Practical Fishkeeping - Spring 2019 PDF

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THE EXPERTS PFK’s new home:

Warners Group
STEVE Publications.
BAKER
Steve’s had a busy
month, visiting a
reader with an amazing loach-based
set-up, visiting a new store in Norwich,
and writing all about Neolamprologus.
INGRID
ALLAN
Ingrid has been
tackling the tricky
situation of moving home with a tank,
as well as exploring livestock options
for the unheated aquarium.
RICHARD
ASPINALL
Marine expert and
former aquarium
magazine editor Richard writes on
setting up a Red Sea marine biotope,
based on his travels there.
TIMES ARE changing, dear ON THE COVER

OLEG
reader! As you read this, the
LABUTOV PFK team is in the middle of a
Dwarf gourami,
Oleg co-founded the Trichogaster lalius.
Biotope Aquarium seismic shift. After this issue, we Photograph by
Design Contest and is a high flyer in the will no longer be a part of Bauer Neil Hepworth.
biotope world. He shares with us the Media, but instead we’ll be the
best 10 habitat tanks of 2018. freshest acquisition of Warners
Group Publications.
ABHISEK What does that mean for you? In the immediate short
MALLICK term, very little. Our operations remain the same, and
Shrimp breeder and the PFK format will stay unaltered.
Indian fish enthusiast In the longer term, it spells exciting times, and I hope
Abhisek shares the details of his recent you’ll be as thrilled about developments as I am.
exploration of the fishes and habitats Warners is keen to explore fresh ideas, and I assure you
of West Bengal.
I’ll be pitching hard for a National Aquatics Expo in
years to come.
BOB For now, send any enquiries/letters and so on to the
MEHEN usual email addresses. They’ll be changing over the next
Bob has been keeping couple of months, but we’ll keep you informed.
his finger on the pulse
Oh, and we are REALLY excited about this!
with the latest aquarium news and
gossip, as well as giving us his time to
answer all your fishkeeping enquiries. Ever heard about
Nathan Hill, Associate Editor
the creature you can
cut in half and it
Stay in touch forms two new

whole animals?
Find out on page 68
Email us at editorial@ Watch us on youtube.com/ Follow us at facebook.com/
practicalfishkeeping.co.uk user/practicalfishkeeping PFKmag
WWW.PRACTICALFISHKEEPING.CO.UK 5
Contents SPRING
12
43
INSPIRATION 30 YOUNG FISHKEEPERS

Part three of our series for 82 THE LITTLE BIG
GOURAMI
MINI MARVEL
8 A chance buy from the
junior fishkeepers looks at water
changes, gravel cleaning, and
Dwarf by name, giant by nature,
Trichogaster lalius is a stunning
aquatics store, one strange little introducing some more easy little gem. Take care to source
Hasselt’s leaf catfish turned out care species to your tank. healthy, virus-free specimens
to be full of surprises. and it will brighten any tank.
Editor’s
NOWHERE ELSE 32 BENGAL ADVENTURE
Pick TREASURES OF THE
12 ON EARTH
Two explorers journey to
Bengal in the north-ea
90 RED SEA
With their habitat specialisations India to observe speci Take inspiration from the wild
and highly developed social in their natural habit world of ‘nems and Nemos,
structures, the Neolamprologus and create your own ravishing
THE BEST BIO
of Lake Tanganyika are unique.
43 IN THE WOR
Red Sea biotope.
22 READER VISIT Feast your eye WS & VIEWS

Meet PFK reader Sophie Washer top 10 winnin
and her dramatic, centrepiece annual Bioto HKEEPING NEWS
tank of a tank, filled with Clown Design Cont charity to conduct
loach, barbs, plecs and a single diversity survey in Borneo,
WARM FRONT
agnificent Fire eel
74 Why a temperate community
ngelsharks in Welsh waters,
and how to age a Lungfish.
tank can be just as varied, R
colourful and full of personality PAGE 22 LETTERS
as any tropical aquarium. Aquarium microscopy, plea for
5
How to move When you should Discover four
THINGS 1 house with fish. 2 take your fish to 4 plants that will
YOU WILL the vet – and how What to do with thrive in a coldwater
5 T
LEARN IN
you can stop it from
swallowing foreign
3 your marine co l
when they start to
aquarium dwarf gour
spit for food
bodies in the e an archerfish!
lose their colour.
THIS ISSUE first place...
98
82 90
more plant features, and a genius tanks – the Superfish Qubiq to ease the stresses of moving
use for tumble dryer waste water. 30, Fluval Flex 123 and Tetra day for you and your fish.
Starterline 105.
GEAR & REVIEWS 68 KNOW-HOW: PLANARIA
REGULARS All you need to know about
WIN A FILTER!
42 SUBSCRIBE TO PFK
these strange, regenerating,
Three fantastic Ocean Free
Hydra Filtron filters are up for 40 Save when you take out a
hermaphrodite flatworms – and
what they mean for your tank.
grabs in our fab competition! print subscription to Practical
Fishkeeping – and never miss KNOW-HOW:
98 ROADTRIP an issue. 72 FOREIGN BODIES
From established fish shops The goldfish who swallowed a
FISHKEEPING ANSWERS
to aquascaping specialists,
PFK visits three very different 55 PFK’s crack team of aquatics
pebble – a fishy tale (and happy
ending) from the vet’s casebook.
aquatics stores in Norfolk. experts are on hand to answer
MANUFACTURERS
your questions. This month:
107 NEXT MONTH
108 POLL: THE WINNERS
how much food to feed, killifish
aggression, the likelihood of
Glorious guppies, marines of the
Mediterranean, and our biggest-
The results are in. Which hybridisation, and whether tank ever LED comparison test!
aquarium, food, lighting, temperature determines the
heater, filter and more did you
vote the best of the best?
sex of shrimp.
114 TAILPIECE
Guest contributor Max Pedley
KNOW-HOW: MOVING
GEAR GUIDE 64 HOUSE WITH FISH
on why he left his job in aquatics
110 A first look at three smart new Practical advice and handy hints
retail – and what might have
persuaded him to stay.
FASCINATING FISH
Leaf catfish
Mini marve
The Hasselt’s leaf cat, Silurichthys hasseltii, strikes me
as a ‘Honey, I shrunk the Wels catfish’ kind of affair.
WORDS: STEVE BAKER
8 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPING
I
HAVE A natural magnetism towards predatory I was fully expecting to have to wait a fortnight or
fish. I’m also very concerned about being fair more to catch a glimpse of my Leaf cat patrolling
to the fish (or other animals) I keep, imagining the surface after lights out, but on day two, moments
what it would be like to be in their situation after feeding, it was there! In full sight with the lights
and wanting to give them sufficient space for on, scouring the substrate for tasty morsels!
interest and exercise, but I’m restricted on You see, in nature these are said to be highly
tank size in my two-bedroom flat. However, cryptic, nocturnal fish. They hide under submerged
with patience and trips out to specialist shops, branches, leaf litter and dense aquatic plants by day,
I do manage to find some cracking mini monsters to and roam the water’s surface by night to hunt down
keep in my more modestly sized tanks. fallen insects and larvae. But in my tank I’ve seen my
On one such trip I called in to Wharf Aquatics, and Leaf cat every evening under strong lighting, feeding
stumbled across some ideal fish for my 120cm off the substrate. It’s not as if they’re bred on a
oddball community tank. One of them I’d never seen commercial level, so I can’t put it down to generations
or even heard of before, which adds hugely to the of conditioning to life in aquaria. In fact, I’ve found
attraction for me. The label read ‘Leaf catfish, max no accounts of breeding so far, so this is most likely
size 5 inches’ with a price of around £18. A bit of a wild fish. Also, I was all prepared to supply frozen
research to make sure it would be happy in my water glassworm and floating, insect-based dried foods
conditions and tank set-up and into the bag it went. once the lights were out, but I didn’t get a chance.
With many similar features to the giant Wels catfish, Has its behaviour changed this dramatically during
this Leaf cat seems like a 13cm version of a 5m beast, the time it’s been captive? Since it left the collectors My Leaf catfish
NEIL HEPWORTH
and although not even I can say the Wels cat is in Indonesia to the day I bought it in Nottingham? feeds alongside
pretty, it’s an impressive fish. It moves with grace and Who knows, but it’s a joy to see it each day, and an eel and
is perfectly suited to its surroundings and lifestyle. this way I can be completely confident of its health. loach.
Above: caption,
caption, caption
NEWS
Aquatic News
Bob Mehen gathers the latest news and events from the world of aquatics.
EXPEDITION
UK charity to conduct
biodiversity survey
Team plans to investigate previously unresearched river system on the island of Borneo.
A
RESEARCH TEAM from
the Freshwater Life Project,
a registered UK charity, is
gearing up to head deep into the
rainforest in Brunei, on the island of
Borneo, to conduct a biodiversity
survey of a previously unresearched
river system.
The team, headed by the charity’s
founder Jinesh Shah, aims to
identify critically endangered
wildlife dependent on the river,
as well as develop a solid case for
indefinite protection of the habitat,
and establish a research centre.
While Borneo is known to suffer
from extreme instances of habitat
loss due to deforestation for
unsustainable palm oil plantations,
Brunei, which occupies just 1%
of the island, remains largely
unexplored. It’s thought that Brunei’s
rainforests may be some of the Joining the team is biotope expert ABOVE:
last safe havens for the endangered Chris Englezou, who remarks that: Borneo needs
wildlife of Borneo, some species of “It is highly likely the research, protection.
which live nowhere else on earth. which will be published in respected
LEFT: Many
The survey will try to observe scientific journals, will uncover both
habitats will be
mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants and animals new to science researched.
birds, bats, plants and fish, and while helping to identify the
will even use day and night vision presence of existing
camera-trapping and bio-acoustic threatened species,
monitoring to unearth new providing they can meet
occurrences of endemic species the target of £10,000 MORE INFO
like the Bornean rhinoceros, Sunda to fund the first stage.” To help with a donation
pangolin, Bornean elephants, Find out more to the project, visit
orang-utans, Bornean freshwater about the charity and gofundme.com/
crocodile, and the Brunei beauty, its Brunei project at
freshwaterlifeproject
Betta macrostoma, among others. freshwaterlifeproject.org
AQUATIC DRUGS STASH
Police officers searching a property
FILTER THIEF SPARED JAIL in Orford, Cheshire, for possible drug CALL FOR ZEBRA PLEC OWNERS!
A man who tried to steal an external filter worth A team of scientists from Canada and Brazil is
£292 from a shop has been spared jail. Dean dealing soon found the culprits’ watery working on a paper to explore the opinions and
Hodson, from Bury, Lancashire, took the pricey hiding place – their fish tank. Three population of Zebra plec breeders worldwide.
filter from Dave’s Aquarium in Bolton in November. men were arrested and a large quantity If you keep Hypancistrus zebra, and are interested
He was given a 20-week suspended sentence, of class A drugs retrieved from the in taking part in the research by answering
ordered to receive treatment for drug addiction a short, anonymous survey, please visit
tank after officers spotted one of
and pay £400 in compensation and costs. https://sciencelive.geog.mcgill.ca/zebrasurvey
the residents trying to hide
them among the fishy
inhabitants.
Australian lungfish
PROJECT
ANGEL SHARKS’ STUDY
UNDERWAY IN WALES
Communities in Wales are being asked to share their
encounters, past and present, with rare Angel sharks
around the Welsh coast. The Angel Shark History
Roadshow is an initiative organised by Natural
Resources Wales and the Zoological Society of London
to gain more information on the species.
The Angel shark, Squatina squatina, was once
widespread in the coastal waters of the north-eastern
Atlantic, but is now considered critically endangered.
ALAMY
Its last known stronghold was around the Canary Islands,

but reports from fishermen suggest that a population
of these unusual, dorsally flattened sharks, which can
LONGEVITY reach 2.4m, is alive and well off the Welsh coast.
How to age a Lungfish Angel shark
The endangered Australian ‘bomb curve’, which shows that
SHUTTERSTOCK
lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, the quantity of carbon 14 in the
is generally believed to be one of atmosphere started to rise in the
the longest-lived freshwater fish, 1950s and peaked in 1963 when
with ages in excess of 100 years a treaty to ban nuclear testing
often cited. Well-documented came into force. This distinct
captive specimens aside, carbon 14 profile makes it easier
however, it has been impossible to determine when Lungfish
to back up this assertation were born. JAPAN
with facts. Scales were removed from
Typically the age of a fish is
read by looking at the otolith, a
500 Lungfish taken from the
Brisbane, Burnett and Mary Are Oarfish really
small bone in the fish’s ear that
carries growth rings similar to
those on trees. To examine this,
Rivers, and a sub-sample of these
scales were then aged using
bomb radiocarbon dating
prophets of doom?
though, you generally need to kill techniques. The results showed The appearance of three dead Slender oarfish, Regalecus
the fish (not a great idea with fish ranging from three to 78 russelii, off the coast of Japan in January caused frenzied
endangered species…). Plus, in years old. They also showed how social media speculation that they were harbingers of an
the case of this particular fish, reproduction had occasionally impending tsunami. The dead fish were discovered over
a Lungfish’s otolith is not like stopped completely in some areas a nine-day period in Tomaya Bay in the Sea of Japan.
that of other species. for decades. Traditionally, these magnificent, silver, serpent-like
A team from the Australian Previously researchers had had deep sea fish, which can reach up to 8m in length, have
National University in Canberra major difficulty in identifying been seen as a sign of an approaching tidal wave – their
has now managed to crack the juvenile fish. This led some Japanese name translates as ‘messenger from the
problem by reading carbon 14 scientists to believe that there palace of the dragon king’. Similar sudden appearances
levels in the fish’s scales. was only an ageing population of were reported before the deadly tsunami of 2011.
An unexpected side effect of mature fish left, and the species However, Japanese scientists suspect the appearance of
nuclear weapons testing is a was dying out as a result. the fish is simply coincidental. They are seldom seen, and
usually appear at the surface only when dead or dying.
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Neolamprologus
Nowhere else
ON EARTH
With complex life strategies and highly developed social structures,
the Lamprologines of Lake Tanganyika are truly unique.
WORDS: STEVE BAKER
E
COLOGICALLY, ALL Lamprologines that have diversified In 1997, a comprehensive Lemon cichlids
offer both colour
ALAMY
the lakes of the and thrived – 95% of Lake morphological study of nearly all
African Rift Valley Tanganyikan cichlids are found Lamprologines by Melanie Stiassny and character.
are highly significant, nowhere else on earth. concluded that Lamprologus is
whether you’re With a shoreline of 1,136 miles restricted to river-dwelling species
considering one of and an estimated volume of 4,500 (from the Congo and Malagarasi
the oldest and largest cubic miles of water, this historic rivers) that share a common
lakes on the planet lake has an abundance of different ancestor (monophyletic). The genus
with mind-blowing biodiversity, habitats and feeding niches for fish name Neolamprologus literally
or the smaller, inhospitable water to take advantage of. means a new or revised form of
bodies such as the extreme alkaline Lamprologus, pointing to the fact that
soda lakes, inhabited by a few Genera jumble the fish of this genus we find in Lake
very specialised fish. The Lamprologini family comprises
The Rift Valley region is known for eight genera. Neolamprologus has
the evolution of more than 800 by far the most members, but there’s
cichlid species, most of which are much confusion surrounding the
found in Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi Lamprologus and Neolamprologus
or Lake Tanganyika, each a vast lake genera.
containing fish with intriguing gene If you look through a number of
pools and advanced social structures. books or websites about
Lake Victoria and Lake Malawi are Tanganyikan cichlids, you’ll
both dominated by members of the probably find some using the
Haplochromine lineage, but Lake genus name Neolamprologus,
Tanganyika – the oldest and largest others using Lamprologus,
tropical freshwater body in the and even a mixture
world – is different. Here it’s the of the two.
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Neolamprologus
Tanganyika today descend from species’ dainty look. They rarely shy
Neolamprologus those riverine Lamprologus. Not all away from the viewer; in fact, they’re
cylindricus have adopted this definition, and more likely to confront you face on
literature continues to be mixed, but and display to you beautifully.
for the remainder of this article I’ll The real interest with this and other
adopt the structure set out by Stiassny. closely related species is when it
The type species for Lamprologus comes to rearing the young. Their
(that is, the particular species from social structure is wonderful to see.
which the genus is named) is The parents’ defence of a first batch
Lamprologus congoensis, a fast-water is admirable as they hover above
MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS

lover found in the rapids of the River their rocky safehold, but when you
Congo. It’s thought to be the basis of see the second and third batches of
the Lamprologini family and it’s easy young being defended and corralled
to see the similarities with some lake by their 3-4mm siblings from the
fish like Neolamprologus tetracanthus. first spawn, it’s pretty eye-opening.
In larger groups, it’s been noted
Fairy tale that both related and non-related
FACTFILE In the hobby, the fish most associated fish sometimes form a creche
with the Neolamprologus genus is service, looking after other couples’
STRIPED LAMPROLOGUS
N. brichardi, the Fairy cichlid or young while they feed on drifting
6Scientific name: Neolamprologus buescheri
6
Pronunciation: Neo-lam-pro-low-guss Princess of Burundi. This species is plankton away from their territory.
boo-cherry readily available, easy to keep, easy Batches of young from different
6Size: 7cm to breed, and often seen as the best couples may even be protected at
6
Habitat: Cave dweller, mostly found at
depths of 20m and more
100 l+ introduction to keeping Tanganyikan
cichlids, possibly even cichlids in
the same time. This behaviour has
been compared to the social
6
Tank size: 90x30x37.5cm for a small general. I followed this route myself activities of chimpanzees, showing
group, 120x60x60cm for a mixed tank
6Temperament: Aggressive and territorial
– the Fairy cichlid was the first fish to that in evolutionary terms this fish
6
Availability and cost: Not so common; go in my very first Tanganyikan tank. behaviour is ahead of most.
from around £12 N. brichardi has a strong, confident They are also known to self-
character – quite the opposite to the regulate their population in confined
Neolamprologus
buescheri
Neolamprologus
brichardi rarely shy away
from the viewer; in fact,
they’re more likely to
confront you face on and
display to you beautifully
N. brichardi
can form large
congregations
in the wild
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Neolamprologus
habitats, either by producing fewer around the lake. Differences between

eggs or eating some of their young these species can be very subtle.
when space or food is scarce. Neolamprologus pulcher ‘Daffodil’ is
Feeding Neolamprologus one fish you may come across in
Neolamprologus species are primarily Brichardi complex shops that displays more yellow
insectivores. Though they specialise to In the vastness of the lake, the rocky colouration in its finage than most
fit different feeding niches – N. brichardi, habitats may be as far apart as of the Brichardi complex, while
for example, feeds on water-borne isolated reefs are in the oceans. Neolamprologus falcicula has a darker
phytoplankton and N. leleupi finds Miles of sandflats or muddy habitats body as an adult, but juveniles
crustaceans in rocky crevices – feeding surrounding river mouths separate display vivid yellows and blues.
different species in aquaria is pretty similar. the rocky areas N. brichardi call
Mostly they are happy to feed on dried
home. In these situations, localised Shell story
diets, but vitality is improved when they’re
strains are frequent but after such Another behavioural trait found only
fed on a diet of mainly frozen and live
isolation for years on end, these in Lake Tanganyikan cichlids has
foods. Mysis shrimp and Krill offer excellent
nutrition, while enriched brineshrimp,
local strains differentiate enough to been adopted by a group of
Daphnia, chopped mussel and Tanganyikan become valid species in their own generally smaller Neolamprologus
mixes offer good variety. A small amount of right, giving rise to what’s known as species, known as the shell-dwellers.
spirulina, blanched spinach or vegetable the Brichardi complex. This is a A huge abundance of snails in the
matter in dried foods is good, and mimics group of closely related species that lake means that thousands upon
the vegetable proteins they’d accidentally together inhabit every rocky habitat thousands of empty snail shells litter
eat when collecting insect larvae from
biofilm and algae.
Avoid feeding foods collected from acidic
environments though, including bloodworm,
black mosquito larvae and glassworm.
These have been linked with bloat (also
called Malawi bloat or cichlid bloat), where
digestion problems can lead to health
issues and possibly death.
Aggression
is always
heightened
during breeding.
FACTFILE
FAIRY CICHLID
6
Scientific name: Neolamprologus brichardi
6
Pronunciation: Neo-lam-pro-low-guss brick-are-dee
6Size: 9cm
6Habitat: Hovers above areas of rocky shoreline at depth of 4-20m
6
Tank size: 60x30x37.5cm for a pair, 120x30x37.5cm for a group or a 65 l+
mixed tank
6Temperament: Territorial and aggressive, especially when defending
young. Mix with fish of different habits, such as shell dwellers and
open water fish like Cyprichromis spp.
6Availability and cost: Very common; around £10
the lake bed – so many so, that there body colour and iridescent scale fellow is large enough and strong
are accounts of ichthyologists markings. Unlike most shell- enough to pick up and carry a shell
burrowing through them for several dwellers, this species is found where gives him a whole different edge.
feet and still not finding the lake floor. shells are sparsely distributed over Not only does it mean he can
Small fish using empty shells for sandflats – possibly the reason for it position a cluster of shells in a
shelter seems like a no-brainer to being so defensive of its territory. defensive area, it also means males
me, but it’s only ever been observed that compete with each other by
in this one lake, even though other Property empire sneakily stealing a neighbour’s shell,
cichlid-containing lakes also have Where most ‘shellies’ move closer to increasing their estate, and possibly
vast snail populations, and the means prized real estate the more they also increasing their community of
to develop the same behaviour. climb the hierarchical ladder, one females if there’s one living inside
The shell-dwellers are the feisty species has a different tactic. The the shell at the time.
terriers of the cichlid world. If any male Neolamprologus callipterus is far It’s not always the big male that
cichlid is going to draw blood while larger than most of the genus, gets the girl though. ‘Sneaker males’
you’re carrying out tank maintenance reaching up to 15cm (females grow can be seen in octopus, dung beetle,
in its territory, it’s Neolamprologus to 6cm), which puts him out of lizard and salamander species
ocellatus, the Ocellated shell-dweller contention for hiding in snail shells. among others, and they play their
and the most pugnacious of them all. With a harem of diminutive part in N. callipterus communities
Both ‘gold’ and ‘orange’ strains are females, the protection of a large too. Small males masquerading as
available, showing slightly different male is a bonus, but the fact this females work their way in to the
shell nests of larger males, secretly
FACTFILE fertilising eggs when the time is right.
LEMON CICHLID Being physically smaller means
6Scientific name: Neolamprologus leleupi most shell-dwellers are the least
6Pronunciation: Neo-lam-pro-low-guss le-loo-pie
6Size: 10cm
65 l+ demanding in terms of tank size.
Pairs can happily be kept in tanks of
6Habitat: Rocky recesses of the shoreline at depths of 20m and more

45x30x30cm, while breeding
6Tank size: 75x30x30cm for a pair, 120x30x37.5cm for a group or a
mixed tank colonies can be housed in a tank of
6Temperament: Territorial and semi-aggressive 75x30x30cm. Keeping them in a
6Availability and cost: Common; from £7.50 mixed-species tank is perfectly
feasible if they are given space, and
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Neolamprologus
a cluster of shells with a margin of

15cm or more of surrounding
substrate is ample.
Set-ups for Neolamprologus There are several other shell-
To live contentedly in an aquarium, the shell-dwellers obviously require empty dwellers commonly available in the
shells. Many aquarists use escargot shells as they are readily available and a shops too, including N. multifasciatus
suitable size for most species. Authentic Neothauma snail shells are hard to come and N. brevis, but don’t be tempted
by, but they may turn up occasionally at club auctions and the like. In mixed tanks,
to keep different shell-dwellers
the cluster of shells should have a boundary of around 15cm of open substrate to
together. Direct competition will
avoid territorial clashes with rock-dwelling fish.
usually lead to physical damage and
Other Neolamprologus are rock lovers, whether that’s living in rocks (N. leleupi) or
often the death of the weaker fish.
over rocks (N. brichardi), so rocky structures with lots of caves and crevices are
ideal for creating territorial boundaries and breaking up sightlines. Good flow
through and around these structures helps to avoid the build-up of waste in Not so mellow yellow
hard-to-reach areas. I found that a strong powerhead aimed into a rock structure When it comes to bold colour, the
and fired up for just one minute twice a day (using a plug timer) keeps settled star of the genus is the Lemon
waste on the move, allowing the filter to pick it up. cichlid, N. leleupi, with its bright
Hard, alkaline water conditions are needed for Tanganyikan fish. For yellow or orange body and striking
Neolamprologus spp. water should be 9-12°KH, 18-25°GH, 8.0-8.7 pH and blue eyes. There are communities of
24-27°C. To achieve these conditions some aquarists use calcium-based substrates grey and black N. leleupi found in the
and rock, such as coral sand and ocean rock or limestone. Others – including me – lake too, but these are very rarely
use commercial buffers like Seachem’s Cichlid Lake Salt and Tanganyika Buffer. seen in the hobby.
This slender, long-bodied fish is
suited to a more reclusive life in the
cracks and crevices of rock piles and at a maximum size of 7cm, LEFT: Rocky
and underwater cliff faces where it you’d think it would be just as easy structures
feeds mostly on crustaceans found to house, but that’s not the case. and caves are
on the biofilm cover. The nature of This species is a gorgeous grump loved by most
Neolamprologus
its habitat means the Lemon cichlid – one of the most aggressive species.
lives a more solitary life in the lake, Tanganyikan fish in the hobby – so it
with males having little acceptance demands space and is best kept in a BELOW:
for conspecifics in their lair unless species-only set-up. Some people Neolamprologus
it’s a ripe female. do have success keeping them ocellatus.
This pugnacious in a mixed tank, but it needs
behaviour seems to be to be large – something
somewhat muted in in the region of 400 l
aquaria though. or more, with
I’ve kept and
When mixing species in plenty of rocks
bred F1 N. aquaria, make sure they look and hiding
leleupi (fish bred and act differently to places. Keeping
from wild stock) in avoid direct conflict them with
a mixed tank, and between larger-bodied species
they’ve shown fish. is also advised.
acceptance of others that For a single species set-up,
know their boundaries. They’re a volume of around 100 l with
far less tolerant when harbouring a footprint of 90x30cm will suffice
fry, however. for a single male with two or three
It’s said though that mixing N. females. Naturally the male’s
leleupi with closely related species territory will encompass several
will lead to trouble, so avoid mixing much smaller female territories, and
them with N. cylindricus and N. he may breed with multiple mates.
mustax, two quite similar fish in habit Once settled they breed frequently,
and attitude, if not in appearance. but batches are small with younger
fish producing as few as five or six
Gorgeous grump eggs every two to three weeks.
One small but demanding species Mature fish are more likely to have
that catches my eye whenever I see 30 to 40 eggs in a batch, though this
it is Neolamprologus buescheri, the is still small considering most
Striped lamprologus. This stunning Neolamprologus produce 100-200
fish has markings and colours to eggs per brood. It’s a project that’s
rival any softwater dwarf cichlid, high up on my to-do list for sure.
FACTFILE
OCELLATED
SHELL-DWELLER
6
Scientific name: Neolamprologus
ocellatus
6
Pronunciation: Neo-lam-pro-low-guss
os-ell-art-us
6Size: Males to 6cm, females to 3.5cm
6
Habitat: Open sandy areas of shoreline
scattered with snail shells and rocks
6
Tank size: 45x30x30cm for a pair,
75x30x30 cm or more for a colony or
mixed tanks
6
Temperament: Confident and
territorial. Do not mix with other
shell-dwellers
6
Availability and cost: Common;
from £9
40 l+
TANK COMMUNITY
Win
FISHSCIENCE AQUARIUM FOOD
Letters
The writer of our Letter of the month will win a 250ml pot of their
choice from this quality range of Fish Science food, which uses
natural ingredients. Email: editorial@practicalfishkeeping.co.uk
Your letters, your thoughts and

your experiences shared.
ANKE MORBITZER
WHEN ‘SCOPING GOES MORE PLANTS PLEASE away, I’ve got one amazing set-up in ABOVE:
WRONG! I have just read the latest edition the pipeline that even has Venus fly For health
As I’m into fishkeeping and of the magazine and am again traps growing out of the top of it! checks or just
microscopy, I stumbled across the disappointed that there are no for interest,
microscopes
microscope image on page 61 (April articles on plants and planted tanks.
have a place in
2019 issue), which is said to show a I have been a subscriber to the PUTTING A SPIN ON fishkeeping.
fungus. I am fairly sure that this is magazine for over 30 years and FISHKEEPING
not correct and the photo shows an indeed have copies in my loft from I would like to share my little home BELOW:
algae (or what is left of it) of the many years ago. appliance trick with other readers. Clown plecs
genus Micrasterias. Sadly I have noticed that over the I currently have three tanks: two have spawned
In the last few years I have been last months the magazine has no South American biotopes, and one in Piotr’s
laundry water.
active at promoting microscopy for articles about plants or planted biotope inspired by a forest stream
pondkeeping and fishkeeping in tanks, even though you mention in Thailand. I’m lucky to live where
cooperation with JBL. So fishkeeping aquascapes in your editorial. my tapwater has favourable
is now also a part of my job in some So please can we have some parameters for me: GH = 5, KH = 3
way, and I’ve read PFK ever since. articles in the future editions as we and pH around 7.0.
With JBL, we have been attending used to have? RO water is also useful for me,
several shows, including Interzoo, to
promote the use of microscopes.
Robert Pearce, email to top up after evaporation or
prepare breeding conditions. Leer of
Hopefully more people will get into
microscopy to learn more about the
NATHAN SAYS: Happy to oblige,
Robert, and I’m currently lining up
Buying my own RO installation
was unlikely to make sense in my
the Month
biology involved in the hobby. A some planted tank features as we case, and the nearest store where I
microscope is an important tool to speak. Without giving too much could buy RO water is rather a long
improve fishkeeping in general and
the health of the livestock and, of
course, pond life may be a nice
hobby all in itself.
It’s not a coincidence that our
microscopy showroom looks the way
it does with a 900 l Tanganyika tank
inside – see photo above!
Anke Morbitzer, email
NATHAN REPLIES: Good spot, Anke.

That was a stock image from a photo
library, and in a rush I picked the
first image that had the right name
tagged to it. I’m sure readers would
love to know more about aquarium
JJPHOTO.DK
microscopy, so if you ever fancy

writing an article on it, let me know!
Write to us at Practical Fishkeeping, H Bauer Publishing, Media House,
Lynchwood Business Park, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 6EA
WE ASKED...
Email us at editorial@ Follow us at If we suddenly gave you
practicalfishkeeping.co.uk facebook.com/PFKmag £1,000 to spend on fish, how
would you rather spend it?
º ONE £1,000 FISH?

º A THOUSAND £1 FISH?
way from my home in rural Ireland. weekly water change in one of my
Some time ago, considering Irish South American tanks.
weather and my family’s active Results? A colony of wild-caught
YOU SAID...
lifestyle, we bought a laundry dryer – Clown plecs, Panaqolus maccus,
a condensing model with a heat started spawning immediately, as
pump. This awesome machine dries did a group of Corydoras sp. C049!
the laundry using heat, which is Now I’ve been using distilled water
23%
then recycled and used again. Waste from my dryer to top up evaporation
77%
products of this process include in all my tanks for over a year.
£1 FISH WINS!
lower electricity bills and pure The procedure is always the same: 77%
NATHAN HILL
SHUTTERSTOCK
distilled water! constant active carbon filtration and
When the dryer was set up first aeration during collection, with a
time, I collected the ‘waste’ water, minimum 24-hour period between
and had around 20 litres after a the last few litres being collected
week. Then I checked it with all my and becoming ready for use.
testing kits (and my nose), and it Benefits are less water waste and
really seemed to be pure, without happy fish!
even a trace of fabric conditioner Being rather busy with my work,
smell. To be sure, I installed a small I currently have no time for more
power filter with active carbon inside ambitious breeding projects, but I
the container to filter and aerate the will try to change this soon with
water, and collected more after every some more demanding tetras or NATHAN REPLIES: Excellent stuff
drying cycle. corys as a ‘target’, and using my Piotr! I have no idea if there is any
Having around 60 litres, laundry water as a base for success. element of risk involved in this, but
I mixed my cold, well-aerated I hope this information may be I’m sure that if there is, our readers
distilled water with tapwater, added useful for someone with a condenser will be writing to me to let me know
some conditioners and trace dryer in their utility room and more exactly what that is.
elements as I always do, and used demanding fish in their aquarium! In the meantime, all the best of
the mixture for a bigger than usual Piotr Szczepania, Co. Cork success with your breeding projects!
GOODBYE TEAM!
Regular weekly maintenance and to be had from my venture into be cared for. I knew none of them a
water change of my aquarium got me aquascaping either – deciding on few months ago. Without PFK I would
thinking. Without you (PFK editorial whether to use slate, wood, rock or a probably only have one aquarium too.
team) guys, it wouldn’t have been the combination. I’m now loving it more But recently adding an Ember tetra
same or even close. I’d have been and more, becoming confident and species-only tank for me to love and
denied the great joy of keeping my proud that I’ve learned the names of create the perfect environment for
Panda corys (thanks to Steve Baker so many plants and how they need to them is equally fulfilling.
who suggested they would be perfect So, to the team, I’ll miss working
for my tank – how right he was!) and with you all. It’s been a total delight
immeasurable pride to watch them knowing you, and heartfelt thanks for
breed many times over the last few everything from the tips on heaters,
months, and see the young developing filters, plants and substrates, to how to
into fit, healthy specimens. Pandas, glue plants to wood specimens.
although commonplace in fishy I’ve learned so much and I’m sure
circles, are still my absolute fave. the magazine I know and love will go
Without reading all the great pieces from strength to strength with your
in the mag and encouragement daily, new publisher. I will always continue
SHUTTERSTOCK
(while also being paid to be there), I to be a loyal, happy reader.

would never have known the pleasure Nicki Manning, editorial assistant, PFK
READER TANK
Interview / Sophie Washer
HIGH
IMPACT
Nothing beats a single, stonking
tank of a tank that shows off reader
Sophie Washer’s fish and their
natural behaviours to perfection.
WORDS: STEVE BAKER. PHOTOGRAPHY: NEIL HEPWORTH
This tank gives
me a good
f-eel-ing.
READER TANK
T
HE WAY the human so our brain can understand it. around fishy events, but sitting
brain processes what So, I often find myself questioning around for a few hours talking about
the eye can see is more whether I can really trust what the tank, her work and experiences
incredible to me the I see, or if my eyes (or brain) are in the hobby, gives you and me a
more I learn about it. lying to me. chance to get to know her better…
If you look from side Something that became very
to side quickly, for apparent when I visited Sophie So, Sophie, when and how did
example, your eyes Washer’s incredible aquarium was you get you into the hobby?
don’t have time to process what’s in just how different it is to look at My Mum kept fish when I was
between, so your brain invents that images, as opposed to having the young, but that wasn’t the influence
to make sense of it. It also manages real thing there in front of you. for my hobby. It came much later
to merge the two slightly different You see, I’ve known about this when I worked for Pets at Home. I
pictures from each eye – without tank for a little while. During the was interested in working with dogs
us seeing double. And I’m forever past year or so, I’ve seen it on in the forces, but I started getting
baffled by the fact that we view the social media several times – and into the fish instead. A co-worker,
world upside down, and the image I’ve loved it. This really is my kind Lorraine [now a good friend and
in front of us is flipped by the retina of set-up – the wood, the fish choice there on our visit – Ed], maintained
and the lighting are ideal. the fish tanks. She took me under
I even knew the dimensions of it, her wing and I was bitten by the bug.
but the visual realisation of scale is That was about seven years ago.
MEET THE AQUARIST so different to what I imagined in
Name: Sophie Washer my head, that I was impressed all Do you remember your
Age: 27
over again when I peered around the first set-up?
Occupation: Aquatics store manager
doorway to see what looked like a It was a Juwel Vision 260 with
Time in hobby: 7 years
huge block of water standing proud angelfish, swordtails, Cherry barbs
Favourite fish: Clown loach
in the kitchen-dining room. and some Rams at one point. A
Fish you’d most like to keep: Stingrays
Sophie and I have met before Green phantom, a mustard spot and
a common plec were in there too.
It had pea gravel and JBL AquaBasis I knew I wanted a Fire eel in there from the
in the bottom, and JBL’s pH control
CO2 system with Vallis covering
start, so I ordered the tank to be very secure. She’s
the background. a real crowd-puller – everyone who sees her is
Then you signed up to go to amazed by her size, shape and character
Sparsholt College to study fish –
why was that? your personal hobby? tank? Were you aiming for ABOVE:
I wanted proof that I knew what I At times it definitely takes some of this feel, or did it just happen as A tank with
was doing. I studied a lot for myself the enjoyment out of it – sometimes it came together? great presence
anyway and when I was interviewed I’ve just had enough of fish by the The idea was to have a tank and some
prominent fish!
they thought it might not be worth end of the day. But also, it’s the big enough to see some natural
me joining. I wanted a qualification viewpoints of some customers that behaviour, and I wanted to show
so customers had more confidence, are hard to put up with – the “it’s just how Clown loach should be kept in
but I tend to do this anyway – throw a fish” type of comments. a big tank with lots of flow, so they
myself fully into a subject. I now get some good exercise.
have level 3 Fish Management Do you get involved in any I know the tank’s not big enough
[passed with a distinction star! – Ed], aquatics clubs or fishy events? to keep all of these fish to adult
as well as qualifications in art and I’m a paid-up member of the Catfish size – that will be addressed in the
design, and car mechanics. Study Group, I’ve been to their future – but I see behaviour in here
Learning feels good. annual convention for five years and that most people won’t see with
the money goes to a good cause. small numbers of Clowns in smaller
So you’ve been working in I’ve been to the odd other event too, tanks. I’ve seen two of the younger
the industry throughout your such as L-days. ones fighting, followed by the
college time and ever since. matriarch interfering to split them
Does that have an effect on How would you describe your up, and I can tell them apart to keep
READER TANK
tabs on their individual personalities life, not just for snails!’ Anyway, I and character. I see rare, natural
by looking at their markings, colour fell in love with them, and had them behaviours in her too. I’ve watched
or size – unique differences really in several tanks around the house her blowing and nuzzling into the
interest me. when I was living with my parents. sand, which is very rare in tanks.
I also see a variety of behaviours As soon as I had my own place, The barbs have really grown on
in each genus of plecs I keep, such I knew a good-sized tank for them me. I was never fond of barbs before
as where they prefer to hang out and was very important. Most of my – I was just after a suitable mid-level
territorial tendencies. larger ones have been rehomed from swimmer – but now I have a real
unsuitable tanks and I’ve bought appreciation of the whole group.
Why so many Clown loach then, quite a few with individual markings. I get young from them in the sump
what’s the appeal? now and then, which is why the
I was originally sold some to help And the other fish? K1 bed doesn’t move as much as
out with my snail issue. I don’t I knew I wanted a Fire eel in there most people’s. I removed the air
BELOW: condone that now – far from it – from the start, so I ordered the pump to allow me to collect the
A small Green but in the early days of my hobby, tank to be very secure. She’s a real young barbs – the adults display
phantom plec I didn’t know it was wrong. My crowd-puller – everyone who sees breeding nodules permanently.
rests on wood. mantra now is ‘Clown loach are for her is amazed by her size, shape As for the plecs, I’ve had a thing
The Filament
barbs are showing
beautiful adult
markings.
for them since my first set-up. The organising eight people at once to
individual behaviour in them is move the tank in took some time, SOPHIE’S TANK SPEC
interesting too, as well as the fact with everyone’s work hours and so 6Tank: 213.3x91.4x76.2 cm (7x3x2.5ft)
they look great. on. The window had to come out 6Sump: 147.3x45.7x45.7cm (58x18x18in) with filter brushes,
twice and it was boarded up for four sponges and K1 micro biomedia
Do they cohabit well, or do months (which was cold!). 6Return pump: Unknown pond pump (supplied by tank builder)
you get any issues? The tank’s now been running for 6Heaters: 3 x 300w
6Lighting: Kessil A80
No problems really. I see some of about two years.
6Flow pumps: TMC reef-tide 20000 compact
the plecs scrapping occasionally,
particularly the Pseudacanthicus Are there any details you would
after feeding. I do worry slightly change if you were starting the
about the eel getting narked off process again now?
with the smaller Clown loach, so I
keep her well fed. She doesn’t like
the Clowns in her cave and goes a
Nothing much; I’m happy with
the tank overall. I would go for a
longer sump with more mechanical
What’s in the tank ?
FISH
bit mental to get them out, but she’s filtration though. I had a 90 l tank 6Clown loach, Chromobtia macracanthus
happy to have a plec or two in there. sitting under there to start with, 6Fire eel, Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
restricting the space. I would also tie 6Filament barbs, Dawkinsia filamentosa
How long has it taken to get the cork bark down to the egg crate 6Plecs – Ancistrus sp.
this tank going? that’s under the rocks for added 6Baryancistrus beggini
It took some time to organise, and it security, I had one piece come loose 6Hypancistrus zebra
has been an upheaval. I was on it as and float, which upset the whole 6Hemiancistrus subviridis
soon as I moved in, and two years display and placing rocks back in is 6Hypostomus faveolus, H. plecostomus
later it was up and running. a big effort. 6
Leporacanthicus cf. galaxias, L. joselimai,
An affordable one-off stand was L. triactis
hard to come by. The original It’s a big, tall tank – how did 6
Panaqolus sp L397, P. albomaculatus,
version had four legs, and I had it you get the hardscape in in the P. maccus, Panaque nigrolineatus
modified to add four more because first place? 6Peckoltia sabaji
I wasn’t confident about it. Then we That was team work – me on a 6
Pseudacathicus cf. leopardus, P. cf. leopardus
cut into the flooring and insulation step ladder and Lorraine inside the ‘brown’
to get the feet onto concrete. Even tank. Even then, with the weight of
READER TANK
some of these rocks, the thought of chestnut, which took 18 months to

dropping them was a worry. soak – that was a nice surprise to
come home to, left on my driveway
What about maintenance: how by Lorraine! It’s obviously thinner
often do you clean the filter? now under the light as it gets
What about water changes? munched by plecs.
I clean the brushes and sponges I also have oak branches in there
from the sump roughly every three now with leaves on, but they get
weeks. Up to two months is possible, swapped out occasionally and
but then it’s a big, messy job. I tried sometimes I use beech. There are
using filter socks briefly, but that led two big pieces of cork bark too –
to a flood so I went back to sponges. they take an age to soak. I did try
I do a 60% water change weekly. leaf litter in the tank once, but it all
got eaten very quickly.
Do you adjust your tapwater
for the tank? What’s your favourite
No, not currently. It comes out at aquarium product?
a pH of 7.6, which I’m quite happy Good quality foods are important
with, but I do have high nitrates to to me mostly. My eel gets mussels,
deal with. That’s the main reason king prawns and bits out of seafood
for having plants (cheese plant cocktail mix – strangely she won’t
and peace lily) in the sump. I’m eat earthworms or cheaper prawns.
thinking about collecting rainwater,
but I’m unsure. I bought a 1,000 l
As far as manufactured foods go,
I use Vitalis catfish pellets, Evolution
I do worry
water container, but I worry about Aqua freeze-dried freshwater shrimp slightly about the
pollutants and I’m not even sure of and JBL Gala mix regularly. They
the roofing material. I did make the get Hikari Massivore as a treat now eel getting narked
effort to use RO water for a while, and again.
but bringing 100 l home from work off with the
every single day was killing me. What’s next?
It’ll have to be in a larger house, but
smaller Clown
How about the wood, what have I want a bigger tank for the Clowns loach, so I keep
you got in there? eventually and I’d really love to keep
The main structure is sweet stingrays in the future. her well fed
Individual markings
means Sophie
can identify each
Clown loach.
A proud-looking
Pseudacathicus.
Textures of wood, river

rocks, bark and sand
work nicely together.
The Fire eel

steals the show.
PART 3
FISHKEEPER
FRY
Fishkeeper Fry Project
at fishkeeper.co.uk/
fishkeeperfry
Calling all budding young aquarists – these pages are just for you!
W
ITH THE early days of boost oxygen levels during the day.
your aquarium behind At night, plants take in more oxygen
you, water quality should than they produce, and this could be
be easier to control. a problem if you didn’t have a filter
Your fighting force of to move the water’s surface and
friendly bacteria are ready to leap bring in oxygen from the air.
into action to remove the harmful
fish waste, but all of these chemicals Clean up
SHUTTERSTOCK
have to go somewhere and they For the waste that isn’t removed by
build up in the water. In the same plants, we need a solution in the
way you might not want to sit form of dilution. By removing
in a room with someone some of the old water and
who eats lots of sprouts replacing it with fresh, ABOVE: Danios solid waste in the filter means the
without opening a harmfully high levels are less messy bacteria have nowhere to form new
window, your pets of nitrate are than goldfish. colonies, so use the old water from
need their avoided. As well your tank to rinse foams or other
INSET LEFT:
version of a as the invisible Plants help with
biological media. This will both keep
breath of fresh pollution in the water quality. the bacteria safe and get rid of the
air regularly! water, we also need rubbish. This nutrient-rich water you
to take out the solid BELOW: remove from the tank is ideal for
Freshen up waste – which means a Platies offer watering house and garden plants.
The main chemical in old spot of hoovering. A special colour and
water that you need to monitor gravel-cleaning syphon is a variety. Stock up
is nitrate, though it’s not the only great piece of kit, and can help to Now that you know how to keep
SHUTTERSTOCK
one. By measuring the nitrate keep gravel or sand free of grot. your water fresh and clean, let’s look
content of your water, you can tell As filter bacteria are harmed by at some more of the fish species you
when it’s time to freshen things up, the chemicals in tapwater, this is a can add to your aquarium. If you’ve
and this will depend on the number great time to use the waste water to been following our series, you’ll know
of fish you have and the amount of rinse the filter sponges. Too much that in the last issue we talked about
waste they produce. Messy fish like
goldfish need more water changes
than smaller fish like danios. And
tanks with lots of healthy plant
growth will have much lower nitrate
levels than those without.
Plants use waste products from the
fish, such as ammonia and nitrate,
but they also take the carbon dioxide
that the fish produce in a process
known as photosynthesis.
Just like our lungs, fish use their
gills to take in oxygen and expel
carbon dioxide. But instead of a rib
cage, fish have gill covers that work
together with the mouth to create a
flow of water through their gills.
Whether above or below water,
plants take carbon dioxide and
SHUTTERSTOCK
sunlight and turn it into sugar and

oxygen. For the fish, it means that
bright aquarium lights and plants
In Association with
Zebra danios, Danio rerio, and now the substrate. Like the gouramis, they
we can introduce some variety. can breathe air, and sometimes rush
Platies, Xiphoporus species, are to the surface in a bit of a hurry.
hardy, colourful fish that originally Peppered cats have been mooching
come from Mexico, but they’ve been about in aquaria in happy groups for
popular aquarium pets for years. decades, and can trace their roots
Platies are easy to breed, which back to South Brazil and Argentina.
means they’ve been bred into lots of Bristlenose catfish, Ancistrus sp., are
different colour and fin types – all are popular fish, thanks to their taste for
quite happy to mix and cross-breed. algae. These hardworking catfish
SHUTTERSTOCK
Platies like hardwater, so if your often spend much of the day asleep
tapwater is lacking in minerals, you in their favourite hiding place before
may need to buffer it with special coming out to scrape the glass clean
chemicals to give them the conditions at night. All this hard work deserves
they need. As breeding is one of their they’ve evolved to breath air as well ABOVE: a decent rate of pay, so tasty sinking
favourite pastimes, you need to make as water. Watch them closely and Peppered catfish pellets will be welcomed as a reward.
sure the males don’t outnumber the you’ll see them come to the surface swim around on Like the Peppered catfish, these
females. Telling them apart is easy, and take a breath as they spit out a the bottom. bottom-dwelling Ancistrus sp. aren’t
as males have a specially adapted fin bubble or two. Because swamps can buoyant, and will often move about
for mating, shaped like a little spike. be murky, they’ve also got specially on hard surfaces using their sucker
Females have normal fan-shaped fins. adapted fins with taste buds on the mouth – a handy way to cling on in
Harlequin rasbora, Trigonostigma end, and they use these feelers to a strong current. Male Bristlenoses
heteromorpha, are peaceful shoaling check out objects at a safe distance. give the species its name by growing
fish whose wild relatives are found in a set of bushy antlers to show the
Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, Cool cats females what good fathers they’d
where they live in forest streams. Peppered catfish, Corydoras paleatus, make. It’s the male’s job to guard the
They like the security of having are fish that sink to the bottom, which eggs and the young and it’s thought
plants to hide in and will swim in is where they need and like to be. his bristles are meant to look like
groups between these safe places. These busy little characters are built baby catfish. Wild Bristlenose cats
Honey gouramis, Trichogaster chuna, for life around the base of your tank are found over a wide area of South
come from Indian swamps, and as and have whiskers called barbels that America, so whatever the males are
these areas can get a bit stagnant, help them find food that’s sunk to doing, it clearly works.
A fishkeeper’s maze
Which fish will make it to the
aquarium today?
Tick the winner:
Two g
sp s on how to care for them in aquaria.
Pseudolaguvia flavida
HE NORTHERN part of
West Bengal, adjacent to
neighbouring Bhutan and
Mango catfish
the Indian state of Sikkim,
has a rich collection of
flora and fauna. After a
ABHISEK decent amount of planning,
MALLICK my friend Andrew Rao and
Abhisek is a
I set off to explore the region in detail.
hobbyist of 18 years We travelled long distances to reach
with an interest in our desired locations, covering a variety
dwarf and Indian of sites from 53 to 2,138 metres above
fish species. sea level (msl).
Day 1
Jorai River, Site 1
We visited our first spot on the
Jorai River, in the Barobisha district Water parameters
pH – 6.65
of West Bengal, in the late
Tds – 59ppm
afternoon. There hasn’t been much GH – 2-3°H
human movement into this area, KH – 0-1°KH
and we found the water pristine and Temperature at
the flow moderate. 4pm – 18°C
It was the start of winter, so the Nitrate – 0.50ppm
water temperature was already Nitrite – 0.02ppm
down, but it generally stays quite
low due to the current. The river
base here is made up of coarse sand
and round, clean-edged rocks, and
the vegetation was mainly
Vallisneria, green Cabomba,
Hygrophila and macro algae.
At this location we found Caridina
babaulti shrimp – both green and
Typically dense Jorai River foliage
zebra varieties – along with the
pipefish Microphis deocata, which
preys on shrimp eggs so the species
tend to stay close.
Fish collected at the site included
Dario dario, Psilorhynchus balitora,
Psilorhynchus sucatio, Oreichthys
Badis badis
crenuchoides, Amblyceps mangois,
Hara jerdoni, Pseudolaguvia muricata,
Pseudolaguvia ribeiroi and Badis
badis, along with the shrimps
Macrobrachium dayanum and
Macrobrachium assamese, and crabs.
Shrimp and shrimplets will form
part of the diet of many of these
fish. The two Psilorhynchus species
are among the best algae eaters and
would cherish algae if kept in aquaria.
Dario dario and the two
Pseudolaguvia species need live
foods like tubifex worms, Artemia
and mosquito larvae. Oreichthys
crenuchoides, Hara jerdoni and
Amblyceps mangois can be trained to
accept flakes, pellets and
freeze-dried worms.
The catfish are of dwarf size, so
can be kept in a tank of 68 l or
more. Various individuals of these
species can be kept together, but
make sure you provide enough
decent hiding spaces for them. They
come from a moderate flowing
region, so would prefer a modera
water current. For Oreichthys
crenuchoides I’d suggest an
aquarium of at least 90 l.
Psilorhynchus sucatio
Day 2 red Aponogeton. As with our first
location, the current means the Water parameters
at least 68 l, with hiding spaces
made up of rocks. Make sure there’s
Jorai River, Site 2

pH – 7.06
water temperature stays low. Tds – 109ppm no other aggressive bottom dweller
The fish we found in this location GH – 4-5°H that could bully them.
included Olyra longicaudata, Pillaia KH – 0-2°KH The Tyre track eel, M. armatus,
The second day started early for us indica, Badis assamensis, Temperature at needs a tank of at least 570 l
and by 7.30am we were on the Macrobrachium assamense, Channa 10.12am – 20.1°C capacity. In aquaria it rarely exceeds
move. The outside temperature was quinquefasciata, Mastacembelus Nitrate – 0.61ppm 50-60cm, but can grow to a
Nitrite – 0.04ppm
low and we travelled 20km from our armatus, Oreichthys crenuchoides, formidable 90cm in the wild.
base camp towards a second Brotia costula snails and crabs.
location on the Jorai River.
The water at this site was crystal
In an aquarium, the Badis would
need live worms. It’s reported they
The river base is made up of
clear, with slightly more flow than can be moved onto dry feeds, but round gravel with coarse sand,
before. Elephants come to this spot initially a healthy supply of live
to drink. The river base is made up worms will be handy. Ideally they and among the plants were
of round gravel with coarse sand,
and among the plants were
need a tank of 90 l or more.
Pillaia indica eels also need live
Cryptocoryne spiralis, Vallisneria
Cryptocoryne spiralis, Vallisneria and foods and would do well in a tank of and red Aponogeton
Heavily planted with crystal clear water!

Scarlet gem
Our fish list

Local Name Scientific Name
Sparkling torrent fish Psilorhynchus balitora
Cryptocoryne spiralis Bantam torrent fish

Scarlet gem
Drape fin barb
Psilorhynchus sucatio
Dario dario
Oreichthys crenuchoides
Mango or Crevice cat Amblyceps mangois
Blue chameleon fish Badis badis
Rusty catfish Pseudolaguvia muricata
Harlequin catfish Pseudolaguvia ribeiroi
Zipper loach Paracanthocobitis botia
Five stripe snakehead Channa quinquefasciata
Fighting catfish Olyra longicaudata
Tyre track eel Mastacembelus armatus
Pea puffer Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Tank goby Glossogobius giuris
Black swamp eel Monopterus cuchia
Hi fin barb Oreichthys cosuatis
Honey gourami Trichogaster chuna
Golden dwarf barb Pethia canius
Tyre track l Frogmouth catfish

Garela
Chaca chaca
Schistura inglisi
Zipper loach
Pillaia indica
Jorai River, Site 3 Water parameters

pH – 6.61
Tds – 72ppm
On the journey to our second Gh – 3-4°H
location, we’d passed an undisturbed kH – 0-1°KH
spot not much used by humans, and Temperature at
decided we would stop off and 3.42pm – 18°C
study it on our way back. Nitrate – 0.1ppm
We reached the site around Nitrite – 0.02ppm
3.30pm and found the river base
made up of rocks and finer sand.
There was less oxygen here, which
may be due to less flow. In some
lower flow, but still

undant life
pots, Vallisneria roots had started to
ome out of the water in a spiral
orm, and the stagnant water
esulted in algae at many spots.
Here we found Caridina zebra and
Caridina green shrimps, Microphis
deocata and Ctenopis nobilis.
A group of Ctenopis nobilis would
o well in a tank of 136 l or more.
You need to provide decent floating
lants for them and a low-flow
quarium as they come from a
egion where the flow is minimal.
Rich foliage was common at all sites rimarily, they need live food, but
an be trained to accept flake foods,
reeze-dried worms or small
oating pellets.
Leiodon cutcutia
Day 3
Sankosh River,
Site 4
Today we travelled 40-odd km from
our base camp to study the Caridina
white-backed shrimp. We reached
our location around 11am and the
sun was right on top of us.
The water here isn’t clear, thanks
to the presence of rotting weeds,
Eichhornia and also the nearby
farmland. Sadly, pesticides used in
farming are leaching into the river
and killing the fauna.
We found Vallisneria, Cabomba blue/black variants will appear for catfish, so a tank of around 68 l
and floating plants here, but the every 500 ‘normal’ shrimps found. would suit this species nicely. They Water parameters
river base is very muddy. Again, the We also found a variety of other can be fed pellets suitable for bottom pH – 7.05
current means the water species here, including Hara feeders or freeze-dried worms. Tds - 98ppm
GH - 4-5°H
temperature here stays low. jeordani, Leiodon cutcutia, Chaca Leiodon cutcutia need something a
KH - 1-2°KH
The Caridina white-backed shrimp chaca, Oreichthys cosuatis, Badis little larger, perhaps 90 l, but they Temperature at
comes primarily in a maroon/ badis, Trichogaster chuna and Pethia shouldn’t be kept with shrimps or 11.43am - 23°C
orange colour. There is also a blue canius, plus Macrobrachium peguensis, snails as they predate on them. Nitrate – 0.14ppm
and black variation, but it’s not and Brotia costula. Chaca chaca is a predator, and Nitrite – 0.03ppm
readily available. Maybe 20 of these Hara jerdoni is a dwarf variety of should also be kept in a tank of
Sankosh River, complete with

clouding and pollution!
around 90 l. They will appreciate
something dimly lit, with a soft
substrate, and while juveniles can be
trained to eat pellets, keep some live
worms handy in case they won’t
accept dry food.
A small colony of Oreichthys
cosuatis would need an aquarium
above 90 l too, and should accept
pellets and flake foods. They come
from rivers with slow movement
water, so keep the flow moderate.
Trichogaster chuna would appreciate
a dimly lit tank of at least 68 l, filled
with floating plants. They can be
trained to eat dry food.
Pethia canius are beautiful fish who
The busine end of Chaca chaca

need a planted tank over 68 l. They
come from river locations with
sluggish water, so avoid high water
flow in the aquarium.
Wild Badis
Chaca chaca
s a predator
nd should be
ept in a tank of
around 90 l. They will
appreciate something
dimly lit, with a soft
substrate
Drapefin barb
Faster streams without plants
Schistura / Nemacheilus
reference). The region

cold, with fast-moving
plant-filled waters, so
you’re recreating an
In the mountains! aquarium for this spec

provide lots of hiding
Site 5 places and plenty of

flow. Schitsura inglisi
aren’t very popular in
On our last day, we headed up the the hobby, however,
mountain to around 1,100ft above due to their lack of
sea level. We stopped near a small colour, and currently
stream and found a species of not enough is known
Macrobrachium shrimp, along with a about their food
crab that was pure black in colour. preferences.
The only plants were terrestrial
Hunting loach in the

plants growing near water streams. Water parameters
mountains
The only fish we collected here was pH – 7.31
Schitsura inglisi (Ed’s note: this fish Tds – 118 ppm
has a contentious name and may be GH – 5-6°H
either Nemacheilus inglisi or Schistura KH – 1-2°KH
Temperature at
repecula, pending whether you prefer
3.15am – 12°C
Fishbase or Catalog of fishes as your
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COMPETITION
Ocean Free
Hydra Filtron
Competition
T
HIS MONTH WE’VE teamed up with Maidenhead
Aquatics to put together a fantastic Ocean Free Hydra
Filtron competition package with a value of £719.97! TOTAL
We have THREE Ocean Free Hydra Filtron canister
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have a chance at winning one of these wonderful filters.
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filter start-up time from four or five weeks to within just one week, as
well as reduce water odour and retain a crystal clear tank.
The Filtron is the first canister filter in the world to incorporate
Hydro-Pure Technology into its design.
Hydro-Pure Technology is a patented water detoxifying technology
for marine and freshwater aquariums. It consists of two electro-plates
that energise a cartridge box containing special Cata-Pure Catalyst
Media to generate strong, reactive hydroxyl radicals, which is the key
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Product features
6One-pull priming – A quick pull of the primer draws water into
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oxygen exchange and increase light penetration at the water surface.
The Hydra Filtron range consists of:

6Ocean Free Hydra Filtron 1800 Canister Filter, RRP £299.99
To be in with a chance of winning one of these filters, go to

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following question correctly:
What kind of technology does the Ocean Free Hydra Filtron

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C) Impeller-Sense Technology
Terms and Conditions: Competition runs from Wednesday 13 March to Wednesday 10 April 2019.
For a full list terms and conditions, visit www.warnersgroup.co.uk/competition-terms/
BIOTOPES
Contest winners
THE BEST
BIOTOPES IN
THE WORLD
The Biotope Aquarium Design Contest annually hosts the world’s best
biotope aquaria. Here are the finest layouts from 2018...
B
IOTOPES HAVE long been soaring in of highly regarded aquatic judges including the likes of
popularity and, much like planted long-term PFK contributors Jeremy Gay and Ivan
aquascapes, they’ve taken on a life and Mikolji, among many others.
fan base all of their own. Whether it’s a Over the next 10 pages, we present the top 10
tank of leaf litter and Apistogramma, or a biotopes of 2018 as ranked by the BADC judges. These
flowing tank full of boulders and Sewellia have been painstakingly whittled down following a
loaches, more and more home aquarists record year for entries, with 135 biotope aquaria
are drifting into this exciting genre. submitted to the BADC from 43 different countries
worldwide. Between them, over 250 different species of
Enter the BADC fish made an appearance, as well as two reptiles, two
Since 2011, Oleg Labutov, the creator of the biotope- amphibians, 22 arthropods and 32 different molluscs.
aquarium.info project, has headed the annual Biotope As well as details of each tank, you’ll find a short
Aquarium Design Contest, showcasing the world’s best commentary from PFK editor Nathan Hill, writer Steve
biotopes and ranking them in accordance with a panel Baker, and competition founder Oleg Labutov.
MORE INFO
Discover more
BADC biotopes at
biotope-aquarium.info
BIOTOPES
Contest winners
10 Upper Bladen River, Belize. Submerged wooded stream bank area
What we think
Nathan: Lee Nuttall is a regular face
in PFK for his stunning biotopes, so
it’s no surprise to see him ranking
here. When it comes to Central
America, there are few biotope
designers who are better. Note how
striking the Firemouths look in this
setting, too.
Steve: It’s classic – Central American

cichlids and wild strain livebearers,
and attention to detail when
composing the substrate. I’d like the
far right-hand side to be darker to
mimic shade from foliage.
Oleg Labutov: This author has three

entries in the top 10, taking into
account a huge competition. This is
real proof of high skill. Two of his
aquaria show the diversity of
biotopes in one river very well.
MORE INFO
LEE NUTTALL
6Tank size: 150x60x60cm
6Volume: 540 litres
6Fish species: Cryptoheros spilurus,
Thorichthys meeki, Poecilia mexicana,
Xiphophorus helleri
6Plants: None
6Decoration: Sand, beech leaves and
twigs. Small river boulders, locally
collected beech and oak branches
6Water parameters: 27°C/80.6°F,
7.5 pH, 18°GH, NH4 0ppm, NO2 0ppm,
NO3 20ppm
6Equipment: Eheim classic 600 with
biological and mechanical filtration,
Arcadia 38W T8 freshwater lamp,
Eheim Thermocontrol 250 heater
9 Huaiju River, Beijing, China. Rivulet shallow shoal
What we think
Nathan: Chinese biotopes are largely denied to UK
aquarists as so many fish species are deemed invasive,
but this temperate Zacco based set-up gives us a taste of
what we’re missing out on. This really does feel like the
bottom of a rocky, flowing river.
Steve: I love the bank-to-bank feel with vegetation

hugging the margins at each end, just like a slice of
nature. We may not be able to get Zacco here but the
tank would suit plenty of species we can get hold of.
Oleg Labutov: This is a great success for a Chinese

aquarist utilising local fishes. The placement of
the stones looks very natural. The Chinese biotopers
in general have a uniquely developed sense of
natural beauty.
MORE INFO
XIAOLONG LU
6Volume: 400 litres
6Fish species: Zacco platypus,
Opsariichthys bidens, Sarcocheilichthys
nigripinnis
6Plants: Hydrilla verticillata
6Decoration: River sand and mud as
substrate, as well as locally sourced
(in China) rocks and wood from the
actual habitat
7.3 pH, 15°GH
6Equipment: 1.8m over-tank ‘sump’
filter in four layers – layer one filter
wool, then ceramic biomedia rings in
the remaining three layers. Eheim 1102
pump, two LED lamps – 1.8m and 2m
BIOTOPES
Contest winners
8 Subin River, Usumacinta drainage, Guatemala. Shallow grassy river bank area
What we think
Nathan: Naturally occurring Mollies may not have the
colours of their hybrid community kin, but they really
dominate this Central American layout. The artificial
grasses make the habitat feel both mature and
seasonal. Excellent choice of fish for the tank size.
Steve: The yellowing fake grass is genius and

screams swollen river to me. Being really picky, the
wood in the tank slightly takes away that seasonal
flood feel – if it was dry when a river flooded, it would
float away; if it was waterlogged before a flood, it’s
unlikely to lie at the base of the grasses.
Oleg Labutov: This is the second entry by Lee with a

magnificent natural composition. The timing of the
photography is also very cool. We deducted points for
cropping photos at the sides, which is unacceptable
in the contest.
MORE INFO
LEE NUTTALL
6Volume: 375 litres
6Fish species: Firemouth cichlid,
Thorichthys meeki; Shortfin molly,
Poecilia mexicana
6Plants: Myriophyllum sp.
6Decoration: Sand mixed with beech
leaves and twigs, small river boulders.
Locally collected beech and oak tree
branches and twigs. Also some replica
plastic grasses to simulate yellowed
underwater grass
NO3 20ppm
7 Tanganyika Lake, Tanzania. Cape Kabogo
A valiant effort, I love the sense of depth What we think

Nathan: A valiant effort, and while I
and the atmospheric blue love the sense of depth and the
atmospheric blue, the wrong type of
snail shells scream out at me.
Steve: I’m the opposite. I’ll forgive

the shells as Neothauma shells are
protected and hard to come by, but
in all the images of Lake Tanganyika
I’ve seen, the water has a green or
brown hue to it.
Oleg Labutov: When I look at this

aquarium it is difficult for me to
distinguish it from the nature
biotope. This is a brilliant fake.
However, the shells are of the wrong
shape, and the fishes have
excessively flat bellies, indicating
they are not in the best condition.
MORE INFO
BARTLOMIEJ PASNIK
6Volume: 135 litres
6Fish species: Neolamprologus similis
6Plants: None
6Decoration: A mixture of different sand
grains have been used to replicate
natural Tanganyikan lake substrate.
Other decoration comprises stones,
snail shells and artificial rocks
6Water parameters: 25°C/77°F,
8.5-9.0 pH, 10°GH, 19°KH
6Equipment: Aquael Unimax 250, 6500K
40W LED lighting
6Description of biotope: Tanganyika is
one of the Great African Lakes of East
Africa, being the longest and deepest
of the African lakes – average depth is
570m while the deepest parts reach
over 1,400m. It covers an area of
over 34,000km2
BIOTOPES
Contest winners
6 Upper Bladen River, Belize. Overhanging tree branches shoreline habitat
What we think
Nathan: Some excellent use of
narrow branches and twigs create an
area of both refuge and interest for
the fish, while the inclusion of the
rarely championed wild Swordtails
brings this tank to life. My only
criticism is it looks very ‘clean’ for an
authentic biotope.
Steve: I don’t like the fact that the

wood is the only difference to
Lee’s 10th place ranked tank of the
same river. Fish, substrate and rock
positioning is exactly the same. It’s a
nice set-up though, which I’d love in
my front room.
Oleg Labutov: This is a very spacious

and natural-looking biotope
aquarium. Lee Nuttall’s works are
very easy to recognise. He has his
own unique design style and
photography technique.
MORE INFO
LEE NUTTALL
6Volume: 540 litres
6Fish species: Cryptoheros spilurus,
Thorichthys meeki, Poecilia mexicana,
Xiphophorus helleri
6Plants: Myriophyllum sp.
6Decoration: Sand, beech leaves and
twigs. Small river boulders, locally
collected beech and oak branches
NO3 20ppm
5 An Giang province, Vietnam. Tra Su forest
What we think Steve: It’s a shame we don’t

have a full length photo
Oleg Labutov: In design, this
is the best aquarium of the
MORE INFO
Nathan: An aquascaper has LUONG QUOC HUNG
showing whats above the contest. At the same time, its
been at work here. While the 6Tank size: 120x60x50cm
water, I love the floating fauna beauty is chaotic and you
tank initially appears 6Volume: 356 litres
and the contrast of vivid green cannot call it too symmetrical, 6Fish species: Dwarf snakehead,
tumultuous, the proportions
above and dark and curious as in aquascapes. However, Channa gachua; Threespot blue
show that great care has been
below. Filamentous roots work the author should take care gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus;
taken. This tank has heaps of
really well with the wood too. with the selection of a Mekong mystus, Mystus mysticetus
immediate impact.
Is the cat from the right area? compatible population. 6Plants: Duckweed, Lemna minor; Tiger
lotus, Nymphaea lotus; Water cabbage,
Pistia stratiotes; Water snowflake,
Nymphoides indica.
6Decoration: Dimocarpus longan wood,
Dimocarpus longan roots, Dimocarpus
longan leaves, ADA Aquasoil Amazonia
substrate
6Water parameters: 27-29°C/84.2°F,
6.2-6.6 pH
6Equipment: External canister filtration,
2 x 108W LED lights
6Description of biotope: Tra Su forest is
on the Vietnam/Cambodia border. This
is forest with extensive marshland,
dominated by Trichopodus gouramis
and Channa species of snakehead.
Some areas can be as acidic as 2.9 pH
BIOTOPES
Contest winners
4 Bełzyce, Poland. Sources of the Kr zniczanka River

What we think
Nathan: A biotope completed to an
invertebrate level of detail – the Water
scorpions, Caddisfly larvae and snails
take the layout to a whole new level
of accuracy. Choice of wood and the
green of Veronica plants gives the
tank a thoroughly European feel.
Steve: I would like to see some

sediment reasting on the leaves,
maybe some hair algae growing
though the plants. Otherwise it’s
perfect and I love the inclusion of
the inverts.
Oleg Labutov: This is a great

demonstration of the beauty of
northern biotopes. I personally shot
exactly the same not far from my
home in Peterhof. It is very difficult
to distinguish. I believe that these
biotopes also deserve attention.
MORE INFO
BARTLOMIEJ PASNIK
6Volume: 150 litres
6Fish species: Three-spined stickleback,
Gasterosteus aculeatus
6Invertebrates: Lymnaea stagnalis,
Nepa cinerea, Trichoptera sp.,
Ischurna sp.
6Plants: Veronica sp.
6Decoration: Sand, mud and
dried woods
6Water parameters: 17-19°C/ 62.6°F,
7.5 pH, 25°GH
6Equipment: Aquael FZN-3 hang on
filter, 6500K 30W LED lighting
The Water scorpions, Caddisfly larvae and snails take the

layout to a whole new level of detail
Nathan’s
3 Rivers Kumardhara & Netravati, Appinanagadi, India. Rocky shallow water
What we think
Nathan: Biotope perfection, from the
fraying of the leaf litter to the spore
growth on the branches and the
skulking of the Etroplus. How this
didn’t win, I don’t know.
Steve: It looks dirty and messy to me

– precisely what I’d like to see more
of in some of the other entries.
The pebble cluster in the far right
corner makes me think of the habitat
continuing beyond the tank.
Oleg Labutov: This is really a biotope

copied in every detail. Everyone can
see this by watching the underwater
videos used as an example. Even
the mucus on the branches is as in
the habitat video [See the BADC
website for video links].
MORE INFO
SERGEY LOBANOV
6Volume: 750 litres
6Fish species: Canara pearlspot cichlid,
Etroplus canarensis
6Plants: None
6Decoration: River stones sourced
from the Siberian river, poplar and
willow branches and twigs, willow and
fruit tree leaves, dark sand from a
local reservoir and volcanic lava rock
substrate
6Water parameters: 25°C/ 77°F,
7.0 pH, 4°GH
6Equipment: 380 litre sump filled with
150 litres filter media consisting
sponges, bioballs and Eheim substrat
pro. Eheim 1260 pump, 2 x Unistar
powerhead powered mechanical filters,
Eheim Jager 300W heater, 4 x 10W
6500K LED lights
BIOTOPES
Contest winners
2 Qingdao, China. Stream of Mount Lao after a rainfall in summer
What we think bidens (which reach 20cm very nice shafts of light and Oleg Labutov: This tank represents
Nathan: Cyprinids, rocks and long), but at the moment they shadows, so maybe the the first serious success of the
branches, in a flowing and look a great fit. The indigenous photography is to blame. The Chinese biotopers in the contest.
turbulent aquaium – how snails are a nice touch too. rest of it I really like. Looking I am glad that the geography of
much more Chinese biotope at the image, I would have the participants grows, so that we
can you get? Tank size is Steve: The tank shot shows thought the tank was larger can see these very interesting
perhaps cutting it fine for the stark lighting, which I’m not a than 120cm. I think the 60cm species of fish that cannot be found
likes of active Opsariichthys fan of, but the close-ups have width has been used well. in pet shops.
MORE INFO
SUN KAI
6Volume: 324 litres
6Fish species: Rhinogobius brunneus,
Opsariichthys bidens, Pseudorasbora
parva
6Invertebrates: Cipangopaludina
cathayensis
6Plants: Phragmites autralis
6Decoration: Stream sand and stones,
Chinese wingnut, Pterocarya
stenoptera wood and leaves
6Water parameters: 26°C/ 78.8°F,
6.5 pH, 1°GH
6Equipment: Eheim classic 600 External
canister filter, 2 x 50W LED
1 Buenos Aires, Argentina. Banks of the El Espinillo creek in the dry season
What we think
Nathan: Thoroughly researched, and
most of the decoration was hand
collected from the type of biotope being
recreated. Outstanding authenticity.
Steve: Great work, awesome realism and

a lovely looking tank. But although I
know it’s authentic looking, it still feels
composed like a display tank to me.
Lovely, but I want something different.
Oleg Labutov: This aquarium is good in

every sense. This is a comprehensive
research work, displayed in the form of
beautiful photos and fascinating video.
The author approached the case with
commendable meticulousness.
MORE INFO
WALTER VAZQUEZ
6Volume: 540 litres
6Fish species: Astyanax stenohalinus,
Australoheros facetus, Bryconamericus
iheringii, Corydoras paleatus,
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis,
Pimelodella laticeps
6Plants: Ceratophyllum demersum,
Ranunculus apiifolius, Schoenoplectus
californicus
6Decoration: Locally sourced wood,
substrate, rocks and stones, empty
snail shells and bivalve shells.
Substrate is clay/silt consistency and
comes with remains of wood, rushes
and thistles from collection
6Water parameters: 20°C/ 68°F,
8.0 pH, 10°GH
6Equipment: 2 x Attman 3338 canister
filters, 3 x 6000K LED lights
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ADVICE
Answers
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THE EXPERTS
Golden orfe can reach
4kg, so they need a
DR PETER sizeable pond
BURGESS
Pete is our disease
expert. Send questions
his way if you have pathogen problems.
BOB
MEHEN
Bob is a master of
fishkeeping general
knowledge and community tanks.
GEORGE
FARMER
George is possibly
the world’s leading
aquascaper. Ask him about plants.
STEVE
BAKER
Steve is PFK’s resident
fish expert and a
master on all things freshwater.
JEREMY POND
GAY
Jeremy could write
books on all the
aquatic info he knows – and he has!
How big should this pond be?
Please could you give me some idea of the size of pond I would need to
NEALE keep a decent-sized group of Golden orfe?
KEITH DANIELS, EMAIL
MONKS
Neale is the man for JEREMY REPLIES: It definitely needs to be a large one. The British angling
your technical queries. record for Golden orfe now stands at 8lb 5oz, or nearly 4kg in weight, so
He loves brackish fish, too. I would recommend a pond of at least 6x3m (20x10ft) in size.
Golden orfe are shoaling fish, known for their propensity for jumping, being
DAVID sensitive to some medications and being the first to die if oxygen levels in
the pond drop before a summer thunderstorm. With all of the above being
NEIL HEPWORTH
WOLFENDEN taken into account, a small lake would probably be even better.
Dave’s so knowledgeable
about aquatics he used
to teach it. Marines are his ‘thing’.
U
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ADVICE Answers
TROPICAL Question of
the Month
Does temperature determine the sex of shrimp?
I started a shrimp breeding project temperatures more females were seen, variables as well, and perform your own
four months ago. After cycling, I added while higher temperatures resulted in experiments if you find that simply
15 Red cherry shrimp and now have at more males. In fact, at 26˚C fewer than cooling the tank doesn’t balance the sex
least 50 in the tank. Water tests are all a fifth of the juveniles were female, ratio as well as you’d hoped.
good and the tank temperature is 24°C. and the authors suggested that if this I’m not aware of when embryonic
But it seems as though I have a lot pattern holds true in the wild, climate shrimps become one sex or the other, so
more young male shrimps than females. change could cause severe problems for the safest approach would be to assume
Can the temperature or water chemistry wild Red cherry shrimp populations that it could happen at any point in the
affect the ratio of males to females? find themselves made up mostly of process, even at fertilisation. So, I
Could I try lowering the temperature males and very few, if any, females. would keep the breeding colony at the
by a couple of degrees for a few weeks Of course, other factors may play a lower temperature if I wanted a balance
to try to alter this? role as well, such as pH and even of males and females. Room
BRIAN RITCHIE, EMAIL sources of mortality, like starvation. temperature may well be more than
Cichlid breeders have long observed adequate, and at around 20˚C you
NEALE REPLIES: Yes, there’s some that male fry seem to grow faster and should find it’s warm enough for the
experimental evidence to suggest that tend to hog the food, causing females shrimps to breed, but cool enough that
temperature does indeed affect the to starve or at least grow more slowly. you mostly get females. At really low
ratio of males to females in Red cherry It’s not impossible that something temperatures, breeding tends to slow
shrimps. One study I looked at reported similar happens here. So I’d keep an down or stop, with 18˚C being perhaps
a 50:50 ratio at 23°C, but at lower open mind, thinking about the other the coolest they can be kept at.
TETRA PRIZE
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PLANTS
Should I throw these

bulbs away?
I have a 23 l / 5 gal tank with a clip-on LED light. I planted
two Aponogeton bulbs, a water lily and a water onion bulb
11 days ago. But I think they’re rotting. There is white fuzz
around all of them and one of the bulbs has a large white
patch. The water smells too.
Is there any hope or should I remove them? The original
plan was for the plants to help with the cycling process.
ABIGAIL FLANDERS, EMAIL
STEVE SAYS: Sorry, but I think it’s curtains for your bulbs for
some reason or another. Once you get that smell of a rotting
bulb, there’s nothing that can be done other than to remove
the affected bulbs while you pinch your nose.
You don’t say how you obtained these bulbs and I wonder if
they came to you by post? If so, they may have got too cold in
The pH of the water is known to affect transit. There aren’t many things that damage bulbs, but they
the sex ratio in broods of Kribensis, are susceptible to cold and to drying out (which shouldn’t
Pelvicachromis pulcher. In acidic happen if they are packed in a sealed bag).
conditions the number of females I can’t imagine it’s anything to do with water parameters.
increases significantly, while at a Aponogeton generally like softish, slightly acidic water
conditions whereas the Onion plant (Crinum sp.) is happy in
neutral pH 7.0, the ratio of males harder, slightly alkaline conditions, so for the whole lot to
to females in a brood is suffer, rather than just one type, I think it’s something other
roughly equal. than parameters.
My advice from here is to remove the offending bulbs and
use a gravel syphon to clean the soiled substrate. If you want
to try again, either buy bulbs first-hand in a shop – ideally
with some growth, even if it’s just one sprouting leaf – or use
a mail order company once the weather gets warmer to lessen
the risk of them being chilled on the journey.
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Marbled molly
TROPICAL
ALAMY
Have my fish hybridised?
Please can you tell me how often especially closely related. While Common aquarium
crossbreeding happens in small species such as the Scissortail rasbora,
aquariums? My BiOrb contains danios, Rasbora trilineata, and the Rosy barb, hybrids
barbs and rasboras and over the Pethia conchonius, are both members Parrot cichlids: Man-made hybrid. Nobody
summer I have had both danios of the Carp family (Cyprinidae), the knows for sure what was used to develop
and barbs breeding successfully in rasboras and barbs represent quite these cichlids, but it was certainly Central
this set-up. distinct lineages separated by American. Various combinations have been
I have saved a few fry of each and millions of years of evolution.
suggested, including Convict, Quetzal,
transferred them to a nursery tank, but This isn’t to say that hybridisation
Severum, Red devil and Midas cichlids.
one of the fry has taken a lot longer to would be impossible, but it would be
grow than the others, and it looks to me relatively unlikely. So, if you do have
as though it might be a cross between a fish that seem different to their parents Flowerhorn cichlids: Man-made hybrid
rasbora and either a danio or a barb. at the moment, I would be tempted originating from crossing the Trimac cichlid
Are crossbreeds such as this more to hold off calling them hybrids until with a whole host of other central Americans.
delicate, and are they likely to pose they’ve grown on for a couple of
any problems to the pure-bred fish months, and you’ve got some Synodontis catfish: Those traded under the
in my tank? impression of their adult body shape name of Valentine, Tiger or Zebra syno tend
L R W, EMAIL and colouration. to be hybrids, but there are a lot of other
In any event, hybrids are something
dodgy synos out there. Synodontis euptera
NEALE SAYS: Most hybridisations aquarists should be aware of, especially
crossed with Synodontis ocellifer is
happen between very closely related if they’re in the habit of passing on
species, typically members of the same surplus fish to other hobbyists or sometimes sold as S. longirostris or
genus – the first part of an animal’s tropical fish shops. Hybrids aren’t S. velifer, for example.
two-part scientific (or ‘Latin’) name. always fertile, but if they are, they will
Hybrid mollies, for example, of the usually breed readily with either of their Rift Valley cichlids: Avoid tanks of fish
Poecilia genus, are common in the parent species. So, if you have a hybrid marked ‘mixed African cichlids’. Chances
trade, particularly among the popular, between a Rasbora species and a are, they’re more of a mix than you
fancy varieties. Dalmatian mollies likely Pethia species, say, and pass on those bargained for.
inherited their spotted colouration from offspring to somebody trying to breed
a spotted form of the Sailfin molly, one particular Rasbora species, that Flowerhorn
Poecilia latipinna, while the Black molly person will end up with fish containing
is a hybrid based on Poecilia sphenops. some Pethia genes.
Your fish, on the other hand, are not This sort of thing is a real problem for
people keeping Central American and
Rift Valley cichlids, where accidental
Baby danio
hybridisations have caused many of the
fish we see in shops to be ‘mutts’,
NEIL HEPWORTH
rather than any one particular species.

While such fish might look nice enough,
things like adult size and social
behaviour will be much less predictable
in hybrids than in pure-bred or
ALAMY
wild-caught specimens.

TROPICAL
Why are these killies so aggressive?

I have two male Fundulopanchax
gardneri and they are persistently F. gardneri –
sparring with each other. I recently Steel blue killi.
bought eight Neon tetras and over the
following couple of days, I lost two of
them. The first was acting unusually,
with its head facing the gravel. When
I checked later, it was floating in the
tank, barely alive and eyeless. Next
evening, the second Neon, which had
had its tail nipped off, was sitting in
the flow of the filter alone. In the
morning I found it in the mouth of a
killie, dead and with one eye missing.
That same day, the two killies were
being exceptionally aggressive, with
one biting the top jaw of the other and
turning him over. I did have a female
a while ago, but she jumped from the
tank and died.
Any ideas what I can do to calm this
aggression between the males? Is it
normal for them to attack smaller fish
such as Neons?
NATHANAEL BULLOCK, EMAIL might fight relentlessly, but a dozen surrounded by floating plants.
will get along more or less peacefully. The second issue with Fundulopanchax
NEALE SAYS: Male Fundulopanchax Of course, the dilemma is that adding gardneri is that they are, like many
gardneri are territorial, like most several more male Fundulopanchax killifish, opportunistic predators.
killifish. While the size of their gardneri could exceed your stocking Usually that’s insect larvae and other
territories probably isn’t that great, in limits and overwhelm your filtration small prey, but they will consume small
a small tank it may well be impossible system, so this isn’t always a viable fish given the chance. While F. gardneri
for two males to divvy out the real approach. They are small fish though, are normally pretty safe with all but
estate amicably. The obvious solution and allowing 4–5 l/1 gal per additional the tiniest fish (livebearer fry, for
is to simply move one of the males to specimen should be adequate. example), if they are hungry, or simply
another tank, and since these fish are It’s also difficult to predict exactly curious, they might snap at an
reasonably adaptable and easily fed – how many males you would ailing Neon that couldn’t stay
by killifish standards at least – they need to calm them all down. out of the way.
might be kept in a carefully stocked Certainly, just adding one or So, it’s hard to say for
community tank without problems. two additional males is sure why your Neon
The more complicated solution is to unlikely to have the desired
adopt what’s sometimes called the effect, and more than
The term ‘killifish’ comes from tetras were attacked.
They might have been
‘over-stocking’ approach – add so likely you’d need to add the Dutch word ‘kil’, which ailing for some other
ma males that it’s impossible six or more. refers to a small stream or reason, and the killifish
for li h a stable In the meantime, you creek, like those most simply took advantage of
te could try introducing some killies are found in. that. While F. gardneri is
t t These will usually regarded as one of
t fi t is in the killifish better suited to
mixed species set-ups, like any
territorial species, you can end up with
individuals that, for whatever reason,
act outside the norm.
Adding additional males (and better
still, two to three times as many females
too) might encourage the killifish to
SHUTTERSTOCK
interact with each other and ignore

their tankmates. Given the small size of
these fish and their wide availability,
this shouldn’t be too hard to achieve.
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ADVICE Answers
MARINE Big tanks are needed

for more than one
dwarf angelfish.
Can I add
another
dwarf angel?
I have a 120x45x45cm reef tank with
mainly SPS corals. It contains a pair of
Common clowns, a Pyjama wrasse, a
small Purple tang and a Flame angel.
Could I add a second Flame angel?
I’ve had the current one for around
four months and he’s doing really well.
If an additional Flame angelfish is risky,
is there any other Centropyge that
might be okay to keep with a
Flame in this set-up?
NIGEL, EMAIL
DAVE SAYS: Flame angels, like most
ALAMY
Centropyge dwarf angelfish, are
territorial and aggressive so they require
a fair amount of room. Your tank The addition of another dwarf individuals with a similar appearance.
holds a nominal 250 l / 55 gal, angelfish species could be done, It is possible to keep pairs or even
but this will probably drop to but there are risks, so to small groups in larger systems, but
perhaps 200 l / 44 gal Adding territorial fish minimise the risks of we’re talking a minimum volume of
after displacement. This together means neither has the squabbling you would 500 l / 110 gal, and the fish should all
would be fine for a single need to ensure that there be added at the same time.
Centropyge, but I’d be wary of upper hand initially, but in are plenty of visual barriers In your current tank, adding a second
adding another to this set-up. time they’ll challenge to limit the sightlines each Flame angel would be very risky. Your
In addition, the existing angel will each other. fish has with the other. well-established individual is unlikely to
already have established a territory, The new fish would also need to accept newly added conspecifics and
meaning newcomers will likely be be very different in colour to the there is a high likelihood of fighting.
picked on. Flame angel as they will attack I wouldn’t recommend it.
PLANTS
Is a home-made CO2 unit reliable?

I have a 70 l/16 gal tropical from the likes of CO2Art and others.
community planted tank, set up for 14 Also, you come across compatibility
months. Plant growth is very slow and issues such as differing threads,
I’ve lost a lot of them despite feeding which can be a real headache.
with Ferropol root tabs and Ferropol 24 I’m not a fan of the fermentation
liquid fertiliser. I think the problem is kits myself. Although cheap to buy
a lack of CO2. I can’t afford a CO2 and run, they offer no form of
unit and as I grow Vallisneria, which control, meaning CO2 levels are morning (manually) you will have
doesn’t like liquid CO2, this isn’t an still high during darkness and a stable level of CO2.
option either. Can I make my own the amount produced can Performance can be
CO2 unit and would it be reliable? fluctuate – a major increased when water
Good secondhand CO2 kits
ESTHER CLARK, EMAIL cause of algae issues. flows under the diffuser
One useable cheap often come up on both specialist cup, so positioning is
STEVE SAYS: I’ve put kits together system is the very fishkeeping sites and on important to use the
using a fire extinguisher for the basic kit with an inverted eBay, so it’s worth flow from the filter or a
canister and buying separate regulator, cup-style diffuser and a separate, small flow pump.
solenoid and diffuser to try to save low-pressured can of CO2, like keeping an eye However, if you are likely to
money but, to be honest, I’ve not Colombo’s CO2 Basic Set. They out. forget to fill the diffuser daily then
saved much compared to the kits that don’t add nearly as much CO2 to the you’re best off not using one at all
are now available for fire extinguishers water, but when they’re filled each until you can afford an automated kit.

MARINE Why are my Blue mushrooms brown?
What can the water are high. It fuels the brown yet both can help enhance blue
I do to zooxanthellae symbiotic algae in the colouration in corals.
make my coral tissues. Aim to lower nitrate and Also, look at where you have placed the
Blue mushroom phosphate levels to less than 5ppm of coral in your aquarium. Blue mushrooms,
ALAMY
corals more blue? nitrate. and as close to 0ppm as you can Actinodiscus spp., refract light and look
They’ve turned brown and don’t look get with the phosphate, and test using more brown when you look up at them,
anywhere near as colourful as they did a really accurate phosphate test kit. and more blue when you look down onto
when they were on sale in the shop. Biopellets, probiotics, granular ferric oxide the top of them. Most shop coral trays are
FINN WEST, EMAIL and macroalgae reactors or refugiums shallow so the mushrooms look blue.
are all popular ways to lower nutrients Put it at the top of a deep tank at home
JEREMY SAYS: There are several factors in reef systems. and they will look browner than they did.
at play here. All photosynthetic corals Next, test your iodine and fluorine Remedy this by placing it on the
turn more brown when nutrient levels in levels. Most tend to dip (especially iodine) substrate, below natural eye level.
Feeding the
right amount is
hard to define.
TROPICAL
How much should SHUTTERSTOCK
I feed these fish?

I am new to the hobby and have built while a browsing species might need to all you’ve added within a couple of
up a 200 l / 44 gal tank containing eat almost constantly. Similarly, young minutes, so there’s nothing left floating
20 fish made up of Neon tetras, Platies fish may need smaller, more frequent around to pollute the tank.
and guppies, all fairly small at the meals than their adult counterparts. All If you’re only using flake food, then I
moment. I don’t know how much this being said, most ‘community tank’ would also recommend broadening your
I should be feeding at this stage – a fish have similar requirements and your fish’s diet to include other dried foods
pinch of food can vary so much. three species all fit into this bracket. like granules or tabs. Tabs are great as
Any advice on amounts and when to From the ‘pinch’ reference you give, I many can be stuck to the front of the
feed would be great, please. suspect you are feeding flake food. With tank, allowing the fish to nibble at them
MARK STALLARD, EMAIL foods like this it’s impossible to offer a through the day. I’d also suggest trying
suggested weight or number of flakes as some frozen foods such as bloodworm
BOB REPLIES: Feeding fish is seldom the whole pot seldom weighs more than or brineshrimp – perhaps just one cube
an exact science as there are so many a few grams and the flakes usually once a week, as a treat. It’s also worth
variables at play. Different fish require crumble into differing sizes. I would considering adding veg like courgette
different foods in different quantities. recommend you feed your fish a small slices (weighted down) or shelled frozen
For instance, predatory species may pinch of food two or three times a day peas. The guppies and Platies in
only need one large meal once a week, – basically just enough that they’ll eat particular will appreciate these.
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TROPICAL
How do I stop new plants being upr
ALAMY
Plants such as Anubias, Java fern
and Java moss can be tied to wood,
stones or other decor. As they aren’t
planted in the substrate, they
won’t be disturbed by
bottom-dwellers’
digging.
ALAMY
Please can you offer some advice on Corys naturally reasons why you see so few Corydoras soft and malleable enough to gently
how I can keep my new plants in the uproot immature or cichlids in aquascaped tanks. wrap around the base of the plant,
gravel where they should be? plants. As you have found, once most plants anchoring it into the substrate. Just be
My Corydoras catfish dig so much have had a few months to settle, their careful not to squeeze them on too tight
that anything I add just ends up roots are too well established to be as they can crush the plant. More
floating because the roots haven’t disturbed by the comparatively gentle modern alternatives include a plastic
grown long enough to anchor them digging of corys. Newly added plants, ‘peg’ type anchor that pins new plants
into the substrate. however, particularly ‘stem’ ones that into the substrate until they have rooted.
Any tips would be useful. don’t typically come with any roots, You could also try placing some small,
ABRAHAM MILLER, EMAIL can end up floating. rounded pebbles or large gravel around
One solution is to use good old the base of the new plants to
BOB SAYS: Digging fish can wreak fashioned plant weights. These are discourage the corys’ gardening
havoc with planting schemes in typically a thin strip of a heavy type of activities, but check these are inert
aquariums – it’s probably one of the inert metal (lead alloy or similar) that’s before adding them.
,
TROPICAL Multiple filters
Bacteria will always colonise the best
Where do I put these filter pipes? environment for them to feed and
multiply in, and can only produce a
I have been fishkeeping for just under too close to the substrate, there really population sufficient to deal with the
two years and have recently got a isn’t a right or wrong way to set up waste profile of your tank. As a result,
second external filter so I can run two your filter intakes and outlets. Some multiple filters may help to remove
at once. Is there a right or wrong positions, however, may be marginally
more physical debris, but will only have
place to position the filter intakes and more efficient or offer better flow
outlets of each filter in the aquarium? patterns than others.
the same bacterial population as a
I have found every answer possible My personal preference would be to single, suitably sized filter, just spread
online, so I’m still none the wiser. have both inlets at one end and both over the two. However, it does mean
I have a Juwel Rio 125 with an outlets at the other. This should that the filters can be cleaned
Ocean Free Hydra Filtron 1000 mean that you have circulation in a alternately without too much disruption
canister filter and I’m adding a single direction, rather than a to the bacteria population.
Fluval 206. potentially turbulent middle of the Also, if one filter should stop working
JASON C, EMAIL tank that could mean the fish struggle for whatever reason, there will still be
to swim in a restful, normal manner – some bacteria in the second filter to
BOB REPLIES: With a few obvious natural water courses have flow in a
deal with the waste.
exceptions, such as out of the tank or single direction.

TROPICAL
Will a lobster suit my reef ?

I have seen a couple of reef lobsters which is a vivid shade of red. It’s
for sale recently. Are they safe best to keep just one specimen if
to keep with fish and are they you’re going to plump for one as they
reef friendly? Do they have any can be cannibalistic, especially
specific needs? during moulting.
HARRY BARLOW, EMAIL As with many other lobsters,
Enoplometopus sp. can be quite
DAVE REPLIES: There are several cryptic during daylight hours, and
species in the genus Enoplometopus require a cave in which to lurk.
that are sold as ‘reef lobsters’. They Aquascaping should be robust and
don’t grow very large (at least secure to ensure the lobster’s
ALAMY
compared to the Panulirus ‘rock burrowing doesn’t topple rockwork.
lobsters’ which can be real whoppers) In terms of compatibility, reef
– most Enoplometopus species top lobsters are opportunistic scavengers fish they’re not going to create any Enoplometopus
out at around 15cm. and can actually be quite beneficial issues as they’re not particularly daumi.
Some species are extremely in keeping those hard-to-reach places destructive. However, in nano
colourful and attractive – you’ll often clean. They’ll need supplementary systems with smaller fish they may
see Daum’s reef lobster, E. daumi, feeding too though, and should create problems as they can walk
offered, which is a lovely pink and accept a wide variety of meaty foods. over corals, which may irritate them,
orange colour, or the Scarlet or They’re generally peaceful and in a and could also snag the odd fish,
Hairy reef lobster, E. occidentalis, moderately sized system with robust especially benthic species.
recent acquisition (bought in the last

couple of weeks, say) and that the other
HEALTH Discus sharing its tank appear normal.
Did the swelling develop slowly,
perhaps over a few weeks? If so, it
may be a tumour, possibly affecting the
liver. Dieter Untergasser, in his book
‘Discus Health’, refers to older Discus
developing liver and spleen ‘cysts’,
which are types of tumours. These
abnormal growths can get quite large
over time and may press on other
internal organs such as the gut and
swim bladder, causing further problems.
They are, unfortunately, incurable and
may eventually kill the fish.
Poor diets (especially fatty diets) can
cause liver damage and enlargement,
and this too could account for a gradual
swelling of the abdomen. I’m sure you
are feeding a proper diet, but dietary-
related diseases are something Discus
keepers should be aware of, particularly
RICHARD
given the continued practice of feeding

lots of beefheart.
If the swelling has occurred more
What’s wrong with my Discus? rapidly, say over days rather than weeks,
then it could be a sign of an internal
My largest Discus has developed a his scales don’t appear to be protruding Discus can be infection and/or possibly a gut blockage.
swelling at the base of his body. After but it is affecting his swimming. Could troubled by These infections can be caused by
some research I thought this was you offer any advice, please? dietary issues. bacteria (and sometimes by viruses or
constipation and treated with Epsom RICHARD, EMAIL parasites). Internal bacterial infections
salts, but it remained. Thinking it might can be tricky to cure using over-the-
possibly be an internal bacterial PETER SAYS: The pictures you sent in counter remedies, so you might want to
infection of some kind, I carried out a were very helpful. The swelling is in the consider contacting your local vet
three-day course with Esha Hexamita, region of the liver and gut, so possibly practice with a view to taking the fish in
but again, no change. The swelling does one or both these organs are affected. for examination, and see if they agree
not appear to be getting any larger and I’m assuming this Discus is not a that antibiotics would be worth trying.
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ADVICE Know-how
On the move
Packing up and moving house is
stressful at the best of times,
but when fish are relocating
too, there’s a whole lot
more to consider.
T
HE AVERAGE British Spiny fish
citizen moves house may pierce
three times transport
between the bags.
ages of 18 and
45, but with a
INGRID ALLEN huge increase in
the number of
A freelance writer
under-25s uprooting themselves
with a day job in
aquatics retail, regularly (in a survey by ‘The
Ingrid is a huge fan Independent’, 54% of respondents
of anabantoids and said they’d lived in three or more
biotopes. places by their mid-twenties), it
would seem our lives are more
mobile than they used to be.
Having moved five times in the
last six years myself, I’ve become
something of a pro at managing the
chaos of tank transportation, so to
help those of you planning a move
to transport your fish safely, I’ve
SHUTTERSTOCK
honed what often seems a stressful
process into a series of simple steps.
Get ready
It’s worth collecting together all the residue into the nearest drain. Even tank. Small characins and other
equipment you could possibly need if you’re a meticulous gravel- mid-water shoaling species can be
a few days before the move. If you cleaner, chances are a huge amount literally scooped out of the water
have only a short window in which of sediment and detritus will be column once plants and ornaments
to clear out and load everything up, stirred up once you reach the lower have been removed. The more you
the last thing you want is to be levels, so it’s a good idea to remove chase a fish around the tank, the
nipping to the shops every five all rocks, plants, ornaments and fish more stressful the experience will
minutes. Though fish bags and before you get to that point. be for the fish – and for you.
elastic bands are a given, I’d also Put rocks, wood, sand and The surest way to avoid stress-
recommend asking if your local ornaments into spare buckets or related casualties in smaller species
fish shop stocks the big plastic polystyrene boxes. Live plants can is to use as little movement as
barrels used to transport RO water. be bagged up in much the same possible. Many of my retail
Saving a substantial amount of way as fish to stop them colleagues who catch and
water from your tank (ideally 50% from drying out. bag up large numbers of
or more) will help your fish settle in Remove your filter fish on a daily basis
better at the other end. last of all, as the employ a ‘double
This is especially important if culture of good If you own aggressive net’ method that
you’re moving to a different part of bacteria built up species like African cichlids, allows them to
the country where the water in its sponges ensure you have enough drive fish into a
chemistry varies hugely from what will start to die larger net with a
bags to separate all
your fish are used to. Acclimatising almost immediately. smaller one.
my softwater-loving Scottish fish to After 12 hours out of
of your larger Most aquatics shops
the hard, alkaline tapwater of the water (about the time it males. will have plenty of
south-east was a challenge, as was takes to drive from Sussex to polystyrene boxes lying
getting fish who’d only ever known Edinburgh if you hit heavy around to accommodate prickly
those hard, alkaline conditions used traffic), they’ll have perished and you predators who might spike their
to the more acidic ones. may have to begin the cycle anew. way out of bags. Plecostomus and
Synodontis species are the most
Emptying the tank Catching & transport obvious culprits, but Oscars and
Most of us won’t have time to faff Studies have shown that when other large cichlids also have
around with buckets on moving day, catching small fish, green or blue formidable dorsal rays that they will
so if you have a large aquarium, nets are more effective than black extend if they become stressed out
invest in several metres of flexible ones as they’re less likely to be or entangled in the bag.
hosing (the sort sold for external mistaken for the dark gaping mouth If using poly boxes, the water
filters). Once you’ve salvaged as of a predator. Go for the largest net level doesn’t need to be particularly
much water as you can, run the that will comfortably fit in your deep. Even monster Koi are usually
ADVICE Know-how
packaged with enough water to If transporting fish in bags, ideally and grab’ method of opening the
cover the gill plates, but not much there should be about two thirds air top, then very quickly clasping it so
more, despite many been flown to to one third water. Not many of us it looks like a blown-up balloon.)
the UK from Japan. Small bunches have access to an oxygen tank to Bags can then be laid on their
of plants or loose Catappa leaves inflate the bags fully, but most of us sides – to provide more swimming
can provide a bit of cover. However, have our own technique for trapping space – and packed tightly into a
it goes without saying that no as much air as possible before tying light-proof box (poly boxes work
hard-edged object should be placed the bag tightly with an elastic band. best for keeping the heat in).
in with the fish, not even driftwood. (Personally I favour the old ‘smash
Fret not
Most of us worry far too much at
this stage, fretting that our fish will
suffer horribly en route and we’ll
unbox a dozen floating corpses at
the other end. This is where a better
understanding of the trade can be
both helpful and reassuring.
It won’t have escaped your
attention that the majority of fish
you see for sale in shops have not
come from UK breeders. In fact,
some of the most common species
have travelled from as far afield as
Thailand, Singapore, Sumatra,
Brazil, the US, Kenya, Israel, Hong
Saving a substantial
amount of water from your
tank (ideally 50% or more)
will help your fish settle in
better at the other end
How to package your fish for the move

1 2 3 4
NEIL HEPWORTH
Two-thirds air to one-third water Place your fish bags in a polystyrene Pack them with care. To stop them Cover neatly and seal. Depending
keeps the water oxygenated. When box for insulation. Cover with rolling around, use extra packing on temperature and time, you may
travelling long distances, you can newspaper to reduce light shock like polystyrene, newspaper, or one want to add a hand-warming heat
use oxygen tablets or compressed O2. when you open the box on arrival. or two extra fish bags blown up. pack like those used when camping.
66
HANDY HINTS
If you haven’t managed to save any water
from your previous set-up, having a small
quarantine tank already set up at the other
end can be a lifesaver, and helps to relax
the whole process a bit. You can take your
time aquascaping and arranging the new
layout, rather than just having to chuck in
all of your fish and plants on the same day.
If you’re moving to a different

house in the same city (or within
a 20-mile or so radius), many
aquatics shops will board your
fish for a small fee – usually
around £5-10 per week. Taking
your fish to the shop the week
SHUTTERSTOCK
before your move is also much
less stressful than trying to catch
them on the big day.
If fish have been in their bags for more than six hours,
immediately remove them from the water they came in, as the
second that water makes contact with the air, any ammonia that
has built up in the bag from fish waste will oxidise and become
much more toxic.
The equipment you buy to help with the move

depends largely on how far you’re travelling. Oxygen
tablets and battery powered air pumps that can be
Kong and Niigata in Japan – home hours, some live bacteria should inserted through a hole in the top of a poly box are
to the world’s best Koi farms. ideally be added to the sponges to optional extras, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
By the time these fish reach your ensure it can still cope with the Many shops stock some variety of stress-reducing
local shop or wholesaler, some have bioload if all the fish are to be chemical (though stronger sedatives like Koi-calm
spent upwards of 20 hours in their added in one go. can knock smaller species out cold). These might be
bags. Suppliers almost always Even if you’ve salvaged a useful, especially if you’re travelling at midday when
include heat packs to protect them substantial amount of water from bright light can mean extra stress for your fish.
in draughty aeroplane holds, but your fishes’ previous set-up, testing
otherwise, there’s little more than the parameters of your new As far as possible, never lift an aqu
arium with even a
the foam sides of their poly boxes to tapwater is a must. If it’s almost an few inches of water in it, especially
if it’s going to be
bumping about in the back of a van
protect them from the hazards of exact match for what you’re putting . Drain it completely
before you try to move it. And unless
the journey. Casualties are amazingly in, fill the rest of the tank and the it’s a nano
aquarium of less than 60 l, ensure
low. Although such transport is not effect on the fish will be no different at least two people
are on hand to lift it – big aquari
without risks, even the tiniest species to doing a substantial water change. ums of 2m-plus can be
a six-man job, depending on the
can travel great distances and still If you get dramatically different thickness of the glass.
Lay the tank gently on a large she
be feeding happily the next day. readings to your previous et of polystyrene
for the duration of the journey and
parameters, err on the side of wedge lots of heavy
items around it to prevent any mo
At the other end caution and fill the tank very slowly vement.
If your tank is above 200 l, it’s worth over a few days to give your fish
checking the structural integrity of chance to adjust. new home
Even if the floor in your
the floors at your new property. Your fish can now be acclimatised s always wise
looks perfectly level, it’
Those with concrete floors needn’t in much the same way as if you level. If you
to check it with a spirit
worry, but if you’re relocating to were adding brand new ones. , move the
want to be doubly sure
a flat or older building, try to Though they may appear paler in position, place
aquarium cabinet into
the cabinet
find out which way the floor/ceiling colour and shyer at first, they will the spirit level on top of
joists run. Angling the tank parallel soon perk up and, after a day or so, and check again.
to the direction of the floorboards should be swimming around and
and against a load-bearing wall is feeding as normal. If you’re moving
to an area with
by far the safest option as the tank So unless you’re moving five tanks chemistry, variou very different w
s tricks may hel ater
will likely run over multiple joists, and over 100 fish from one end of You can try drip p your fish adju
acclimatisation st.
ensuring the weight is spread the UK to the other, there’s no or add small am for delicate spec
ounts of water ies,
more evenly. reason why your hobby should you’ve salvaged to the old water
over the course
For fish that sim of a week.
The first thing to get up and provide excess aggro on moving ply won’t adapt,
running is the filter. If it’s been day. Then again, that’s never of oak leaves, b have a stack
ogwood, aquati
botanicals on h c soils and other
switched off for more than six stopped me. and for softwate
hardwater area r fish moving to
s. Bring limesto
mineral buffers, ne, ocean rock,
coral sand and
hardwater spec aquarium salts
ies relocating to for
softwater areas.
ADVICE Know-how
These worms
are tougher than
old boots.
E
WHAT ABOUT MY SNAILS?
Planaria are very fond of snail
P
LANARIA ARE snails, shrimplets, crustaceans,
flatworms that can eggs and will eat them where they fish and shrimp eggs and
grow up to around find them. While this does have even adult shrimps. At full size
15mm long in a degree of control over nuisance they’ll nail adult Daphnia.
aquaria. You can When a shrimp gets near to
tell them apart from
snail populations, it will blight them, they’ll lunge for it, getting
other aquarium- keepers of fancy nerites. under the shell and eating the
dwelling worms living flesh.
through two obvious features.
First, planaria have tiny eyes at Where do they come from?
the head end. Look from above Planaria come in hidden on
and if there are two tiny black dots plants, wood and any other
near the front, that’s a planarian. zoophagous, hunting down smaller submerged decoration. They may
Secondly, look at the head. If it’s inverts including snails, worms, even arrive directly on a fish or in
rounded and blunt, then chances leeches and copepods, and in order the shell of a shrimp.
are you have harmless Rhabdocoela to help them do that they produce a Most are hermaphrodites. When
worms. If it’s shaped like an arrow mucus secretion – it also makes two meet, one slides on top of the
with a broad triangular point, that’s them less palatable to predators. other, moving over it to stimulate it.
a troublesome planarian. The While the evidence is thin on the Then they lift their tails and
‘wings’ on the head are chemical ground, it would appear that this copulate in an act that can last up
nd tactile sensors (like catfish secretion has a toxic effect on to an hour and a half. After that,
skers) to help them hunt. shrimps – or more specifically they’ll deliver cocoons of eggs
r tank is a leaf-ridden biotope, when the planaria invade the that will each release a handful of
to love them. If you’re a carapace of a shrimp. newborns.
er, breeding many prize The other genus is the white Planaria can also asexually
ou’ve got a problem. planarian, Procotyla fluviatillis, reproduce, budding off an extra
enera associated which is the most common head from themselves and
irst is the aquarium denizen. If brown eventually dividing in two.
of the genus planarians are accidental hazards Temperature plays a role in
rent to for shrimps, then the white ones are reproduction, with higher
uts of a zombie apocalypse. temperatures leading to budding,
h or White planarians are active while sexual reproduction happens
hunters. They’ll happily eat in cooler conditions.
their own kind Some fishkeepers make the
hen they’re mistake of trying to ‘squish’ the
SHUTTERSTOCK
chasing worms when they see them.

But bash a planarian against
the glass, or try grinding it
ADVICE Know-how
up in a handful of substrate and it’ll there’s detritus, planaria will

be back in greater numbers. flourish in any tank that caters to
Planaria pieces regenerate at their needs. While they are active
incredible speed. Get one, chop it micropredators, the worms are
into five pieces, and within a week happy to fatten up on any easy
or so you’ll have five fully formed available food sources. Tanks with
worms. Each portion will wiggle off uneaten dry food on the base are
and do its own thing, growing some prime real estate for the worms. A
new eyes and a fresh mouth. dead fish left in the aquarium will
Like other nuisance invertebrates cause a population explosion, while
in a tank, planaria are a symptom tanks where live foods of Daphnia,
of bad husbandry. Much as snails bloodworm and Cyclops are offered
will thrive in any tank where – fine cuisine for planaria – are
particularly prone to outbreaks.
Leafy biotopes are also prime
candidates for a planaria
population, because the
deep organic beds give Special planaria
CAN I WAIT FOR THEM traps are available.
rise to all the organisms
TO JUST DIE? that the worms like to
While there’s no literature on the prey on. However, How do I
lifespan of planaria, it appears it might be argued control them?
that in such a In a fish-only system,
they have a near infinite ability to
natural setting, these you could try a
regenerate their tissues, and can important predators copper-based snail
even absorb their own tissues play an essential medication. Results
as energy in the event of role in biotope appear to be mixed,
long-term starving. management and may with some aquarists
be best left alone. reporting success and
others noting no effect.
If you have shrimps or
snails, then this is a
no-no, as copper is
White planaria highly toxic to both.
are a menace. Next option is to try a
planaria trap. You can buy
these cigar-shaped traps online –
JBL’s PlaCollect is available for
under £10. All you do is place some
bait into the trap at night – raw
chicken or beef liver works well –
NEIL HEPWORTH
and submerge it in the tank. The
HOW DO I IDENTIFY
PLANARIA ATTACKS?
Due to the toxic secretions, shrimp
with a planaria infestation become
lethargic and unresponsive as they
become stunned. If you see off-
balance shrimps struggling to move
on the tank bottom, have a close
look. Chances are you’ll see the
worms moving over and under the
shell as they eat the dying shrimp.
Well-fed fish
won’t eat
planaria.
WILL FISH EAT THEM?

While there are many species of
fish that eat planaria – such as
Dwarf gourami types (Trichogaster)
– the paradox is that if you have
a planaria problem it’s almost
guaranteed that the tank is
getting overfed, and those fish
have no incentive to hunt
down the worms.
SHUTTERSTOCK
SENSORY LOBES EYESPOTS
GANGLIA
GASTROVASCULAR
CAVITY
VENTRAL
SHUTTERSTOCK
PLANARIA CAN REGENERATE EITHER END! NERVE PHARYNX

CORDS
small entry points allow the worms active ingredient in this is different. specimens should be relocated first. ABOVE:
access but make it hard for them to Note that fenbendazole will also kill Also note that a handful of keepers Planaria biology.
escape. While a trap will help to any snails you have in the tank. have reported deformed shrimp
control populations, it’s unlikely to The best treatment is betel nut offspring after use, though whether
catch all the worms, however. extract, found in Genchem’s No this is linked isn’t known. A 50g bag
Fenbendazole-based dog wormers Planaria. A single treatment should of No Planaria costs under £15.
are used by some aquarists, but be sufficient to wipe out most Any method of control should
establishing the correct dose is populations, although you need to also incorporate a tank overhaul.
difficult, and not recommended follow up after 72 hours with a Remove the food source that the
without consulting a vet first. Some partial water change, and replace worms are eating or they’ll soon be
aquarists have reported limited any carbon to remove the last of it. back. A series of water changes with
success using NT Labs Anti-Fluke & Note that betel nut can still affect gravel cleans, and an appraisal of
Wormer treatment, although the snails, so expensive or desired your feeding routines is essential.
ADVICE Know-how
BOD
N
EIG
WHAT
HAPPENS?
Foreign body
ingestion can occur
in all animal species,
including aquatic ones.
Vets are often presented
IES
with this problem in fish,
as well as other species such
as Axolotls. Depending on the
FOR
nature of the ingested object,
animals may or may not be able
to regurgitate the offending matter
without assistance. This also depends
on individual species’ anatomy.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

Changes in behaviour or swimming may be a subtle
indication of ingestion of a foreign body. Objects such
as pebbles, for example, are not always visible externally,
especially when lodged deep in the oral cavity. It is
vital the tank is examined for any missing objects,
especially decorative pieces, but this may be
difficult in set-ups with loose substrate.
Gasping or ‘piping’, erratic swimming, holding
the fins close to the body, hiding near the
bottom of the enclosure, or sudden onset
anorexia are just some examples of WHAT WILL
abnormal behaviours related to this MY VET DO?
problem. Acute or chronic buoyancy Due to the risk of ongoing
issues may also be a non-specific trauma to internal tissues,
sign of foreign body ingestion. your vet will probably ask you to
bring the animal into the practice
as soon as possible.
Radiography is a quick and non-invasive way
to establish the nature and size of the foreign
body, as well as its location and positioning, which
is vital in attempting any removal. Sedation of the
animal is often required for this procedure to prevent
any further trauma, but this can be achieved quickly
WHAT CAN I DO AT HOME? and effectively in most species.
External examination of the fish is After removal of any foreign body, your vet may
important in establishing what the prescribe a course of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics
problem may be before making any for you to take home, depending on the type of the object
attempt to handle it. Handling the animal removed and the inflicted injury. These medications are
may cause severe distress and, as the fish available in oral or injectable forms.
is already in an compromised state, may The most important thing in cases of foreign
lead to injuries. Depending on the nature body ingestion is quick thinking and quick action.
of the ingested object, excessive or forceful Gill damage, necrosis or oral cavity scarring
handling could lead to severe gill damage. can occur quite rapidly and, even after the object
If gentle massaging and pressure upon has been successfully removed, may cause
the oral cavity is unsuccessful, contact your further issues post-ingestion, sometimes leading
nearest exotic veterinary practice immediately. to weeks of follow-up treatment.
VET’S CASE STUDY
When Florence the goldfish swallowed
something she shouldn’t, an emergency
trip to the vet was in order.
A goldfish named Florence was the goldfish’s mouth intermittently discovered to be a small, flat, circular
presented to Trinity Vet Centre in each time it tried to regurgitate. It was pebble. The fish was then immediately
Maidstone, Kent, after its owner recommended that the goldfish was placed back into its original transport
observed it trying to regurgitate a small anaesthetised to facilitate removal of tank and moved around the container
black object. It was presumed that the the foreign body. until it had regained its righting reflex.
object had been ingested earlier that The goldfish was anaesthetised using A small amount of bleeding was
day as this behaviour had only been 2-phenoxyethanol (Aqua-Sed) at a noticed coming from the right-side gills
displayed for a few hours. The owners concentration of 500ppm added to a – this was thought to be due to mild
had tried to remove the object with the small volume of water that had been trauma associated with the removal of
goldfish still in the tank, but they were removed from its tank. Anaesthesia the foreign body and stopped after two
unsuccessful and so brought the fish was achieved after five minutes, and minutes. The goldfish was observed
into the clinic. was determined by a loss of righting for several more minutes before being
On physical examination, the goldfish reflex. A dorso-ventral X-ray was returned to its owner.
appeared to be bright, alert, responsive taken to confirm the presence of only It was recommended that the tank
and in good body condition. It did one foreign body. A single, small, substrate be changed to a much larger
not display any swimming or balance radiopaque object was visible on the pebble size to avoid reingestion in
abnormalities, and no external physical radiograph, just inside the mouth. the future. Florence the fish returned
abnormalities were detected. A small, A small pair of artery forceps was home, and has not ingested any
round black object could be seen in used to retrieve the object, which was foreign bodies since.
Example of how easy it is for

a fish to eat gravel that’s not
the correct size.
Florence
and the
stone that The shape of a goldfish’s mouth
was removed. if it has swallowed a foreign body.
X-ray of Florence.
AGATA WITKOWSKA &

NISHA TUCKER
Agata is a small animal and
exotic clinician at Trinity Vet
Centre, with a special interest in
diagnostic imaging. Vet Nisha
interned in Europe and Central
Florence
America, joining Trinity in 2018. lives!
COMMUNITY
Temperate tanks
WARM FRONT
Choose carefully and a temperate community tank can contain
just as much colour and personality as any tropical aquarium.
INGRID ALLEN
A freelance writer with a
day job in aquatics retail,
Ingrid is a huge fan of
anabantoids and biotopes.
NATHAN HILL
Red shiner,
Cyprinella
lutrensis.
COMMUNITY
Temperate tanks
NEIL HEPWORTH
C
ONVINCING right down, they skulk, almost lifeless, species that like similar temperature ABOVE LEFT:
INEXPERIENCED at the bottom. While most of the ranges tend to be a bit scarcer. The Mackerel
fishkeepers that research into the effects of climate At present, it’s near impossible to barb is a
modern aquarium on feeding involves sporting species import the beautiful North American shoaling
fast-flow lover.
heaters are totally like trout, it’s equally applicable to Rainbow darter, Etheostoma
safe is one of the indoor temperate aquariums. caeruleum, to the UK without a ABOVE RIGHT:
most tedious parts Since fish can metabolise more licence – a great shame as they’re Many plants do
of a retailer’s job. And protein in warmer water, not only fascinating to watch, but a well in cooler
who can blame them when horror experiments carried out on good indicator of water quality as conditions.
stories of yesteryear’s malfunctioning Common carp and Atlantic salmon they only inhabit pollution-free
heaterstat technology, and diagrams found significant growth increases rivers. Most of the Sunfish enjoyed
showing Bunsen burners beneath when water temperatures were in the hobby throughout the ‘80s
fish tanks haven’t yet disappeared raised by as little as 5°C. and ‘90s seem to have
from our collective memory. Working out just how much disappeared too.
Luckily, most aquatic shops stock a food temperate fish need On a brighter note, the
wide range of fish species that don’t at different times of Rainbow shiner,
need a heater at all, but for a while year can be a Notropis chrosomus,
now I’ve sought to discover whether challenge. Tiny Give Cryptocoryne legroi is gaining in
there was more to the fish and plants species like the plants some iron-enriched popularity. A
of this misunderstood sector than a White Cloud colourful native of
fertiliser to help them
drab substitute for tropical species. Mountain minnow, the Mobile River
Tanichthys albonubes, are
keep their system, which stretches
Temperate world content with just one or colour. from north-east Alabama to
In the average British home, an two small meals a week, while the Gulf of Mexico, few
unheated tank can vary from the grazing Tiger hillstream loach, temperate species can match this
15-23°C, depending on the time of Sewellia lineolata, needs a constant modest-sized cyprinid for sheer
year. Provided it’s out of direct supply of palatable algae. wow factor. Watching a shoal
sunlight and the temperature changes Most temperate species enjoy acclimatising, I struggled to work
are never too drastic, this can be intense flow, but lighting should also out what colour they were supposed
ideal for species that would enjoy be strong to allow algae to build up to be, with everything from blues
the same seasonal range in the wild. for grazing species. and purples to reds and oranges on
Anyone keeping Koi or goldfish in a show as they interacted.
pond will have witnessed the effects Colourful choices Though they can take a year to
of varying temperatures on their Temperate fish in the trade tend to reach sexual maturity and rarely
fishes’ appetites. In summer, they originate from two distinct regions. live beyond 22 months in the wild,
might be gulping at the surface the The minnows, danios and gobies of the Rainbow shiner is relatively
second a shadow passes over; South East Asia can be found in easy to keep and breed as long as
in winter, when metabolisms slow every aquatics store, but American appropriate flow and good water
NEIL HEPWORTH
FACTFILE Research is still ongoing, but
studies suggest super-hardy
WHITE-CHEEKED GOBY
6Scientific name: Rhinogobius duospilus Zebra danio may even be capable
6
Origin: Mostly China, with scattered populations in neighbouring of making a full recovery
Asian countries from fractures in the
6
Habitat: Fast-flowing rivers and streams with sandy bases spinal column.
6Size: 3-5cm
6
Tank size: 80x30x30cm for a pair, much larger for a group
6
Water requirements: 7.0-8.5 pH, upwards of 10°C. Can also live
in brackish water
6
Temperature: 18-22°C with a much
higher level of dissolved oxygen needed in
warmer water
6
Temperament: Males fiercely territorial,
but shy around larger tankmates 70 l+
6
Feeding: Live or frozen bloodworm,
NEIL HEPWORTH
glassworm, brineshrimp, Daphnia. Will
also graze algae to supplement its diet
6
Availability and cost: Uncommon; The Zebra danio is
£5 upwards active, attractive
and tough.
White-cheeked
Rhinogobius goby.
ALAMY
COMMUNITY
Temperate tanks
quality are maintained. In the Cryptocoryne forest shades of pink, orange and yellow,
wild, fish over a year of age Asian temperate plants are more or the subtler but equally lovely
experience heightened growth rates varied but one family, endemic to Sri Rosy bitterling, Rhodeus ocellatus.
in spring with temperatures of Lanka, stands out for diversity and If you’re a newbie, you can’t go
16-25°C, so adding a small heater at adaptability – the Cryptocoryne. wrong with an old favourite, the
a very low setting may help little Frequently overlooked, they are seemingly indestructible Zebra
shiners to bulk up. often darker in colour than your danio, Danio rerio. We may shudder
Although unrelated, the Rainbow average aquatic plant and prone to at the idea now, but there was a time
shiner can be found alongside the ‘melting’ when added to a new tank when these fish – such is their
much larger Red shiner, Cyprinella (meaning a fair few leaves may drop hardiness – were used to fish-in-
lutrensis, the males of which can off), but they add tremendous variety. cycle new aquariums in preparation
reach 9cm. Care requirements for Crypts appreciate good flow and for more delicate species.
the two species are near identical will become bushier and glossier
and they will shadow each other when planted in the firing line of
beautifully in a large mixed shoal. additional powerheads. Give the
FACTFILE
A biotope for the two can make a taller species, such as C. beckettii and RAINBOW SHINER
great project, with tanks of 120-300 l C. balansae, plenty of space, even 6Scientific name: Notropis chrosomus
6Size: Up to 8cm, but usually smaller
being more than enough to house a if they seem small to begin with.
6Origin: Southern United States
sizeable shoal. Length of tank is Add a bit of Java fern, Microsorum 6Habitat: Fast-flowing rivers, but also found in smaller streams
more important than volume as, like pteropus, tied to bogwood or rocks and sandy pools along the Mobile Bay drainage
their distant Carp relatives, shiners if you want. The tiniest Crypts – 6Tank size: 100x40x30cm – the longer the better
build muscle by swimming in strong C. parva being no taller than dwarf 6Water requirements: 6.8-7.8 pH, under 25°H. Will acclimatise to
currents. Few plants can tolerate hairgrass – can be used like a a wide range of different water conditions over time
torrent from additional powerheads carpeting plant, and if you want 6Temperature: 10-20°C but aim for
15-18°C to see them at their best
and still grow at low temperatures, something other than dark green,
6Temperament: Active shoaler, enthusiastic
but a curtain of Vallisneria at the try the lovely amber C. legroi. feeder, generally peaceful 40 l+
back of the tank will provide cover. Adding shoals of Asian temperate 6Feeding: Flake, pellet, frozen or live
Hornwort, Ceratophyllum demersum, species to this lush Cryptocoryne brineshrimp, Daphnia and other
is another good addition to an forest is easy. Danio varieties will insect-based foods
unheated set-up and will fit nicely mix happily with White Clouds and 6Availability and cost: Varies depending on
into any biotope project. neon-bright cyprinids like the Rosy availability, but expect to pay £5-15 per fish
The Bacopa family of the southern barb, Pethia conchonius, in multiple
United States can thrive at cooler
temperatures and there are a variety
of leaf shapes to choose from. Rainbow shiners
Bacopa caroliniana is fast-growing display a
and takes on different shades of kaleidoscope
BELOW: of colour.
green, orange or red in the right 1. Java fern
light, while Bacopa monnieri adds 2. Hornwort
height and even flowers when 3. Bacopa
grown as an emergent species. 4. Crypt. parva
SHUTTERSTOCK
SHUTTERSTOCK
1 2
3 4
SHUTTERSTOCK
ALAMY
Buenos Aires
tetras will eat
soft-leaved
plants.
SHUTTERSTOCK
South American set-up The Buenos Aires loves planted
Should danios and minnows be too tanks. That is, it loves chomping
commonplace for you, why not soft-leaved species right down to
consider a South American set-up their stems like some sort of crazed
filled with hardy species you’d veggie Piranha, so tough foliage is a
normally find in the tropical section? must. Though peaceful in a large
Many of our favourite South shoal, they will outcompete shyer
Americans are found right at mid-water swimmers for food,
the top end of the tropical but with targeted feeding, a
range (with Discus, group of Peppered corys,
Rams and Cardinal Corydoras paleatus,
tetras quite happy will live happily
in temperatures Both American and Asian alongside them.
closer to 30°C), biotopes will benefit hugely from These charming
but there are the addition of large catfish have all
still some gems rounded stones and a the quirks of their
found in the more smattering of tropical cousins minus
seasonal habitats. pebbles. the need for a heater.
Argentina’s varied climate If you feel you’re missing
is a good place to start. The out on livebearers, the Variatus
Buenos Aires tetra, Hyphessobrycon platy, Xiphophorus variatus, fills the
anisitsi, rarely gets a look-in among niche nicely. Compared to the other
true tropicals as its drab juvenile temperate livebearers (such as the
appearance puts off many potential characterful but dull-coloured
owners. But as it matures, taking on Goodeids or Pupfish), they are
deep red fins and a body that seriously colourful, with both a sky
appears to be simultaneously green blue morph and the classic red and
ALAMY
and gold, it soon turns heads. gold variety common in the trade.
COMMUNITY
Temperate tanks
With tiny amounts of aquarium salt It thrives in small groups when given Rhinogobius genus is worth checking
added, they’ve been known to reach access to the Amazon sword plant, out if you want a characterful fish.
a fair size too, so you might need a Echinodorus bleheri. Green otos One standout oddity reflects the
larger tank sooner than anticipated. aren’t common in the trade, though, diversity of temperate species better
so if you want one you’ll no doubt than most. The Paradise fish,
Cherry on top have to join a very long queue. Macropodus opercularis, was one of
Now for the unexpected cherry on Another colourful and unusual the first ornamental species
the cake of the unheated aquarium. centrepiece is the lovely Mackerel imported to Europe, and has all the
Did you know there’s a bright green barb, Opsarius pulchellus. This bravado of its better-known cousin,
‘Oto’ that can live in room gorgeously patterned cyprinid can the Siamese fighter. Being larger
temperature water? Technically, it’s easily reach 15cm in the wild, but and more boisterous, it can
not a member of the Otocinclus will dazzle those who’ve got the dominate a set-up and tankmates
genus (though it’s generally sold as space to comfortably house a shoal. should be chosen with care.
such), and while only described in By contrast, the White-cheeked Although it will obliterate goldfish,
2004, it already has a long waiting goby, Rhinogobius duospilus, isn’t as it usually behaves itself in the
list of fans. The Green oto, Hisonotus colourful, but is full of personality. company of much smaller species –
BELOW:
aky, is literally the jewel in the crown Males routinely flare their gills and a shoal of Vietnamese cardinal The Paradise
of Argentinian catfish, being a spit sand at each other in disputes minnows, Tanichthys micagemmae, fish is an under-
fetching shade of emerald. over territory. In fact, the entire would look stunning. rated beauty.
SHUTTERSTOCK
Green otos are much
sought after, but
they’re challenging
fish to keep.
FACTFILE
FLORIDA FLAGFISH
6Scientific name: Jordanella floridae
6
Origin: Southern Florida down to the
Yucatan peninsula. Feral populations
in Queensland, Australia, see
be thriving
6
Habitat: Slow-flowing swamp
still lakes and marshes with
lots of vegetation
6
Size: Males up to 6.5cm,
females smaller
6
Tank size: 90x30x30cm for a
individual, 100x40x30cm for
6
Water requirements: Hardy a
adaptable, 6.7-8.2 pH, 6-20°H
6Temperature: 16-24°C
6
Temperament: Peaceful towards
smaller species, but may show
SHUTTERSTOCK
aggression to colourful tankmates their
own size. Males extremely territorial
6
Feeding: Spirulina flake, algae wafers
and other green foods. Will accept fresh
veg and may nibble aquarium plants
6
Availability and cost: Uncommon; squaring up to anything and large tank, but will do the job of at ABOVE: The
from £3.50-8
everything. Smaller tankmates will least four Corydoras and, better still, Florida flagfish
be ignored, but if you want to add its diminutive mouth prevents it is full of colour.
anything larger, opt for sedate from predating anything bigger than
algae-eaters like Bristlenose plecos an Endler guppy.
108 l+ of the Ancistrus genus. In the end, it doesn’t matter
The robust Hoplo catfish, whether you’re a biotope purist, or
Megalechis thoracata, makes a great like to mix it up a little, the
Flag waver tankmate for almost any temperate temperate community can contain
The Americas boast a striking and species. Pretty much the fishy just as much colour and personality
adaptable outsider too, in the form equivalent of a 4x4 vehicle, these as any tropical tank. So the next
of the Florida flagfish, Jordanella greedy, armour-plated cats time a fellow fishkeeper tells you
floridae. You’d be forgiven for will rarely allow themselves to be temperate is ‘all minnows and
thinking this neon-bright killi was picked on, and their constant danios’, wouldn’t it be nice to have
some sort of GM-dyed experiment, snuffling will keep your sandbed in a colourful, planted but unheated
but it’s entirely natural and not afraid great shape too. One adult Hoplo (a set-up that would make them eat
to show off its bold colours when formidable 15cm) needs a suitably their words?
FACTFILE
GREEN OTO
6Scientific name: Hisonotus aky
6Origin: Native to two specific streams flowing into the Ro Uruguay
in north-east Argentina
6Habitat: Rainforest habitat with moderate flow. Often found on
the popular Amazon sword plant
6Size: 3.5cm, though potentially larger
6Tank size: 60x30x30cm for a small group
6Water requirements: Very soft, neutral to acidic, 6.5-7.5 pH,
2-10°H
6Temperature: 18-25°C
6Temperament: Completely peaceful, will
tolerate a wide range of tankmates
6Feeding: Spirulina, algae pellets, gel foods,
fresh veg and a little insect meal for added
protein. Give them access to the Amazon 40 l+
sword plant, Echinodorus bleheri,
especially when young, to achieve the
optimal growth rate
NEIL HEPWORTH
6Availability and cost: Rare – try specialist

retailers like Pier Aquatics; from £9-15
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Dwarf gourami
The little big

Gourami Dwarf by name, giant by character, this is a gourami that
will brighten almost any tank that can handle it.
WORDS: NATHAN HILL
ALAMY
Marine-grade
markings on a
freshwater fish.
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Dwarf gourami
O
RNAMENTAL FISH £7.50 a pair, and that gets you a some floating plants or polystyrene
farming has been a male and a female. A typical pair of and a lot of decent food to condition
blessing and a curse. dwarf cichlids, like Apistogramma, the adults into spawning mood.
While farming can will cost you over double that for a It really is easy.
reduce the pressure smaller fish that’ll hide more.
on stocks of Husbandry: You have to offer
wild-caught fish, the Sexing: I mean, how easy do you some absolutely terrible food for a
procedure comes at want to make it? Is it incredibly Dwarf gourami to reject it. They are
a cost. In the case of the Dwarf colourful? Then it’s almost good over all substrates, with
gourami, Trichogaster lalius, that cost certainly a male. Is it smaller, plastic plants or real plants,
has been the emergence of a brutal silvery and with a little and aren’t big jumpers.
and untreatable illness. plump belly? That’ll be Apart from some
Some of you will have tried to your female right initial shyness and a
keep Dwarf gouramis already. A there. There are Some Dwarf gourami can little territorial
large number will have failed to do some colourful be trained to ‘spit’ for food like flaring by the
so. Even the successes may be line-bred an Archer fish. Encourage males of the
hollow if they amounted to keeping females out there species, they are
this by using tongs
the fish alive for around a year – now, for sure, but for good as gold and
natural lifespans, as ‘70s and ‘80s the best part they’re still
to offer them wholly undemanding.
fishkeepers will tell you, were often easy to tell apart. insects. They’re also pretty unfussy
three or four years. It’s important to with their water chemistry,
BELOW: The
know that these failures are probably Breeding: We’ll go into this in and an aquarium with a pH neon or cobalt
not your fault. more detail later, but as bare basics anywhere between 6.0 and 7.6 will blue line-bred
Dwarf gouramis have long been you need a smallish tank set-up, usually do just fine. variant.
Dwarf gouramis are drawn to anywhere that’s heavily planted. Typical

riddled with Dwarf gourami
iridovirus, or DGIV. Being a virus,
there are no medications that are
known to be effective against it, on or
off the market. The disease spreads
quickly and is highly infectious.
Worse, it is rife. One study suggested
that over a fifth of all farmed Dwarf
gouramis coming out of Singapore
alone carried the disease.
In the face of that, why even bother
with Dwarf gouramis at all? Well,
let’s address that point by point.
Size: Dwarf gouramis are small, but

not Neon tetra small. They’re in that
‘Goldilocks’ zone of not being too
small to be vulnerable, not too big to
be predatory. They are ‘just right’ at
a maximum 7cm or so.
Colours: It’s rare that you get

coral-reef calibre markings on a
freshwater fish, but the Dwarf
gourami is one species that’ll give
any marine Damselfish or Tang a
run for its money. Admittedly, some
colours can be exaggerated in some
breeds, but these can be avoided if
that’s an issue.
Price: A typical pair of Dwarf

gouramis will set you back about
Buying for health
The greatest stumbling block to
success is sourcing healthy stock.
The figures look bad, but remember
Where in the world?
The native range for Dwarf gouramis is through Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
that even on the worst outlook, Beyond that, feral populations exist in the USA, South America (including
around 80% of farmed Dwarf Colombia) and Singapore. Unconfirmed sightings have been reported further
gouramis are disease free and across South East Asia.
healthy. You just need to make sure
you choose correctly.
As almost all of the Dwarf gourami
iridovirus cases seem to be linked
directly to farmed fish, the first
sensible option will be to see if you
can source wild-caught.
There is a payoff here, as
wild fish specifically require softer
and more acidic water than their
farmed counterparts, but the benefit
is that they will be virus free. If your
tank has a pH below 7.0, this is a
very real option.
The next buying tip is so obvious
you shouldn’t need reminding.
Never buy from a tank where there
habitats include ponds, pools, slow-flowing streams, swamps and canals

are obviously diseased or dead fish. looking milky, then walk away. The
Say it with me now: “I will not buy eyes are a good measure here, too.
from a tank with diseased or dead They should be clear, with no white
fish in it.” There, good. An awful lot hue to them.
of folks seem to be ignoring that While we’re on the eyes, are they
rule lately. set right in the head? Sunken eyes
Next up, look at the colours. can be a sign of wasting associated
A healthy, virus-free Dwarf gourami with the virus. Bulging eyes can be BELOW: The
has bright and vibrant colours. If an early sign of dropsy, which is a red neon line-
it’s looking pale or, worse, if it’s particular blight to virus-infected bred variant.
NEIL HEPWORTH
NEIL HEPWORTH
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Dwarf gourami
When it’s time to

spawn, the two will form
an interlocking embrace
(like two horseshoes)
underneath the nest
ALAMY
In nature the Dwarf gourami
feeds on insects and larvae on
the water’s surface as well as
grazing algae from plant
leaves.
NEIL HEPWORTH
For a biotope,
you’ll be wanting
the natural strain.
females. Dropsy is what happens Going authentic and cut just behind them) and
when the kidney fails and the fish In the wild, Dwarf gouramis are replanting. Your tank will be a sea of
can no longer regulate the amount drawn to anywhere that’s heavily green in no time.
of fluid in its body. As the disease planted. Typical habitats include Alternatively, get a richer (read:
progresses, the fish can blow up so ponds and pools, slow-flowing more expensive) planting substrate
much that the scales stick out like a streams, swamps, canals and even and toss in rice seeds. It’ll take a
pinecone. If any fish in the tank are rice paddies. while for the rice to start growing,
like this, walk away. Setting up a home tank is easy. but when it does it’ll give you a
While not as outgoing as a cichlid, Anything over 60cm is fine for a naturally grassy tank. Get ready to
Dwarf gouramis shouldn’t be too single pair, while 90cm or more is trim back though, as rice will easily
shy or nervous either. If you’re needed for multiples (due to the grow to 3ft tall. If you’re cool with
peering into a tank where everything territorial nature of the males). If that, it could make for an amazing
is huddled together in one corner, you fancy it, an open-topped tank open-topped biotope.
that’s a bad sign. can work to your advantage, too.
Look at the upper half of the fish, Decoration needn’t be elaborate:
where the muscle connects to the a couple of small branches is more
dorsal fin. One of the symptoms of than enough. The emphasis needs to Why do they
DGIV is muscle wasting, and this is be on plants – heaps and heaps of
where it is most obvious. If the fish’s plants. You have plenty to choose
feel things?
muscles are concave, rather than from, too. There are over 85 Dwarf gouramis have
extended ventral fins on
outwardly rounded, this is a surefire different types of Fissidens alone
the underside of their
sign of either the disease or chronic from India, as well as Potamogeton,
body, which you’ll often
malnourishment – both reasons to Pogostemon, and Hygrophila to name
see them pushing out
walk away. just the tip of this iceberg.
to ‘probe’ things. These
Finally, look for lesions. Anything If you want an easy ride, go for fins are both tactile and
that looks like a tiny sore is a strong either a planting substrate or silver covered in tastebuds,
indication of a compromised sand and plant with a few sprigs of allowing the gourami to
immune system. Any little white Wisteria, Hygrophila difformis. You assess the palatability or
patches with a red dot in the middle won’t need much as it’s a fast dangerousness of things
Male and (usually around the head) are also grower, and you can keep taking
female from a safe distance.
embracing the sign of a compromised immune cuttings (look for where the stems of
ALAMY
under a nest. system. Avoid! the plants are dropping new roots
SPECIES SHOWCASE
Dwarf gourami
Finish off with a good handful of make sure there are plenty of
duckweed. This will produce shade floating plants. Pop in a big clump of
and boost gourami confidence, but Java moss for hiding purposes.
it’ll also act as a spawning substrate Before moving the pair into this Air temperature matters
and stop the fish from jumping. tank, fatten both fish up with plenty Like other anabantids, Dwarf gourami are
Once your plants have grown in, of Daphnia, Cyclops, bloodworm and part-time air breathers, using a labyrinth
add a liberal dash of leaf litter. high-protein dried foods. When organ above the gills to draw oxygen from
atmospheric air. Some keepers have run
NEIL HEPWORTH
Keep flow slow. A smallish internal they’re nice and plump, move the
into problems keeping their gouramis in
canister filter will do the job. Lighting female to the spawning tank and
needn’t be too bright, just enough to leave her to her own devices for a
sustain the plants you’re growing. few days – absence makes the heart
And there you have it! A Dwarf grow fonder and all that.
gourami biotope. All you need now Add the male and he’ll do one of
is to add some danios or rasboras, two things. If he’s aggressive, take
maybe a small, peaceful loach, and him back out and give it a few more
you have something true to nature. days. Otherwise, he should potter
about and within a day or two he’ll
Home spawning start making a bubblenest from the
Breeding Dwarf gouramis is easy to floating plants and sticky saliva. She’ll
do, and if you’re turning out healthy keep out of his way as he does this.
fish from a virus-free wild pair, When it’s time to spawn, the two
possibly profitable too. will form an interlocking embrace
Get a tank of about 45cm long (like two horseshoes) underneath
with a bare base and an air-powered the nest, releasing eggs and milt.
sponge filter. Add a heater and get They’ll repeat this a few times, and
the water up to about 27-28°C. Add once satisfied she has laid all her
some Catappa or oak leaves to get a eggs, the male will turn hostile – put
little bit of staining in the water, and her back in the main tank at this
NEIL HEPWORTH
point, taking care not to upset the Liquifry, as well as plenty of ABOVE:
FACTFILE nest when you catch her. infusoria. After 8-10 days they should The natural
fish has a more
The eggs hatch out after around be big enough to take microworm,
DWARF GOURAMI dainty look.
6
Scientific name: Trichogaster lalius 36 hours, at which time the nest will and soon after that they’ll take newly
6
Pronunciation: Trick-oh-gas-terr also fall apart. If you want to leave hatched brineshrimp. BELOW: They
lal-ee-uss the male in place, it’s safe to do so Note that broods can be large – look great
6
Size: Males to around 7cm fully for three or four days, after which 600 fish or more is not uncommon. against the
grown, females slightly smaller time he will start to eat the young. Maybe make sure you’ve somewhere greens of plants.
6
Origin: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan
Once the fry are free-swimming, for them to go before embarking on
6
Habitat: Swamps, streams, canals,
ditches, pools, ponds, streams, feed them on liquid foods like a breeding project…
rice paddies
6
Tank size: 60x30cm for a pair
6
Water requirements: Ideally soft
and slightly acidic – 6.0-7.6 pH,
hardness 2-20°H
6
Temperature: 23-28°C
6
Temperament: Males can be hostile
in spawning mode, or territorial with
other males. Females peaceful and
somewhat shy
6
Feeding: Flakes and floating pellets,
live and frozen Daphnia, Cyclops and
bloodworm. These are surface
feeders so avoid sinking foods
6
Availability and cost: Readily
available; starting at around
£7.50 a pair
NEIL HEPWORTH
60 l+
SHUTTERSTOCK
BIOTOPE
Red Sea
Treasures
of the Red Sea
Take inspiration from the wild,
the world of ‘nems and Nemos,
and create your own ravishing
Red Sea biotope.
RICHARD
ASPINALL
ALL PHOTOS: RICHARD ASPINALL
A freelance writer
and photographer
who writes for many
magazines about
travel and the
underwater world.
A stunning
congregation of
Sailfin tangs in
the Red Sea.
BIOTOPE
Red Sea
T
HE RED Sea stretches created the Rift Valley, so are also Eight-line flasher wrasse, Chaetodon
from the Gulfs of responsible for the species swarms Paracheilinus octotaenia, just two of semilarvatus,
Aqaba and Suez in the of cichlids that are of such interest the more notable. the Masked
North, past Sinai, and to biologists and aquarists alike. The Orchid dottyback is the poster butterfly.
down to its link with fish for Red Sea biotope aquaria. In
the Indian Ocean at Dotties & flashers the wild, these super little fish can be
Bab-el-Mandeb, a Today the Red Sea is a unique body very numerous, and on deeper reefs
narrow, shallow neck of water, with a character to the and cave systems they can be found
between the coasts of Aden and reefs that’s unmistakable and due in in great numbers, each at the centre
Djibouti. Along its 1,900km length, no small part to the fish that are of a small territory that they defend
the sea is surrounded by the deserts found here and nowhere else. with vigour. This will chime with the
of Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea to the Roughly 150 species are considered general advice for keeping them in
west, and Saudi Arabia and Yemen endemic, with the Orchid dottyback, captivity – strictly one per tank!
to the east. Jordan and Israel have a Pseudochromis fridmani, and the Another endemic fish suitable for
relatively small Red Sea coast at the
head of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Look at any globe and you’ll see
the Red Sea as a long ‘gash’ that
separates Africa from Arabia; a
Biotope bounty
The rise of interest in biotope-style aquaria has been
continuation of the great split in the
a welcome movement in the aquarium hobby. By
Earth’s crust that forms the Rift
understanding the species composition found on the reefs
Valley. The sea’s very limited link to
in a particular part of the world, hobbyists will understand
the Indian Ocean, and periods when
their charges better, plan purchases more sensibly and will,
it has been entirely cut off, has perhaps, become more engaged with the wellbeing of reefs
allowed evolution to toy with the in the wild.
Red Sea’s fauna, allowing many Ultimately, I think, biotope aquaria are simply more
species to diverge significantly from interesting, and show a commitment from the aquarium
their Indian Ocean cousins. It’s keeper that goes above and beyond the ‘stick a load of fish
interesting to note that the geological in and see which survive’ school of fishkeeping.
forces that have shaped the Red
Sea’s species are the same ones that
Huge numbers of
wild fish inhabit
the reefs.
Today the Red Sea is a unique body of
water, with a character to the reefs that’s
unmistakable and due in no small part to the
fish that are found here and nowhere else
Orchid
dottyback.
the smaller tank is Ecsenius graviera,

the Red Sea mimic blenny. This little
chap will spend his days resting up
in coral branches.
Clownfish for the Red Sea
aquarium come in one distinct
flavour only, Amphiprion bicinctus,
aka the Bicinctus clown. They’re
found across the Red Sea and, in my
experience, are some of the most
ebullient of their kind. A pair, once
they’ve decided on a territory and an
anemone, could become a nuisance
in more modestly sized tanks.
Like many Clowns, they are
adorable when young, but become
significantly less attractive with age.
However, they will host in a range of
anemones (I’ll talk about ‘nems
later). If you can’t find A. bicinctus,
Sebae clowns may be a suitable
alternative, as they are found not too
far away in the Gulf of Aden.
Stunning shoals
Several Damselfish species are
found in the Red Sea and most
of them should be left there in my
book. Dascyllus aruanus and
D. trimaculatus are both troublesome
as they mature, but are found here
in great numbers.
Chromis are numerous too, with
juvenile C. viridis living in
unimaginable numbers amidst coral
heads. While it’s tempting to keep
Chromis in shoals, in normal tank
volumes they can quickly descend
into bullying, and you end up with
only one left. Better, perhaps, to get
just one in the first place?
While discussing shoaling fish, it’s
worth looking at Pseudanthias
squamipinnis. Of all the Anthias
species in the Red Sea, these are by
far the most ubiquitous. On some
reefs they are impossible to count in
anything other than thousands.
Watching them in the wild is
BIOTOPE
Red Sea
Black-line
fang blenny,
Melacanthus
nigrolineatus.
fascinating. You can see the males Pterois miles. While this isn’t solely a greyer chest of the Pacific fish.
hovering away from the reef, feeding Red Sea fish, as it’s also found along The above are all fish for the large
and keeping their eyes on their the east coast of Africa, it’s an iconic tank and will require plenty of
harems, and at the same time you species. I imagine all aquarists will hiding places in which they can
can see just how often they pick be aware this a fish that can cause shelter and develop confidence.
food from the water. They have a severe stings and should be Younger specimens may be easier
very active lifestyle, using a lot of handled with extreme care. to acclimatise to captive life, but
energy and will need very frequent It should only be kept with be aware that they are not
feeding to thrive in the aquarium. large fish that it can’t eat. entirely reef safe.
Much has been written on keeping Smaller Lionfish species Specialist food rich in
a shoal of Anthias – very often, can be found too, such as algae and sponges may
sadly, it fails, but you can keep a Pterois radiata, which reaches help the fish settle in.
single fish with ease. Either a male just over 20cm. Another fish that’s not reef
or a female will be quite happy as a One of my favourite fish from this safe and demands only the very
solitary specimen. region is Pygoplites diacanthus. best of care is the striking and aptly
Again, it’s not endemic to the named Exquisite butterflyfish,
Stepping up in size Red Sea, but the ones here have the ABOVE: Chaetodon austriacus. Keeping
One of the most recognisable yellow chest of the Indian Ocean Christmas tree Butterflyfish is beyond the ability of
fish from this region is the Lionfish, population, as opposed to the worm. many aquarists, so perhaps it’s best
One of many Nudibranchs are

habitat types in tricky to keep.
the Red Sea.
Red Sea
clownfish, Green chromis,
Amphiprion Chromis viridis,
bicinctus. among coral.
to leave these in the sea. If you must Naso tangs, Naso elegans, can Corals & inverts
have a Red Sea butterfly, the combine into large shoals that rove Red Sea coral growth is hugely
Masked butterfly, C. semilarvatus, is far and wide across the shallows. impressive, especially at the
one of the better possibilities, Perhaps the best two tangs for an offshore, high-current reefs, away
though it still requires expert care. aquarium are the Yellowtail, from the pressures of pollution and
A slightly more suitable option Zebrasoma xanthurum, and the tourism. Here the corals rival any
might be a Bannerfish, Sailfin, Z. desjardinii. They are from across the world, with large
particularly Heniochus also found in some numbers walls and pinnacles of coral, many
intermedius, another outside the Red Sea in the thousands of years old, supporting
endemic. Alternatively, northern Indian Ocean. some gobsmacking growths of soft
H. diphreutes is also found Both tangs are always on corals of the nephtheid (and
in the Red Sea and may be the go, and forever grazing, therefore pretty much impossible
more easily sourced. showing their need for to keep) variety.
Tangs are common in Red Sea significant amounts of algal matter, Don’t despair, however. Reef crests
waters too, with large examples though they will feed on animal in the Red Sea are extremely
such as the Sohal tang, Acanthurus protein too. I’ve watched and attractive and very easily replicated
sohal, having the reputation of photographed Sailfins greedily with corals that are available as frags
being quite aggressive – often to ABOVE: devouring dying jellyfish on and maricultured specimens.
divers who enter their territory. Acropora sp. many occasions. Photos of the Red Sea will often
Regal angelfish, Sohal tang,

Pygoplites Acanthurus
diacanthus. sohal.
BIOTOPE
Red Sea
show significant growths of A. hemprichii, A. microclados and norm. Closer inspection of

Millepora. These Fire corals (their A. pharaonis are commonplace, anemones often reveals young,
stings resemble burns) are tough but they’re not the only species post-larval fish, small shrimps such
to keep and not particularly by any means. Colouration is as Periclimenes species and the
desirable, but among the dull usually cream, beige or lilac, so occasional Domino damsel.
beige of the Milleporids are the to be accurate in your biotope While most ‘nems seem to exist as
pinks and violets of Pocilloporids you may have to accept a muted isolated specimens, on some reefs,
(Pocillopora damicornis and colour palette. and with some species – particularly
Pocillopora verucosa) and the Among the corals, tridacnids are Heteractis magnifica – many square
finger-like growths of Stylophorids. also abundant, occupying spaces metres can be covered in what
In slightly more sheltered, but still among living corals. local dive guides invariably call
brightly lit locations, Seriatopora ‘Nemo city’.
hystrix, often in whites with pink tips, Nems & Nemos The majority of the anemones
will be sheltering numerous small Five species of anemone are in the Red Sea are quite dull in
fishes, and often coral crabs too. particularly notable in the Red colour – basically, they’re variations
Devil firefish, Acroporids are a feature of the Sea. Not all will be inhabited by on brown – but, on occasion,
Pterois miles. Red Sea reefs too. Acropora humilis, Bicinctus clowns, though it is the red specimens of Entacmaea
Tridacnid clam.
quadricolor, the good old Bubble tip

anenome can be found. They are a
great deal rarer in the wild than in
captivity, however. They make
excellent aquarium candidates and
are often available from fellow
hobbyists who have had an
anemone bud into two.
Possibly one of the most splendid
species of anenome found in the
Red Sea, but also one that becomes
Isolated
quite large, is Heteractis magnifica. bommies are
It has lime green tentacles and a great inspiration.
red stalk, making stands of them
look very attractive, especially in
strong currents. With a range of habitats Water movement should be
Given the number of predators
in these parts, more motile
from deep caves and shipwrecks vigorous and variable to flush out
detritus and provide well-
invertebrates are often highly to sea mounts and mangroves, oxygenated conditions.
adapted to escape becoming meals. My other favoured ‘scape, and one
Nudibranchs and flatworms are you can’t fail to be inspired I personally find very attractive, is
commonplace (but poor choices for
the aquarium), as are an assortment
when planning your biotope the isolated bommie type. A small
pile (or piles) of rock is placed
of crustaceans, though they all tend within an expanse of coral sand to
to be active at night. Structural replicate where a piece of reef has
Having said that, cleaners such reefs could be come to rest on the sea floor and
as Lysmata ambionensis are imitated. become colonised by corals. Over
circumtropical, so are quite suitable time, these bommies can become
for a Red Sea biotope, along with very large, but in their infancy
Boxer shrimps, Stenopus species. they’re very attractive.
The example I’m sharing here
Aquascaping (see photo above) shows only a few
There are two main types of fish species (please ignore the
aquascape I would consider trying Dascyllus). Such creations can be
to create, which would best extremely attractive to the eye and
resemble Red Sea reefs. involve only a small, select – but
The first would be a reef wall. very distinctive – cast list of fish.
I know these have fallen out of In fact, you might only have half a
favour in recent years, but a dozen different coral species and the
complex creation of live rock same number of fish, but the overall
elements, perhaps secured or impact can be stunning.
supported using cable ties, plastic The Red Sea is a treasure trove
pipework, or any of the other filled with thousands of invertebrate
ingenious solutions aquarists have species and hundreds of attractive
employed over the years, will create fish species, many of them unique.
habitats that can offer shy species With a wide range of habitats from
crevices and holes to shelter in. deep caves and shipwrecks to sea
It will also create a reef with a mounts and mangroves, you can’t
range of light levels, allowing deeper fail to be inspired when planning
water and cave-dwelling species to your biotope. Let your imagination
be kept alongside reef crest species. swim free.
Roadtrip
GEAR & REVIEWS
to Norfolk
Roadtrip heads eastwards to visit both newly opened and
long-established aquatics shops in Norfolk
TOTAL JOURNEY TIME: 4 HRS 25 MINS. MILES: 190
Visit 1
Maidenhead Aquatics @
Norwich
February 13th
STEVE SAYS: Maidenhead Norwich
was the surprise of the day. Walking
in to immediately see a nice 180cm AT A
oak cabinet display tank booming GLANCE
with Cryptocoryne and housing some MAIDENHEAD
AQUATICS @
lovely looking Angelfish and tetras
NORWICH
was nicely inspiring.
Address
The first stock tank I looked in Notcutts Garden
had some impressively sized, The store’s junior partner, Pete, plus the more everyday species. Centre
well-conditioned extra large owns up to having a thing for corys Smaller suckermouth fans should Daniels Road
Corydoras schwartzi at £29.50 and the stock list goes on – large delight at Zebra otocinclus (£18.50) Norwich
each, followed by some nice Corydoras narcissus (£27.50), and Otocinclus arnoldi (£19.50), NR4 6QP
Corydoras melanistus (£12.50), C. adolfi (£21.50), C. diphyes both of which I rarely see. Telephone
01603 250100
C. habrosus (£4.50) and C. (£9.50), C. gossei (£19.50), albino In a separate section we also found
Website
punctatus (£5.25) – I guess you’re C. sterbai (£11.50), some incredible Geophagus braziliensis (£7.50), fishkeeper.co.uk
seeing a bit of a trend here… large Corydoras CW045 ‘Lessex’ G. surnamensis (£32.50), Red-spot Number of tanks
There are many other fish beyond (£37.50) and more besides. gold severums (£22.50) Oscars of 139 Tropical
the strong Corydoras selection, Suckermouth catfish fans are 8-10cm (£22.50), Albino hoplo 31 Marine
including good examples of a well catered for too, with Royal catfish (£13.50) and Black bar 15 Coldwater
long-time personal favourite, the whiptails (£22.50), Angel Orinoco myleus (£27.50). Together with a 9 Pond
Parking
Steel blue killifish (£18.50 per plecs (£39.50), Green phantom selection of quite commonly seen Garden centre
pair), and a new favourite of mine – plecs (£78.50), King tiger plecs tetras, South American fish are car park
the Lime green line tetra (£2.75). (£74.50) and Rusty plecs (£35.50), well covered here.
This nine-year-old
store is well presented, has
experienced staff and
plenty to offer to most
aspects of the hobby
ALL PHOTOS: NATHAN HILL
A multicoloured
Pyjama cardinal.
Roadtrip: Norfolk
GEAR & REVIEWS
The rainbowfish and gourami FASCINATING FISH

selection offers small and mid-sized
community species and the
CORYDORAS CW045 ‘LESSEX’
generous barb selection contains Corydoras sp. CW045 is yet to be formally described, hence the
CW categorisation. Variants are found in different areas and
some oddities like Platinum tiger
labelled as such, and what marks the ‘Lessex’ from a normal CW045
barbs (£8.50) and albino Cherry type is the presence of black in the soft-rayed areas of the pectoral
barbs (£4.50), as well as the and ventral fins, which you see when looking from above the fish.
commonly seen species. The
livebearer section is strong, as is 6 Scientific name: Corydoras sp. CW045
normal for Maidenhead stores, but 6 Size: 7.5cm
there are also alternative strains like 6 Origin: South America: Colombia
6 Habitat: Amazon River and associated tributaries
Panda, Black snakeskin and 6 Tank size: 90x30x30cm or more for a group of six (80 l)
Split-fin guppies (all £2.95) and 6 Water requirements: 6.0-7.5 pH, 5-12°H
Snow whites (£3.95). I’m a bit of a 6 Temperature: 25.5-28°C
sucker for Green sailfin mollies 6 Temperament: Very peaceful
(£19.50 per pair) too. 6 Feeding: Sinking pellets and wafers, live and frozen foods
Nano fish are well represented with 6 Availability and cost: Rare; £37.50
Spotted dwarf rasbora (£4.50),
Cardinal minnows (£4.50) and
Celestial pearl danios (£4.50), plus Lime green
a good selection of shrimp. line tetra
The shop had an overall clean look,
Corydoras sp.
despite the staff juggling several
CW045 ‘Lessex’
large Aqua Oak tanks around for
customer orders and little spare
space. While the shop itself was A strong base of dry goods is
clean enough, the displays were supported by more specialist items,
especially clean, particularly the like a large spread of Microbe-Lift
marines, which had real sparkle to marine products. The selection of
them. Given that we’d only been sales are on the up. Plans are in wood is vast. Much of it is suspended
able to give the store seven working place to expand and introduce SPS on display and backed up by a
hours’ notice of our visit, it’s a corals to complement the existing decent range of rock and other wood.
testament to how this shop is kept selection of soft corals. The fish all This nine-year old store is well
on a day-to-day basis. look healthy, colourful and active presented, has experienced staff and
The glistening marine section is and include species like Striped plenty to offer to most aspects of the
mostly down to Tom, a relatively new cardinals (£14.50), Sulphur gobies hobby. If the marine selection
recruit with a history of working with (£35.50) and a small Goldrush tang doesn’t quite supply the goods for
marines, and while the fish selection (£43.50), while a Melanurus wrasse the hardcore enthusiast right now, I
is a fairly safe mix of commonly seen (£95) and a Red foxface (£89) are suspect it will soon. What’s here now
species, we’re told that interest and slightly more adventurous. will satisfy most hobbyists anyway.
FASCINATING FISH
MARBLED HEADSTANDER
6 Scientific name: Abramites hypselonotus
6 Pronunciation: Ab-ram-eye-teez hip-sell-oh-no-
tuss
6 Size: 12-14cm
6 Origin: South America: Peru, Bolivia, Brazil,
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Venezuela, Paraguay
and Argentina
6 Habitat: A habitat generalist, as it’s found in
large, central rivers with strong flow and in small,
slow-moving tributaries and backwaters
6 Tank size: 120x38x38cm
6 Water requirements: 5.5-7.5 pH, 3-14°H
6 Temperature: 21-29°C
6 Temperament: Boisterous fin-nipper. Should be
housed with robust cichlids or similar
6 Feeding: Omnivore – accepts most dried foods,
live and frozen foods plus fresh veg
Marbled 6 Cost: £17.50
headstander

Visit 2
Scaped Nature
AT A
GLANCE
SCAPED NATURE
Address
February 13th 60 St Giles Street
Norwich
Here’s a new shop that’s been NR2 1LW
Telephone
making waves on social media.
01603 761900
Scaped Nature had been open for Website
business for a matter of weeks when scapednature.com
we visited, and is rather different to Number of tanks
the usual Roadtrip shop. Many 7 display tanks
full-on aquatics stores have a range Parking
of aquascape-focused equipment, Roadside pay and
display or public
and plenty of shops ‘specialise’ in
car park
aquascaping, but few are so focused
towards aquascaping that they
don’t sell fish.
Husband and wife Ray and Gill
have opened this shop to facilitate
Albino Hoplo Ray’s love of aquascaping and Gill’s
catfish love of house and terrarium plants.
Not only do the two complement
each other well, but the crossover
really works. What self-respecting
aquatic plant fan woul
beautifully displayed t
Bucephalandra enhanc
with moss and contain
in a glass dome?
I know I do.
Ray was inspired by
George Farmer to get
into aquascaping a few
years back, and when
time as a stay-at-home
dad came to an end, h
was determined to ma
a career of it.
Stepping into Scaped
Nature is to be transpo
WW
Roadtrip: Norfolk
GEAR & REVIEWS
There are seven delicious display

aquariums on show, some old and mature
and some with just six weeks behind them
serenity – display tank lig bog wood and talawa wood. Oase, Seachem, Tropica and CO2Art
creates atmosphere, and oods are all aquascape-based, offer equipment and fertilisers and
well-maintained, balance ng there’s a small area with a a few other selected brands
and vibrant plant displays election. Evolution Aqua complete the shelving.
inspire and demonstrate are available to order in, The website isn’t quite ready yet,
equipment. Chilled music nano tanks by Dennerle are but from April you should be able to
adds a nice touch too. e to carry away, plus smaller buy products directly online.
There are seven deliciou p’ ‘scape tanks. High-end I expected to be impressed by this
display aquariums on sho nits from Kessil and Twinstar shop, not only because of what I’d
some old and mature and ered, while clip-on lights by seen on social media, but also
with just six weeks behind are sold for smaller aquaria. because I love the aquatic/terrestrial
(impressive when looking
iwagumi display particula
can see firsthand the resu
Ray’s knowledge – it’s just a hunch,
but I get the feeling he’ll put as
much effort into getting you results
as he does for himself.
There’s a wide selection of plants
available in tissue culture, pre-
packed or submerged pot forms
and, of course, you’d expect a great
spread of hardscape from an
aquascape shop. The choice here
will not let you down, including
frodo stone, fossilised wood, grey
petrified wood, grey mountain rock,
dragon stone, black island lava rock,
red island lava rock and seiryu rock,
plus boxes of small bits for
detailing. Then the wood selection –
hornwood, gnarled manzanita,
mangle wood, redmoor, opuwa

crossover, with aquatic plants in
glass vases as home decorations.
I feared for my wallet, as the feel
of this shop screams ‘expensive
boutique’ to me. I knew that I
wouldn’t be able to walk out of here
without buying something, so there
was much relief when I turned over
a 15cm-diameter bottle terrarium to
find a price of £15 (when I was
expecting £30-£40), and a
miniature one of the same for just
£2.50. I was well chuffed and my
wallet wasn’t too upset at all.
Continue walking and you’ll come pond vats, but there’s a taste of
Visit 3 across some alternative designs from
Boyu and Cleair, plus more
what’s to come in the spring.
Goldfish, Shubunkins, Orfe, Tench
AT A
GLANCE
Swallow Aquatics conventional tanks from Red Sea
and Fluval. Keep wandering around
and Koi will be available in a
number of sizes, but then there are SWALLOW
February 13th and the choice of accessories, other, less-seen pond fish such as
AQUATICS
Address
ornaments and equipment Silver and Golden rudd, Gudgeon,
Harling Road
Our third and final Norfolk visit sees continues. The range of reef octopus Chub, Barbel, Common and East Harling
us heading southwest from Norwich products alone is impressive. Mirror carp – even Siamese carp are Norfolk
towards Thetford to a very well- Walking through the store, you labelled up from the previous NR16 2QW
established business. Swallow pass by birds, lizards, snakes and season. I’ve visited this shop during Telephone
Aquatics at East Harling is part of a tortoises before you reach any fish. the pond season and I can testify 01953 718184
four-store group and this one has First off, I come to the range of they use all of their 33 plant trays Website
Swallowaquatics.
been trading since 1993. indoor goldfish. There’s good choice and lily ponds. It’s easier to list
co.uk
The size of this shop allows it to from small Black Moors (£3.95), which plants they don’t stock, rather Number of tanks
offer lots of choice and it does that Bubble eyes (£9.95) and Calico than those they do. 128 Tropical
well. Not just with freshwater ranchu (£9.95), to large Pearlscales The pond audience is well catered 77 Marine
tropical fish, but with everything. (£24.95) and Ryukin the size of for, with pre-formed ponds and 40 Coldwater
On entry you’re greeted by a range your palm (£49.95). liners, pre-formed waterfall sections 25 Pond
of tanks and cabinets, including Continue through to the pond and a good range of pumps, filters, Parking
Large car park
Oase Highline tanks up and running section and, given the time of year, remedies, foods, planting equipment
with good displays. it’s normal to see sparsely stocked and a nice choice of rockery stone.
Roadtrip: Norfolk
GEAR & REVIEWS
In the tropical fish room, I’m Golden puffer

greeted by livestock manager
Brandon and director Mick, who
give me a quick tour behind the
scenes. The quarantine facilities are
on a large scale, with 100 or so
aquariums and 10 pond vats that
are used both to quarantine new
stock and hold stock bought in bulk.
The sales tanks use large reservoirs
for stability of water conditions and
to dilute waste. In the freshwater
tanks there’s a strong showing of
L number plecos, including
mature, strong-looking L081 Golden
nugget plecs (£43.95), L011
Red-fin thresher plecs (£43.95),
L029 Galaxy plecs (£44.95),
L073 Angelicus ‘portel’ (£29.95)
and Tiger peckolita (£19.95).
Rasbora paviana (£2.95) and
Candy stripe loach (£6.95) are nice
to see. The Tanganyikan and Malawi
selections are shrinking with
reduced demand, but there’s still a
greater selection than in many
shops and Neolamprologus
caudopunctatus (£9.95) and
N. brevis (£6.95) stand out. Wild
Oscars (£29.95) are an unusual
find, as are Banded leporinus
(£19.95). Then there are
tankbusters like Pangasius catfish
(£9.95), but Brandon assures me
there are quite a few tropical
ponds in the area.
The marine section has a
large selection for FOWLR
tanks. There are many
larger fish on offer
including Big
eye squirrelfish
(£29.95) and a Dominos, Yellow FASCINATING FISH
Golden puffer (£350), tail, Sergeant
GOLDEN PUFFER
as well as potentially very major, Humbug and
big fish like Panther Bicolours, all at £7.95. Arothron meleagris can be found in different colour stages – the
Guineafowl puffer is the same fish with small white spots over
groupers with a potential size of The invertebrate selection
black skin. In nature, colours change at different life stages, but
70cm (£39.95), and the had a few alternatives like a they rarely change in aquaria. As with most puffers, its flesh is
Harlequin rock cod (£44.95) that wide selection of sea cucumbers poisonous and its fused teeth make short work of biting through
can grow to 80cm and 6kg. including pinks, blacks and tiger corals and invertebrates.
There are many mature species tails (£21.95), Tiger cowrie
like a 20cm Naso tang (£229.95), (£14.95) and Long spine urchins 6 Scientific name: Arothron meleagris
6 Pronunciation: Ah-roth-ron melay-gris
and an Orange shoulder tang (£21.95), along with more normal
6 Size: 50cm
(£159.95) of at least 15cm. There fare like Cleaner and Blood shrimps. 6 Origin: Indo and Eastern-Pacific
are some good-sized moray eels too, The size and variety of livestock 6 Tank size:200x100x50cm (1000 l)
including a Leopard (£49.95), Zebra are this store’s strong points across 6 Water requirements: 8.1-8.4 pH, 8-12°KH, 1.020-1.025 SG
(£120) and a White eye (£49.95) the board, but the standout here for 6 Temperature: 23-25.5°C
– all around 3-4 cm thick, although me are the pond supplies. It’s 6 Temperament: Mostly peaceful
length was harder to gauge. obvious that during pond season you 6 Feeding: Carnivore – cockles, mussels, prawns, crabs etc
6 Cost: £350
Damselfish are also strong here, with will be utterly spoilt for choice.

Snowflake
moray eel
Long-nosed
hawkfish
FASCINATING FISH
Leaf
LEAF SCORPIONFISH scorpionfish
The colour of the Leaf scorpionfish vary massively from reds, pinks
and browns to oranges, yellows and white. This inactive fish requires
a gentle flow, but is otherwise undemanding apart from feeding.
Some refuse non-live food and need gut-loaded live shrimp.
6 Scientific name: Taenianotus triacanthus

6 Pronunciation: Tay-nee-ah-no-tus try-ah-can-thus
6 Size: 10cm
6 Origin: Widespread from the Red Sea to the Indo Pacific
6 Habitat: Coastal and outer reefs mostly found by sponges or over
muddy substrate
6 Tank size: 75x30x30cm (65 l)
6 Water requirements: 8.1-8.4 pH, 8-12°KH, 1.020-1.025 SG
6 Temperature: 23-25.5°C
6 Temperament: Peaceful, but will eat smaller fish
6 Feeding: Ambush predator – live shrimp and frozen lance fish
6 Cost: £39.95
coral
cultivations

Specialists in
Soft Coral & LPS Frags
Rare and unusual species always in stock
Over 40 species of Zoo frags in stock
Retail opening hours

Saturday & Sunday 11am - 4pm
Full mail order service available
Unit 3, Colt Industrial Estate, Scarborough Street, Hull, HU3 4TU
Tel 07940 455075

coralcultivations@live.co.uk
coralcultivations.co.uk
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African tetra showcase
NEIL HEPWORTH
Get the most from the Convict cichlid
MANUFACTURERS POLL
The results are in.

Which fishkeeping
products did you vote
the best of the best?
T
HE VOTES have been counted and we commentary on what it is that makes the winning
can now reveal the winners of the 2019 products so good.
Practical Fishkeeping Manufacturers We’d like to take the opportunity to thank every one
Poll, where we asked you, our readers, to of our readers who took the time to vote, as well as
choose your favourite products of 2018. our poll sponsors at Maidenhead Aquatics, who have
As well as the results of the public generously provided the outstanding prizes for three
vote, we’ve also included editor Nathan lucky winners whose names were drawn at random
Hill’s thoughts on each category, with a from all those who took part.
The winners!
Category 1: Aquarium kits
You voted for: Evolution Aqua for the eaFreshwater and eaReefPro
range of tanks and cabinets.
Nathan says: This is hardly a surprise – EA’s modern and sleek designs
(plus their ready-made cabinets) make these a hard hitter. Add to that the
neat black silicone sealant, excellent LED lighting and plastic hood as
standard (in the eaFreshwater range), the additional height of the tanks, and
you have something with huge presence at an affordable price.
I’d have thought this would be a battle between EA and the Fluval Flex
aquariums, and ultimately EA romped home with this win.
Editor’s pick: Evolution Aqua for the eaFreshwater and eaReefPro range of
tanks and cabinets.
Category 2: Heaters Category 3: Lighting Category: Filters

You voted for: Eheim for the Jager You voted for: Kessil for the Ocean You voted for: Fluval for the ’06, FX
thermocontrol range of heaterstats. Sun and Ocean Tuna range of LED and U ranges of filter.
Nathan says: I had a strong hunch that lights. Nathan says: No surprises on this one.
Eheim would scoop this, and personally Nathan says: Kessil is an outstanding Fluval’s reliability, price point and easy
always keep an eye out for Eheim heaters choice, especially for the specialist maintenance filters meant it stormed
for my tanks at home. keeper, and there’s good reason why so the contest, with almost twice as many
Snapping close at Eheim’s many retailers use these lights on their votes as its nearest competitor. The fact
heels was Fluval with its sales systems. I personally wondered if that the filters are almost ubiquitous
E-series range of heaters, Fluval would take this category for the and parts can be picked up from so
and if presented with the Aquasky, Marine and Plant 3.0 range of many stores likely has a part in this too.
two I’d have to flip a coin LED lights, and it was close (just nine Editor’s
to choose between them. votes between them). pick:
The E-series is the prettier Editor’s pick: Kessil for the Ocean Sun Fluval for
heater when you can’t and Ocean Tuna range of LED lights the ’06,
hide them, while I know FX and U
the reliability of Eheim ranges of
heaters has never let me filter.
down.
Editor’s pick: Eheim for
the Jager thermocontrol
range of heaterstats.
108 PRACTICAL FISHKEEPIN

PRIZE WINNERS
Category: Circulation pumps AQUATROPIC

You voted for: Fluval for the Fluval Sea range of 65 LED AQUARIUM
flow pumps. RRP £109.99
Nathan says: Fluval’s ‘no frills’ range of flow pump Congratulations to Sandra Jolly
plays a safe hand, but it looks like safe is what for winning the 1st prize in our
aquarium keepers want. It may be no surprise that
these were arguably the most cost effective of the
flow pumps in the poll selection. I’m surprised that
Ecotech Marine’s Vortech range didn’t win here, but 1ST
t in that. PRIZE
tech range
Category: Planting supplements

You voted for: Evolution Aqua for the
Aquascaper Complete Plant Food.
Nathan says: Based on a formula used and
endorsed by George Farmer (possibly the
world’s leading aquascaper), plant enthusiasts
love this product – and so do I. This stuff takes
away the hassle of mixing EI powdered plant MICROBE-LIFT
foods, giving a mixture of nitrogen, potassium
and phosphorus, as well as essential trace
WATER TREATMENTS
elements, all in one bottle. BUNDLE
Editor’s pick: Evolution Aqua for the RRP from £88 to £95
Aquascaper Complete Plant Food. Angela Clements takes 2nd
prize, winning her choice of a
Tropical, Marine or Coldwater
Assorted Microbe-Lift Water
Treatments Bundle, worth
up to £95.
2ND
PRIZE
Category: Water treatments OCEAN FREE HYDRA

You voted for: NT Labs for the Aquarium Treatments and Medicines range.
Nathan says: Comprehensive and easy to use, I often like to have a couple of bottles of INTERNAL FILTER
Anti-Internal Bacteria treatment or Disease Solve to hand. Nice to know that I’m not the AND DEPURATOR 30
only one who rates these products! I’m surprised that Microbelift Nite-Out II didn’t rank RRP £49.99
higher here, but NT Labs is a worthy winner. Iain Sutherlan
Editor’s pick: Microbelift for Nite-Out II. takes our 3rd
place prize,
winning an
Category: Food Ocean Free
You voted for: Fish Science for the Tropical Fish Food range. Hydra Interna
Nathan says: Fish Science romped home by an absolute landslide, Filter and
getting over four times as many votes as its nearest rival. Owner Depurator 30
David Pool has been cleverly courting the club and hobby scene
with a great product made from sustainable, high-quality insect
ingredients. As products go, this one really is revolutionary and 3RD
has changed the face of fish foods since its creation. PRIZE
Editor’s pick: Fish Science for the Tropical Fish Food range.
GEAR
GEAR & REVIEWS
FIRST LOOK
We have our first glimpse at three new tanks to hit the market.
SUPERFISH QUBIQ 30
FILTER
Cartridge-style 3w
12v filter. Can also First look: Steve Baker
house a heater if RRP: £57.99
going tropical.
More info: aquadistri.com
This new 30 l cube from Superfish growth. A nice feature here is three-
is a definite improvement over the stage lighting – off, bright, dim, then
older Qubie model in my opinion. off again, and the transition from one
The design is neater and much more to another is nice and gentle too.
intergrated – that’s not up for debate. The filter uses a replaceable
Design is a matter of taste though, cartridge (£4.99 for two) of floss,
so where I like the plinth that raises crystal clear media and sponge. The
the tank off a surface (about 35mm), filter is a little fiddly to take apart,
others may not. And where I prefer but the cartridge is accessible
the straight-cut corners, others may without removing the filter.
prefer the curved glass corners of Cables run neatly down the corner
the Qubie, but the silicone on this spine, a glass lid rests on the tank to
tank is plenty neat and tidy. limit evaporation and jumpers, and
The 5w LED light is suprisingly the light unit hinges for access.
pleasing. It says blues and whites in
the manual, but there’s a nice pink Good value. I like the look and the light unit.
and yellow hue provided too, which I’m not a big fan of cartridge-style filters,
should prove fruitful for plant but this could be changed.

TETRA which is very much a classic size
and ratio for home aquaria. The
£250 – but I imagine we’ll see some
outlets selling them below the RRP.
EXTRAS
All the basic
STARTER LINE 105 5mm float glass is held together by
neatly machined black silicone,
The practicality of the tank means
that not only will new fishkeepers be
essentials are
included –
First look: Steve Baker filter, light and
and the base floats on the plastic attracted to it, but I look at it myself
RRP: Tank £125, Cabinet £89 heater – plus
surround. A separate stand follows and think it would make an ideal
More info: tetra.net/en/en dechlorinator
the basic styling of the tank, with no breeding or growing-on tank.
and food.
The new 105 l Tetra Starterline cupboard or shelving provided.
aquarium is the fourth and largest I reckon you could have the 105 up Practical and affordable.
model in the range. The entry level and running ready for fish for around Cartridge filter and preset heater.
Starter Line comes with all the basic
equipment needed to keep fish
alive. The EasyCrystal Filterbox 600
filter is the same item found in the
Starter Line 80 kit, offering a
maximum flow of 600 lph for 7.5w.
The EasyCrystal is primarily a
cartridge-style filter, but with a more
stable, high surface area ‘BioGrid’ to
house beneficial bacteria. Two packs
of the carbon and floss cartridges
are included. These should be
replaced every four weeks and you
can do that without getting a finger
wet, thanks to the easy filter clip.
The filter housing also conceals the
non-adjustable, 100w heater which
is preset to 25°C, keeping things
tidier and circulating heat around
the tank to avoid cool spots.
The light is a 16w LED providing a
bright, white light with the facility to
fit a second tube if you wish.
The dimensions of the tank,
including the lid, are 76x48x37cm,
LIGHTING
21w Aquasky
FLUVAL FLEX 123 much of it anyway with the filter in
the middle – plus, the filter will hide
LED unit with
First look: Steve Baker
any cables.
bluetooth RRP: Tank £324.99, Cabinet £194.99
It does surprise me that Fluval
controllability. More info: fluvalaquatics.com hasn’t included a heater in this kit,
Fluval Flex 34 l and 57 l models splitter entering the tank. but it does mean that coldwater
continue to be well received by both Another improvement is the light fishkeepers aren’t paying for
new and experienced aquarists unit. I’m not knocking the smaller equipment they don’t need, plus
FILTER alike, and now there’s a bigger ones, but Fluval has fitted an there’s plenty of room in the filter
14.8w 770 lph. version on the market. Aquasky LED unit to this tank. With chamber to neatly hide away a
It has a good
The 123 l model measures spectrum (RGB) and timing control heater if you’re keeping trops.
volume and an
access hatch. 82x40x39cm and obviously keeps though bluetooth connectivity, I’m a The lid has hatches for feeding and
the main Flex family feature – that fan, and I know lots of others who for access to the three-stage filter
convex front panel – and gets a large are too. The lid has the option of without you having to remove the
volume internal filter along the rear fitting a second light unit, but with whole lid. The price seems quite
panel. I’ve heard of some people just a 39cm tank depth, I doubt steep for the size of tank, but curved
CONVEX GLASS struggling to reposition the pipework you’ll need to. glass is dear to produce and the
The signature
on the smaller models after cleaning The honeycomb-style texturing on light unit has an RRP of £118.99
feature of the
Fluval Flex the pump, but you’re unlikely to the top of the front glass continues on its own. I’m not sure I can really
range. have the same problem with this on the rear panel, where it’s visible. justify the cost of the cabinet though.
one. Access is easier and the While this is a tad invasive if you
pipework more secure, with a prefer a blue background or some Nice style, large filter, great light.
screwed in place, two-way flow kind of image, it’s not as if you see Pricing is a bit steep, especially the stand.
BRISTOL LANCASHIRE LONDON
From plants AQUATICS

to Cichlids, 14 CENTRE
Stingrays to Snakeheads Over 250 tanks stocked
with Top Quality Fish and a
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The Aquatic Store Huge dry goods section! RETA IL SHOPPE
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ABACUS AQUATICS
Voted one of the Best shops in
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Now open on Sundays
CLASSIFIED To advertise here please call the sales team on 01733 366410
For more details about the

shop and our opening hours
please visit our website
www.abacus-aquatics.co.uk
168 Halfway Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 8DJ
020 8302 8000 / enquiries@abacusaquatics.co.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
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To all our customers – thank you for your support with the PFK Awards www.wharfaquatics.co.uk
LARGE SELECTION OF HUGE SELECTION OF Come & feed our friendly fish
• Aquariums • Koi & Ornamental • Discounted Pond Liners
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• Waterfall Display Water Fish • Tropical & MarineMix Pinxton, Notts. NG16 6LH (near M1 J28)
• Pumps • Pond & Tropical Plants • Treatments All fish are packed to travel anywhere in the UK
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WALES Please mention
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LONDON
Established 1973
The Fish Bowl Ltd 55 John Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3AY
when responding
Tel: 01656 784646 to adverts
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Tel: 020 7385 6005
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To advertise here please call the sales team on 01733 366410

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OPINION
Max Pedley is a
PFK contributor
and former
MAX PEDLEY aquatics retailer
who specialises in
In this month’s guest Tailpiece, small, softwater
species and
contributor Max Pedley reflects on plays competitive
his time in the aquatics industry and polocrosse in his
wonders if anything could bring him spare time.
back from a leap into the unknown...
W
ELL, THIS is the end. something we didn’t even know existed. affected by the standard of advice
Not just of this It’s fantastic!” That couldn’t be more true. provided, perhaps we should be thanking
month’s issue, but of I do, however, believe I have a healthy the so-called digital age.
my time working in knowledge and enthusiastic outlook on But then, if we’re to flip that back on its
the industry it seems. fishkeeping, plus an insatiable desire to head, does this devalue the importance of
For three years I have learn more. Does the industry want that? keen, bright, enthusiastic shopfloor staff
immersed myself in Honestly, I’m not sure... who truly love their vocation?
fishkeeping on a
full-time basis, trying to make ends meet. I The digital age Money makes the world go round
can honestly say I’ve enjoyed it. Met some We like to blame the digital age for all Alas, that phrase is too true. Considering
great people. Learnt some awesome stuff. manner of social ills. When I visit a shop, all the bills I have to pay, not only to run a
Had no regrets. Actually, just one. I regret I love a good chin wag about fish. I can fish house but also to survive in this day
that I couldn’t have stayed in the industry (and often do!) talk for hours. But if we just and age, the wage of a sales assistant was
longer and made a proper career of it. Google for all our info, do we miss out on never going to cut the mustard long term.
the valuable experience and opinions of But I’ve often pondered on how a
I’m no expert... other keepers? I think we do. specially created ‘livestock specialist’ role
I don’t like the word ‘expert’. I’ve been Here is my counter argument anyway. would go down instead? Someone paid
described as such (among many less Shops are all too happy to employ people a slightly higher salary to focus on the
savoury terms) during my time as a sales with very limited knowledge of the hobby living side of things – livestock husbandry
assistant. I don’t like that word because our and I personally find this worrying. Under alone – rather than stacking shelves and
hobby is simply so mind-blowingly vast. these circumstances, Google becomes a sweeping floors. They could concentrate
A good friend once said to me, “We have much more appealing alternative. on livestock health, ordering and giving
the best hobby Max! Just when we think Given that the industry relies heavily on out advice. Now, you’d want to carry out
we know everything, we learn about customer satisfaction which, in turn, is stringent interviews on this person, of
course. Maybe make them sit a test or two.
You’d want to hire the best.
I’m positive this would benefit not only
individual shops, but the industry itself.
Imagine a knowledgeable and super-
enthusiastic ‘fish-head’ in every shop. We’d
most certainly see a instant decrease in
the ordering and selling of tankbusters,
not to mention goldfish in tiny, unfiltered
bowls and all those other bad practices.
Good advice would flow. Your average
community tank keeper would spend
more time and money in the hobby. As a
matter of fact, I’m struggling to think of
Max in his any way such a role could negatively
fish room,
impact the industry. Would a position like
with PFK’s
Steve Baker. that have convinced me to stay? Possibly.
Probably. Well actually, definitely…

Be sh F
st oo
Fi
Aq d
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Aquarium Fish Foods with Insect Meal
Uses cultured insect meal to recreate the natural
MRWIGXFEWIHHMIXXLEXQSWXƤWLIEXMRXLI[MPH
)EWMP]HMKIWXIHERHTVSGIWWIHF]XLIƤWLVIWYPXMRKMRPIWW[EWXI
Environmentally friendly and sustainable
Voted “Best Aquarium Fish Food” by readers

of Practical Fishkeeping magazine
[[[ƤWLWGMIRGIGSYO
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Welcome

AND GET 13 ISSUES

THE EXPERTS PFK’s new home:

TIMES ARE changing, dear ON THE COVER

Stay in touch forms two new

INSPIRATION 30 YOUNG FISHKEEPERS

22 READER VISIT Feast your eye WS & VIEWS

Its last known stronghold was around the Canary Islands,

How to age a Lungﬁsh Angel shark

The endangered Australian ‘bomb curve’, which shows that

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS

MP&C PIEDNOIR AQUAPRESS

habitats, either by producing fewer around the lake. Differences between

6Habitat: Rocky recesses of the shoreline at depths of 20m and more

a cluster of shells with a margin of

Your letters, your thoughts and

NATHAN REPLIES: Good spot, Anke.

microscopy, so if you ever fancy

º ONE £1,000 FISH?

(while also being paid to be there), I to be a loyal, happy reader.

some of these rocks, the thought of chestnut, which took 18 months to

Textures of wood, river

The Fire eel

sunlight and turn it into sugar and

Tick the winner:

Jorai River, Site 2

Heavily planted with crystal clear water!

Our fish list

Cryptocoryne spiralis Bantam torrent ﬁsh

Tyre track l Frogmouth catﬁsh

Jorai River, Site 3 Water parameters

lower flow, but still

Sankosh River, complete with

The busine end of Chaca chaca

reference). The region

In the mountains! aquarium for this spec

Site 5 places and plenty of

Hunting loach in the

CALL 01778 392498 quote PRFK/SPRING19

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND

The Hydra Filtron range consists of:

To be in with a chance of winning one of these ﬁlters, go to

What kind of technology does the Ocean Free Hydra Filtron

10 Upper Bladen River, Belize. Submerged wooded stream bank area

Steve: It’s classic – Central American

Oleg Labutov: This author has three

Steve: I love the bank-to-bank feel with vegetation

Oleg Labutov: This is a great success for a Chinese

Steve: The yellowing fake grass is genius and

Oleg Labutov: This is the second entry by Lee with a

A valiant effort, I love the sense of depth What we think

Steve: I’m the opposite. I’ll forgive

Oleg Labutov: When I look at this

6 Upper Bladen River, Belize. Overhanging tree branches shoreline habitat

Steve: I don’t like the fact that the

Oleg Labutov: This is a very spacious

What we think Steve: It’s a shame we don’t

4 Bełzyce, Poland. Sources of the Kr zniczanka River

Steve: I would like to see some

Oleg Labutov: This is a great

The Water scorpions, Caddisﬂy larvae and snails take the

Steve: It looks dirty and messy to me

Oleg Labutov: This is really a biotope