Author Archives: Paul_

We received magnificent M. rubripinnis from Venezuela, which we call “sp. rubripinnis RED” due to their intensive red colours. Code: 270392. Our specimens are 4-7 cm long. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Finally we are able to offer once more this beautiful, but sadly only very occasionally available tetra. However, even now we have only a limited number of them.

Although the fish is really beautiful – one of the most attractive features is the deep red adipose fin – this is not the main excitement for the keeper of Rachoviscus crassiceps. Each aquarist should have had at least once in a lifetime the opportunity to observe the fantastic dance the male performs during displaying, may it be while having a harmless fight with another male or during courtship.

In nature, R. crassiceps inhabits brooks with soft and acidic water in the south of Brazil. This means that they are subtropical fish that need no additional heater in indoor aquaria with the exception of breeding season. The regular water temperature can lie between 16 and 24°C. The very peaceful tetras feed on any usual type of fish food.

For our customers: the animal has code 286902 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Rachoviscus: dedication name for Arthur Rachow. crassiceps: composed from a Latin and an ancient Greek word, means “with thick head”.

Suggestion of a common name: Cherryfin tetra

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

The genus Gymnocorymbus comprises only three species, one of which – the Black Skirt tetra, G. ternetzi – is among the most popular ornamental fish. The other two species are absolute rarities. So we are glad to be able to offer one of them, the rare Gymnocorymbus socolofi from Colombia, once more.

This tetra reaches a maximum length of about 5.5 cm and is, like its famous relative, a pretty and undemanding schooling fish. At a length of about 2 cm the species exhibit the prettiest colour. However, even fully grown fish look very nice de to their unusual body shape and the golden back.

Currently it is discussed, if G. socolofi is identical with the species described as Phenacogaster bondi. If so, the latter name as the elder one will be the valid one due to priority and the fish has to be named Gymnocorymbus bondi.

For our customers: the fish have code 254792 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Gymnocorymbus: from ancient Greek, means something about “with naked peak”, referring to the scaleless anterior back. socolofi: dedication name for Ross Solocof (1925 – 2009). ternetzi: dedication name for Carl Ternetz. Phenacogaster: from ancient Greek, means about “with elusive belly”. bondi: dedication name for Frank E. Bond, who organized a expedition to the Orinoco where the species was discovered.

Suggestion of a common name: Goldback Skirt tetra

Leporinus steyermarki is a beautiful large tetra. It can reach a maximum size of about 30 cm and originates from Venezuela. In German, the fish is now and then named “Grey Leporinus” which is for sure not describing accurately the coloration of the animal. Maybe this name bases on a confusion with another of the numerous species of Leporinus.

Like all Leporinus, this fish is an omnivorous animal that takes a lot plant of material for food. Our specimens currently are 4-6 cm long and very peaceful against each other.

For our customers: the fish have code 265883 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Leporinus: Latin, means “hare-nose”. steyermarki: named for Julian A. Steyermark who led the 1953 botanical Venzuela Expedition of the Chicago Natural History Museum; the fish was discovered during this expedition.

Suggestion of a common name: Golden Spotted Leporinus

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

This pretty predatory tetra is only imported very occasionally to Europe, although the up to 30 cm long species is quite common in the southern parts of South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). The photographed specimen originates from Paraguay.

Basically speaking, Oligosarcus is nothing else but a Banded Astyanax (Astyanax fasciatus) that has been developed to a specialized predator. Oligosarcus jenynsii looks very much like a Banded Astyanax: the orange fins, the broad, platinum-shining vertical band, the humeral spot and the rhombic spot on the caudal fin base, all looks like in the Banded Astyanax. It is, however, not known whether this identical coloration is due to phylogenetic relationship or only a type of camouflage for the Oligosarcus that might be used to come near to its prey in company of the harmless Astyanax.

Oligosarcus jenynsii is – like most predatory fish – absolutely peaceful against other fish that cannot be eaten; so it is a nice task for aquarists so answer this question on the basis of aquarium observations. Oligosarcus prefers to prey on small fish that are not longer than the head of the respective Oligosarcus.

For our customers: the fish has code 27300 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Oligosarcus: from ancient Greek, means about “with few flesh”. jenynsii: dedication name.

Suggestion of a common name: Orange Finned Pike Tetra

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

After a long time we were able now to import once more this beautiful tetra from Peru. It was not possible so far to place it in a known genus or described species. We chose the name “Hasemania” only because the basic coloration of the fish is somewhat reminescent to that of the well known silvertip-tetra (Hasemania nana). However, our new fish cannot belong to genus Hasemania due to its adipose fin which is always lacking in Hasemania.

The males are extremely attractive due to their brass-yellow to copper-red shine on the body, the brillant red spots on the caudal peduncle and the white fintips. The females are a bit duller in coloration, but also very nice fish.

Keeping these new fish is very easy and can be compared with other, well known small tetras (maximum length in our fish: 3-4 cm).

For our customers: the fish have code 225453 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Hasemania: dedication name for J. D. Haseman. nana: Latin, means “dwarfish”.

Suggestion of a common name: Peruvian brass tetra

We imported this new, very nice and interesting tetra for the first time now from Brazil. Obviously this species originates from the Araguaia/Tocantins basin in Central Brazil. In the most current issue of the German aquarium magazine “Amazonas” (Issue 35, May/June 2011, p. 79) this fish is named “7 Rays Mint Tetra” what is adopted here.

The fish become about 3 cm long and the males can be easily recognized by the very strange looking laterally broadened anterior anal fin rays (seven, thus the popular name) and the saw-like keel structure at the lower end of the caudal peduncle. Structures of that kind can be found in the genera Spintherobolus and Serrapinnus, but in the 7 Rays Mint Tetra the anterior anal fin rays are not connected by membranes which is the case in all known species of Spintherobolus and Serrapinnus. Thus our fish might not belong only to a new species, but also to a new genus.

Regarding keeping the new species proved to be undemanding so far. The fish are typical, very lively schooling fish.

For our customers: the animals have code 293692 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Serrapinnus: Latin, means “saw-fin”, referring to “the peculiar shape of the anal-fin rays of mature males.” (Malabarba, 1998). Spintherobolus: from ancient Greek, means about “emitting sparks”, probably referring to the lateral line organ.

Suggestion of a common name: 7 Rays Mint Tetra

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Postscriptum: the species has been described in 2012 under the name of Serrapinnus sterbai by Axel Zarske. This is the complete reference: Zarske, A. (2012): Serrapinnus sterbai spec. nov. — Beschreibung eines neuen Salmlers (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae: Cheirodontinae) aus Brasilien mit Bemerkungen zu S. gracilis (Géry, 1960) comb. nov. und S. littoris (Géry, 1960) comb. nov. Vertebrate Zoology v. 62 (no. 1): 3-17.

For the first time ever we succeeded in importing this unique species of piranha from Brazil. Currently the piranhas are placed in 5 genera (Catoprion, Pristobrycon, Pygocentrus, Pygopristis, and Serrasalmus). However, there is some discussion about this classifaction, because intermediate forms have been observed. The species currently placed in Pristobrycon are quite discoid fish as adults and have comparetively small heads. But the juveniles look quite different and one might think to see another, distinct species or even another genus.

Maximum length reported in P. striolatus is about 15 cm. Our largest fish are a bit smaller, but the sexes can be already become determined by the shape of the anal fin. In males, this fin is clearly hooked, whereas in females the anal fin has a straight border.

In the photo tank the pair was quite peaceful, but we nevertheless keep these precious fish solitary; for although almost nothing is known for sure about this rare species it is said to be a fin eater in the wild. In the aquarium they feed readily on any usual piranha food.

For our customers: the fish have code 292845 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Pristobrycon: from ancient Greek, means “saw-Brycon”; Brycon is another genus of tetra, the word pristis (saw) refers to the saw-like arranged scales on the keel of the breast. striolatus: means “dashed”.

Suggestion of a common name: Cheetah piranha

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Serrasalmus eigenmanni Peru

This medium sized and very interesting piranha (maximum length reported is around 20 cm) was imported from Peru. This is worth mentioning, as so far S. eigenmanni has been “only” reported from Brazil, the Guyanas, and Venezuela. Our determination bases on the work by Jégu & Santos (1988). Following these authors, the species-specific characters of S. eigenmanni are as follows: a dark spot behind the opercle; a dark base of the caudal fin; a very deep body; a short snout. However, due to the well known difficulties regarding piranha systematics it might be necessary one day to realize that our fish might belong to another species.

Serrasalmus eigenmanni belongs to a group of piranhas that live solitary and feed in nature mainly on the fins of other fish. In captivity it is no problem to feed the fish with any other meat, but it is of course not possible to keep S. eigenmanni in community with other fish.

For our customers: the animals have code 291604 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Serrasalmus: from Latin, means „salmon with a saw“. Refers to the saw-like arranged scales along the keel of the breast. eigenmanni: dedication name.

Common name: Eigenmann´s piranha

Lexicon: Serrasalmus: from Latin, means „salmon with a saw“. Refers to the saw-like arranged scales along the keel of the breast. eigenmanni: dedication name.

Once more we can offer currently this beautiful new dwarf tetra as German bred. At the time we received the fish for the first time it was still undescribed scientifically. The most similar known species was Hyphessobrycon stegemanni. The latter, however, does not have the beautiful long filaments on the fins. In the meantime our new fish has been described scientifically under the name of Hemigrammus filamentosus.

The ancestors of our new fish came via Belem from Brazil, nothing more was known initially. But now it has been published that the species originates from the Rio Araguaia. The maximum total length is around 3-4 cm. Males differ from females by the longer filaments on the fins and a red (instead of translucent) caudal fin.

Regarding keeping the species can be told a hardy one. The fish are very peaceful and do no harm to any tankmate, may it be a member of the same or another species. Plants are also left alone completely. When the water temperature rises over 28°C the fish start mating and the males begin to fight with each other. These fights are wonderful to look at and absolutely harmless; not even the elongate fin filaments become harmed during the fights.

This extraordinary new fish might become a very popular ornamental fish – at least it has all requirements to become one.

For our customers: the fish have code 256433 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Hyphessobrycon: ancient Greek, means “small Brycon”. Brycon is another genus of tetras. stegemanni: dedication name. Hemigrammus: ancient Greek, means “with half line”, referring to the incomplete lateral line, which is genus-specific. filamentosus: Latin, means “with filaments”, referring to the long fins of the males.

Suggestion of a common name: Phoenix tetra

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

The ancestors of our new fish came via Belem from Brazil, nothing more is known so far. The maximum total length is around 3-4 cm. Males differ from females by the longer filaments on the fins and a red (instead of translucent) caudal fin.

Regarding keeping the species can be told a hardy one. The fish are very peaceful and do no harm to any tankmate, may it be a member of the same or another species. Plants are also left alone completely. When the water temperature rises over 28°C the fish start mating and the males begin to fight with each other. These fights are wonderful to look at and absolutely harmless; not even the elongate fin filaments become harmed during the fights.

This extraordinary new fish might become a very popular ornamental fish – at least it has all requirements to become one.

For our customers: the fish have code 262079 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Hyphessobrycon: ancient Greek, means “small Brycon”. Brycon is another genus of tetras. stegemanni: dedication name

Suggestion of a common name: Phoenix tetra

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Finally we were successful and imported a larger number of this wonderfully coloured predatory tetra from Peru. Both sexes have the splendid orange belly. Females can be recognized by the shape of the ventral fins: they are comparatively small and rounded (large and pointed in males).

It is said that the species can attain a length of up to 25 cm; however, our specimens are about 15 cm long and sexually fully developed

Keeping these pretty fish is very easy. They are solitary living predatory fish. Erythrinus has an accessory organ that enables the fish to breath atmospheric air in oxygen-poor water. In the aquarium the fish accept readily frozen fish (smelt) as food, so feeding them is not a problem at all.

Read more about that intersting fish here: http://aqualog.de/news/web96/13-16e.pdf

For our customers: the species has code 253394 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: Firebelly Wolf Fish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Once more we were able to import this cute dwarf tetra from Peru. The maximum length of the fish is around 2 cm total length. Despite their small size the males can be very aggressive against each other. If one can keep a lot of them together they are peaceful (the same phenomenon can be found in many cichlid species), but in a normal sized tank one should keep only one male along with one or more females.

The sexes can be distinguished easily by coloration. Only the males become bright red. Depending on mood, mating males can also develope a deep black humeral spot.

So far only one species of the genus Odontocharacidium is known to science, namely O. aphanes from the Rio Negro in Brazil. However, this species has a rather dull coloration. Is is not known wether the Peruvian fish represents a new species or a variety of O. aphanes.

The water parameters on a collecting site of this fish in the Rio Shishita drainage were as follows: pH 5,32, conductivity 21µS/cm, temperature 24°C. Keeping these very nice fish proofed unproblematical so far.

For our customers: the fish have code 272973 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Odontocharacidium: means about “Characidium with teeth”; Characidium is another genus of ground tetra. aphanes: ancient Greek, means “unconspicuous”.

Suggestion of a common name: Red Dwarf Darter Tetra

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Currently we have one of the most beautiful of the large tetras in stock: Myloplus schomburgkii. The magnificent species reaches up to 45 cm in total length, our specimens have the ideal size of 5-7 cm. The photos of the juveniles illustrating this entrance are made from our specimens in stock, while the adults have been photographed in a public aquarium.

In contrast to many other species of silver dollars identification of Myloplus schomburgkii is quite easy. It is the only species that has a vertical black stripe on the body. However, shape and size of that stripe differ in specimens from different localities so it is possible that more than one species is currently lumped under the name of M. schomburgkii.

Sexes cannot be distinguished in juveniles externally, but can be very easily distinguished in adults. In all Myloplus species adult males develope a two-lobed anal fin. In M. schomburgkii the males moreover develope filiformous extensions of the dorsal fin rays. Mating males of the broadbanded variety (species?) become splendid red.

These close relatives of the piranhas feed mainly on plant material. Exactly like piranhas Myloplus schomburgkii establish a hierarchy. The species is one of the most attractive inhabitants of large aquaria one can think of.

For our customers: the fish have code 270503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Myloplus: not explained. Myleus: after the ancient Greek term for “millstone”. schomburgkii: dedication name for the important German naturalist and explorer Robert Hermann Schomburgk (1804-1865).

Suggestion of a common name: Blackbanded pacu

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Code: 285513

Code 258608

Code: 261203

Currently we were able to organize one of the rare imports from Guyana and so we have the beautiful Leporinus arcus originating from there in stock again. The genus Leporinus contains almost 100 species and is thus pretty big. Nevertheless only very few species could establish themselves as aquarium inhabitants. Most of them become quite large, are quarrelsome and eat any plant they can find. Most species are simply too dull in coloration to keep them despite this nasty behaviour.

Leporinus arcus also becomes quite large. Maximum length reported is around 40 cm. However, in the wild most of them will never grow bigger than 15-20 cm and besides this they are very pretty. Leporinus arcus are ideal tankmates for larger South American Cichlids or to bring some colours in a tank with predatory fish. Likewise other Leporinus they develop a social hierarchy. So it is much better to buy animals of different size, because equally sized animals will fight much harder with each other. Once the hierarchy is established the fish live in relative harmony together.

For our customers: the species has code 265802 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Leporinus: Latin, means “hare-nose”. arcus: Latin, means “bow” and “rainbow”; it is not explained what Eigenmann meant by giving this name in the original description, but most probably the name applies on the lower longitudinal stripe: (“… another (band) curving from the eye downward and back to the lower edge of the caudal”)

Suggestion of a common name: Lipstick Leporinus

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Code: 259823

Code: 268583

Code: 258412

Code: 206203