Results for “fish tank”

This uniquely-patterned species is one of the most popular rainbowfish in the hobby and can be found swimming in most dealers' tanks. However, virtually all these fish are mass-produced on fish farms in the Far East and Eastern Europe. M. boesmani is actually quite rare in nature, and is on the IUCN red list of endangered species. Unfortunately this is one species on which the aquarium trade has had a massively detrimental effect, with an estimated one million fish a year being collected to...

This species is included purely because there have been an alarming number of juvenile fish showing up recently in some aquatic stores and as a result, in hobbyists tanks. This fish is simply not suited to captive life in any respect. To know that it's one of the most sought after sport fish in Australia should tell you all you need to know about it. Although undeniably attractive when juvenile, please don't be tempted to buy if you see these for sale. Housing one for life is beyond th...

The Blackbelt Cichlid gets its name from two things: firstly the vertical black stripe around its flank, and secondly its toughness. Vieja maculicauda is a tough, aggressive fish and should be respected as such. Maculicauda is a relatively easy fish to keep. They are not impossible to breed, but not the easiest fish either. If you seriously intend to breed this fish, it is a wise decision to house 6 juvenile fish in a large tank (212 litres at least), and let them pair off. When a pair has be...

Wild caught specimens of this fish possess a truly amazing set of lips! They are massively enlarged and designed for scraping algae and invertebrates from rock surfaces. In nature, these actually develop in direct proportion to the amount of turbidity in a given locality. Fish inhabiting more turbulent waters have larger lips, as the algae in these areas is anchored to the rocks more firmly. In the aquarium, the lips usually recede or, in tank bred fish, do not develop at all, as they are not re...

Previously included as a member of the genus Cichlasoma, the red devil is often confused with the midas cichlid, A. citrinellus. The two can be distinguished through differences in morphology. As suggested by its scientific name, A. labiatus possesses characteristically large lips, although in reality this is variable and should not be used as a defining indicator of species. Certainly, tank bred fish tend not to have these large lips. More reliable differences include the bigger nuchal hump and mo...

A good choice for the larger community tank. Newly imported fish tend to be a little delicate and can be susceptible to disease. This is at least in part because all specimens sold for the trade are wild caught. Once acclimatised it usually proves very hardy and adaptable....

Parachromis Motaguensis are a truly stunning fish. They exhibit gorgeous colours, but can be a nightmare to keep. Do not even consider housing any other fish with Motaguensis when they are breeding, as the other fish will be hurt - even if significantly bigger than the pair of False Yellowjackets. Motaguensis make a nice addition to a big central/north American cichlid tank, with similarly aggressive fish - but be careful that you don't choose a compatible pair of Motaguensis or you wil...

Vieja bifasciata are often confused for vieja synspilum but can be told apart as bifasciata have two prominent horizontal lines running between their eyes (hence the name). They are a very colourful fish and respond to their owner's presence - usually looking for food! Bifasciata are not particularly demanding in terms of water parameters and easy to keep, especially if suitable tankmates can be found. It is sometimes the case that a pair of fish that will not live together in a tank on ...

This species is rarely offered for sale and often appears to be a fairly plain fish when it is seen in dealer's tanks. However, when kept in the correct conditions it is a stunning little fish that comes highly recommended.

Aggressively territorial and incompatible with other fishes in all but the largest public installations and even then may attack its tankmates. It's also one of few freshwater fishes that appear unafraid of humans meaning care must be exercised when performing maintenance.

There are currently 4 described subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida. The principle differences are generally in colour, pattern and fin counts, although even these vary depending on the locality of the fish. The different forms and subspecies should not be mixed in the aquarium, as they may hybridise. Adult specimens are rarely seen for sale, and it's the much drabber juvenile fish that are almost always offered in dealers tanks. However, exercise some patience (even on a good diet, full c...

There are currently 4 described subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida, of which this species is one of the most colourful. The principle differences are generally in colour, pattern and fin counts, although even these vary depending on the locality of the fish. The different forms and subspecies should not be mixed in the aquarium, as they may hybridise. Adult specimens are rarely seen for sale, and it's the much drabber juvenile fish that are almost always offered in dealers tanks. However,...

For long-term success it's best to provide a mature aquarium with a plentiful supply of algae-covered rocks and other surfaces. If unable to grow sufficient algae in the main tank or you have a community containing numerous herbivorous fishes which consume what's available quickly it may be necessary to maintain a separate tank in which to grow algae on rocks and switch them with those in the main tank on a cyclical basis.

Also known as the stinging or fossil catfish, H. fossilis is not recommended to the inexperienced due to its venomous nature. The venom is contained in sacs at the base of the pectoral spines. A sting from one of these is very painful indeed, in some very rare cases fatal. It goes without saying that extreme care must be exercised when performing tank maintenance, or if you need to move the fish for any reason. If stung, the wound should be immersed in water as hot as you can stand, as this will...

This species is rarely seen in the trade but makes a superb addition to the smaller community tank. Often appears quite bland in dealer's tanks but, in the correct environment, is a stunning little fish....

Also known as the golden trahira, H. unitaeniatus is the only one of the three recognised species currently in the genus to appear in the trade with any regularity. It's really a fish suitable only for the specialist, and as with any predatory species, care must be taken when performing tank maintenance. It's a representative of an ancient group of fishes, and possesses a modified, highly vascularised swim bladder that acts as an accessory breathing organ, allowing the fish to survi...

This popular species is also sold as the striped dora, striped raphael or striped talking catfish. It's often seen as an ideal beginner's cat, being hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. However its secretive nature, adult size and tendency to snack on smaller tankmates mean it should only be considered for communities of larger fish. The 'talking catfish' moniker is derived from the fish's ability to produce sounds when communicating with conspecif...

Julidochromis are commonly known as "Julies" in the hobby. This is one of the most common Julie species encountered in aquaria and may also be sold as the Yellow or Ornate Julie. The majority of specimens available are tank bred and do not exhibit as bright colouration as wild fish. As with other Julies, large water changes should be avoided as this can cause mated pairs to turn on one another. Several geographical morphs of this species are available, as is an aquarium sport albino...

A rarely seen species in the hobby, X. sima is nevertheless a charming species for the peaceful Tanganyikan community. It feeds in a similar way to the well-known South American Geophagus species in that it will sift sand through its gills to extract invertebrates and morsels hidden in the substrate. It is quite a skittish fish and may react very nervously to rapid movements outside the tank or when lights are switched on and off....

Crenicichla compressiceps are an excellent little fish. They are small, but they swim a great deal (and can be incredibly quick) so require larger aquaria than other, similar sized fish. In the wild, Compressiceps are insect feeders. They will wait quietly then quickly sweep down and prey on any nearby insects. They have good vision in the night and will often feed in the dark. Be careful when choosing tankmates, though as previously mentioned it may be mandatory to include some fish to e...