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This is the 'real' rummy-nose. The species most often sold as such is, in fact, the firehead tetra, H. bleheri. These 2 are very similar in appearance, as is the 'false' rummy-nose, Petitella georgiae. The 3 species can distinguished by several factors. The first, is by the extent to which the red colouration on the head of the fish extends into the body. H. bleheri is the only one of the 3 in which the red extends beyond the gill covers. The amount of red colouration on ...

This species has something of a confused taxonomic past. The standard colour of the fish is a rather dull silvery grey, with a little colour in the fins. However in certain areas in nature, the species is sensitive to a particular type of trematode parasite. This causes a reaction in the skin of the fish, resulting in a spectacular metallic gold colouration formed by deposits of guanin. When initially discovered, these golden fish were mistakenly described as a new species, Hemigrammus armstron...

Not often seen for sale, but occasionally shows up as a contaminant among imports of more popular species. It's a subtly attractive species when in good condition. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or diff...

Other species are frequently misidentified as H. ulreyi. The true fish is quite scarce in the hobby, but makes a very attractive addition to most tanks if you can find it. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new or d...

Despite its abundance in nature, this is not a commonly seen species in the hobby. When it is available, it's usually only as a contaminant among imports of other species. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into new...

The only time you'll probably come across this species is as a contaminant among imports of other species. This is a pity, as it's an attractive, peaceful little fish. Like all Hemigrammus, the taxonomic status of this species is currently Incertae Sedis, meaning uncertain. The genus is currently used as something of a catch-all for over 70 species of small characin. Most experts agree that a full revision is required, with the likely outcome that many species will be placed into ne...

Current knowledge suggests that H. formosanus is the most widely-distributed and following Chen and Fang (2009) it can be distinguished by the following suite of characters: 3+7 dorsal-fin rays; 10-12 pectoral-fin rays (modally 11) +9-11 (modally 10)...

Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter as a minimum requirement. Turnover should ideally be 10-15 times per hour so additional powerheads, airstones, etc. should also be employed as necessary. Base substr...

Also known as the knob nosed whiptail, this species is difficult to confuse with any other Loricariid due to its distinctive 'diamond' shape when viewed from above, and peculiarly shaped rostrum (nose), which is enlarged at the tip. It also lacks discernible odontotes on the head and pectoral fins. So distinctive is it, in fact, that it is currently monotypic (the only species in its genus). The species name is derived from its superficial resemblance to the sturgeons of the genus Acip...

Hemiodus species can be a very skittish when first introduced to the aquarium, but usually settle down over time, especially if a large number are being kept together. All of them look superficially similar, but can be distinguished by differences in patterning. None are particularly common in the hobby....

Hemiodus species can be a very skittish when first introduced to the aquarium, but usually settle down over time, especially if a large number are being kept together. All of them look superficially similar, but can be distinguished by differences in patterning. None are particularly common in the hobby....

Hemiodus species can be very nervous when first introduced to the aquarium but usually settle down over time, especially if a large number are being kept together. All of them look superficially similar, but can be distinguished by differences in patterning. None are particularly common in the hobby, but H. gracilis is probably the most often seen. It is sometimes sold as the red or red-tailed hemiodus and was previously considered a member of the now defunct genus Hemiodopsis....

Hemiodus species can be very nervous when first introduced to the aquarium, but usually settle down over time, especially if a large number are being kept together. All of them look superficially similar, but can be distinguished by differences in patterning. None are particularly common in the hobby....

Hemiodus species can be a very skittish when first introduced to the aquarium, but usually settle down over time, especially if a large number are being kept together. All of them look superficially similar, but can be distinguished by differences in patterning. None are particularly common in the hobby. H. ternetzi can be identified by the fact that the black lateral stripe extends to behind the eye, and thehas no pigmentation....

Hemiodus species can be a very skittish when first introduced to the aquarium, but usually settle down over time, especially if a large number are being kept together. All of them look superficially similar, but can be distinguished by differences in patterning. None are particularly common in the hobby....

There is some confusion as to where this species should be placed taxonomically. It is currently the only species in the genus Hemisynodontis but it has been regularly moved between Synodontis, Hemisynodontis and Brachysynodontis. The main morphological differences that set it apart are the presence of additional gill rakers in this species and the fact it has relatively few mandibular teeth compared to Synodontis species. It also possesses the chracteristic "moustache", which is in fa...

The only species in the genus, and a popular game fish in its native range, H. odoe superficially resembles our native European Pike. It is an ambush predator with a fearsome set of teeth, and should be handled very carefully, particularly when maintaining its tank. Although juvenile specimens have become relatively common in the trade in the last few years, this is strictly a species for the specialist who is able to provide it with a suitably large aquarium and the correct conditions. In sm...

The Pearlscale Cichlid is an extremely attractive fish, showing some gorgeous bluey green hues and reflective flecks on their flanks. They aren't difficult to look after or breed, but be careful when choosing tankmates. The only problem with spawning is that the male may become aggressive towards the female - it is certainly wise to have a tank divider, just in case. Look out for Pearlscale Cichlids labelled as Texas Cichlids, as it is a misleading common name that is often given to Heri...

Like many cichlids, members of the genus Herichthys share something of a confused taxonomic past. Erected in 1854 with H. cyanoguttatus the type species, its members were moved into Cichlasoma by Regan in 1905. However following a reclassification of Cichlasoma by Kullander in 1983 it was once again deemed valid. In 1996 Kullander suggested Herichthys should only contain species "sharing a colour pattern of short vertical bars or black spots posteriorly from the middle of the side, and a un...

Like many cichlids, members of the genus Herichthys share something of a confused taxonomic past. Erected in 1854 with H. cyanoguttatus the type species, its members were moved into Cichlasoma by Regan in 1905. However following a review of Cichlasoma by Kullander in 1983 it was once again deemed valid. In 1996 Kullander suggested Herichthys should only contain species "sharing a colour pattern of short vertical bars or black spots posteriorly from the middle of the side, and a unique breed...