Currently more than 80 species of Apistogramma are described and scientifically accepted. About 60 additional species are already known, but not described scientifically. A pretty species of Apistogramma has been imported from Peru since the middle of the 1980ies. Due to the nice pattern of red and blue colours in the face, the species has been given the provisionally name Apistogramma sp. Masken (the German term Masken means mask).

The species seems to be restricted to the Departamento Loreto in Peru, where it lives in soft (6-149 µS/cm), acidic (pH 4.5 - 5.6) and warm (25-30°C), clear water. However, the species has proofed to be quite adaptable in aquaria and can be kept and bred under variable conditions. Males attain a total length of about 6 cm, females of about 4 cm.

Currently we have very nice wild collected specimens of Apistogramma paulmuelleri in stock.

For our customers: the fish have code 628733 on our stocklist. Please note that we we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Apistogramma: ancient Greek, means "with unreliable line". It is not known wether the lateral line organ or the pattern is meant. paulmuelleri: dedication name for the biogeographer Paul Müller (1940 - 2010).

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Currently we can offer several species of the magnificent Pseudacanthicus in show size:

L24, Pseudacanthicus serratus, 30-35 cm, only one specimen available, code 26480-L 024-8 on our stocklist

L25, Pseudacanthicus sp. Scarlet, 30-35 cm, only one specimen available in that size, code 26480-L 025-8

L25a, Pseudacanthicus sp. Sao Felix, 30-35 cm, also only one specimen available, code 26480-L 025a-7

LDA7, Pseudacanthicus sp. Leopard, two specimens 30-35 cm long, one 20-25 cm long, code 26480-LDA 007-10 (30-35 cm) and. 26480-LDA 007-8 (20-25 cm).

All pictures are made from the current stock. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Finally we were able to import once more the wonderful cory Corydoras seussi and its very rare, longsnouted sister species C. seussi.

For our customers: the fish have code 230253 (C. gossei) and 230263 (C. seussi) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Once more we were able to import another catfish gem: L95, a scientifically undescribed species of the genus Pseudorinelepis, which is very closely related to P. genibarbis.

Our specimens come from the Takutu river in the upper Rio Branco basin. These gorgeous fishes are collected mostly in relative large specimens, because the juveniles are not as attractively coloured. L 95 can probably reach a maximum length of 40 cm, are imported from 15 cm length upwards and our recently imported fish are about 18 to 25 cm long.

Pseudorinelepis are famous for their ability to swallow air. This behaviour replaces the swimming bladder, which is reduced in Loricariids so that is has no function anymore. Pseudorinelepis like to swim in an upside-down postion. This is absolutely normal and no reason for concern.

The fish are omnivorous, but main emphasis is plant material.

For our customers: the fish have code 26480-L 095-5 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.

Lexicon: Pseudorinelepis: from ancient Greek, means "false Rinelepis" (Rinelepis is another genus of Loricariids); genibarbis: from ancient Greek, means "with a hairy cheek". omnivorous: a species that feeds on anything, without specialization.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

We received this rare glass predatory tetra from Paraguay. It is an ideal aquarium fish for all who are interested in keeping predatory tetras and have no very large tank, because R. descalvadensis becomes only around 10 cm long. Feeding the fish is pretty easy for they accept almost any type of the usual frozen or live food offered for aquarium fish.

For our customers: the fish have code 289212 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

This cichlid originates from a comparatively small collecting site in Peru. That´s why Aequidens patricki is imported only very occasionally. In the wild, the species lives in soft and acidic water. However, the species is very hardy and adapts well to variable water conditions in the aquarium. Another positive fact is that this species is quite peaceful. Therefore, despite its maximum size of 12-15 cm, the fish can be bred already in rather small tanks containing 200 litres upwards. But one should keep in mind that small surface dwelling fishes, like hatchet fish, might be taken as food by the cichlids!

Currently we obtained one of the very rare imports of this species from Peru. The nice and healthy specimens are 5-7 cm long and have just reached maturity.

For our customers: the animals have code 608102 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

PS: This species has been introduced in the Newsletter Extra Calendar Week 23 (3), 2013, erroneously under the name of Aequidens sp. Jenaro Herrera.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

We received charming German bred specimens of this mouthbreeding whiptail catfish. Just like the parents the offspring shows a great variability regarding coloration.

For our customers: the animals have code 266651 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

We received German bred Altum Angels. The fish are very healthy and stable. Currently they are 6-7 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 698402 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer