smelt and shrimps. They also like earthworms very much. Plants and other tankmates are generally not harmed. However, small fish are taken as food.

For our customers: the fish have code 426501 (8-10 cm), 426505 (20-25 cm), and 426509 (40-45 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Mastacembelus: is said to be derived from ancient Greek and should means “the one that throws oneself biting”. erythrotaenia: ancient Greek, means “with red bands”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indonesien / Indonesia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8 - 45

Macrognathus taeniagaster

18. September 2012

Basically speaking, the spiny eels of Asia can be divided in two groups: the small species belonging to the genus Macrognathus that reach usually only 10-15 cm total length and the large species of the genus Mastacembelus that grow to a length of more than 40 cm (maximum length reported: 100 cm).

We received a shipment of spiny eels from Thailand that confused us a bit regarding the determination of the species. On the one hand the fish looked very similar to Macrognathus circumcinctus, on the other hand they looked somehow different. The riddle was solved by researching the synonyms of M. circumcinctus. One of these species regarded currently as synonymous with M. circumcinctus is a species described as M. taeniagaster from Thailand. Checking the original description of the latter proofed that we had obtained exactly that fish. Of course this is neither the place nor the medium to decide wether M. taeniagaster and M. circumcinctus represent two different species in the zoological sense. But it is a fact that they look a bit different. The main difference is the presence of a row of ocelli on the base of the dorsal fin in M. taeniagaster which is lacking in M. circumcinctus.

Macrognathus taeniagaster is able to change the colour very fast. The very same fish can be uniformly colored beige in the one moment and in the next can show an almost white back and a dark belly.

Keeping these spiny eels is very easy. The fish like the company of their own kind and often share the same hiding place. Males stay smaller than the females and are much more slim. Macrognathus feed readily on any type of frozen and live fishfood. Very small fish are taken as food, but in general the spiny eels are very peaceful against tankmates and are very suitable for community tanks. The fish spawn near the water surface in the roots of swimming fern etc.. It is possible to breed these fish in aquaria, but this is rarely done.

For our customers: the fish have code 425304 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Macrognathus: ancient Greek, means “with big jaw”. taeniagaster: ancient Greek, means “with banded belly”. circumcinctus: Latin, means “girdled thorough”.

Suggestion of a common name: Chameleon tiny spiny eel

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6 - 10

A brandnew dwarf cichlid! Apistogramma sp. Cristal

10. September 2012

A completely new species of Apistogramma reached us recently from Peru. It was named “Apistogramma Cristal” by the exporter. However, this name has no scientific value at all. Available in very limited numbers only!

For our customers: the fish have code 618104 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Aplocheilus dayi dayi

10. September 2012

The Striped Panchax (Aplocheilus lineatus) from South India is a well known, old fashioned aquarium inhabitant. It is famous for its splendid colours, its hardyness and the easy breeding. The fish has only one big disadvantage: it grows to a length of up to 10 cm.

A close relative of the Stripe Panchax, the Green Panchax (Aplocheilus dayi) from Sri Lanka has all the advantages of the Striped Panchax, but stays much smaller. It only becomes 7 cm long.

There are two described subspecies in the Green Panchax that differ mainly regarding the female´s coloration. In females of Aplocheilus dayi dayi the hinder part of the body is striped like a zebra. In females of A. dayi werneri a broad horizontal bar is placed right above the anal fin. The males of A. dayi dayi have irregular black spots on the body, those of A. dayi werneri are striped like the females of A. dayi dayi.

The Green Panchax is an ideal community fish for aquaria with Asian fish. Here it lives near the surface. Water chemistry is of little meaning for the Green Panchax, water temperature should be between 22 and 28°C. The fish spawn in Java moss and similar substrates. The eggs are large and have a comparably hard shell. So they can be collected easily and incubated in a glass of water. The young hatch after 12-14 days and feed immediately on Artemia nauplii.

Currently we have beautiful wild collected Aplocheilus dayi dayi in stock.

For our customers: the fish have code 303303 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Aplocheilus: means “with a simple lip”, refers to the mouth structure. lineatus: Latin, means “lined”, referring to the pattern. werneri: dedication name for A. Werner, Munich. dayi: dedication name for the ichthyologist Francis Day (1829 – 1889).

Common name: Green Panchax

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Sri Lanka
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Retroculus lapidifer (2)

3. September 2012

The species belonging to the genus Retroculus – currently three species are described scientifically, one additional species is still undescribed – have ever been extremely rarities in the aquarium hobby. Finally we are able to offer once more the beautiful Retroculus lapidifer from Brazil. The fish have ideal sizes (3-6 cm and 6-8 cm), but are, however, available in very limited numbers only.

Despite the similarity to the species of Geophagus, Retroculus are no closer relatives of these cichlids. Retroculus are members of a cichlid subfamily – the Retroculinae – on their own and are regarded to be the most basal living cichlids of the New World.

The swimming bladder of Retroculus is much reduced, so they are not able to hover free in the water column. In nature, these fish dwell near by rapids. In case of danger they flee in the strongest current where almost no other fish can follow. When the danger is gone, Retroculus rest in very quite or standing water. A good current is thus necessary in the tank (this is also necessary due to the fact that Retroculus are very sensitve against pollution), but the fish need also resting places.

The scientific name “lapidifer” means “stone-bearer”, for it was known already in 1855 that these fish build nests for spawning which are made from small stones. Each stone is carried to nest with the mouth by the parent fish. Retraoculus have spawned now and then in aquaria already, it was also possible to raise some of the offspring, but to the best of my knowledge a complete natural breeding success has not been reported yet.

Retroculus should be kept always in groups (four specimens or more), otherwise they become very shy. The ground of the tank should be made mainly from fine sand, which is use by the fish quite often to search for food. Feeding Retroculus is not difficult at all, for almost any usual fishfood is taken readily. The water should be soft and slightly acidic (pH 5,5 – 6,8). In the wild, water temperatures between 21.5 and 35°C have been measured in the biotopes of Retroculus, but in aquaria it is best to keep them between 22 and 28°C. The temperature may be 2° higher for breeding attempts. Retroculus lapidifer becomes about 20-25 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 687501 (3-6 cm) and 687503 (6-8 cm, the photos show a specimen of this group) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Retroculus: Latin, means about “With eyes placed far behind”. lapidifer: Latin, means “stone-bearer”.

Common name: Rapid eartheater

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	20-25

Phenacogaster tegatus

22. August 2012

Six eyed tetra

We obtained the rare, fascinating Six eyed tetra (Phenacogaster (formerly: Vesicatrus) tegatus) from Paraguay. The peaceful, about 6 cm long schooling fish confuses predatory fish with its pattern. In the middle of the body and on the caudal peduncle P. tegatus has eye-spots; thus it looks like that the fish has three eyes on each side of the body. Predatory fish target always the eye of their prey, so the unique “six-eye-pattern” guarantees the greatest safety one can think of.

For our customers: the fish have code 299002 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Paraguay
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Corydoras aeneus “Puerto Maldonado”

14. August 2012

We received this beautiful colour morph of the Bronze corydoras that exhibits a lot of orange colours from Peru. It belongs to the “Gold Shoulder” group, which is sometimes named Corydoras schultzei; however, this name is currently considered to be a synonym of C. aeneus. The fish is very rare and available in limited numbers only!

For our customers: the fish have code 220654 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-7

Allenbatrachus grunniens

18. June 2012

Nobody would keep this fascinating frogfish from South East Asia due to its coloration. The bizarre shape and the expressive eyes nevertheless make it a desirable species for the aquarium.

This frogfish lives in the wild in river mouths; although it is possible to keep the fish in pure freshwater, it is better to add some salt (5-15 g/litre). The broad mouth characerizes A. grunniens as a predatory species. Among each other and against fish that do not fit as food the species is completely peaceful. This frogfish attains a length of approximately 30 cm.

One should be very careful when catching the fish, as the dorsal spines and probably also the spines on the opercle are poisonous. Generally speaking, the venom is not very strong, but painful and there is also always the danger of allergic reactions.

For our customers: the animals have code 373105 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Allenbatrachus: combined from the Name Allen (dedication name for George Allen from Humboldt State University) and the genus name Batrachus, another genus of toadfish. grunniens: means “the grunter”.

Common name: Grunting toadfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15-20

Nannostomus marginatus

18. June 2012

We already introduced to you a new sport of the dwarf pencil fish from Peru in an Extra-Newsletter this week. We took the opportunity to take a closer look than usual on our “regular” dwarf pencils from Brazil. Honestly – aren ´t they among the most beautiful species of ornamental fish at all?

For our customers: the animals have code 272104 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Nannostomus: from ancient Greek, means “with a tiny mouth”. marginatus: Latin, means “bordered”.

Common name: Dwarf pencil tetra

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-4

Tridensimilis brevis

18. June 2012

Once more we were able to import this charming, tiny, free-swimming dwarf catfish (maximum length: 2-3 cm). This time the fish originate from Paraguay. For more information, please see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Tridensimilis_brevis_en/

For our customers: the fish have code 298152 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Leporellus vittatus

18. June 2012

Finally we were once more able to import some of the very rarely offered Leporellus vittatus from Brazil. This extraordinary species attains a length of approximately 25 cm and belongs to the headstander tetra relationship. However, in Leporellus the air bladder is mostly reduced and so the fish live strictly bottom orientated.

Our animals are currently 10-12 cm long. Like all headstanders, these fish establish a hierarchy among themselves. They look most beautiful in strongly lightened aquaria with a good current. Leporellus feed readily on any type of fishfood, but all headstanders have a type of teeth that are specialized for feeding on plant material. So one should offer the fish a great variety of plant material for a proper feeding.

For our customers: the fish have code 265725 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Leporellus: diminuative of Leoprinus, eg “small Leporinus”; Leporinus is another genus of tetra. vittatus: Latin, means “striped”.

Suggestion of a common name: Yellow-golden Striped Tetra

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10 - 12

Silurus glanis

18. June 2012

The Wels catfish or Sheatfish (Silurus glanis) lived initially in eastern Europe and central Asia, but was spread as a food fish over large regions by humans. The species belongs to the largest species of freshwater fish known so far. Current records mention up to 3 m long fish that are as heavy as 150 to 250 kg. The largest Wels catfish described ever in a scientific publication (to the best of my knowledge) was 4.875 m long and had a weight of 295 kg (Kessler, K. T. (1856): Zur Ichthyologie des südwestlichen Russlands. Bulletin de la Société Impériale des Naturalistes de Moscou v. 29 (pt 1): 335-393.) This giant was caught in the River Dnjepr near by the city of Krementschug.

Of course most Wels catfish stay much smaller; nevertheless these fish are wonderful eyecatchers for public aquaria or ponds. All Sheatfish in the trade are artificially bred ones. In the wild, the male guards the eggs (up to 20.000 per kg from a female spawner) and the small offsping that reminds one in tadpoles.

Wels catfish are predators; juveniles feed on all type of frozen and live fishfood and accept also readily granulated food. Larger specimens feed on fish and amphibians, adult ones also catch waterfowl and rats etc..

Wels catfish are completely frost resistant, but interestingely the physiological temperature optimum of the species is between 25 and 27°C – pretty much for a so-called “coldwater fish”! However, this makes young Wels catfish easy to maintain aquarium inhabitants, their tank does not have to be cooled at all. We want to take the opportunity to remind our readers that it is strictly forbidden to release any type of aquarium fish (even native species!) in the wild, if the fish is not wanted anymore. This can have a serious impact on the ecology!

For our customers: the fish have code 881003 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Silurus: after the name for catfish used in ancient Greece. glanis: this word also means “catfish” in Neo-Latin (the Latin of the scientists used between 1500 and 1900).

Common name: Wels catfish, Sheatfish

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Physoschistura cf. elongata

12. June 2012

For the first time ever we can offer this charming dwarf loach from the North of India. Maximum length of the species is only 4.5 cm. The fish is undemanding and completely peaceful.

For our customers: the animal has code 454882 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pysoschistura: combined from the ancient Greek word for “bladder” and Schistura, which is the name of another genus of loach. Refers probably to the anatomy of the air bladder. elongata: Latin, means “prolonged, protracted”.

Suggestion of a common name: Firefly loach

Text & Photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indien / India
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-4

Nothobranchius sp. Caprivi

5. June 2012

Code: 330353

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred

Nothobranchius ruudwildekampi

5. June 2012

We have received a very limited number of a new species of Nothobranchius from a German breeder. The species has been decribed scientifically in 2009 under the name of Nothobranchius ruudwildekampi.

For our customers: the animals have code 338223 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Sphaerichthys selatanensis

5. June 2012

With an overall length of 5 cm Sphaerichthys selatanensis is probably the smallest representative of the chocolate gouramis. It may recognized by its typical cross design. The species originates from Kalimantan in the southeast part of the island of Borneo. Like its relatives it lives in acidic black water brooks (at the discovery site measured water equivalents: pH: 4.5. LF: 17 µs/cm, temp.: 26°C). Chocolate gouramis need much attention during acclimatization and maintenance. Natural water conditions should serve thereby as model, peat filtering or the use of tropical-almond leafs (catappa) are recommended. Regarding community fish, small Rasbora species are suitable, they share the biotopes with S. selatanensis also in the wild. Breeding of chocolate gouramis is very difficult, in particular the raising of the larvae often fails due to infections. For our customers: the fish has code 455822 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Sphaerichthys: from ancient Greek, menas “spheric fish”; selatanensis: after the Province of Kalimantan Selatan on Borneo, where the fish initially has been discovered.

Suggestion of a common name: Crossband Chocolate Gourami
(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Borneo
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4 - 5

Sphaerichthys selatanensis

5. June 2012

We received beautiful, half-grown crossband-chocolate gouramis. The animals are very healthy!

For our customers: the fish have code 455822 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Geophagus brasiliensis MOGE / Uruguay

30. May 2012

We received beautiful, very healthy German bred G. brasiliensis. The animals belong to a population from Uruguay and represent the first tank raised generation. The breeder provided to us photographs of the parents, which were taken immediately after collecting in Moge. The pictures show how splendid the fish will look like when they are grown up.

For our customers: the animals have code 676542 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer & Anonymus

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Crenicichla sp. VENTUARI

30. May 2012

We received this extremely rare species from Venezuela. The fish is a comparatively small (maximum length observed so far is 16 cm), very colorful member of the Crenicichla-saxatilis-group. Available in very limited numbers only!

For our customers: the fish have code 673053 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10 - 15

Serpenticobitis octozona

23. May 2012

Currently we have extraodinary wonderful, adult, 4-6 cm long loches of that species, which is also traded under the name of “medusa loach”, in stock.

For our customers: the fish have code 455012 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Serpenticobitis: means “snake-Cobitis”; Cobitis is another genus of loach. octozona: means “with eight bands”.

Suggestion of a common name: Medusa Loach

Text & Photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Pelvicachromis rubrolabiatus FALSADE

16. May 2012

This is another, very nice dwarf cichlid from western Africa, available even with the name of the collecting site. We have fully grown and wonderful coloured specimens in stock.

For our customers: the fish have code 560363 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very limited numbers only!

Lexikon: Pelvicachromis: the Latin word pelvis means “pelvis”; chromis is another genus of perch; the generic name refers to the coloration of the belly. rubrolabiatus: Latin, means “with red lips”.

Suggestion of a common name: Vinered Dwarf Cichlid
Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guinea
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8 -10

Schistura pridii

16. May 2012

We received very nice specimens of this nano-loach from Thailand – maximum length reported for the species is only 4.5 cm. Available in limited numbers only!

For our customers: the fish have code 454982 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Polypterus ansorgii

14. May 2012

We received only two specimens of this bichir – the rarest of all bichir species. The currently imported specimens are 15-20 cm long. The species can reach a maximum length of about 80 cm and thus represents the largest of all known Polypterus species. There appeared a German article on the species in the current issue of Aqualog/Terralog News, which will be availble in English language in Spetember.

For our customers: the fish have code 162403 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very limited numbers only!

Lexicon: ansorgii: dedication name for William John Ansorge (1850-1913)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guinea

Ladigesia roloffi

14. May 2012

This dwarf tetra (maximum length reported is 4 cm) is a real jewel from Westafrica. The fish love to swim. They should be kept in schools in a well planted aquarium. It is important to choose a dark gravel which makes the colours of the fish shine brightly.

For our customers: the fish have code 144002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Ladigesia: Dedication name for Werner Ladiges (1910-1984). roloffi: dedication name for Erhard Roloff (1903-1980).

Suggestion of a common name: Orange Dwarf Tetra
Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guinea
Verfügbare Größe in cm	2-3

Pelvicachromis humilis LIBERIA RED

10. May 2012

This beautiful sport of P. humilis is available only very occassionally. We received them in an ideal size (5-8 cm). They have already very nice colours!
For our customers: the fish have code 559554 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Lexikon: Pelvicachromis: the Latin word pelvis means “pelvis”; chromis is another genus of perch; the generic name refers to the coloration of the belly.
humilis: Latin, means “depressed”.

Suggestion of a common name: Splendid King Cichlid
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guinea
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-8

Polypterus endlicherii GOLD

7. May 2012

This large species – sexual maturity is reached at about 40 cm length, but the species can grow as big as 70 cm – is represented in Guinea by a very attractive colour variety that has a yellow-golden basic coloration (vs. ash-grey in others).

For our customers: the fish have code 163215 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Lexicon: Polypterus: from ancient Greek, means “with many fins”. endlicherii: dedication name for Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher (1804 – 1849).

Suggestion of a common name: Golden Bichir

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guinea
Verfügbare Größe in cm	20 - 25

Opsarius pulchellus

2. May 2012

This is one of the most beautiful new entries in the hobby in the past few years. However, the species is known scientifically already since 1931, when Hugh M. Smith, one of the greatest experts for the fishes of Thailand, described the species. And even Smith observed the extraordinary beauty of the fish and named it “pulchellus”, the Latin word for “beautiful”.

The animals are close relatives of the Danios. In nature, they settle in cool, clear mountain streams of northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The type locality is Mekang (not Mekong, as can be found erroneously in some literature) near Pang Chao.

Usually the species becomes 7 cm long; females stay generally smaller than the males and are much more elongate. The largest specimen known so far was 10.5 cm long. The wonderful fish are very peaceful and do not care for plants. Regarding water chemistry they are undemanding; medium hard water with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH is equal to the conditions in nature.

So far, nothing has been published about the breeding behaviour of the species. However, it is very likely that they spawn in the gravel. The fish take readily any type of fishfood that fits the size of the mouth. All in all, Opsarius pulchellus is a perfect addition for the aquarium hobby.

For our customers: the fish have code 439904 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Opsarius: from ancient Greek, means “small fish”. pulchellus: Latin, means “beautiful”.

Suggestion of a common name: Butterfly danio

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-7

Parasphaerichthys ocellatus

2. May 2012

This extreme rarely imported species originates from Burma. The charming fish attains a length of only 2-3 cm. This is the only species of anabantoid fish whose way of reproduction is still unknown. The only other member of the genus, P. lineatus (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/parasphaerichtys-lineatus_de_1211.html) is a bubblenest builder although the eggs look like the eggs of mouthbrooders.

The surfaces of the eggs of P. ocellatus also have the very characteristic structures of eggs of mouthbrooding species (this is known from dissected specimens). But as long as no one has ever bred the species successfully in an aquarium nobody will know for sure how they do “it”. Maybe you, dear reader, can solve this miracle?

In the habitats of P. ocellatus appear heavy day-night changes of the water temperature. The species lives in muddy, shallow pools. By day water temperature rises easily up to 25-28°C, while during the night the temperature becomes as low as 15°C. The metabolism of the tiny fish is adopted to that changes. So one should try to imitate them (for example by switching off the heater along with the lamps) otherwise the fish will become very sensitive for various diseases on a long time sight.

For our customers: the fish have code 441233 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Parasphaerichthys: ancient Greek, means “similar to Sphaerichthys”. Sphaerichthys is another genus of fish. ocellatus: means “bears an ocellus”.

Suggestion of a common name: Ocellated dwarf chocolate gourami

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Burma
Verfügbare Größe in cm	2-3

Crenicichla zebrina

1. May 2012

For the first time ever we could import juveniles of this very rare species. For more information, please check: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/archiv.php?news_id=345

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela

Cichla orinocensis

23. April 2012

We currently have this amazing large cichlid in good numbers and an ideal size in stock. The specimens orginate from Venezuela and most of them are 3-5 cm long. This is a perfect size for the acclimatization of these fish in home aquaria.

Besides this we also have a few specimens 5-7 cm long in stock and a wonderful, already mature pair which is 18-25 cm long. One can observe the unique sexual dichromatism of Cichla orinocensis in this pair: males look rather like Cichla ocellaris, while females have a colour pattern that reminds one in C. temensis.

Cichla orinocensis is a typical member of its genus and can reach a maximum size of about 70 cm. Maturity is usually attained at a length of 20-25 cm. All species of Cichla are – as far as it is known – openbrooders and perform a bipartental broodcare.

Youngsters can be fed with white mosquito larvae and bloodworm; however, feeder fish are ideal. From a size of about 10 cm on the young Cichla can be fed with frozen smelt as the basic food. Smelt can be used even for largest specimens.

For our customers: C. orinocensis has code 636551 (3-5 cm), 636552 (5-7 cm), and 636558 (18-25 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Cichla: this is a name that has been used in ancient Greece for a nowadays unknown fish. orinocensis: means “originating from the Rio Orinoco”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Apple Snails in many colours

20. April 2012

Currently we can offer Apple Snails in many interesting colours. These beautiful snails are easy to keep and can get a size of about 5 cm in diameter. In the aquarium, they should be fed regularly like fish, for Apple Snails are heavy feeders and cannot survive with the remains of the fish only. There is no danger of a infestation in Apple Snails, for the eggs are deposited outside the water and can be removed easily as long as no offspring is wanted. The egg cluster remains one a bit in an oversized raspberry due to its colour and shape. Apple Snails are not hermaphrodites, like many other snails. The sexes cannot be distinguished externally, so one has to buy a number of animals to make it likely that both sexes are represented.

Brachyplatystoma juruense

18. April 2012

From Peru we received once more juveniles of the fantastic predatory catfish B. juruense. Adults of this species attain a maximum length of around 60 cm and have a very nice, zebra-like striped pattern. The coloration of the body of the juveniles is very variable. There do exist spotted ones, striped ones or even uniformly dark ones. All have in common the large, white caudal fin. On the upper lobe of the caudal fin is a filament that is as long as the body of the fish. Juveniles – the photographed specimens are 5-8 cm long – are already predators. Sometimes they swim free in the water column, the head turned upside, against the current. Now the caudal filament works as a stabilizer, comparable to the tail of a kite. Another, species-specific behaviour of the fish is to sit on the bottom, braced on the ventral fins and looking against the water surface. It seems likely that in this position the long tail filament works as a fishing rod that attracts small fish.

For our customers: the fish have code 211200 (5-8 cm) and 211201 (7-10 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Brachyplatystoma: from ancient Greek, means “short Platystoma”; Platystoma is another genus of catfish. juruense: after the Rio Jurua, the type locality.

Suggestion of a common name: Gold zebra catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5 - 10

Brachyplatystoma juruense

18. April 2012

This species of catfish is a predator and becomes easily longer than 60 cm. So it is suited only for specialized aquarists and public aquaria. Our current importation from Peru contains one specimen that is even as a youngster very attractive colored.

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10-12

Tinca tinca GOLD

17. April 2012

The gardenpond season starts up! The Tench, a species initially native in Europe and western Asia, is a perfect pond and aquarium fish. Nowadays the Tench has a worldwide distribution, because it is a very delicious food fish, too. The Tench is very tolerant regarding the water temperature: it is totally winter hardy on the one hand and has no problems at all in summer, when the temperature rises up to 26°C on the other. Due to its low oxygen requirement the Tench inhabits muddy waters in the wild.

Currently we have two sports of the Tench in stock, the wild coloured – also called Green Tench – and the wonderful golden sport. Among the latter ones are many three-coloured specimens, which are very rare (not assorted available!). The Tench can reach a length of about 40 cm (the largest one reported had 70 cm). Our specimens are currently 8-10 cm long and thus fit also perfectly for coldwater aquaria.

The Tench is not only a beautiful fish, but also very useful. Among all fish species native in Europe the Tench is spezialized most in feeding on small molluscs. Thus the Tench can be used in any pond or tank where snails become to numerous. However, in the absence of snails the Tench also feeds readily on any usual type of fish food. Against other fish, may they belong to the own species or not, the Tench is completely peaceful. Males can be distinguished from the females by the shape of the ventral fins, which are much larger in males. The Tench is an egg-scatterer that does not take care for its eggs at all.

For our customers: the Tench has code 878802, the Golden Tench 879003 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Tinca: this name was already in use in ancient Rome for the Tench.

Common names: Tench or Green Tench (for the wild coloured sport), Golden Tench (for the golden or threecoloured sports)

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10 - 12

Priapella olmecae

10. April 2012

Priapella olmecae

For the first time ever we have this beautiful livebearer in stock. The genus Priapella currently comprises 6 described species, of which P. intermedia and P. compressa are found occasionally in the ornamental fish trade. All Priapella species are surface dwellers that live in the wild in comparatively strong current. Here they swim in swarms, head against the current and jump for small insects that form the biggest part of their natural diet. The blue eyes of all species are very conspicuous. They shine so brightly that one is reminded of the lampeyes of the genus Aplocheilichthys.

Keeping these nice fish in a home aquarium is not difficult at all. However, they should be always kept in groups. The fish are very peaceful. The tank should be well lightened and filtered, the water temperature should be between 21 and 26°C. Medium hard to hard water and a pH over 7.5 is preferred. Priapella olmecae feeds readily on any usual food for ornamental fish, but never from the bottom. Plants are not harmed by this species.

For our customers: the fish have code 444513 on our stocklist. Available in limited numbers only! Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Priapella: means “tiny penis”, referring to the male‘s gonopodium. intermedia: means “in between”. compressa: means ” compressed”. olmecae: refers to the indigenous people in Mexico, the Olmecs. Aplocheilichthys: means “fish that is similar to Aplocheilus”; Aplocheilus is another genus of fish.

Common name: Olmecan Blue-Eye

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Spinibarbus denticulatus

29. March 2012

We have this large barb that originates from the south of China and the north of Vietnam in stock for the first time. The usual length of the fish is up to 40 cm. At this length they weigh about 1.5 kg. However, the largest S. denticulatus captured so far had a weight of about 30 kg. Spinibarbus denticulatus is one of the most important food fishes for aquaculture in its native range, for it grows fast, has a high tolerance regarding water temperature (the range of water temperature in its natural environment is between 9-16°C in winter and 25-30°C in summer), and the species is a specialized plant feeder that is able to transform worthless weeds, grass etc. in protein of high value.

However, we are less interested in the quality of the flesh of the fish, but in its potential use as aquarium or garden pond fish. Our specimens currently are 10-12 cm long and look rather dull. But the common name Chinese Phoenix barb has been given with some reason on the fish. When the fish grows it becomes – starting on the head – fire red. A picture of a larger fish can be found here:
http://fugupuff-fugupuff.blogspot.de/2011/02/spinibarbus-denticulatus.html

For our customers: the fish have code 455893 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Spinibarbus: means “barb with a spine”; this refers to the dorsal fin spine. denticulatus: means “with small teeth”; this refers to the structure of the dorsal fin spine.

Suggestion of a common name: Chinese Phoenix barb

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	China
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10 - 12

Xiphophorus hellerii MARLBORO

27. March 2012

This brandnew, fascinating sport of the swordtail is a real eyecatcher. The basic colour of the fish is a shining, plain white. About two thirds of the body are jet-red. However, it is not easy to breed such beauties, thus the price is comparatively high, but these graces are worth every cent of it. This swordtail is available in very limited numbers only!

For our customers: the fish have code 421243 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-6

Xenophallus umbratilis

27. March 2012

We have one of the rarest livebearers in stock. Only limited numbers are available! The beautiful fish reach about 4 cm (males) and 6 cm (females) total length. It is a very peaceful species.

For our customers: the fish have code 475802 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Elopichthys bambusa

27. March 2012

For the first time ever we received youngsters of this highly interestingly fish species. Maximum length reported for Elopichthys is about 2 m. This species is one of the very few real predators among the carp-like fish. Currently the genus Elopichthys is regarded to be monotypical, but there might exist a second species in the north of Vietnam, which is characterized by larger scales and and a more anteriorly placed dorsal fin.

Elopichthys bambusa occurs in China and Siberia. So it can be kept easily in garden ponds and has no problems during the winter in central Europe.

As everybody knowns, carps have no maxillary teeth at all. Elopichthys has solved that problem and developed strong horny sheets along the maxilla. So the mouth of the fish works like a strong scissor. Moreover the mouth´s tip has a hook on the lower jaw and a notch in the upper jaw; so the predator is enabled to hold strongly its prey.

In the wild Elopichthys bambusa prefers to hunt nearby waterfalls and rapids. Against conspecifics the fish are completely peaceful, at least in our facility.

For our customers: the fish have code 414903 on our stocklist. Please note that we eclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Elopichthys: means “fish like an Elops”; Elops is another genus of fish. bambusa: means “belonging to bamboo”.

Common name: Yellowcheek

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Asien / Asia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Yesterday we received a shipment with absolute top-rarities:

22. February 2012

262621 Hypostomus luteus, BRED, 3-4 cm

636576 Cichla piquiti, BRED, 14-18 cm

636336 Cichla kelberi, BRED, 18-22 cm

636395 Cichla melaniae, BRED, 12-15 cm

148353 Megalops cyprinoides, 12-15 cm

426095 Maccullochella peelii, 15-20 cm

414903 Elopichthys bambusa, 8-10 cm

455893 Spinibarbus denticulatus, 10-12 cm

All species are available in limited numbers only!
Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Geophagus sp. Gurupi

21. February 2012

We received beautiful bred specimes from Thomas Weidner, who published this Geophagus in the German magazine “Amazonas” No 36 (July/August 2011) on page 76 for the first time. The photo of the juveniles shows the fish we currently have in stock, the photos of the adults depict the breeders.

For our customers: the fish have code 682312 on our stocklist. Available only in limited numbers! Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text: Frank Schäfer, photos: Thomas Weidner and Frank Schäfer

Guppy King Cobra Sunrise

21. February 2012

This new sport of the guppy is characterized by its caudal fin coloration. This fin is yellow at its base and becomes deep red at the edges. Thus the name “Sunrise” is a perfect description of the fish.

For our customers: the new guppy has code 418413 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-4

Aphyosemion striatum

21. February 2012

Currently we have this beautiful fish bred by German breeders in stock. Sadly the killifish as a whole are often still regarded as sensitive, short living fishes that cannot be kept in community tanks. However, this is wrong. The Aphyosemion species that attach the eggs on substrates and hatch the eggs under water (in other species – the so-called annual species – the eggs have to be kept dry for a while) do live as comparatively long as other fish of similiar size, eg 2-3 years. A striatum belongs to the long-living group.

And the fish are not very sensitive. But they look only good when kept in the correct environment. The tank setup has to be quite dark and it should contain a lot of underwater plants. Now the fish feel safe and display their bright colours.

And finally: of course Aphyosemion are a bit shy and slow. So it is a very bad idea to keep them along with tough and fast swimming fish, like many cichlids or the Tiger barb. On the other hand, small and peaceful fish, like many tetras, rasboras, anabantoids or small catfish species are perfect tankmates for Aphyosemion striatum.

Hardness and pH are of lesser meaning for a successful keeping of these fish, but in general the water should be poor in bacteria and the pH should not be higher than 7.5. The water temperature can be between 22 and 28°C, the lower degrees should be preferred. Aphyosemion striatum feed on any type of regular ornamental fish food.

For our customers: the fish have code 314503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Common name: Red Striped Killi

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

What about a Blue Tetra? Knodus borki

21. February 2012

Currently we have wonderful, wild collected large Blue Peru Tetras in stock. This fish was known in the trade for a long time under the name of Boehlkea fredcochui until it was found that this name applies to a total different species. So the Blue Peru Tetra now is called Knodus borki, but it still is as beautiful as it has always been.

For our customers: the fish has code 210003 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Compsaraia samueli

7. February 2012

Only a few specimens of one of the most remarkable knifefishes of the New World reached us from Peru: Compsaraia samueli. The males of this “pelicano knifefish” develope grotesque long snouts. The males are absolutely intolerant against each other. They fight with mouths wide open in a manner that is known from fighting male deer.

The maximum size of the species, which has been described scientifically only in 2009, is about 23 cm. Males become sexually ripe with about 19, females with 15 cm length. In our fishhouse, the fish are fed with Tubifex and small feeder fish (Tanichthys). Regarding the water the knifefish, which are collected in the vicinity of Iquitos, are quite undemanding. However, it is best to keep the fish in soft and slightly acidic water and temperatures between 22 and 26°C.

For our customers: the fish have code 218205 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Compsaraia: from ancient Greek, means “with elegant fin ray”; the genus name refers to the anal fin structure. samueli: dedication name for Samuel Albert.

Suggestion of a common name: Pelicano Knifefish, Samuel´s Ghost Knifefish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15 - 18

Platy “Coffee”

30. January 2012

This Platy is a very attractive sport. The body colour is plain blueish-white with sharp contrasting black spots. The eye shines in a beautiful blue. The intensity of the latter depends on the light.

This new Platy represents in all probability a close relative of the “Bleeding Heart Platy”, which is a descendent of the nowadays lost plain white “Ghost Platy”. Both existing sports, as well as the mentioned “Ghost” sport, are bred exclusively on the zoological species Xiphophorus maculatus.

For our customers: the fish has code 442153 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Xiphophorus: from ancient Greek, meaning „the one that bears a sword“. maculatus: Latin word for „spotted“

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Barbus dunckeri (= aquarium “Barbus everetti”)

30. January 2012

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-4

Barbus everetti “Real”

30. January 2012

The island of Borneo is divided, politically speaking, in three parts: Kalimantan belongs to Indonesia, Sarawak and Sabah belong to Malaysia and Brunei represents an independent state. Kuching is the biggest town on Borneo. It is located in the northwest, in Sarawak (Malaysia). Ornamental fish are collected there only very occasionally. However, recently we were able to manage an import from there that contained a number of very interesting fish species. Among them were barbs that were sent under the name of Barbus kuchingensis. This species really exists, but shows only two vertical bands on the anterior body and a black spot right above the anal fin. Our fish looked completely different from that and showed a much more contrasting pattern.

Our research showed that our new fish in all probability represents the first (?) import of the “real” Barbus everetti. It is already known for some time that all fish in the hobby that are termed “B. everetti” in reality belong to the species Barbus dunckeri. This correct name is only slowly adopted by hobbyists worldwide due to the fact that the real B. everetti was not present in aquaria so far and thus there was no need for a change of the name.

Our new entries are beautiful fish in any way. It can be supposed that they will reach a similar size as the close relative B. dunckeri, eg 10-12 cm, and that they will reach sexual maturity at a length of about 6-8 cm. Keeping is totally problem free. The water should be soft to medium hard, pH range should be between 6.5-7.5 and the water temperature should be between 24-28°C. Fish that are kept under the described conditions are very lively and colourful. These barbs feed readily on any type of usual fishfood.

For our customers: the fish have code 369862 on our stocklist.We have only a very limited number in stock. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Barbus: Latin, means “the bearded”. everetti: dedication name for Alfred Hart Everett (1848-1898), the collector of the species. dunckeri: dedication name for Georg Duncker (1870-1953), ichthyologist and former custos of the Naturhistorisches Museum Hamburg (= Hamburg museum for natural history).

Suggestion of a common name: Kuching-Clownbarb

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indonesien / Indonesia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4 - 7

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis ORANGE BOLIVIA

30. January 2012

For our customers: the fish have code 261634 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Pelvicachromis taeniatus “Nigeria Red”

30. January 2012

Dwarf cichlids from western Africa are bit out of fashion currently. Nobody knows a real good reason why, as usual in fashion. However, anyone who sees the gorgeous Pelvicachromis taeniatus “Nigeria Red” we can offer right now as German bred ones, will become crazy for a new fashion immediately and place a tank with these beauties in the fishhouse.

For our customers: the fish have code 562304 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pelvicachromis: Latin, means about “Chromis with a specially coloured pelvis”; Chromis is an old catch-all name for perches. taeniatus: Latin, means “striped”.

Common name: makes no sense, the fish is commonly known by enthusiasts as the “taeniatus Nigeria red”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Pyrrhulina filamentosa

16. January 2012

This beautiful Pyrrhulina also reached us recently from Guyana: it can be recognized best by the broad dark lateral band. However, the species has a very wide distibution and we sometimes received them also from Colombia. Maximum size reported for P. filamentosa is 10 cm. So this species is a beautiful, representative aquarium inhabitant.

For our customers: the fish have code 286762 on our stocklist.Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Suggestion of a common name: Broadband-Pyrrhulina.

Text: Frank Schäfer, photo: Dieter Bork

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guyana
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8 -10

Pyrrhulina lugubris

16. January 2012

Regarding the coloration this Pyrrhulina may look a bit inconspicous at the first glimpse, but if one gives the fish a chance to settle down it developes a bright, beautiful pastel. In any other respect this fish is a true Pyrrhulina and enables lots of interesting observations in the aquarium. This species prefers to swim in schools more than other Pyrrhulinas, so it is an ideal community fish for the upper water column.

For our customers: the animals have code 286643 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Suggestion of a common name: Pastel-Pyrrhulina

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guyana
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Pyrrhulina cf. brevis

16. January 2012

This gem from Peru is without any doubt the most colorful species in the genus Pyrrhulina. In breeding mood the males get red-orange fins and on each scale appears a cherry-red spot. One should keep this up to 6 cm long species in larger tanks. Under these conditions it is possible to keep more than one territorial male. Now the tank becomes the scene of neverending (but harmless) quarrels – it is simply amazing to observe the behaviour of this beautiful fish. Keeping and breeding is equal to that of P. laeta.

For our customers: the fish has code 286754 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Suggestion of a common name: Redfin-Pyrrhulina

Lexicon. Pyrrhulina: means “small bullfinch”, because the males develope much red coloration during courtship, exactly as the bullfinch male (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) does. brevis: Latin, means “short”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-6

Sturisoma arrived!

16. January 2012

We received gorgeous, large Sturisoma robustum from Paraguay and the quirky S. nigrirostrum from Peru. In the Peruvian Whiptail S. nigrirostrum the male developes an upturned “nose”. The sense of this feature is unknown. For more information on S. robustum, please click http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/catfish-en/loricariidae-en/_en-3/.

For our customers: Sturisoma robustum has codes 294874 (12-15 cm) and 294875 (14-18 cm), S. nigrirostrum has code 294854 (12-15 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brittanichthys axelrodi

9. January 2012

++ Currently (january 2011) a good number of wild collected animals of that species reached us! Code 211902 ++
Every now and then you will find this very sensitive tetra (which is above all prone to stress) among a few specimens of Cardinals Paracheirodon axelrodi. If used to aquarium conditions, however, it is very enduring inside a species tank. The authors keep some animals in very soft sour water, which already caused many spawn releases. But there was no hatched tetra found yet. At night the eggs are getting fastened to objects (plants, aquarium panes, peat bags) in lines by the female. It could not yet get claryfied by us if the fish are stock fertilizers (which is possible due to the weird tailfin hook). The reason for the probably unfertilized eggs is not clear. (Photo & Text von P. & M. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien, Rio Negro

Pelvicachromis signatus

9. January 2012

We recently received this beautiful dwarf cichlid from Guinea. The species is a close relative of P. humilis and was known in the hobby as P. sp. “Bandi 1” before its scientific description.

Maximum size in males is around 10 cm, females stay always smaller. As in almost all Pelvicachromis there is an extreme sexual dichromatism. Persons that are not educated in the hobby can easily think that males and females belong to different species. The spot on the belly of the females looks incredibly; there is already a saying in our fishhouse that goes like this: “who has put the lamp inside the belly of this fish?”

These fish originate from forest creeks and should be kept at comparatively low temperatures, around 22 to 24°C, and soft and slightly (!) acidic water. It is important to offer the fish sand as gravel, for they love to dig.

For our customers: the fish have code 560454 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pelvicachromis: the Latin word pelvis means “pelvis”; chromis is another genus of perch; the generic name refers to the coloration of the belly. signatus: Latin, means “signed”. humilis: Latin, means “depressed”.

Suggestion of a common name: Bandi dwarf cichlid

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Guinea
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8 -10

Farlowella platorhynchus

3. January 2012

The needle suckers (Farlowella) belong to the most specialized Loricariids at all. Their whole life is dedicated to the trick to look like a stick.

Currently we received fantastic, up to 18 cm long Farlowella platorhynchus from Peru. There is a lot of variation observable regarding coloration. Males and females can be distinguished best by a look from the top: males have a much broader head. In contrast to many other Loricariids, Farlowella are not cave brooding, but spawn open on the surface of things, quite often on the glass of the tank. Here the male guards the eggs until the fry hatch.

Keeping Farlowella is not difficult, but one has to note some essential things. First of all, Farlowella are slow feeders. They are used to feed on Aufwuchs in the wild, and so the keeper has to make sure that the needle suckers get enough food. Tablet food and frozen Cyclops do very well. Also the gravel should be fine, best sand, for otherwise the fine food particles vanish too fast in the ground. Finally: please note that Farlowella are very bad swimmers, so they can become entangled easily in dense plants etc.. So furnish the tank for Farlowella only neatly arranged.

For our customers: the animals have code 253875 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Farlowella: dedication name for W. G. Farlow, former professor at Harvard University, USA. platorhynchus: from ancient Greek, means “with a broad snout”.

Suggestion of a common name: Broadsnouted Needle Sucker

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15 - 18

Cyclopsetta sp.

28. December 2011

The flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) are a quite successfull order of fishes, comprising 11 families, 108 genera and about 572 species. Most of them are marine, only 4 species are known to live completely in fresh water, but many species are found in the brackish water of the lower reaches of rivers at least during their youth. Many species are of great importance as food fish for human consumption, but in the aquarium hobby these fish are almost unknown.

We were able now to import a species from Colombia for the first time ever, which probably represents a member of the genus Cyclopsetta. Our specimens are currently between 8 and 12 cm long and thrive very well in slightly brackish water (2.5 g salt/litre).

There are four accepted species in Cyclopsetta and our specimens are most similar to C. querna, which has a wide distribution in the western Pacific from the Gulf of California to Peru. C. querna is the largest species of the genus and can reach a maximum length reported of about 40 cm; however, the common length of fish collected in the wild is around 25 cm.

It is extremely fascinating to observe these fishes in the aquarium. They are predatory fish that prefer small fish as prey. As soon as a Cyclopsetta has discovered a potential prey, it erects from the bottom by stretching the back. Then it literally explodes from the bottom like a bullet and catches the food fish – even fast swimmers like zebra barbs have no chance to escape. After the hunt the flatfish slides back to the bottom.

For our customers: the fish have code 290903 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Cyclopsetta: the name refers to the cycloid scales of the members of this genus, combined with the genus name “psetta”, which is another genus of flatfish. querna: Latin, means “oaken” or “tanned”.

Suggestion of a common name: Toothed Flounder

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Kolumbien / Colombia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8-12

Corydoras virginiae

28. December 2011

Currently we have one of the most attractive species of Corydoras from Peru in stock. This species caused – along with some other species – the Corydoras boom that started more than 15 years ago. At this time C. viriginiae was still undescribed was called “C4”.

This Corydoras is a schooling fish. Moreover it is a very lively species. It looks best when kept in blackwater over a light, fine sand. All in all this Corydoras is a beautiful and easy to keep aquarium fish that can reach a maximum length of around 6 cm.

For our customers: the fish have code 240604 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Corydoras: from ancient greek, means „with helmet and spear“. This refers to the strong armor and fin spines. virginiae: dedication name for Virginia Schwartz.

Suggestion of a common name: Miguelito cory

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Barbus conchonius

19. December 2011

You think you know quite well the rosy barb? Please take a look on our photos of the fantastic wild collected ones we currently have in stock and think about it. In fact wild collected rosy barbs – our specimens originate from the vicinty of Calcutta, the type locality of Barbus conchonius – look completely different compared with the aquarium strains. Males of the wild ones become metallic black and get a red caudal peduncle. Each scale is ornated with a bright silver spot – gorgeous!

Obviously the aquarium strains of the rosy barb do not belong to the species Barbus conchonius at all, but this is a different story.

Regarding keeping the wild collected rosy barb there is no difference compared with the domesticated ones. They are pretty hardy fish and very easy to keep.

For our customers: the fish have code 364335 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Barbus: Latin, means “the bearded one”, referring to the barbels. conchonius: after the common name of the fish in Bengal.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indien / India
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Crenicichla cf. lugubris RED ATABAPO

19. December 2011

At least we managed to import a small number of one of the most beautiful pike cichlids at all. Breeding fish become deep red all over the body, and even outside the breeding season the fish are spectacular.

For our customers: the animals have code 670715 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

…and please do not forget to visit our homepage to get weekly updates !

Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae WILD

14. December 2011

There are species of fish that are so commonly seen in the trade that we sometimes forget to look at them with the eyes of a child. One of these species is the red eye tetra, one of the top classics among the ornamental fish species They can be found in any pet shop around the World. Now we had the rare occasion to obtain wild collected ones from Paraguay. Usually these fish that appear in the trade are tank reared. So we took a closer look and – be honest! – aren’ t they real beauties?

For our customers: the fish have code 269314 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexikon: Moenkhausia: dedication name for W. J. Moenkhaus, a friend of Eigenmann, the describer of the genus. sanctaefilomenae: refers to the collection site of the type specimens (“lagoon near St. Filomena at the Parnahyba”).

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Paraguay
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Tatia sp. Tahuayo River

14. December 2011

We received this pretty new species currently from Peru in small numbers. The Tahuayo river, a tributary of the Amazon river, was given as collecting site. Our specimens are 10-12 cm long. They cannot be assigned for sure to any known species. Obviously it is a close relative of Tatia nigra from the central Amazon basin, but this species is known so far from preserved specimens only, so we prefer not to put a scientific name on our new Tatia at the moment.

Keeping this new species is comparable to other Tatia. Like in all Tatia species the males have a modified anal fin that allows an internal fetilization. So the females spawn fertilized eggs in absence of the males. Many species of Tatia have successfully been bred under aquarium conditions, so hopefully this will also happen in this pretty and large new species.

For our customers: the fish have code 295934 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Tatia: Tatia: dedicated to Charles Tate Regan, who was ichthyologist at the British Museum. nigra: Latin, means “black”.

Suggestion of a common name: Golden Caparison Tatia

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10 - 12

Tridensimilis brevis

5. December 2011

Currently we received the cute freeswimming dwarf glass cat Tridensimilis brevis from Peru. The fish attains a maximum length of 3 cm. It belongs to the notorious candiru relationship, but is no blood sucker at all. This tiny catfish is that translucent that it is possible to observe the way of the food from the mouth to the vent. T. brevis can be kept problem free with small tetras, but one should better keep no Corydoras – especially C. pygmaeus – along with Tridensimilis. For our customers: the fish has code 298151 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Erythrinus sp. TAHUAYO RIVER

5. December 2011

Another recent first importation from Peru: a new species of Erythrinus! It is clearly distinguished from the other two species of Erythrinus known so far from Peru, eg Erythrinus erythrinus (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/erythrinus-erythrinus-_de_1009.html) and E. sp. Madre de Dios (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/erythrinus-sp-madre-de-dios_de_1324.html) by the fine, whiteish-blue seam on the caudal fin. Our specimens are still too small (6-8 cm) to say anything on the adult coloration.

Keeping Erythrinus is quite easy. The fish easily accept deep frozen fish (smelt) as main food item. As the fish have an accessory breathing organ, the water quality is of lesser meaning. Temperature should not raise over 25°C over a longer period, for at least the Peruvian Erythrinus are somewhat sensitive in this respect.

For our customers: the fish have code 253382 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Erythrinus: ancient Greek, means about “the reddish”.

Suggestion of a common name: Whiteseam wolf fish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Ageneiosus cf. atronasus

5. December 2011

For the first time ever we received now this interesting doplhin catfish from Peru. In contrast to many of its congeneers this species stays relatively small and reaches only 12 cm in total length. Thus it is suitable also for normal sized home aquaria. However, one should always keep in mind that these catfishes are predatory fish and that tankmates must not be too small. Otherwise the dolphin cat is a peaceful species.

During breeding season the males develope very long dorsal spines that are used while mating to fix the female. There is an internal insemination, but most details regarding the natural history of these interesting fishes are still unknown.

For our customers: the fish have code 202902 on our stocklist.Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Ageneiosus: from ancient Greek, means “without a beard”; this refers to the fact hat the barbels are usually hidden and cannot be observed externally. atronasus: Latin, means “with a black nose”.

Suggestion of a common name: smut nose dolphin cat

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5 - 6

Crenicichla lugubris ORINOCO

29. November 2011

We received beautiful Crenicichla lugubris from Venezuela in three sizes. It is astonishing how drastically these fishes change their coloration during their onotgenesis. Juveniles that show the typical “French fries pattern” are schooling fish that feel very unsafe when kept alone. Then the fish come in the age of puberty. Now they see congeneers only as competitors and try to bite and kill them whenever they have the opportunity to do that. Finally the fish become sexually mature. Now they form pairs that live most often in peace and harmony over long periods. The elder the fish become, they more beautiful they are. The Orinoco variety of C. lugubris has a high amount of red in the coloration. This population also has characteristically a lot of spots in the face which can lead to confusion with C. lenticulata that lives in the same area. C. lugubris “Orinoco” is one of the largest species of the genus and can attain a length of around 50 cm. So it is an magnificent subject for very large or public aquaria.

For our customers: the fish has code 670723 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Crenicichla: Crenicichla: ancient Greek, means “Cichla with a comb”; Cichla is another genus of cichlid. lugubris: Latin, means “the one that wears mournig”, this refers to the coloration.

Suggestion of a common name: Giant Orinoco Pike Cichlid

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8-15

Parosphromenus cf bintan SINTANG

29. November 2011

The charming licorice gouramis are ideal inhabitants of nano tanks. They can not compare with other fish and so they settle even in nature extreme habitats. The water there is very poor in nutrients, very soft and acidic. These dwarfs among the anabantoids become astoundingly old and can easily reach an age of 5 or more years. So they compensate the low number of eggs they produce per spawning – usually less than 20. These tiny fish should be kept in one-species tanks. They can be fed exclusively with live brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia).

Our P. cf. bintan “Sintang” originate from around a village on Sumatra, which is bordering Jambi and Palembang. The males display a very strong blue coloration. There is no doubt that these fish belong to the bintan-species group. The fish attain a length of about 3 cm. In all licorice gouramis the sexes can be distinguished even in fright coloration. Both males and females look like Betta-females in that mood, but the caudal fin of the females is completely hyaline whereas in the caudal fin of the males always a iridescent shine can be observed that reflects the courtship-coloration.

For our customers: the fish have code 441133 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Parosphromenus: means “stands beside Osphromenus”; Osphromenus is another genus of anabantid. bintan: after the island of Bintan, the type locality.

Suggestion of a common name: Blue Sintang Licorice Gourami

Text: Frank Schäfer, photo: Martin Hallmann

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indonesien / Indonesia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	2-3

Dawkinsia (formerly Barbus) rohani

29. November 2011

It was only last year that this beautiful Indian barb has been described scientifically. It originates from the south of India. Presently it is only known from hill streams in the Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. It differs from the other Indian barbs of its closer relationship (eg D. arulius, D. assimilis, D. exclamatio, D. filamentosa, and D. tambraparniei) by the coloration. Especially diagnostic is the shape of the caudal spot, which is teardrop-shaped in D. rohani and circular in D. assimilis and D. filamentosa, the two species that look most similiar to D. rohani. Moreover, the caudal fin of D. rohani has no pattern, whereas in D. assimilis and D. filamentosa this fin has black markings.

Males and females can be easily distinguished by the shape of the dorsal fin which is filamentous in males. Like all these Indian barbs D. rohani is a wonderful schooling fish for larger aquaria. The species attains a length of around 8-12 cm.

For our customers: the fish has code 370914 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Barbus: Latin, means “the bearded”. rohani: dedication name for Rohan Pethiyagoda, an ichthyologist that works mainly on the freshwater fishes of Sri Lanka and India. Dawkinsia: dedication name for the biologist Richard Dawkins (“The Selfish Gene”).

Suggestion for a common name: Golden Scaled Indian Barb

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indien / India
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8 -10

Ancistomus sp. L387 “Orange” – young adults in stock

23. November 2011

The wonderful L387 is only very occasionally available. Currently we have young adults of 5-7 cm length in stock (females are smaller than the males). Our animals are German bred ones. For more information, please check http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/ancistomus-sp-l387—beautiful-bred-ones-available_en_1284.html

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tetragonopterus argenteus

14. November 2011

Code 266004

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Paraguay
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-7

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

14. November 2011

Code 273208

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	30 - 35

Macropodus ocellatus

14. November 2011

Code 425403

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-4

Fundulopanchax cinnamomeus

14. November 2011

Fundulopanchax cinnamomeus

We are glad that we are able to offer more and more species of the colourful group of killifish from German breeders. New in stock: Fundulopanchax cinnamomemus. This is a very nice species that reaches about 6 cm in total length. The fish belongs to the large group of Aphyosemion relatives. The species originates from Cameroon. Some of the Aphyosemion (in the largest sense) need rather low water temperatures. Luckily F. cinnamomeus is not demanding in this respect and thrives well at temperatures between 22 and 26°C (best: 23°C). The pH should be in a slightly acidic range. The fish feed on any type of fishfood, but prefer frozen and live food. To avoid shy and dull coloured fish the tank should not be lightened too much and have a dark gravel; it should also well planted and tankmates should never be hectic or aggressive. The longvivety of these killis can be compared with that of other fish of the same size; they are not annual. F. cinnamomeus spawns in the bottom (peat).

For our customers: the animals have code 636303 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Aphyosemion: from ancient Greek, means „small fish with flag-like fins“. cinnamomeus: means “coloured like cinnamon”. Fundolopanchax: combined from the generic names Fundulus and Panchax; the name should suggest that the members of the genus show features of both other genera.

Common name: Cinnamon Killi

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Hisonotus nigricauda

14. November 2011

For the first time ever we were able to import this charming dwarf catfish from Paraguay. The species looks quite similar to the well known “Otocinclus Negros” (the correct specific name of that fish is Otothyopsis piribebuy) and can be kept the same way. The most obvious difference between the two species is the coloration of the caudal fin; besides this, H. nigricauda becomes a bit bigger (4-5 cm). The import season for Paraguay ends now and so it is most probably not only the first, but also (for this season, of course) the last time we can offer that charming nano fish this year.

The species should be kept always in small groups (at least 5 specimens). Besides Aufwuchs the fish feed on food tablets and frozen Cyclops. The species originates from subtropical regions (the natural distribution are the river basins of the Paraná/Paraguay and Uruguay) it can be kept without an additional heater. On the other hand, it thrives also quite well at temperatures up to 28°C.

For our customers: the fish have code 258433 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Hisonotus: nigicauda: Latin, means “with a black tail”. Otothyropsis: means “similar to Otothyrops”; Otothyrops is another genus of catfish. piribebuy: after the type locality, the rio Piribebuy, an affluent to the rio Paraguay.

Suggestion of a common name: Redtail Otocinclus

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Paraguay
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-4

Mystus bocourti

14. November 2011

Due to its extremely prolonged dorsal fin this fascinating species has also been placed in a genus on its own for a long time, namely Heterobagrus. The catfish becomes around 20-25 cm long. It is a very peaceful species; however, fish of small size will be taken as food, but neither congeneers nor any other tankmate will be attacked by M. bocourti otherwise.

For the first time ever we received with the current shipment two specimens that have anormally developed dorsal fin; in any other respect the two fish are absolutely identical with the other M. bocourti. Maybe this represents a sexual dimorphism and the fish with the normal dorsal fins are females? Nothing is mentioned in literature about that…

Mystus bocourti comes from the river basins of the Mekong and the Chao Phraya in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The fish feed readily on any usually frozen or live fish food and most often the animals don´t even refuse dried fish food.

For our customers: the fish have code 437455 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Mystus: not known for sure, but most probably dervied from the ancient Greek word for “beard”. bocourti: dedication name for F. Bocourt who collected the type specimens. Heterobagrus: means “different Bagrus”; Bagrus is another genus of catfish.

Suggestion of a common name: Highfin King Cat

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	12 - 15

Hypancistrus sp. L400

14. November 2011

Code 26480-L400x-2

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8 -10

Crenicichla sp. Atabapo

14. November 2011

Code 672534

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15

Crenicichla lenticulata

14. November 2011

Code 670005

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15

Crenicichla johanna Puerto Inirida

14. November 2011

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15

Tanganicodus irsacae “Ikola”

14. November 2011

Code 576002

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Tanganjikasee / Lake Tanganyika
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Eretmodus cyanostictus “Kavala”

14. November 2011

Code 520502

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Tanganjikasee / Lake Tanganyika
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Boraras naevus

14. November 2011

The dwarf rasbora that is traded under the name of “Boraras micros RED” for some years already, has been described now scientifically and has been named Boraras naevus. The species is distinguished from all other spotted Boraras species known so far by the sexual dichromatism. The B. naevus males develope a much bigger shoulder spot than the females. Regarding keeping and breeding the charming dwarfs do not differ in any way from their congeneers. This means, they should be kept in small, well planted tanks with a dark ground in soft and acidic water. Under these conditions the dwarf rasboras are astonishingly long-living and enjoy their keeper for many years. Boraras naevus reaches a maximum length of 1.5 – 2 cm.

For our customers: Boraras naevus has code 452822 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Boraras: Boraras: anagram of Rasbora, referring to the reverse ratio of abdominal and caudal vertebrae in Boraras compared with Rasbora. naevus: Latin, means “spot” or “mark on the skin”; refers to the prominent shoulder spot of the species.

Suggestion of a common name: Strawberry rasbora

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	1 - 2

Leporinus brunneus

14. November 2011

For the first time ever we were able to import this beautiful, large tetra from Venezuela. The fish can reach a maximum size of 25-30 cm. It can be found in the basins of Orinoco river and the rio Negro. The coloration of the fish is quite variable, depending on the origin. The orange spot under the eye on the operculum is nevertheless quite characteristic for the species. Depending on the origin the lateral stripe might be solid or formed by spots. The intensity of the red coloration of the finnage and the throat also depends on the origin of the fish. Our specimens – we currently have three of them – have a length of 15-20 cm and are almost fully grown. So now there is the first chance to observe the behaviour of the fish under aquarium conditions.

For our customers: the fish have code 265745 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Leporinus: Leporinus: Latin, means “hare-nose”. brunneus: Latin, means “dark, dusky”

Suggestion of a common name: robin hare snout

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15-20

Trachelyichthys sp. Tapajos

9. November 2011

We currently received this cute driftwood catfish from Brazil. Initially we thought all fish of the import would belong to the same, highly variable coloured species; but in the meantime we found that in fact two species were involved, namely T. sp. “Tapajos” and Auchenipterichthys punctatus.

Most probably Trachelyichthys sp. “Tapajos” becomes as big as the similiar species T. exilis: 6-8 cm. The latter species has already been bred in aquaria. The fish have an internal fertalization and the female lays the sticky eggs without the presence of a male.

Trachelyichthys are peaceful, night active catfish that feed readily on any usual type of fishfood.

For our customers: the fish have code 297482 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Trachelyichthys: ancient Greek, means translated “extreme fish”; however, the name rather refers to the close relationship to the genera Trachelyopterus and Trachelyopterichthys. exilis: Latin, means “weak”.

Suggestion of a common name: Tapajos bug catfish

Text & Photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Brasilien / Brazil
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-5

Acestrorhynchus cf. minimus

9. November 2011

The barracuda tetras (Acestrorhynchus) from South Americ are beautiful predators, which are much sought for among specialized aquarists with large tanks. Several of the approximately 14 species accepted currently become 20 to 40 cm long, but there do exist also small species in the genus that become never larger than 10 cm.

We received from Peru one of these dwarfish species. The pattern and the low number of scales correspond very well with the species described as A. minimus. However, that species is not listed so far to occur in Peru, so we decided to name the fish “cf. minimus”.

Acestrorhynchus are comparably peaceful predators and should be kept in schools. A. minimus becomes only 6-8 cm long and so the species fits very well in a 200 litre tank. On the other hand the tank should not be much smaller, as barracuda tetras are active hunters and thus need some space. They should be fed with small feeder fish.

For our customers: the animals have code 202254 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Acestrorhynchus: from ancient Greek, means “needle snout”. minimus: Latin, means “the smallest”.

Suggestion of a common name: Dwarf barracuda tetra

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Apistogramma cf. juruensis Black Chin

9. November 2011

We just received this beautiful dwarf cichlid from Peru. The determination of the several phenotypes of Apistogramma is not easy at all. Currently most persons that work with Apistogramma tend to the point of view that the fish that looks almost identical, but has blue lips represents the “real” A. juruensis, while the fish with the yellow lips and the black spot on the chin is called “cf. juruensis Black Chin”.

May that be as it is: the fish are extremely beautiful and easy to keep Apistogramma. The fish imported now show a very attractive pattern in the ventral fins. Mlaes become around 7 cm, females around 4 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 622723 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Apistogramma: ancient Greek, means “with unreliable line”. It is not known wether the lateral line organ or the pattern is meant. juruensis: refers to the type locality, the Rio Jurua,

Common name: Blackchin Apistogramma

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Teleogramma brichardi

9. November 2011

Currently we have a limited number of the very rare cichlid Teleogramma brichardi from the Congo in stock. For our customers: the fish have code 576303 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	D.R. Congo
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Apistogramma agassizii Flamenco

9. November 2011

Currently we received one of the most beatiful varieties of Apistogramma agassizii in limited numbers. The variety “Flamenco” is collected in the wild, but according to our exporter it does not represent a local population. The Flamenco variety is selected from other “normal” Apistogramma agassizii catches.

It is well known that under aquarium conditions it is quite easy to establish stable colour varieties from Apistogramma-species that show a high degree of polychromatism in the wild (for example A. agassizii, A. bitaeniata, A. cacatuoides). So it seems very likely that fish like the Flamenco variety represent the ancestors of the pretty A. agassizii “Redback”, which is unknown from the wild so far.

For our customers: the fish have code 614182 on our stocklist.Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Apistogramma: ancient Greek, means “with unreliable line”. It is not known wether the lateral line organ or the pattern is meant. agassizii: dedication name for Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz (1807-1873), an important naturalist.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-5

Skiffia multipunctata

9. November 2011

One of our proofed breeders supplied us with a very nice collection of some Goodeids, which are very seldom available in the trade. However, we have only limited numbers in stock. One of the pretties species is Skiffia multipunctata. The males vary a lot regarding coloration, so a tank with Skiffia multipunctata is very intersting to look at.

Goodeids are livebearing fishes. They are kept best in unheated aquaria. During the warm season the fish are particularly suitable for outdoor aquaria. Skiffia multipunctata reach a maximum size of about 6 cm, males always stay smaller than the females. In the wild Skiffia feed a lot on algae. In aquaria they readily take any usual fishfood, but a good flakefood has proofed to be the best for the species.

For our customers: the fish have code 455353 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively sipply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Skiffia: dedication name for F. J. V. Skiff, a former director of the Field Columbian Museum in Chicago. multipunctata: Latin, means “with many spots”.

Suggestion of a common name: Black spotted splitfin

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-5

Synodontis multipunctatus

9. November 2011

Code: 183003

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Tanganjikasee / Lake Tanganyika
Verfügbare Größe in cm	12 - 15

Holpias curupira

9. November 2011

Code: 258606

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	30 - 40

Satanoperca mapiritensis

27. September 2011

We obtained this wonderful, glittering eartheater from Venezuela. The size is 15-18 cm. Members of the genus Satanoperca are also called “devilfishes”, but despite this horrible name the fish are extremely peaceful. They live over sandy bottoms which they browse through in search for food. In such a habitat it makes no sense to defend a territory. Devilfishes are biparental, ovophilous mouthbrooders, which means that bot parents take alternating the young fish in the mouth. So one of the parents is always able to feed. Only in high danger the young fish are allowed to enter the mouth of both parents. However, the eggs are incubated by the female fish alone.

The name “devilfish” has been given to these nice cichlids by native fishermen in Amazonia. In the original description of S. jurupari, Heckel writes (1840): ” … his name Juruparí pindá means devil´s fishing rod in Lingua geral”. It is thought that the fishermen were disgusted by the fact that the fish seemed to give birth to the offspring through the mouth and so associated the harmless creature with the devil.

For our customers: Satanoperca: Latin, means “devil´s perch”. mapiritensis: after the type locality, the Rio Mapirito

Suggestion of a common name: Glitter Devilfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15-20

Synodontis sp. aff. nigriventris ZEBRA

27. September 2011

We currently have a limited number of the very pretty and rare Synodontis sp. aff. nigriventris ZEBRA in stock. The species differs from the “common” Upside Down Catfish by the extremely contrasting pattern. The species is – as far as it is known – restricted to the Mai Ndome region in the DR Congo. Size of our specimens: around 4 cm.

For our customers: the fish have code 183414 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	D.R. Congo
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-5

Xenopus laevis

27. September 2011

By chance we had the opportunity to get wonderful, large (6-8 cm) Xenopus laevis from a German breeder. Available only in limited numbers! For our customers: the animals have code 192505 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Parakysis verrucosus

27. September 2011

For the first time ever we received this tiny and charming dwarf fish from Malaysia. It reaches only 3-4 cm in length. The species is adopted to black water habitats in nature, where the water is very soft and acidic. However, in our facility they have proofed so far to be unproblematic and quite gregarious. Research in the field showed that the stomach of the fish contained remains of bloodworm, insects, scales, and pieces of fin. Obviously the fish are unspecialized feeders, which corresponds very well with our observations.

Parakysis verrucosus represents an interesting new species for nano aquaria.

For our customers: the animal has code 441273 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Parakysis: means “besides Akysis” (referring to the supposed relatiobship): Akysis is another genus of catfish. verrucosus: Latin, means “warty”.

Suggestion of a common name: Chocolate dwarf catfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Singapur / Singapore
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-4

Caridina “Black Tiger Yellow Eyes”

27. September 2011

The black tiger shrimp is a cultivated variety of the tiger shrimp that originates from southern China. The tiger shrimp itself is a very variable species and possibly belongs to the species described as Caridina cantonensis. The bright shining eyes and the fantail in the same colour are very characteristic for the animal.

We have these beautiful dwarfs – maximum length is around 2 cm – for the first time in stock now. They are very easy to keep, but who is interested in breeding them should keep them over a period of some weeks (best in winter) at a temperature around 15°C. Like all dwarf shrimps the black tiger should be kept in groups (10 specimens or more).

For our customers: the shrimps have code 485442 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Caridina: from ancient Greek, means “little crab”. cantonensis: means “deriving from Canton (nowadays Guangdong)”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	2-3

Plectrochilus erythrurus

27. September 2011

We managed to import a few specimens of the exteme rarely imported, blood sucking Candiru-catfish species Plectrochilus erythrurus, which have currently a length of 12-15 cm, from Peru. For our customers: the fish have code 280754 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	12 - 15

Neocaridina heteropoda RILI

27. September 2011

The Cherry red shrimp belongs to the most popular dwarf shrimps in the hobby. Keeping and breeding is very easy and can be done even by beginners. The tiny animals produce such a lot of offspring that the species is sometimes even used as a feeder animal. Neocaridina heteropoda originates from East Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan). The specimens that were imported for the first time for the aquarium hobby originated probably from Taiwan.

Taiwan is also the place where the latest sport of N. heteropoda comes from. The pretty red-and-white shrimps are sold under the names of “kili-shrimp” or “kohaku.shrimp”. We have the variety now in stock for the first time. The kili shrimp is obviously pure breeding although every individual looks a bit different in respect of the white and red parts. This makes a tank with those dwarf shrimps very attractive to look at.

For our customers: the animals have code 484208 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Neocaridina: means “new caridina”. Caridina is another genus of shrimp. heteropoda: means “with different types of feet”.

Suggestion of a common name: Koi dwarf shrimp

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	2-3

Cynopotamus atratoensis

27. September 2011

It is a very rare occasion that predatory tetras of the genus Cynopotamus are imported, due to their sensibilty against stress and transportation. So we are extremely happy and prous that we have been able to manage an importation of not less than eight specimens from Venezuela. The fish have a size of 18-22 cm and are very healthy.

Cynopotamus atratoensis attains a total length of about 35 cm. Together with C. essequibenis, C. magdalenae, and C. venezuelae it belongs to a group of externally very similar fish that can be distinguished only on the basis of scale counts, finray counts etc.. Especially C. atartoensis and C. venezuelae can hardly be distinguished. However, C. venezuelae has slightly less rays in the anal fin, so our specimens probably belong to the species C. atratoensis.

Cynopotamus are predatory tetras that feed on other, small fish. Against conspecifics they are – at least in our fishhouse – peaceful. Hardness and pH of the water are of little importance, but it seems that the fish prefer slightly higher temperatures than usual: 26-28°C.

For our customers: the fish have code 251346 on our stocklist. Please note the we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Cynopotamus: from ancient Greek, means “river dog”. atratoensis: after the type locality, the Rio Atrato in Colombia. essequibensis: after the type locality, the Essequibo river in Guyana. magdalenae: after the type locality: the Rio Magdalena in Colombia. venezuelae: after the type locality, Venezuela.

Siggestion of a common name: Doublespot Riverdog

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Venezuela
Verfügbare Größe in cm	15-20

Accept
Name	hellotrust
Provider	Keyed GmbH
Purpose	hellotrust stores the user's consent status for cookies on the current domain.
Duration	Data is deleted as soon as it is no longer needed for processing.
Further information	https://hellotrust.de/datenschutz

Accept
Name	Gtag Manager
Provider
Purpose	We use the Google Tag Manager. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. The Google Tag Manager itself does not create any user profiles, does not store any cookies and does not carry out any independent analyses. However, Google Tag Manager records your IP address, which may also be transferred to Google's parent company in the United States. The Google Tag Manager is used on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the fast and uncomplicated integration and management of various tools on its website. If a corresponding consent has been requested, the processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR; the consent can be revoked at any time.
Duration

We use cookies