Results for “paired fins”

This species first became available in early 2010 and sometimes appears on trade lists under the vernacular names 'Laos sucker' or 'Laos Sakura sucker'. It's distinguishable from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: body spotted and without stripes; no concentric bands on paired fins; origin of pelvic-fin below origin of dorsal-fin; origin of pectoral-fin posterior to corner of mouth; pelvic fin reaching origin of anal fin; small elevated ...

There currently exist a dozen described Esomus spp. alhough few are seen in the aquarium trade and none are especially popular. Most are commonplace in their native countries and also quite plainly-patterned so generally overlooked by collectors. Their most common use in some areas is actually as a feeder fish in the aquaculture of larger species. They're characterised by greatly-enlarged pectoral fins and two pairs of barbels, of which the maxillary pair are extremely long and usually reach the pectoral fins.

At time of writing there exists no scientific evidence that the different populations of this species seen in the aquarium trade (see 'Distribution') represent anything other than a single, widely-distributed species although some exibit minor morphological differences including relative body depth, longer fin rays in the unpaired fins and yellow or orange colouration in the paired fins. There is apparently a form from the upper rio Negro which may turn out to be distinct but it's...

The reason that the paired fins are orientated vertically, as opposed to horizontally in other members of the genus, is unclear but Roberts (1989) suggest it may be an adaptation to this species' ecology, in that it displays a preference for submerged vegetation or woody structures as opposed to rocky environments. They're certainly adapted for a rea...

The fused pelvic fins form a structure normally referred to as the 'pelvic disc', a common feature among gobiids which is used to adhere to rocks and other submerged surfaces. In Sicyopus, as in Stiphodon, this is short-based and attached to the belly only between the fifth pair of fin rays whereas in other sicydiines it's attached between all five rays (Watson, 2005).

This species can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: body depth fits 2.5-2.7 times in SL; 28-31 +2-3 lateral line scales; 14-16 circumpeduncular scale rows; 5-5½ scale rows between the lateral line and dorsal-fin origin; a triangular distal blotch on the dorsal-fin; a few body scales with crescent-shaped black edges; a thin dark margin on the dorsal-fin, posterior to the distal blotch; a dark posterior margin on the caudal-fin; normally a single pair of rudimentary barbels present.

Confusion with similar-looking fishes from other genera, such as Garra cambodgiensis, laterally-striped Crossocheilus spp. or Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is not uncommon, and are largely attributable to the use of trade names such as 'false flying fox' or 'Siamese flying fox'. When compared with the other species E. kalopterus exhibits several unique characters but perhaps the simplest way to identify it is by the characteristic white-edged, red and black coloured fins and the presence of two pairs of barbels.

The Red Terror can be troublesome to breed due to pairing problems - if a pair of fish are incompatible and are housed together for any length of time, it is likely that the weaker fish will be killed. The best way of getting a true pair is to grow 6 juveniles up until a noticeably strong pair has formed. Also, its size means finding an aquarium and suitable breeding surfaces can be difficult. As previously mentioned, rocks (siliconed if necessary) and bits of slate used to create man-made caves...

This species is poorly known and first appeared in the hobby during 2005 but has rarely been seen since, probably because its natural waters lie outside the range of most commercial collectors. It can be distinguished by a combination of characters including: lateral line complete; infraorbital process absent; two pairs of short barbels; 8-9 branched dorsal fin rays; 12-13 branched anal fin rays; P stripe originating above pelvic fin and extending to en...

It can be told apart from other members of the B. pugnax group by the following characters: chin bar absent; prsence of transverse bars in the dorsal-fin; no transverse bars in caudal-fin; green iridescent scales present on opercle and body; anal fin with iridescent, light blue distal band; a pair black markings below the postorbital stripe on the opercle of females and juveniles; anal-fin rays 25-29 (mode 28); lateral scales 28-30 (mode 29); postdorsal scales 10-11 (mode 12); pelvic-fin length 34.8-50.6% SL; head length 33.4-36.8% SL; inter-orbital width 31.7-37.4% HL.

The genus Acrossocheilus is restricted to southern China, northern Vietnam and northern Laos. It can be distinguished from related genera by the following combination of characters: rostral fold present; lips fleshy and continuous around corners of mouth; lower lip with a median interruption; mouth inferior; horny sheath on lower jaw; two pairs of barbels; last simple ray of dorsal fin osseous with a serrated or smooth posterior margin.

This species is traded under various names including 'Vietnamese multi-banded zebra loach', 'hovering zebra loach', 'Laos pygmy multi-stripe loach', and 'banded dwarf loach'. It can be distinguished from related species by the following combination of characters: body with distinct vertical bars; 8 branched dorsal-fin rays; 3-10 pored lateral line scales; one pair of large papillae in median portion of upper lip; two pairs of large papillae in median portion of lower lip; lower posterior edge of opercle with 3-4 prominent indentations.

This species can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: body relatively slender, depth fitting 3.4-3.8 times in SL; 32-33 + 2 lateral line scales; 14 circumpeduncular scale rows; presence of a single pair of barbels; black distal margin on dorsal-fin; numerous body scales with dark, crescent-shaped markings.

One of the most popular Tanganyikan species in the hobby, N. leleupi is a stunning fish when in good condition. However, it is not as easy to maintain as its popularity suggests, due to its disagreeable attitude towards conspecifics and its sensitivity to deteriorating water conditions. It is a solitary species in nature, with male fish entering females' caves as they find them and spawning with receptive females. This explains the weak pair bond formed by spawning fish in aquaria and also ...

It can be distinguished from congeners by possessing one or two pairs of barbels, a black blotch at the base of the caudal-fin, and rows of dark spots along the lateral scale rows. Members of Cyclocheilichthys are characterised by possessing a serrated dorsal fin spine, 9 branched pelvic fin rays, a conical snout, small, subterminal...

There are 2 other species that superficially resemble C. septentrionalis. These are C. simulatus and C. amapaensis. Simulatus differs from septentrionalis by the absence of the third set of small, upper (rictal) barbels, situated behind the other two pairs in both septentrionalis and amapaensis. Amapaensis differs in that it has a clear caudal fin. This fin is noticeably barred in septentrionalis....

This is an exceptionally hardy and adaptable species. It's not an especially common fish in stores, but is quite widely available in hobbyist circles. The common name arises from the row of modified, paired scales that form a keel running from the base of theto the caudal fin....

This species is almost unheard of in the aquarium hobby outside of India but is maintained by some private collectors. It's distinguished from similar species by possessing a single pair of maxillary barbels, a relatively elongate body, and distinctive black spot above the anterior anal-fin base. The genus Puntius was for a number of years viewed as a polyphyletic catc...

Given its wide natural range it seems logical that this species is or has been available in the aquarium trade, although its correct name may never have been applied. It is told apart from congeners by the following combination of characters: two pairs of barbels; a continuous midlateral stripe from the tip of the snout to the base of the caudal-fin, with a conspicuous small blotch at the posterior extremity, faintly marked on the caudal-fin; a faint mark between the anus and the anal-fin origin in juveniles; a narrow mouth.

G. rakhinica can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: rostral furrow shallow and snout tip smoothly rounded; rostral lobe present, proboscis absent; scaled predorsal region, chest, and abdomen; two pairs of barbels; 28 lateral line scales; 16 circumpeduncular scale rows; colour pattern almost uniform greyish on body and caudal-fin; a dark spot immediately posterior to the upper extremity of the...