Author Archives: Frank Schäfer

Cyprinella lutrensis

28. March 2025

There are numerous species (approx. 320) of minnow relatives in North America, but only very few species have become aquarium fish to date. In contrast to our native minnow, the Red Shiner (Cyprinella (formerly: Notropis) lutrensis) is a fairly undemanding fish and does not require such low temperatures. Although the species can be kept in a garden pond, it also thrives excellently in indoor aquaria, which of course do not need to be heated. The males are beautifully colored, but the females also become more and more colorful over time. Nowadays, these fish are only sold as captive-bred specimens. The maximum length of the species is usually 7 cm, very rarely they grow up to 9 cm long. They are ready to spawn at a total length of 4-5 cm.

The Red Shiner originally occurs in North America from southern Illinois to South Dakota, Kansas and the Rio Grande (including Mexico, where the river is called Rio Bravo). The species forms several subspecies there. As these fish are often used by anglers as bait fish and there is a bad habit of simply releasing leftover bait fish wherever you happen to be, Cyprinella lutrensis is nowadays widely dispersed. As a consequence, it has long been illegal in the USA to transport baitfish across state borders. But can something like this be controlled…

This carp-like fish is an undemanding schooling fish that loves to swim and needs an elongated tank with plenty of free swimming space and clear fresh water. However, frequent water changes and optimal aeration of the tank are a prerequisite for successful maintenance. The males are more brightly colored and develop a pimple-like rash on the head during spawning time, as is known from many other carp-like fish. The latter is often interpreted as a sign of illness, but it is not. These peaceful fish do not have any special requirements in terms of water composition.  They are free-spawning fish that can be bred relatively easily, even in a room aquarium. They do not practice brood-care.

This beautiful minnow is omnivorous and will eat any kind of live food, plant-based food and flake and tablet food. A shoal of this species is a real feast for the eyes in any cold water tank.

For our customers: the animals have code 867012 (3-4 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Pelmatolapia mariae

28. March 2025

In contrast to the larger Central American cichlids of the Cichlasoma relationship, the medium-sized African cichlids of the Tilapia relationship, which are ecologically quite similar to them, have never managed to become widespread in aquariums. The reasons for this lie in the geographical proximity of Africa to Europe. When aquarium keeping became widespread around 1900 and the care of foreign animals took precedence over the care of native species, tilapia-like cichlids were quite frequently represented in the form of juveniles in the imports of the time. These were transported by ship and were carried out by sailors who earned pocket money in addition to their wages. Imports from West Africa were much more common than those from Central America because the journey was much shorter. The characteristics of the tilapia-like cichlids were very undesirable in the predominantly small and technically poorly equipped aquariums of the time (they were only heated, filtration and aeration were rare luxury features): they grew relatively large (10-15 cm), burrowed heavily in the bottom, ate plants and were very aggressive at spawning time at the latest. Even the splendid colors and exciting breeding behavior hardly compensated for the disastrous appearance of the aquarium. Tilapia & Co were portrayed in a correspondingly negative light in early aquarium literature and this was later adopted uncritically. When the Central Americans became more common in the hobby 30-40 years later, aquariums with an edge length of over 100 cm were no longer anything special. And they experienced a real boom in the 1980s and 1990s, when aquarists on research trips to Central America brought back ever new treasures of these colorful ruffians, for which 150-200 cm long aquariums could easily be required. The silicone bonding technique for aquariums made such dimensions commonplace.

Pelmatolapia mariae is one of the colorful and interesting African tilapia-like cichlids. According to current knowledge, the genus Pelmatolapia comprises only two species, namely P. mariae, which occurs from the Ivory Coast to Cameroon, and the species P. cabrae from the large colonization area from Guinea to Angola. Of the two, only P. mariae is available in the hobby. This species can reach a length of 35 cm, but is already sexually mature at a length of 6-8 cm. In contrast to the animals offered as “Tilapia” in the food trade, which belong to the genus Sarotherodon and are agame, maternal mouthbrooders, Pelmatolapia mariae is an open brooder with biparental brood care. The clutches of large specimens can contain many hundreds of eggs. The young pair that was kind enough to spawn in the photo tank (male approx. 10 cm, female approx. 8 cm total length), however, produced considerably fewer eggs (approx. 200), which are particularly large. Interestingly, the eggs are heavily pigmented; normally the eggs of open-breeding cichlids are rather transparent for camouflage purposes. The males of P. mariae can be distinguished from the females by the numerous light-colored spots in the caudal fin, which is usually without markings in the females. Young P. mariae are vertically striped and look completely different from the adults.

The diet of P. mariae is predominantly plant-based. This should be taken into account when planning the planting of the aquarium. A plant-based flake food, but occasionally also oat flakes or tender dandelion are very good foods for P. mariae. In addition, practically any commercially available ornamental fish food (live food, frozen food, granules etc.) is readily accepted. The fish are voracious eaters and must not be fattened up, otherwise they will develop serious intestinal diseases. The water values are completely irrelevant – any drinking water is suitable for keeping and breeding. For maintenance 20-23°C is sufficient, for breeding the temperature should be increased by 3-4°C. P. mariae are only peaceful with each other as a pair – if the pair has found each other from a group. You should therefore purchase a group of approx. 10 specimens, from which a pair can then be found. The rest can be given away.

For our customers: the animals have code 577103 (8-12 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hydrophlox chrosomus ( = Notropis chrosomus)

21. March 2025

The “rainbow shiner” (Hydrophlox chrosomus, formerly Notropis c.) was a sensational fish in the early 2000s. Strangely enough, only very few of the almost 325 species of North and Central American minnows and shiners have ever become established as aquarium fish. The fact that these animals are highly complex from a systematic-taxonomic point of view has certainly contributed to this. Many species have very conservative morphological characteristics, which – superficially speaking – make them very similar to each other and therefore difficult to identify. And so, at times, all species were placed in the collective genus Notropis. It was only a matter of time before this would change and it finally happened in 2022, when a working group led by Jonathan W. Armbruster presented the first major phylogeny for the species previously grouped under Notropis (Stout et al., 2022). Although not all species were (yet) included in this phylogeny, some kinds of regroupings were made. One of these concerns the rainbow shiner, which together with four other species (chiliticus, chlorocephalus, lutipinnis and rubricroceus) now form the genus Hydrophlox. Incidentally, this genus was already established in 1878, the type species being Hybopsis rubricroceus Cope, 1868. The genus name Hydrophlox roughly means “water flame” and refers to the bright colors of the mating males.

The original origin of H. chrosomus is the SE of the USA. Here it inhabits clear streams with gravelly bottoms in the states of Alabama, Georgia and south-eastern Tennessee. The climate there is almost subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers; there can also be frost in winter, but this is rare. The temperature requirements of rainbow minnows (only captive-bred fish are available in the trade) in the aquarium can therefore be satisfied with room temperature (18-22°C), but their temperature tolerance is far greater. The range from 10°C to 25°C (temporarily 2-3 degrees higher and lower) is considered safe, although sudden temperature changes should be avoided at all costs. The course of the seasons and the seasonal temperature development roughly corresponds to the conditions in Central Europe.

The maximum length of the rainbow shiner is around 8 cm, the average length found in the wild is around 5 cm, at which point the animals are already coloring. H. chrosomus are gravel spawners that deposit their eggs in the substrate. These fish do not practice broodcare. They are absolutely peaceful and well suited to community aquaria, provided that the planned tankmates have similar requirements, i.e. clear, oxygen-rich and relatively cool water, a certain current and a gravely substrate. Plants are not damaged. The minnows, which are basically bottom-oriented, are completely problem-free eaters that will willingly accept any ornamental fish food of a suitable size. They should always be kept in shoals, from 10 specimens upwards, otherwise these fish can be shy. The sex ratio (males to females) is completely irrelevant for keeping them, for breeding – which is also most successful in shoals – both sexes are of course necessary. Males can be recognized by the higher proportion of blue in their colouring.

For our customers: the animals have code 439391 (3-4 cm) and 439392 (4-5 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature:

Stout, C., S. Schönhuth, R. Mayden, N. L. Garrison & J. W. Armbruster (2022): Phylogenomics and classification of Notropis and related shiners (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae) and the utility of exon capture on lower taxonomic groups. PeerJ v. 10 (art. e14072): 1-23.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Neochela dadiburjori ( = Laubuka dadiburjori, = Chela dadiburjori)

21. March 2025

This nano-fish jewel comes from the south of India (Kerala); the delightful dwarfs grow to a maximum length of 3 cm. They are absolutely peaceful schooling fish that prefer to spawn on the upper side of broad leaves, especially on Ludwigia species. However, they also show an amazing ability to adapt. About 50 years ago, when these beauties were first imported, the first breeders reported that the animals also accepted the root area of floating ferns or the leaves of aquatic plants in the middle water layers as spawning substrates. Neochela dadiburjori is particularly suitable for vitalizing the upper third of the water, similar to the way hatchet tetras do in the South American aquarium.

During the photo session, we managed to take a snapshot that documents an absolutely unusual behavior in N. dadiburjori: one specimen stretched (as all fish do from time to time) and put its head on its neck. The latter is not normally possible for most fish for anatomical reasons. In any case, we have never seen or even heard of this before. It may be a special adaptation of these surface fish to make it easier for them to pick small midges and flies – their absolute favorite food – from below the water surface.

The chemical composition of the water is not important for keeping these fish; any tap water suitable for drinking can be used. The water temperature should be in the range 22-28°C. Any common fish food of a suitable size is readily accepted, but Neochela dadiburjori does not like to eat from the bottom, so this should be borne in mind. Males and females differ mainly in terms of body shape. The sensitivity that has occasionally been attributed to these animals was probably due to inadequacies in the first imports in the 1970s. The current imports are proving to be completely unproblematic.

On our stock list, this species was originally listed as Chela dadyburjori; this is also how it is spelled in the Aquarium Atlas, because the species name was given in honor of a Mr. Dadyburjor. However, the scientifically correct spelling is dadiburjori (i.e. with an “i” and not a “y”), which would go too far to explain here. The animal has also had to put up with a lot in terms of its generic name. Neochela was originally placed as a subgenus of Chela by Silas in 1958. This author saw Laubuka (the spelling Laubuca with a “c” is incorrect) as a synonym of Chela. Later, other authors (Pethiyagoda et al, 2008) elevated Laubuka to genus rank again; today, only the species atpar (synonym: cachius) and macrolepis are included in Chela. The distinction between Chela and Laubuka is based on skeletal features and is not externally visible. Kottelat (2013) finally elevated Neochela to generic rank; the genus contains only one species, namely N. dadiburjori. The main externally recognizable difference to Laubuka and Chela is that Neochela has no or only an incomplete lateral line (complete in the other two genera).

For our customers: the animal has code 409502 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature

Kottelat, M. (2013): The fishes of the inland waters of southeast Asia: a catalogue and core bibliography of the fishes known to occur in freshwaters, mangroves and estuaries. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No. 27: 1-663.

Meinken, H. (1976): Chela dadyburjori. DATZ 29(4)1976: 120-122 

Menon, A. G. K. (1952): Notes on fishes in the Indian Museum. XLVI. On a new fish of the genus Laubuca from Cochin. Records of the Indian Museum (Calcutta) v. 49 (pt 1): 1-4

Neumann, H. (1976): Chela (Laubuca) dadiborjori. DATZ 29(2)1976: 39-40 

Niewenhuizen, A.van den (1976): Chela dadyburjori. DATZ 29(12)1976: 404-405

Pethiyagoda, R., M. Kottelat, A. Silva, K. Maduwage & M. Meegaskumbura (2008): A review of the genus Laubuca in Sri Lanka, with description of three new species (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters v. 19 (no. 1): 7-26 

Silas, E. G. (1958): Studies on cyprinid fishes of the oriental genus Chela Hamilton. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society v. 55 (pt 1): 54-99, Pls. 1-2.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Sturisomatichthys aureus

21. March 2025

As is well known, the royal farlowellas (Sturisoma and Sturisomatichthys) were reclassified in 2019, resulting in some regrouping. Several species previously classified as Sturisoma now belong to the genus Sturisomatichthys. According to Londoño-Burbano & Reis, 2019, externally recognizable differences between the two genera are the irregular, numerous central ventral plates that are not arranged in defined series in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to three clearly arranged series of developed central ventral plates in Sturisoma); the possession of dark spots on one or all dorsal, pectoral, pelvic or anal fins in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to lack of spots in the fins in Sturisoma); and 13-18 plates on the median row of plates in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to 20-21 plates on the median row in Sturisoma). Grammar: the genus name Sturisoma is neuter, species names that are adjectives must therefore end in -um, Sturisomatichthys is masculine, species names that are adjectives must therefore end in -us.

Few determinations are discussed as much in aquarium circles as the distinction between Sturisomatichthys aureus and S. festivus. In terms of color, both species are largely identical and both come from Colombia, albeit from different river systems. However, there is a difference that is already clearly recognizable in juveniles from a total length of approx. 5 cm: in S. festivus, the first rays of the dorsal, pectoral and ventral fins are clearly elongated. Over the decades, however, the two species have almost certainly been inadvertently crossed more frequently because the short-finned animals were thought to be females and the long-finned ones males. This easily explains why the old aquarium strains of S. festivus often look quite inconsistent. If you want to be sure of owning purebred animals, you should therefore always resort to wild-caught specimens.

In the very early days (in the 1980s), S. festivus was referred to as S. panamensis. However, this is another species that can be reliably distinguished from S. aureus and S. festivus by the fact that the dark longitudinal band along the middle of the body does not touch the dorsal fin (in S. aureus and S. festivus it does so very clearly). In S. panamensis there is only a small line from the longitudinal band to the base of the dorsal fin. S. panamensis is not represented in the trade (there are only occasional souvenirs from Panama by traveling aquarists, no exports). The species has no colour or other special features that make it desirable compared to S. aureus or S. festivus and is therefore restricted to the tanks of specialized enthusiasts only.

The care and breeding of Sturisomatichthys aureus does not present any particular difficulties. The animals are open-breeders and often lay their clutches on one of the aquarium glasses. The male guards the clutch until it hatches. The sexes are not always easy to recognize. Sexually active males have a “whisker” and slightly longer fins, the females are generally smaller. However, old females can also look like males and, conversely, there are males that look like females. It is often reported that Sturisomatichthys are capable of changing sex. This has not been proven, but of course it is not impossible either. Many marine fish species generally change sex in the course of their lives, but this is rare in freshwater fish. It has also been observed that two juveniles of Sturisomatichthys that are placed together in a new aquarium regularly develop into a pair.

Sturisomatichthys are generally peaceful towards other fish and also towards each other. However, adult males do not get along well with each other. The water values are of no great importance, but the animals like it warm (24-28°C). It is essential to ensure that these relatively slow eaters get enough food (greens of all kinds, food tablets, frozen food). The final size of S. aureus is around 20 cm, and they are often sexually mature at half this length.

For our customers: S. aureus has code 294503 (wild, 9-12 cm), 294513 (captive bred, 8-10 cm) and 294521 (captive bred, 4-6 cm) on our stocklist. The pictures for this post show 294503. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Literature:

Londoño-Burbano, A. & R. E. Reis (2019): A taxonomic revision of Sturisomatichthys Isbrücker and Nijssen, 1979 (Loricariidae: Loricariinae), with descriptions of three new species. Copeia v. 107 (no. 4): 764-806

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Barbodes semifasciolatus ( = Barbus s.)

21. March 2025

The Chinese barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus) was one of the first “exotic” ornamental fish to be kept in aquaria. Under the completely misleading name “Japanese bitterling”, they were introduced and bred as early as 1897 in the then still young aquarium hobby. In the first known article on the species (May 1897 in the “Blättern für Aquarien- und Terrarienkunde”), the author, Emil Bade, already correctly stated that it was not a bitterling at all, but a barb, whose exact species name could not yet be determined due to several possible species.

Basically, this situation has not changed much to this day. Chinese barbs colonize a large distribution area in China and Vietnam. Today’s almost worldwide occurrences are usually attributed to releases of aquarium fish, although this can hardly be verified in individual cases and is rather unlikely, at least in the case of some Asian occurrences. It is generally accepted that B. semifasciolatus and B. synderi (from Taiwan) form a species group that should most probably be placed in a separate genus. There are numerous synonyms (e.g. S. aureus, S. fernandezypezi, S. guentheri, S. hainani, S. sachsii) and since these fishes look very different locally, it is more than likely that several of them are valid species. The claim that the golden barb (invalid fantasy name “schuberti”) is a cultivated form of the Chinese barb is also unproven. There are (or were) a number of anatomical differences between the golden barb and the Chinese barb. This is because in the last 70 years, wild forms of Chinese barb have often been unreasonably crossed with golden barbs and the hybrids are no longer typical in terms of their characteristics; pure-bred golden barbs are probably extinct.

Be that as it may, nowadays the Chinese barb as a wild form is a real rarity in the aquarium. We are therefore delighted that we are currently able to obtain them from Vietnam. What is interesting about the currently imported form is that some animals can develop a pretty orange dorsal fin. However, this is strictly mood-dependent and “orangefins” can turn into “glassfins” within seconds. Each Chinese barb in this population has an individually different stripe pattern on its flanks. This is extremely unusual for barbs. We are excited to see how the fish will continue to develop, because although they are still sexually mature with a total length of approx. 3 cm, they are still a long way from being fully grown. The maximum final size is 6-8 cm.

Chinese barbs are peaceful, lively and relatively undemanding aquarium fish. The chemical composition of the water is irrelevant, any tap water is suitable and the temperature can be between 14 and 30°C. Occasionally the animals are said to be terrible plant destroyers, but this is usually due to inadequate feeding, in which plant components (e.g. plant-based food flakes) must not be missing. Otherwise, any standard ornamental fish food of a suitable size will do. Chinese barbs should be kept in groups of 7 or more, otherwise they are often shy and sometimes quarrelsome. They are prolific free spawners that do not care for their fry and consume their own caviar as additional food soon after laying their eggs if they are not prevented from doing so by the breeder.

For our customers: the animals have code 371802 (md-lg) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hypoclinemus mentalis

21. March 2025

Flounders do not belong to the classic aquarium fish; most species live in the sea and become quite large. In the New World, there is the family Achiridae with 35 species in 9 genera, all of which are either euryhalin, i.e. can change freely between fresh and sea water, or live in pure fresh water. This family includes Hypoclinemus mentalis, a freshwater species distributed practically all over tropical South America, which can reach a length of about 20-25 cm. We occasionally import this species in small quantities from Peru.

The colour and pattern can hardly be used for the determination, because it varies enormously and is similar in numerous freshwater-flunder-species. Typical for Hypoclinemus mentalis are the position of the dorsal and anal fin, the presence of a tiny pectoral fin on the eyed side, the many barbels around the head, the snow-white blind side and the large gill opening on both sides of the head.

Some specimens have black spines on the upper side, which remind something of the odontodes of the loricariid catfish. Is this a sexual characteristic? One does not know it…

These freshwater flounders never enter brackish or sea water as far as known. For their well-being they need sandy soil into which they can dig themselves. Flounders are carnivores that feed on all sorts of worms, crustaceans and even small fish, which they capture mainly at night. Possible companion fishes should therefore not be too small (larger than 5 cm). H. mentalis are peaceful among each other and towards fish which are not suitable as food.

For our customers: the animals have code 262193 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Platynematichthys notatus

13. March 2025

Platynematichthys notatus is one of the extremely rare species on the ornamental fish market. There is only one species of the genus, but it is widely distributed in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems (Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela). This fish is usually only caught in the strong current, oxygen-rich areas of the main channels. It is a migratory fish; it usually migrates upstream during the dry season and spawning migrations are in the opposite direction. This explains why, according to Grant (2021), juvenile specimens in the ornamental fish trade usually come from the Santarem area (Brazil), but larger specimens come from Peru (Iquitos area).

This predatory catfish can reach a good 80 cm in length and is a species that loves to swim. Even for small animals, such as the 17-20 cm long specimens we can currently offer, comparatively large aquaria are therefore important, otherwise behavioral problems will occur. This species also needs a strong current. Feeding is unproblematic. In the wild they are mainly fish eaters, but in the aquarium they quickly accept dead food: fish, shrimps and mussel meat are suitable. The species is considered to be peaceful towards each other and other fish, as long as they are not considered as food. To be on the safe side, however, these precious animals are kept individually in our fishhouse. Externally recognizable sex differences are not known.

For our customers: the animals have code 280656 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature: 

Grant, S. (2021): Pims. Pimelodidae, Hepapteridae and Pseudopimelodidae Catfishes. Neustadt am Rübenberge, 220 pp.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Sturisomatichthys ALBINO

13. March 2025

As is well known, the royal farlowellas (Sturisoma and Sturisomatichthys) were reclassified in 2019, resulting in a number of regroupings. Several species previously classified as Sturisoma now belong to the genus Sturisomatichthys. According to Londoño-Burbano & Reis, 2019, externally recognizable differences between the two genera are the irregular, numerous central ventral plates that are not arranged in defined series in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to three clearly arranged series of developed central ventral plates in Sturisoma); the possession of dark spots on one or all dorsal, pectoral, pelvic or anal fins in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to lack of spots in the fins in Sturisoma); and 13-18 plates on the median row of plates in Sturisomatichthys (as opposed to 20-21 plates on the median row in Sturisoma). 

We have now received yellowish-white Sturisomatichthys offspring from Thailand. They were sent under the name “S. panamensis Albino”. The genus affiliation is undisputed. However, the species affiliation cannot be determined beyond doubt due to a lack of markings. As far as we know, S. panamensis is relatively rare in the hobby, as no commercial ornamental fish are exported from Panama. Wild-colored S. panamensis can be distinguished from the very frequently offered species S. aureum from Colombia by the coloration of the pectoral and pelvic fins, which are strongly banded in P. aureum and not in P. panamensis. The ventral plate markings of the two species also differ. Our whites from Thailand correspond most closely to S. aureum in this respect. We therefore assume that this is a breeding form of S. aureum, not of S. panamensis.

Incidentally, Sturisomatichthys whites are not albinos in the usual sense of the word, but rather lutinos, as the eyes of Sturisomatichthys whites are black, not red. But in our opinion, this makes them even more attractive. In any case, we are sure that these strikingly (un)colored royal farlowellas will find their fans.

For our customers: the Sturisomatichthys whites have code 294532 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature:

Londoño-Burbano, A. & R. E. Reis (2019): A taxonomic revision of Sturisomatichthys Isbrücker and Nijssen, 1979 (Loricariidae: Loricariinae), with descriptions of three new species. Copeia v. 107 (no. 4): 764-806

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Chromobotia macracanthus ( = Botia macracantha) BRED

13. March 2025

There are only two species in the global ornamental fish trade that have been traded in large numbers for decades collected from the wild: the Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) and the Clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus). Due to the great economic importance of these animals, the populations are monitored very closely and there are strict laws that effectively prevent ornamental fishing from having a negative impact on wild populations. The two species have something in common: they are only available seasonally. They can only be caught effectively at certain times of the year at a reasonable effort. For the rest of the year, you have to rely on specimens that were caught during the season and have been kept in special facilities ever since.

In the case of Cardinals, you can always fall back on high-quality offspring if the stock caught during the season is not sufficient or – for whatever reason – preference is given to offspring. This is also possible with the Clown loach, but only a few people know this. We are currently offering captive-bred Clown loaches from Indonesia. Wild-caught fish are not available at the moment. Our customers are very satisfied with the quality of these offspring. Why not give them a try!

Incidentally, we believe that wild fishing is the more sustainable method. It enables local people to earn an absolutely environmentally friendly, good income from nature. No species has ever become extinct because of this, but dozens of species die out when the local population is forced to use another source of income instead of ornamental fishing, thereby inevitably altering nature or polluting the water.

For our customers: the captive bred Clown loaches have code 403532 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Trichogaster pectoralis

13. March 2025

The snakeskin gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis) is the largest and most peaceful species of gourami. The animals can become 20-25 cm long and are therefore in their homeland Southeast Asia also estimated food fish. However, we prefer to enjoy their calm nature and beautiful coloration. For years there has been a dispute about the correct genus name of the gourami. One camp of professional fishologists insists that, according to strict interpretation of the rules of naming, an old error from 1923 must not be maintained and all gourami, which were previously called Trichogaster, must now be called Trichopodus, while the genus name Trichogaster is correctly assigned to the species, which were previously called Colisa.

Another camp – that of the pragmatists – on the other hand, says that a easy-minded name change for economically important fishes such as the gouramis cannot be justified after 100 years. And this is only because of an unnecessary, rigid application of rules that were made only to avoid confusion and to achieve the greatest possible stability of naming. These rules explicitly allow for exceptions – and in the case of gouramis, an exception is highly desirable.

This academic dispute is far from settled and there is no decision in sight in the near future. However, it is undisputed that the snakeskin gourami is a beautiful aquarium fish – no matter what you call it! We have the fish regularly in our stock, usually we get them from Vietnam. Males and females can only be distinguished with some certainty from a length of around 7-9 cm. The males have a broader, elongated dorsal fin, where, similar to the Pearl Gourami (T. leerii), the fin rays are elongated. Depending on the mood, the otherwise prominent longitudinal stripe may become completely invisible. This is not a sex characteristic. 

For our customers: the animals have code 469733 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Mesonauta egregius

13. March 2025

The flag cichlids (Mesonauta) are beautiful and peaceful, medium-sized cichlids that reach a length of 12-15 cm. In the wild they usually live together with angelfish (Pterophyllum), which they also resemble in terms of behavior and general requirements in the aquarium. As with the angelfish, the sexes are indistinguishable in younger animals. In older specimens, the males are larger and tend to develop a more imposing head. But basically you can never be sure whether you have a female or a suppressed male until the fish spawn. That’s why flag cichlids should always be kept in a group of 8-10 specimens where pairs can find each other.

Currently, 6 different Mesonauta species are recognized, some of which also develop local colour variants. Until the 1980s, all Mesonauta were thought to be the same species, which was called Cichlasoma festivum. This already shows that the different species look extremely similar. M. egregius comes from the Orinoco (Colombia and Venezuela). The most reliable way to determine the species is to stress it a bit. Then you can see that the vertical bands, which all Mesonauta show in fright coloration, are fused into broad spots in M. egregius.

For our customers: the animals have code 683322 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Sicyopus zosterophorus

7. March 2025

The gobies (Gobiidae) are probably one of the most species-rich families of fish with over 2,000 species (currently accepted: around 1,500 species). Many gobies live in the sea, but gobies are often the most common fish in the freshwater of oceanic islands. In these cases, they are usually species that live as adult fish in pure freshwater and do not tolerate seawater at all, but the larvae of the eggs laid in freshwater develop after hatching in the sea, where they drift with the current. If they do not make it into the sea after 2-3 days, the larvae of these gobies die. This makes it very easy to explain why some species have an enormously wide distribution, as the ocean currents take very different directions depending on the season and current weather conditions. What is not clear, however, is why some of these goby species only occur in a very limited area.

Sicyopus zosterophorus is one of these freshwater species with a very wide distribution in the western Pacific region, although it is only locally common. This beautiful goby comes to us from West Sumatra. There it lives in the Pinang River, a rocky river with very clear and oxygenated water. The males are very variably colored, especially with regard to the first of the two dorsal fins. There are specimens with and without eyespots, in some the first dorsal fin is flat red, in others blackish with a broad light blue border. However, it is still assumed that they are all the same species. The females are plain grey and do not even show a hint of color in the fins or the magnificent red and black banding on the body.

Care is the same as for the now more common neon gobies (Stiphodon spp.). They are bottom-dwelling animals that eat mainly insect larvae as well as vegetation. All common frozen, live and dry foods of a suitable size are accepted in the aquarium. The water should be clean and rich in oxygen, pH value and hardness are of secondary importance, but very soft and acidic water is not suitable. The temperature can be in the range 22-28°C. The animals are relatively peaceful towards each other and other fish, but when keeping several males, sufficient hiding places should be provided so that lower-ranking animals can escape. As a general rule, only one or five or more males should be kept per aquarium to minimize negative stress caused by territorial disputes and courtship behaviour. Females are absolutely compatible with each other. The maximum length of this goby is around 5 cm.

For our customers: the animals have code 456192 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature:

Watson, R. E. (1999): Two new subgenera of Sicyopus, with a redescription of Sicyopus zosterophorum (Teleostei: Gobioidei: Sicydiinae). aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology v. 3 (no. 3): 93-104

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Badis singenensis ( = sp. Buxar)

7. March 2025

Badis singenensis ( = sp. Buxar)

A beautiful, small chameleon fish (Badis) originates from the north of India, which has a reduced swim bladder as a special feature within the genus. As a result, it is very bottom-bound and moves around somewhat hopping. The maximum length of this species is approx. 4-5 cm including the caudal fin. 

Before the scientific description, this small badis was sold under the misleading name “sp. Buxa(r)”. This is awkward insofar as years earlier the then undescribed Badis blosyrus was also referred to as Badis sp. buxar; B. blosyrus is one of the largest Badis species and can reach almost 8 cm in length, so it is not entirely insignificant which “buxar” (incidentally, this is the name of a tiger sanctuary in the north of Bengal, in whose adjacent area the Badis are caught) you get.

There are three scientific names for Badis that look like B. singenensis: the species was described as Badis singenensis in 2011, again as Badis triocellus in 2013 and finally as B. lasiophilus in 2015. The describers of B. triocellus had obviously overlooked the description of B. singenensis; consequently, there are no described differences between B. singenensis and B. triocellus. The describers of B. lasiophilus differentiate their new species from B. singenensis, but not from B. triocellus. Again, the first description of B. triocellus was apparently overlooked by the authors of B. lasiophilus; in any case, it is not listed in the bibliography. Thus one has to laboriously search for possible differences from the three first descriptions, which is always an error-prone undertaking. The main difference between B. singenensis and B. lasiophilus is the smaller final size of B. lasiophilus (15.7- 21.0 mm SL vs. 22.3-42.0 mm SL; SL = standard length without caudal fin) and the smaller number of scales around the caudal peduncle (14-16 vs. 19-20). The remaining indicated differences in proportions are only marginal and overlap. For B. triocellus, the size of the examined specimens is given in total length (TL), i.e. including the caudal fin, which makes the values difficult to compare. The authors had 32 specimens between 25.42-48.74 mm TL. 14 scales are reported around the caudal peduncle, i.e. as in B. lasiophilus. This leaves two possible conclusions: firstly, all three species could be valid, different species that all originate from the same distribution area and do not differ in color. Or secondly: all three forms are the same species. After careful consideration of all the available facts, we have decided not to differentiate between the three forms and refer to them on our stock list as Badis singenensis after the form named first.

As already mentioned, all three forms are similar in color, although only preserved specimens of B. singenensis are shown in the first description. Typical is a large black spot at the beginning of the dorsal fin, the shape of which is variable; very rarely this spot can also be divided into two spots. In the soft-rayed part of the anal and dorsal fins there is also a round black spot, which is not found in any other Badis species. The tail root spot found in many Badis species is bordered in the front area by a semicircular light and dark band. There is a red dot on each scale. In neutral coloration, this red dot is barely noticeable, then, as with all Badis species, the vertical stripe pattern dominates. However, when the fish is mating or otherwise excited, the stripes recede and the fish glows a bright red, as if it is glowing internally. It is not for nothing that Badis species are also known as chameleon fish because of their enormous ability to change color.

Breeding Badis singenensis is unproblematic, it is typical Badis style, i.e. they are cave breeders, the male guards the spawn, the female has nothing to do with caring for the fry. When the young swim free, the male’s care instinct also ceases. The water values are of secondary importance, pH values between 6 and 8.5, hardness from soft to hard are suitable. The water should be clear, but a very strong current is not necessary. Any frozen and live food of a suitable size will be eaten, badis generally reject dry food. The water temperature can and should fluctuate over the course of the seasons, the lower temperature limit is around 14°C, the upper limit around 30°C. All Badis species are pretty tolerant against each other and other fish.

For our customers: the animals have code 368142 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature

Geetakumari, K. & K. Kadu (2011): Badis singenensis, a new fish species (Teleostei: Badidae) from Singen River, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa v. 3 (no. 9): 2085-2089

Khynriam, D. & N. Sen (2013): On a new species Badis triocellus (Pisces: Perciformes: Badidae) from North East India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India v. 111 (no. 4) (for 2011): 65-72

Valdesalici, S. & S. van der Voort (2015): Badis laspiophilus, a new miniature addition to the ichthyofauna of West Bengal, north-eastern India, with observations on its ecology and preliminary notes on its ethology (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Badidae). Zootaxa 3986 (no. 2): 193-200

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tetragonopterus denticulatus

6. March 2025

The genus Tetragonopterus used to be the catch-all for all smaller tetra species, which are now found in the genera Hemigrammus, Hyphessobrycon or Moenkhausia, for example. The English term “tetra” for all tetras, an abbreviation of Tetragonopterus, has survived. Nowadays there are only 14 species of Tetragonopterus, of which only T. argenteus can be considered an aquarium fish (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/tetragonopterus-argenteus-2/). Incidentally, 9 of the current 14 species were only scientifically described after 2010; it is therefore obvious that they look very similar, otherwise they would certainly have been recognized earlier; the majority of them were previously assigned to T. chalceus.

We have now been able to import a Tetragonopterus species from Brazil under the name T. chalceus, and in order to identify it, we began a major literature search. Initially, we provisionally classified it as T. chalceus, as this is how it would have been designated before 2010. We cannot take into account some important characteristics for the systematics of tetras, such as the shape and number of teeth or the gill rakers, because they cannot be recognized on the living animal and we do not kill animals for identification purposes. But color characteristics are also important for identification. Our Tetragonopterus, for example, has two elongated, vertical shoulder spots ( = humeral spots) and a circular tail root spot. 

According to the latest identification key (Silva et al., 2016), T. argenteus, T. carvalhoi, T. daguae, T. rarus and T. georgiae can be ruled out from the outset (scale and pattern characteristics). T. anostomus and T. kuluene (both only one humeral spot) can also be ruled out. This leaves T. araguaiensis, T. denticulatus, T. juruena, T. ommatus, T. manaos, T. franciscoensis and T. chalceus. At this point T. chalceus was ruled out, because in this species there is only one scale width between the two humeral spots, whereas in our imports there are three. T. juruena and T. denticulatus differ, among other things, by 6 rows of scales between the lateral line and the dorsal fin base (T. juruena) and 7 rows (T. denticulatus); T. juruena was thus eliminated. Although T. franciscoensis is very similar to our specimens, it is only found in north-eastern Brazil; however, our fish are certainly not from there. According to the exporter, they originate from the Rio Tocantins; T. araguaiensis and T. denticulatus occur there (both described from the Rio Araguaia, which is a tributary of the Rio Tocantins). Unfortunately, the species diagnoses are limited to the number of gill rakes. But a careful comparison of the illustrations of both species makes it more likely that our imports are T. denticulatus. T. ommatus – just for the sake of completeness – is so far only known from the middle Rio Tapajós and the last species described (2018), T. manaos, comes from the Rio Negro.

We have described the identification process in such detail because fish such as Tetragonopterus denticulatus are certainly only of interest to specialists and collectors of rarities, who usually attach great importance to correct identification. The pictures we show here are probably the first live photos of the species. The large eye is striking, indicating a crepuscular lifestyle. The animal does not appreciate bright light at all. The maximum length of T. denticulatus known to date is around 7 cm (without caudal fin). Accordingly, our animals (4-6 cm) are probably sexually mature. They are very peaceful, lively and somewhat skittish. The animals actively seek the company of conspecifics, so they are to be regarded as schooling fish. So far, we have not noticed any special care requirements and the fish can be characterized as extremely easy to care for.

For our customers: the animals have code 296353 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature

Silva, G. S. C., B. F. Melo, C. Oliveira & R. C. Benine (2016): Revision of the South American genus Tetragonopterus Cuvier, 1816 (Teleostei: Characidae) with description of four new species. Zootaxa 4200 (no. 1): 1-46

Urbanski, B. Q., B. F. Melo, G. S. C. Silva & R. C. Benine (2018): A new species of Tetragonopterus (Characiformes: Characidae) from Central Amazon lowlands, Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology v. 16 (no. 2) (e3170158): [1-7]

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Wallaciia regani (formerly: Crenicichla regani) Tapajós

6. March 2025

Cichlids are referred to as dwarf cichlids if their total length – including the caudal fin – does not exceed 10 cm. As many cichlids grow considerably larger and then also have corresponding space requirements in terms of housing, dwarf cichlids are particularly popular in the aquarium hobby.

All pike cichlids of the genus Wallaciia (formerly known aquaristically as the Crenicichla-wallacii complex) belong to the dwarf cichlids. Their body length is rarely more than 7 cm, plus the caudal fin. This means that they can usually be kept and bred in aquariums with a floor area of 80 x 50 cm or more, but you should never underestimate the potential aggression of these animals. W. compressiceps is particularly notorious in this respect (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/wallaciia-compressiceps-crenicichla-c-2/)

Wallaciia regani is one of the most common and most widespread species within the genus in Central Amazonia. However, the animals look somewhat different everywhere and there are quite a few people who say that it is probably a complex of very similar species rather than a single, variably marked species. For this reason, in the case of W. regani, we indicate the river from which they originate, as far as possible, to avoid unwanted crossbreeding. 

The species’ ecological adaptability is high in accordance with its wide distribution. Temperatures between 20°C (upper Rio Araguaia) and 35°C (Orinoco) have been measured in the wild where W. regani (or closely related forms) have been found, and in the aquarium they have been successfully bred in soft to medium-hard water with pH values between 6.5 and 7.2; there is even a report that breeding was successful at 20° dGH, including 18° KH and pH 8! However, in the Rio Tapajós, a clear water river, the water is generally warm (around 28-29°C), soft (conductivity 10-20 µS/cm) and slightly acidic (pH 6-6.6). These values should be aimed for in the local form of W. regani, at least if you want to breed them.

In terms of food, W. regani are simple: coarse frozen and live food (preferably mosquito larvae), after acclimatization also granules and other dry food. Plants are usually ignored. All pike cichlids are cave breeders, including W. regani. The mother takes care of the spawn and the newly hatched fry. After the fry starts swimming, the male takes part in caring for the fry and defends the territory. Pairs often stay together for years under aquarium conditions. As the males can be very aggressive towards each other, it is advisable to purchase one male and several females. Only the females have the eye spots in the dorsal fin, so they are easy to recognize. A harmonizing pair can usually be found from this group.

For our customers: the fish have code 672212 (5-6 cm) and 672213 (5-8 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Oxyropsis acutirostris

6. March 2025

Unfortunately, the “Giant Otos” of the genus Oxyropsis are rarely offered for sale. Three species are currently scientifically accepted, O. carinata and O. wrightiana, which inhabit the upper and middle Amazon basin, and O. acutirostris from the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basin. 

Oxyropsis can be distinguished from the similar species of the genus Hypoptopoma by the strongly flattened caudal peduncle with a keel on the side. Otherwise they look very similar; it seems that one Hypoptopoma species and one Oxyropsis species occur side by side in nature, which apparently differ in details of their ecology. 

From Brazil we have now received Oxyropsis (together with Hypoptopoma psilogaster) from the Rio Purus, which are probably O. acutirostris. The three species hardly differ in body coloration. The animals from the Purus differ from Oxyropsis from Peru, which we were able to import in 2020 and at the time referred to as O. carinata, in the coloration of their caudal fins. In the Purus fish there is only a large dark spot in the lower half of the caudal fin, whereas in the animals from Peru a dark band runs through the fin over the entire height of the fin behind the root of the tail. O. acutirostris in the last revision of the genus (Aquino & Schaefer 2002: 384, Fig. 7) also shows the aforementioned caudal fin coloration of the Purus animals, which is ultimately the main reason for our determination.

Oxyropsis acutirostris grows to a length of 4-6 cm and is a very peaceful fish. The dentition indicates that this species mainly feeds on Aufwuchs. As details on the aquarium biology of Oxyropsis are generally not yet known, a water temperature of 24-28°C is recommended, as has proved to be the case for many fish in the Rio Purus. The chemical composition of the water is otherwise rather unimportant for maintenance, just avoid extremes. A pH value between 6.5 and 7.5 in soft to medium-hard water is certainly not wrong, but only time will tell whether other parameters are required for breeding.

For our customers: the fish have code 274227 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature: 

Aquino, A. E. and S. A. Schaefer (2002): Revision of Oxyropsis Eigenmann and Eigenmann, 1889 (Siluriformes, Loricariidae). Copeia 2002 (no. 2): 374-390.

Text & photos: FRank Schäfer

Kapuasia falaris

28. February 2025

A new loach genus was only established in 2024, namely Kapuasia. The only species assigned to Kapuasia was K. maculiceps from the great Kapuas River on Borneo. Originally, K. maculiceps was assigned to the large collective genus Nemacheilus. As far as we know, K. maculiceps has not yet appeared aquaristically. Shortly after the genus Kapuasia was established, a second species was described, also from Borneo, but from another large river system on the island, namely the Barito. We have now been able to import this beautiful loach for the first time.

Kapuasia falaris got its species name from the white blaze on its snout. The word is derived from ancient Greek (phalaros: with a white spot and rhis: snout). The species has three to seven dark chocolate-brown pads on an ivory or pale pink background. Each animal is individually recognizable by its banding. The caudal fin can be colorless transparent, yellow or deep red, with or without spotting in the rear part. It is not yet known whether the coloration of the caudal fin is mood-dependent or permanent. What is known, however, is that caudal fin coloration is not sex-specific. Both males and females can have any of the aforementioned caudal fin colorations. 

The differences between the sexes are in the form of a flap of skin under the eye, which only the males have. The females have a fold of skin in the same place. In addition, the pectoral fin rays of the males are thicker – as is usual in loaches. There are also small skin ridges between the pectoral fin rays of the males. Because the pectoral fins are clearly curved backwards, it can be assumed that Kapuasia falaris colonizes areas with strong currents in the biotope. In such conditions, the curvature of the pectoral fins acts like a spoiler on a car and allows the animal to remain close to the ground without exerting too much force. Unfortunately, no information is available on the natural habitat of the fish.

In any case, Kapuasia falaris, which could be referred to as the “Barito loach”, is a beautiful, very lively fish that can be compared quite well aquaristically with Kuhli loaches (Pangio): lovely, lively and somewhat hide-loving. The naturally still very few observations show that the loaches are very peaceful towards conspecifics and other fish and willingly accept any food offered (dry food, frozen food, tubifex, mosquito larvae). We have set the water temperature to approx. 26°C. In the wild, the water should be very soft and acidic, but this does not seem to be important for aquarium care. The animals are probably fully grown at 6-8 cm in length.

For our customers: the animals have code 421912 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature:

Kottelat, M. & H. H. Tan (2024): Kapuasia, a genus name for ‘Nemacheilus’ maculiceps (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology v. 72: 105-109

Kottelat, M., H. H. Tan & V. Hasan (2024): Kapuasia falaris, a new species of nemacheilid loach from Borneo (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology v. 72: 479-487

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Serrasalmus spilopleura

28. February 2025

The correct naming of piranha species is one of the most difficult chapters in fish systematics. Even the scientists specializing in this group of fish are by no means in agreement. And so we often have little choice but to identify a newly imported piranha according to the few external characteristics that are generally recognized, such as the black bands in the caudal and anal fins, the presence of a shoulder spot, etc.

Serrasalmus spilopleura is a rather round-headed piranha by Serrasalmus standards, which according to literature is distributed throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Terra typica is Rio Guaporé, Bobota, Mato Grosso, Brazil. There is a possibility of confusion with S. maculatus, which was also synonymous with S. spilopleura for many years. S. maculatus from Paraguay has exactly the same caudal fin coloration as S. spilopleura from the Rio Tocantins, but S. maculatus always lacks the red gill cover area. It is often difficult to recognize atypically coloured specimens in individual cases. 

Serrasalmus spilopleura is a beautiful piranha, certainly one of the most attractive species of the whole group. The exact origin of the animals currently imported by us is the Rio Guama (drainage of the Rio Tocantins). Serrasalmus species are considered to be specialized fin eaters. For this reason, individual keeping is generally recommended, as if you keep several specimens together, you will hardly ever see undamaged animals, even with heavy feeding. In the aquarium, these piranhas will eat all the usual coarse frozen foods, as well as earthworms, food fish (frozen smelts are very suitable as a basic food) etc. They can be expected to reach a length of 20-25 cm. The water values in terms of pH and hardness are insignificant, but good water hygiene should be ensured. The water temperature should be in the range of 24-28°C

For our customers: the fish have code 292823 (6-8 cm) and 292824 (8-10 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Serrasalmus: from Latin, roughly means “salmon with a saw”. Refers to the saw-like scales of the breast keel. spilopleura: ancient Greek, means “with spotted sides”. maculatus: Latin for spotted.

Suggestion of a popular name: glowing coal piranha

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Lepidosiren paradoxus 15-18 cm

28. February 2025

We have already reported twice on the South American lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxus), on juveniles here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/02-living-fossils/lepidosiren-paradoxus-4/ and on the adult here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/29-lungfishes/lepidosiren_paradoxus_en/; in both posts you will find further information.

This species, which is widespread throughout South America, is a real rarity in the trade. We have just received some medium-sized specimens (8-10 cm and 15-18 cm) from Peru. Interestingly, the photographed, approx. 18 cm long lungfish still shows the juvenile coloration, i.e. yellow sparkling on a very dark, almost black base coloration.

By the way: last year (2024), the genome of all lungfish was decoded. This revealed that the South American lungfish has the largest genome of any animal species studied to date. The lepidosiran genome has 90 billion bases, which is twice as many as the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), whose genome was previously thought to be one of the largest. For comparison: the human genome has only 3 billion bases.

For our customers: the animals in 8-10 cm length have code 265502, 15-18 cm code 265505 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Indostomus crocodilus

28. February 2025

According to current knowledge, the genus Indostomus comprises three species: I. paradoxus from Burma (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/20-sticklebacks/indostomus-paradoxus-4/) with largely colorless fins, I. crocodilus from southern Thailand and I. spinosus from the Mekong catchment in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The latter two species have distinct bands in the fins, especially in the dorsal fin. While I. crocodilus has a light-colored underside of the body and throat area, these body parts are dark-colored in I. spinosus – especially in males in breeding condition – and the gill cover is a strong brown.

Indostomus crocodilus, just like the other two species, grows to a maximum length of 3 cm. The difference between the sexes is relatively easy to see, the males have a broad white seam in the dorsal, anal and ventral fins. In breeding mood, a second black band is added to the dorsal fin. During the spawning season, the females are also fuller. The males care for their brood by guarding the eggs and larvae in tubes (e.g. bamboo) until they swim free.

They are calm, peaceful and usually slow-moving fish. The smallest tanks are sufficient for keeping these interesting study subjects. A substrate of very fine sand, lots of fine-leaved plants and small stones or bogwood provide the right ambience. The water should be soft and slightly acidic for I. crocodilus, humic substances promote their well-being.

The food should consist of the finest live food. 

For our customers: the animals have code 411723 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Dichotomyctere fluviatilis (formerly: Tetraodon fluviatilis)

28. February 2025

The Green Puffers have been recently splitted from the catch-all genus Tetraodon and placed in a genus on their own, namely Dichotomyctere. Usually three diffenent species can be found in the trade: the Palembang or Figure-8-Puffer (D. ocellatus, formerly known as Tetraodon biocellatus), the Spotted Green Puffer (D. nigroviridis), and the Real Green Puffer (D. fluviatilis). There do exists further species, but they are hardly ever found in the trade.

Despite coloration the three species mentioned differ basically in respect of the size they can get. D. ocellatus is the smallest species, it hardly ever grows larger than 6 cm, D. fluviatilis is the largest and can reach 20 cm. D. nigroviridis is in between and grows to 12-15 cm. All three species are typical brackish water fishes that tolerate as well pure freshwater and pure seawater. If kept in freshwater one must keep in mind that the water should be hard and (this is of real importance!) that the pH should not sink below 8. In such a water the biological filtration is essential. Puffers are heavy eaters and if the biologcal filtration does not work well there is a great danger of developement of highly toxic ammonia.

Green puffers are usually peaceful, as well against conspecifics and against other fishes, but sadly sometimes individually fin biters appear that can be a real plague for the whole fish community. To avoid this it is recommended to use as large aquaria as possible, to keep the puffers in social groups (4-8 specimens), and to feed heavy and diverse, but sadly no guarantee can be given against finbiters.

The actual green pufferfish (D. fluviatilis) is only found in India and offshore islands (e.g. Sri Lanka). We regularly offer this beautiful species, but only seasonally and in comparatively small numbers. Now, for example, some very pretty specimens of 3-4 cm in length have come in again. Some of the pictures in this post show these 3-4 cm long specimens, but some also show 5-7 cm long specimens from an earlier import.

For our customers: the fish have code 461702 (3-4 cm) and 461703 (5-7 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brochis sp. C156 Rio Purus

20. February 2025

The armored catfish of the Rio Purus in Brazil have an enormous variety of forms, which is really hard to see through. In addition to the already variable coloration, there are also differences in the color pattern at different ages. Almost every attempt at identification leaves doubts, at least for individual animals. It is therefore important to always look at several individuals of armored catfish from the Rio Purus, which is after all over 3,000 km long and has a catchment area of over 370,000 km2, and check which combination of characteristics they have in common. 

A recent import from the Rio Purus was initially a great mystery to us. The fish were offered and sent as Brochis pulcher and there were indeed some B. pulcher among the specimens, but only a few. In contrast to B. pulcher, most specimens have a dark saddle spot directly at the base of the dorsal fin. In addition, dark markings extend into the membranes of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin spine is light cream-colored. The flank pattern consists of three interrupted longitudinal bands. In apparently adult animals (6-7 cm total length) these longitudinal bands are relatively narrow, in the smallest animal of the import (approx. 5 cm) it can still be seen that they are composed of larger dark spots, as is known from Brochis from the closer relationship of B. agassizii and B. ambiacus. The dorsal area is densely dotted, with a slightly lighter line running along the entire dorsal edge. The caudal fin of the Purus armored catfish is richly striped with 5-6 bands. An eye band is present and the snout region is dotted. 

If all the characteristics are taken together, the assignment to the armored catfish designated as C156 seems most likely. C156 was first introduced in the DATZ in 2007. This beautiful armoured catfish is presumably imported from time to time, but is rarely recognized due to the identification difficulties described above. We have now (recognized) it for the first time.

For our customers: the animals have code 241754 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Leiarius marmoratus ( = L. longibarbis?)

20. February 2025

There are two species of catfish in South America that look confusingly similar: Leiarius marmoratus, which the Indians call “Achara” and Leiarius (formerly: Perrunichthys) perruno. Both species grow to around 60 cm in length and have the same leopard pattern and long, ringed barbels. However, there is an easily recognizable difference: Leiarius marmoratus has 10-11 rays in the dorsal fin, L. perruno only 8. As the fish usually carry the dorsal fin tightly erect, this can easily be counted on a photo.

There is no consensus among scientists as to whether L. longibarbis, described by Castelnau in 1855, and L. marmoratus, described by Gill in 1870, are identical (in which case the valid name would be L. longibarbis) or represent two different species. L. longibarbis is depicted in the original description as a solid gray fish with tiny speckles, while L. marmoratus retains its marbled spot pattern into old age. It is possible that the abnormal coloration of L. longibarbis is due to a poor preparation method, that it is a color mutant or that it is a completely different colored species that has not been caught again since. In any case, this has not been clarified, which is why these beautiful catfish with their coarse dotted marble pattern are still referred to as L. marmoratus in the trade.

Because of their attractive coloration and peaceful nature (fish that are not suitable as food are ignored), Acharas are very popular with friends of large fish. However, they rarely appear on the ornamental fish market. We have just received some very cute specimens measuring 5-7 cm in length from Peru. 

For our customers: the animals have code 265202 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade. Only available in small quantities!

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Brachygobius sp. Ocelot

20. February 2025

Again we could import this new species of dwarf bumble-bee goby. This tiny fish becomes only 2 cm long. It cannot be applied to any described species so far. The fish have been collected in Indonesia.

In Brachygobius, one very important feature for determination is the question wether the predorsal region is scaled or naked. This can be easily recognized even on a good photo. Our new fish have a naked predorsal region. In combination with coloration and origin this makes it very likely that our fish represents a species unknown to science so far.

The coloration varies extremely in this species and it seems that there are not even two specimens that have the very same pattern. We have decided to name them provisionally “Ocelot”. In any case this dwarf bumble-bee goby is an attractive enrichment of the species available for small aquaria.

For our customers: the fish have code 407232 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ompok pinnatus

20. February 2025

Occasionally we receive a very unusual glass catfish from Thailand, whose incredibly long barbels immediately catch the eye. This is the species Ompok pinnatus, which was only described in 2003. These fish have little in common with the Ompok we usually import (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/10e-catfishes-from-asia/ompok_cf_fumidus_en/ and https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/10e-catfishes-from-asia/ompok_bimaculatus_and_o_pabda_en/), they look more like typical glass catfish (Kryptopterus), which they also resemble in terms of behavior. The good news for us aquarists: Ompok pinnatus remains fairly small with a maximum length of 8-9 cm. The calm schooling fish are very compatible, but very small fish will of course be eaten.

Ompok pinnatus is a real enrichment to the catfish range. Males and females can be distinguished by the pectoral fin spines, which are serrated in males but smooth in juveniles and females. Because of the enormous beard, which is otherwise only seen on the sister species Ompok eugeneiatus from Indonesia, we suggest the popular name “Ruebezahl glass catfish”.

For our customers: the animals have code 439823 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Trichopsis vittata

20. February 2025

The Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) is perhaps the most common small fish in South East Asia. It grows to 4 – 6.5 cm long. It can be found almost everywhere, except in strongly flowing waters and in the mountains. Freshly caught, the Croaking Gourami is usually very attractively coloured and shimmers in different shades of blue-green, red and violet, but this quickly fades away in the aquarium. Most likely this is due to the fact that in nature the fish usually live in very turbid water where the underwater visibility is only a few centimetres. In this “dirty broth” (the cloudiness usually comes from clay and is hygienically harmless) the fish need strong colours to be able to communicate with conspecifics. In crystal-clear aquarium water, however, the fish feel naked and defenceless and therefore switch the colouring to camouflage mode. Only during reproduction do the magnificent colours reappear.

Croaking Gourami are called that because they can produce easily audible creaking sounds. These sounds are produced when the fish strokes a bone over tendons that run across the air-filled swim bladder. Croaking Gouramis play the guitar, so to speak. The croak itself is powerplaying. The fish croak and the one who croaks the loudest wins. When mating, the males also show by croaking that they are very strong and great. But also the females croak in this species and are very emancipated.

Everywhere the Croaking Gouramis look a bit different. Probably it’s not just one species, but a lot of species that just look very similar to each other. But because there are so many of them, no one has ever dared to split them.

Our Croaking Gouramis come from Thailand and there from the Ratchaburi area. You should not mate them with Croaking Gouramis from other collecting sites, but always breed them pure, otherwise there is the danger of unintentionally breeding bastards that lose their reproductive ability after a few generations.

For our customers: the animals have code 471003 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Lamprichthys tanganicanus

14. February 2025

With a maximum length of 14 cm, the Tanganyika lampeye fish is the largest lampeye fish at all. It is found exclusively (= endemic) in Lake Tanganyika, where it lives in huge schools along rocky coasts. It is a breathtaking sight when such a shoal, comprising several thousand individuals, comes swimming around a cape like a closed jewel band. However, only the males are colorful. The females are much smaller and inconspicuous in color. 

Like all lampeyes, this species spawns in crevices. The spawn takes 3-6 weeks to develop. L. tanganicanus is a very sensitive fish, with high demands on water quality. The water must be very clean and germ-poor, the pH should be absolutely over 7. Against injuries of all kinds this fish is extraordinarily sensitive, why it appears in the trade practically only as offspring and in relatively small sizes. Large specimens are too vulnerable to injury. Fortunately, the species becomes sexually mature early and colors already with a length of 5-6 cm. 

For care it is recommended to have a shoal as large as possible in an aquarium as large as possible. Regarding food Lamprichthys tanganicanus is easy, it will gladly accept all common ornamental fish food. The fish is very peaceful but skittish, so for a possible company intended other species must be absolutely peaceful.

For our customers: Lamprichthys tanganicanus has code 328003 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Boulengerella cuvieri

14. February 2025

The elegant predatory tetras of the genus Boulengerella are divided into 5 species: B. cuvieri, B. lateristriga, B. lucius, B. maculata and B. xyrekes. They are widely distributed in the large river systems of the Amazon and Orinoco and the Guyanas. Distinguishing the species is not easy, especially with small juveniles. Juveniles of B. cuvieri differ from their relatives in that the lower caudal fin lobe is considerably larger than the upper one. Very small animals (4-5 cm) still have the ancient extension of the spine as the upper edge of the caudal fin. This quickly disappears; from a total length of approx. 6 cm you can recognize the species-typical caudal fin structure with a smaller upper and larger lower caudal fin lobe. B. cuvieri retain their dark cloudy juvenile coloration up to a total length of approx. 10 cm. Then the species-typical adult coloration appears with a light back, a chocolate-colored longitudinal band in the middle of the body and a silvery belly. There is then a small spot on the root of the tail. With increasing age, the caudal fin turns a strong orange-red color. Other typical characteristics of B. cuvieri are the strangely shaped anal fin, the rearmost rays of which are so long that they protrude beyond the base of the caudal fin, and the dorsal fin, which is set far forward.

All Boulengerella species can be easily distinguished from about 10 cm in length. B. lateristriga is the only species with a striking black and white striped caudal fin. B. lucius and B. maculata are almost identical in color, both are dotted on the body and have an irregular spot/striping in the caudal fin, but in B. lucius the dorsal fin sits much further towards the head on the back, so that an imaginary vertical line from the end of the dorsal fin towards the ventral edge comes out well before the base of the anal fin (the same applies to B. cuvieri), whereas in B. maculata it is in the middle of the anal fin. At 10 cm in length, B. xyrekes looks a little like a small juvenile of B. cuvieri, but in B. xyrekes both caudal fin lobes are about the same size and the rearmost anal fin rays end well before the base of the caudal fin.

Boulengerella cuvieri is the largest species of the genus. It can grow to a record size of almost 1 m long and weigh 6 kg. The species has a huge distribution area in South America and is found practically everywhere in the Amazon and Orinoco basins and in the Guyana countries. Imports mostly come from Peru, Venezuela and Colombia. The predatory tetra inhabits various types of water in its native area, but is most frequently found in fast-flowing waters, where it lurks for prey behind obstacles such as rocks and tree trunks. As a rule, it stays below the water surface and is an excellent jumper (cover the tank well). When keeping them in an aquarium, care should be taken to ensure that they are kept as stress-free as possible, as otherwise uncontrolled flight reactions may occur. The animals easily bump into the walls of their tank and can injure their sensitive mouths. As fish eaters, they should be fed with live or frozen fish. It goes without saying that they should only be kept with fish of the same size, as small inhabitants are regarded as food. The animals are peaceful with each other and like to be in the company of conspecifics.

For our customers: the animals have code 210403 (approx. 10 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Selenotoca multifasciata (S. papuensis)

14. February 2025

There are two genera of argus fish or scats, Scatophagus and Selenotoca. Most authors currently only recognize two species in Scatophagus and one in Selenotoca, in Scatophagus the species S. argus and S. tetracanthus and in Selenotoca the species S. multifasciata. However, there are certainly considerably more species, and in Selenotoca there is probably at least one more, namely S. papuensis. However, this species is currently considered by the vast majority of authors to be a synonym of S. multifasciata. However, they can be distinguished relatively easily by the number of vertical bands and the different shape of the caudal fin. In S. multifasciata there are approx. 10 relatively narrow stripes in the dorsal area. S. papuensis has only about 5-6 clearly wider stripes there. The caudal fin ends in S. multifasciata straight cut to slightly concave (i.e. indented), in S. papuensis it is slightly convex (i.e. curved outwards). However, since, as already mentioned, S. papuensis is currently only considered a synonym of S. multifasciata by the majority of scientists, we refer to all Selenotoca as such in the trade, although it is actually almost always S. papuensis.

Selenotoca are colloquially referred to as “silver scats”. They are widespread throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, but the exact species ranges are unknown because the two species are hardly ever differentiated. Just like “common” scats, they are euryhaline and can move freely between fresh and salt water. A salt content of around 5-10g/l is favorable for keeping these animals, which can grow up to 40 cm (usually 15-20 cm) long in the wild, on a permanent basis. They do not necessarily need salt, but they are very sensitive to two water chemical properties: pH values below 8 and increased nitrite levels. The salt prevents a drop in the pH value (which is why it must be salt for coral reef aquariums in which a pH buffer is added and not ordinary table salt) and the table salt component reduces the toxic effect of nitrite.

Scats are omnivorous and will even eat aquatic plants. A varied diet should therefore be provided. All argus fish are social animals that should be kept in a group of conspecifics if possible. Although there are a few incompatible specimens, these are fortunately the exception. Selenotoca are free spawners without brood care. The males grow significantly larger than the females and have a steeper forehead. The eggs develop in the plankton of the sea, which makes rearing them in the aquarium very time-consuming. For this reason, scats are not bred privately, but they are the subject of aquaculture for food purposes.

For our customers: the animals have code 455001 (3-4 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Osphronemus goramy

14. February 2025

Most people only know giant gouramis (Osphronemus goramy) from the zoo. There, these somewhat overgrown-looking animals (but that’s the way it should be) – the largest labyrinth fish of all – usually swim peacefully in the company of other large fish from Southeast Asia.

However, the juvenile fish not only look completely different, but also behave completely differently: they are extremely aggressive towards each other! Foreign fish, on the other hand, are usually ignored. It is not known why these gouramis, which are mainly herbivores, are so nasty to each other as juveniles.

The actual giant or edible gourami has been domesticated for a long time. The size record for giant gouramis is 70 cm and over 20 kg. However, normal sizes are 40-50 cm. There are albinos and a golden-yellow breeding form with black eyes (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/osphronemus-goramy-gold-and-albino/). The natural distribution and intraspecific differences are the subject of intense debate, but little is known with certainty. Presumably this species originally occurred on the Greater Sunda Islands (Java, Sumatra and Borneo), on the Malay Peninsula and in southern Thailand, but it is almost impossible to distinguish feral pond fish from true, native populations. The juveniles that we have recently been able to import differ significantly in color from the animals we have seen in the past. The yellow-orange throat region is striking. These are offspring from Thailand.

The giant gourami is a typical labyrinth fish foam nest builder. In large parts of the tropics, it is commercially bred as a food fish. In our country, breeding is hardly ever practised due to lack of space.

For our customers: the animals have code 440802 (5-7 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Cherax quadricarinatus

14. February 2025

Among the numerous Cherax species Cherax quadricarinatus, also known as Australian red claw crayfish, occupies a special position. It has been propagated as edible crayfish in aquaculture for decades and was therefore one of the very first Cherax species available for aquaristics. 

Cherax quadricarinatus belongs to the largest representatives of its genus, males can reach up to 30 cm in length. Females always remain somewhat smaller. The sexes can be distinguished, as in all Cherax species, by the sexual openings (gonopores) on the walking legs. In females the gonopores are located on the 3rd, in males on the 5th pair of walking legs. This is the best form of sex determination, especially in young animals. In adults it is easier because only males develop the red blisters on the outside of the scissor finger. The length of the head carapace (cephalothorax) indicates when C. quadricarinatus becomes sexually mature: males at 17 mm and females at 24.5 mm. This corresponds to a total length of approx. 4.5 – 6 cm.

Even though Cherax quadricarinatus is one of the largest species: it is also one of the most peaceful. Certainly the selection for keeping in aquaculture has also contributed to the fact that these crayfish – unlike many other crayfish species – are absolutely compatible even with each other and usually do not even damage each other when they are freshly skinned and still butter soft.

The 3-5 cm long juveniles, which are beautifully colored in light blue, are usually sold. As they get older, the animals become darker, we have also included pictures of adult animals in the post to show what they look like then. These animals have a length of 10-12 cm. Unfortunately, C. quadricarinatus is one of the species on the early warning list of invasive species that may be banned in Europe in the future, as released animals have been repeatedly observed in Spain. We therefore appeal once again to all pet owners: please never release any animals into the wild. Firstly, this is cruelty to animals and secondly, it is strictly forbidden. Anyone who does it anyway is acting asocially and irresponsibly endangering our hobby and passion.

For our customers: the animals have code 481401 (3-5 cm) and 481404 (10-12 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Brochis robineae

14. February 2025

Brochis robineae (formerly: Corydoras robineae) stands out from the large number of armored catfish species that exist due to its unique tail fin pattern. Only in B. robineae is the caudal fin horizontally striped (in all other species it is colorless or vertically striped). Such a striking caudal fin pattern is also rarely found in other fish. In the armored catfish family, Dianema urostriatum (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/dianema-urostriatum-2/) and otherwise some tetras of the genus Semaprochilodus (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/09-characoids-tetra-relationship/semaprochilodus-laticeps-taeniurus-2/) and Rummy noses show a similar pattern.

The conspicuous species B. robineae was only discovered and described late – in 1983. The first animals described came from the Rio Aiuana, a southern tributary of the middle Rio Negro in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Although breeding is not necessarily difficult (soft and acidic water is helpful), most animals in the trade are wild-caught. Accordingly, there is a season for these fish, which is roughly between September and February. Before and after that, B. robineae is rarely available. Old females – the females are generally somewhat larger than the males – can reach a length of up to 7 cm. However, these fish usually grow to a length of 5-6 cm. They are typical armored catfish and should be cared for as usual, but you should never keep only small groups of this species, but rather a larger group, as they are very much schooling fish.

For our customers: the animals have code 244003 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Spatuloricaria terracanticum ( = S. sp. COLOMBIA)

7. February 2025

The genus Spatuloricaria consists of 13 scientifically described species. The genus has an extremely wide distribution area from the south of South America (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil) to Panama in the north. It is also found on both slopes of the Andes. 11 of the 13 species were described by 1945, with two new species being added 70 years later: S. tuira from the Xingu and Tapajós rivers in Brazil (2014) and S. terracanticum from the Orinoco catchment (2018). Unfortunately, these two recent papers, in which the new species to be described must necessarily be differentiated from the existing species, are sometimes somewhat contradictory. In addition, at least one very characteristically colored species from Peru has apparently not yet been scientifically recorded, but is imported from time to time (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/spatuloricaria-sp-black-white-peru-2/). 

We were once again able to import some very beautiful specimens of this genus of whiptail catfish from Colombia. They were sent as “S. caquetae”. This species does exist, but it looks different. We therefore initially classified the animals as “sp. Colombia” in our stock list. Now the fish have settled in well and we have taken a closer look at them. There is now little doubt that this is the species Spatuloricaria terracanticum, which was newly described in 2018. All anatomical features (markings on the abdominal region and in the cloaca area) and coloration features (broad, curved “sash” behind the head) match the first description perfectly. The largest specimen of S. terracanticum measured to date had a standard length (i.e. without caudal fin) of 28.5 cm. In addition, all Spatuloricaria have a very long filament on the upper edge of the caudal fin.

Males of Spatuloricaria develop an enormous “whisker” during the breeding season, which disappears again after the breeding period. Spatuloricaria are cave breeders that like to spawn on the underside of flat stone slabs. Breeding reports can be found in the German magazine Amazonas, issue 12 (7/8, 2007) on pages 47-55.

Spatuloricaria are mixed feeders with a focus on animal feed. However, they can also be fed flake food based on plant matter, for example. The long, curved fangs in the upper jaw indicate that this species mainly eats snails in nature, as such teeth only make sense in this context: to pull the soft body of the snail out of the shell. Aquarium observations on this subject are still pending.

For our customers: the animals have code 293754 (12-15 cm) and 293755 (18-22 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature:

Fichberg, I., O. T. Oyakawa & M. C. C. de Pinna (2014): The end of an almost 70-year wait: a new species of Spatuloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Rio Xingu and Rio Tapajós basins. Copeia 2014 (no. 2): 317-324.

Londoño-Burbano, A., A. Urbano-Bonilla, Y. Rojas-Molina, H. Ramírez-Gil & S. Prada-Pedreros (2018): A new species of Spatuloricaria Schultz, 1944 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), from the Orinoco River basin, Colombia. Copeia v. 106 (no. 4): 611-621.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pterophyllum Angelfish Red Head Marble

7. February 2025

In the majority of cases, the aim of breeding forms is to develop a type that is as uniformly colored and physically developed as possible. In other words: ideally, all animals of a particular breeding line should look the same. 

This is not the case with the marbled angel and the red-headed marbled angel developed from it. Here too, all animals should come as close as possible to the ideal shape of the angelfish or scalar. A circular body, well-developed vertical fins, a harmonious caudal fin and – this is very important – long, straight ventral fins are aimed for. The coloration, on the other hand, is different for each individual fish. The spectrum ranges from an almost white fish with a few black speckles and a bright red barrette to a densely black marbled animal with a fiery red front back and cheek regions. The fins can be colored from transparent to deep black, and striped fins are also possible. This results in a particularly colorful picture in the aquarium.

In terms of care and breeding, these fish, which have been domesticated for decades, do not differ from other breeding forms of the angel.

For our customers: this breeding company has code 691303 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hyphessobrycon columbianus

7. February 2025

Hyphessobrycon columbianus was described by Zarske & Géry in 2001. According to Weitzman, the fish belongs to the “Rosy Tetra group” (in the broadest sense “ornamental tetra relatives”). The first specimens arrived in Germany in 1995, caught in a tributary of the Rio Acanti, Colombia. All specimens currently on the market are said to be descended from the first few imports.

Shortly after its discovery, this fish was reproduced en masse and offered in the trade (until its scientific description, mostly under the names Astyanax spec. or Hyphessobrycon ecuadoriensis), which is why the initially considerable price quickly fell to a “lower tetra level”. Hyphessobrycon columbianus is an enrichment for the aquarium hobby due to its splendid colors, peacefulness and ease of breeding, although it does fade somewhat if not kept under optimal conditions. The water should be somewhat cooler (<25 °C) and harder, the pH neutral to slightly alkaline. The animals also appear to be occasionally susceptible to (bacterial?) infections.

For our customers: the animals have code 259952 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Photos: Frank Schäfer, Text: Peter & Martin Hoffmann

Herotilapia multispinosa

7. February 2025

This medium-sized cichlid – males can grow to a maximum length of 12 cm, females always remain 3-5 cm smaller – originally comes from Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras). It is a real classic among aquarium fish and was at its peak popularity in the 1970s. Although the name “rainbow cichlid” given to them at the time indicates that they can be very beautifully colored, they were criminally neglected in breeding for a long time (the fish reproduce effortlessly in typical open-breeder fashion). The result of inadequate selection and poor feeding is very quickly poorly colored and unattractive fish.

Fortunately, this has changed in recent years and we now only receive offspring of this fish that live up to the name “rainbow cichlid”. They are beautifully intensely colored and extremely attractive. As is usual with Central Americans, there are local variants in different shades of color. Sometimes they are more orange-finned, sometimes more lemon yellow. However, they only show this when they come into breeding condition, before that they all look the same. That’s why we can’t offer them separately. But one thing is certain: all varieties are beautiful and interesting, perfect cichlids for beginners and for refreshing pleasant memories.

For our customers: the animals have code 683003 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Herotilapia: composed of the generic names Heros and Tilapia, two other cichlid genera. multispinosa: Latin, means “with many spines”.

Common name: rainbow cichlid

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras serratus

7. February 2025

The saddle-snouted Corydoras serratus from the upper Rio Negro region in Brazil is one of the most sought-after armored catfish. Because the saddle-snouted Corydoras, in contrast to the long-snouted and round-snouted former (now assigned to other genera) Corydoras, tend to be solitary fish, they cannot be caught economically in large numbers. This and the fact that incredible prices were sometimes paid for these fish in Japan made them top rarities on the ornamental fish market for a long time.

There are several breeders of these beautiful fish. It is interesting to note that these offspring are quite different in color. Although the breeder only breeds animals that visually correspond to the ideal image of C. serratus (with a broad dorsal band from the base of the dorsal fin to the tail), there are also specimens among their offspring that only have a vertical stripe under the dorsal fin instead of a continuous dorsal band. 

Such variance has also been observed in wild-caught specimens, but there was still uncertainty as to whether these were not other, closely related species. This question was clarified by the captive bred specimens. Nowadays, of course, the initial fuss made about this Corydoras has long since given way to a more sober approach, but word has still not got around that C. serratus is a very variably colored species. 

We receive adult wild-caught specimens of this beautiful armored catfish from time to time. They show the described variance in coloration, but most of them have the broad and long dorsal stripe. We have attached a picture to this post showing a group of freshly imported wild-caught fish; the variability is clearly visible

For our customers: the animals have code 245614 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Stiphodon annieae

31. January 2025

Neon gobies of the genus Stiphodon are really wonderful aquarium fish. They have an interesting behavior, remain small, are not particularly demanding and the males are often beautifully colored. From an aquarium point of view, they have only one disadvantage: as the larvae develop exclusively in the sea, raising them presents the same difficulties as in breeding coral fish. As far as we know, there have been no successful attempts to raise Stiphodon under aquarium conditions. However, they will spawn willingly, especially on the underside of flat stone slabs that lie on sand and are tunneled under by the gobies.

Red fish are popular fish. This applies across all aquarium fish groups. There are 5 known species of Stiphodon in which the males turn a magnificent red color during courtship: Stiphodon annieae, S. rubromaculatus, S. birdsong, S. surrufus and S. mele. The latter three are very closely related to each other, S. birdsong is even considered by some scientists to be a synonym of S. surrufus. All three lack the neon-colored snout stripe. This is present in S. annieae and S. rubromaculatus, but both species can be easily distinguished by the remaining coloration characteristics (e.g. head coloration black below the neon stripe in S. annieae, red/white in S. rubromaculatus, fins red in S. annieae males in splendor, transparent in S. rubromaculatus).

With a total length of only 2.5-3 cm, Stiphodon annieae is a tiny fish species. So far, no reliable female coloration has been found for this species. The females of the other species mentioned are more or less monochrome gray-brown. We have imported a comparatively large number of specimens of S. annieae and have not been able to make out any obvious differences between the sexes. Perhaps the females of this species are exceptionally as colorful as the males, or perhaps the local fishermen only catch the colorful animals. So far, S. annieae has only been known from the Moluccan island of Halmahera (politically part of Indonesia) (which of course does not mean that they do not exist elsewhere, as we said, the larvae develop in the sea and can drift elsewhere).

Keeping these beautiful little creatures is easy. Create a stream in the aquarium with a sandy bottom and large stone slabs on top. Good lighting ensures algae growth on the stones, which is an important additional food source for the gobies.They appreciate a good current and like to lie in a group with their peers with their heads facing the current. They are very peaceful with each other and with other species, but the gobies should be spared annoying roommates. The water values are irrelevant, it should just be clean and rich in oxygen, temperature around 24°C. They will eat anything that fits in their little mouths.

For our customers: the animals have code 456032 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Macropodus erythropterus

31. January 2025

The paradise fish (Macropodus) can be roughly divided into three groups: the black paradise fish with the described species M. hongkongensis, M. erythropterus, M. lineatus, M. minnanensis, M. oligolepis, M. phongnhaensis, M. spechti, M. tramiensis and M. yeni, the blue-red paradise fish with the described species M. baviensis, M. chinensis, M. filamentosus, M. opercularis and M. venustus and the round-tailed paradise fish M. ocellatus. As all the species described, with the exception of the round-tailed paradise fish, differ only in color and therefore cannot be satisfactorily distinguished in many cases, most of them are only listed as synonyms. This was also the case at times with red-backed paradise fish (M. erythropterus) from Vietnam. It was described from the province of Quang Binh and occasionally synonymized with M. spechti due to its great morphological similarity to the black paradise fish (M. spechti), which also originates from Vietnam (Hue area, central Vietnam).

This beautiful paradise fish has been a little quiet of late. We have now once again received offspring of the species, which clearly show why M. erythropterus has been given the name “red-backed paradise fish” and undoubtedly represents a species of its own: the dorsal area is brown-red even in neutrally tuned animals and becomes bright rust-red in excited animals. This is never the case in „regular“ Black Paradise fish (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/macropodus-spechti-2/)

For our customers: the animals have code 426063 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Common name: Red-backed Paradise fish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Erythrinus sp. Orinoco

31. January 2025

The predatory tetras of the genus Erythrinus should be easy to identify, because from a scientific point of view only two species are accepted: E. erythrinus, which inhabits virtually the entire tropics and parts of the subtropics of South and Central America, and E. kessleri, an endemic (i.e., occurs only there) from the state of Bahia in Brazil. However, Erythrinus imported from different regions look very different. We call the most frequently imported, very colorful form from Peru Erythrinus erythrinus (without this being scientifically confirmed), see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/erythrinus-erythrinus-peru/ there also further general notes.

We have received Erythrinus from Colombia and Venezuela that are completely different in color from the Peruvians. These fish also look very different from each other; we suspect that males and females are behind the different coloration. As these Erythrinus come from the Orinoco catchment, we have labeled them accordingly on our stock list.

We assume that these fish, like all Erythrinus, grow to 20-25 cm in length. They are typical predatory fish. Also the keeper should take care of his fingers, because the jumping animals like to bite heartily and that bleeds properly!

For our customers: the animals have code 253385 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale. Only available in very small quantities!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hoplisoma cf. axelrodi CW169

31. January 2025

A whole range of armored catfish species are exported from Colombia under the fantasy name “Corydoras deckeri”. They all originate from the large Rio Meta system, but more precise information is rarely available. One of the most frequently offered “deckeri” species is Hoplisoma axelrodi. This beautiful armored catfish has been very popular for decades and has proven to be very easy to keep and breed.

Until now, two species were known as Hoplisoma axelrodi. One is the “true” H. axelrodi. In this species, the broad black body band runs diagonally downwards and continues in the caudal fin as a band on the lower edge of the fin. And then there is another extremely similar species, although it has not yet been scientifically described: CW21. In this species, the broad black band ends in the middle of the caudal peduncle and does not continue into the caudal fin. You can find pictures of both species here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/corydoras-axelrodi-deckeri-2/

A third form is new, which was given the code number CW169 by Ian Fuller (www.corydorasworld.com). It has the same prominent upper band as CW21, but the band is much wider. There is even a locality for this form: Granada in the department of Meta. These are very attractive fish that are only supplied in small numbers and are considerably more expensive than “normal” deckeri. We received a shipment of these fish mixed with Hoplisoma loxozonus (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/corydoras-loxozonus/)

For our customers: CW169 has code 223523 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Platy Wagtail Pointed Tail

31. January 2025

The “pointed tail” mutation, in which the middle caudal fin rays are elongated, appeared relatively late: the first specimens appeared on the market in the 1980s. It originated in the Southeast Asian large-scale breederies.

The characteristic, which first appeared in the Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus), can also be transferred to other Xiphos, but the pointed tail has really become established in the long term only in Wagtail Platys. Here it is particularly the red breeding forms that are offered with a pointed tail, but in principle you can breed any Platy variant with a pointed tail. Because with very large and old animals the innermost rays can grow somewhat over the fin, one calls this breeding form sometimes also “brush tail”. Apart from the fin shape, the pointed tails are quite normal platys: lively, colorful and robust. 

For our customers: the animals have code 442103 on our stoclist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hemigrammus filamentosus

24. January 2025

In 2010, we were able to import a new tetra from Brazil via Belem for the first time, which could not be clearly assigned to any scientifically described species. It was provisionally named Hyphessobrycon cf. stegemanni and Phoenix tetra. Today we know that the species originates from the Rio Araguaia. The maximum length is 3-4 cm. Males differ from females in that their fins are longer and the caudal fin is red in males and transparent in females.

Just one year later – in 2011 – the Phoenix tetra was scientifically described by Zarske as the new species Hemigrammus filamentosus. The scientific description is freely available here: https://vertebrate-zoology.arphahub.com/issue/4367/

In the meantime, the species has become firmly established as an aquarium fish and is mainly offered in the form of captive-bred fish. From time to time, however, there are also wild catches. Golden Hemigrammus filamentosus are then also offered, which are very attractive. Golden forms are only available as wild-caught specimens, as the triggers for the golden coloration are transmitted via bird droppings. This does not occur in human care.

In terms of care, the species can be classified as undemanding. They are peaceful animals that are not dangerous to conspecifics, other fish or plants. From around 28°C the males start their wonderful courtship games and harmless chases, during which not even the long fin filaments are affected.

For our customers: the fish have code 256433 (captive bred), 256423 (wild, normal color) and 256424 (wild, gold form) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tenellus trimaculatus

24. January 2025

From Peru we receive this nice catfish, which can be recognized by its species-typical pattern: A black spot at the base of the dorsal fin, two at the middle base of the caudal fin. The species name also refers to this (trimaculatus = with three spots). The peaceful animal becomes about 10 cm long. Its behaviour is best compared to that of Corydoras & Co.

Tenellus trimaculatus is a social animal, which appreciates the company of conspecifics. Therefore, one should always maintain at least five specimens together; in the absence of conspecifics, the catfish joins also other, similar species. The large eye shows that it is a twilight active catfish. In the lower half of the eye there is a “residual light amplifier” which causes in the lower half of the iris a “red-eye effect” when a flash is used. We have corrected this in most photos, only in one we have left it to demonstrate the effect.

For our customers: the animals have code 295992 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Astronotus mikoljii

24. January 2025

Of the seven scientifically described species of Astronotus, only two are currently recognized by most ichthyologists, namely A. crassipinnis and A. ocellatus; however, a third, A. zebra, is so distinctly different in color from the others that there is little doubt as to its validity. Now a new name has been established: the Oscar from the Orinoco drainage and the Gulf of Paria in northern South America has been scientifically described as A. mikoljii (Perez Lozano et al., 2022). All images in this post show Astronotus mikoljii at different age stages and local populations.

The differentiation of Oscar species is decidedly tricky and can only be accomplished with certainty using molecular biology methods (DNA analysis). However, the juvenile coloration of three of the now four species considered valid is very different. The “common” Oscar, A. ocellatus, is well known from pet shops. A. crassipinnis juveniles are very conspicuous yellow-black colored (“Bumble-Bee-Oskars”) and A. mikoljii is very colorful – we have already presented such Orinoco wild catches more often (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/astronotus_ocellatus_wild_colombia_en/    https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/astronotus_ocellatus_wild_en/   https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/astronotus-ocellatus-colombia/). Unfortunately no juvenile picture of A. zebra has been published yet – at least we don’t know any.

Besides A. mikoljii there are – according to molecular data – at least three more species of Oscars in South America, which are named Astronotus sp. “East”, A. sp. “Negro” and A. sp. “Jurua” in the work of Perez Lozano et al. In the case of these species, however, it must be carefully checked whether they have not been described before and are wrongly listed as synonym. However, the matter is not simple, because Oscars were and are brought within South America also again and again as food fish into areas, in which they were not native originally at all. In addition, this may have led to hybrids, which are also difficult to represent molecularly.

A. mikoljii was named after Ivan Mikolji, an avid artist, nature lover, and explorer of Venezuela and Colombia who is also an ornamental fish exporter. Mikolji’s Oscar, like all Astronotus species, usually grows to 25-30 cm in length and does not differ from the other species in terms of care and breeding.

For our customers: A. mikoljii has code 632351 (3-5 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade

Literatur: Perez Lozano A, Lasso-Alcalá OM, Bittencourt PS, Taphorn DC, Perez N, Farias IP (2022): A new species of Astronotus (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from the Orinoco River and Gulf of Paria basins, northern South America. ZooKeys 1113: 111–152. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1113.81240 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Serrasalmus gibbus

24. January 2025

The piranha species Serrasalmus gibbus comes from the catchment of the Rio Tocantins, it was described from the Rio Araguaia. The animals that we currently have in stock were delivered with the location Guama. The Rio Guama is a 160 km long tributary of the Tocantins in the state of Pará, Brazil. 

The species is quite elongated and, like S. rhombeus, which it looks very similar to, has a black caudal fin margin. A humeral spot is missing in younger specimens, but becomes more prominent with increasing age and is very large and prominent in adult specimens (from about 15 cm in length). The main differences to S. rhombeus are the rather small and round humeral spot in S. rhombeus (large and highly oval in S. gibbus) and the crystal red eye of S. rhombeus (dirty dark red in S. gibbus). The reduced dot pattern of adult animals is characteristic of the species, the back appears greenish (although this also depends on the incidence of light). The body shape of S. gibbus is also characteristic of the species. In adults, the greatest height of the body is at the end of the occiput, after which the dorsal line drops continuously. The species name “gibbus” (= humpbacked) is aptly chosen. 

In the trade, S. gibbus is often referred to as the “Peruvian piranha”, which is very misleading, as the species does not occur in Peru at all, but is endemic to the Tocantins catchment. At 20-25 cm in length, S. gibbus is fully grown. As is usual with Serrasalmus, it is a fin-biter that usually has to be kept individually. You should not be misled by the fact that we like to have two animals in the photo tank for dramaturgical reasons. This only ever happens for a very short time and under constant supervision.

For our customers: this very rarely offered piranha has code 292003 (7-9 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Xiphophorus maculatus Platy Sunset Comet

24. January 2025

The breeding forms of Xiphophorus species – almost exclusively the species X. hellerii, X. variatus and X. maculatus are involved – are a never-ending story. What is confusing are the very inconsistent names. 

In X. maculatus it has actually proved useful to include the caudal root and caudal fin pattern in the name, if it is present. Tail fins in body color or if the tail root pattern is missing are not particularly considered by name. A red platy with a red caudal fin is therefore simply a red platy. If it has a dark spot with two smaller satellite spots on the tail root, then it is a Mickey Mouse or Moon Platy. If it has black lines on the top and bottom of the caudal fin, it is a comet platy. If it has a black caudal fin, it is a wagtail platy. If it has an enlarged dorsal fin, it is a Simpson’s platy; if the middle caudal fin rays are elongated, it is a pointed tail. And finally: there are particularly stocky, high-backed platies that are called “corals”. All these names can be combined in any way you like. However, this results in real word monsters, such as “Red Wagtail Mickey Mouse Pointed tail”. Nobody wants that and so breeders like to invent catchy new names for unusual combinations in order to be able to market them better. In principle, there is nothing to be said against this, except that it is easy to lose track.

A color factor that has been known for decades and is popular with X. maculatus and X. hellerii is the “caudal red”. In principle, this coloration, in which the caudal peduncle is red against the rest of the body coloration, can be bred on several body colors, but the most popular is the combination with a yellow body. Through breeding selection, the caudal red can be extended to the middle of the body. The fish is then yellow at the front and red at the back – très chic! These animals are traditionally known as Marygold. However, if something else is added, e.g. a comet or wagtail pattern, Marygold becomes Sunset. Why? Nobody knows. Very beautiful Marygold/Sunset platies with comet markings are currently on offer. A good opportunity to get into platy breeding! Large aquaria, temperatures not permanently above 24°C, diligent water changes and varied feeding: if you stick to these basic rules, you will have a lot of fun with these always lively platies.

For our customers: the animals have code 443423 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Apistogramma salpinction

17. January 2025

In the 1980s, anyone interested in the dwarf cichlids of the genus Apistogramma did not need to know more than 10 species. Today (2025), this genus is the most species-rich cichlid genus of all, with 94 accepted species plus numerous species that have not yet been scientifically recorded. The majority of the newly discovered species can be traced back to the aquarium hobby. The increased interest of aquarists in the 1990s created an incentive for catchers and exporters to look for interesting fish outside the beaten track. But sometimes it was and still is the other way around. This means that Apistogramma were collected and preserved on scientific expeditions and later identified and described as new species in the museum. In these cases, the appearance of the living animals is often not known at all or only insufficiently. Aquarists then set off with a thirst for research to the regions where the description was made in order to close this knowledge gap.

This was also the case with the species Apistogramma salpinction described by Kullander & Ferreira in 2005 from the area of the Rio Trombetas, state of Pará, Brazil. The preserved animals look quite unspectacular. The clear underbelly stripes and the somewhat bulky physique are reminiscent of A. cacatuoides. However, the unique pattern on the caudal peduncle within the genus Apistogramma is a good diagnostic feature. The type locality of this Apistogramma is a large swamp with a muddy bottom and very shallow water, which was often only about 5 cm deep at the time of collection. There are certainly periods of high water in the region when the water is deeper, but A. salpinction is obviously not a running water form.

This probably also explains why this fish has so far escaped the attention of ornamental fish catchers. Nobody likes to fish in such biotopes and apart from Hoplosternum-like catfish and other mud-loving fish, there are usually no attractive ornamental fish there. One German aquarist was not left in peace; he was actually able to track down some specimens and bring them back to Germany in good health. A pair of these went to one of our breeders, where they proved to be easy to keep and breed (pH around 6, 26°C). We can now offer the very first offspring of this novelty.

Admittedly, the color of A. salpinction is not a big hit. We assume that adult males will develop even more intense orange tones in the throat and belly area. In the original scientific description it is stated that adult males like A. cacatuoides develop extended dorsal fin lappets and clearly tipped caudal fins. Even the largest males that we can currently offer (approx. 2 cm without caudal fin) only show a hint of this. Interesting, however, is the horizontal striping in the caudal fin of the largest males and of course the unusual caudal root spot with a light center.

All in all, it’s nice that another blank spot on the map of Apistogramma knowledge can be filled with color!

For our customers: the animals have code 628352 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Astronotus rubroocellatus Rio Negro

17. January 2025

The scientific assessment of the various species within the genus Astronotus varies greatly, with most scientists only accepting three species, namely A. crassipinnis, A. ocellatus and A. mikoljii, which was only described in 2022. Others believe that there are many more species and that the genus urgently needs a scientific revision. The species compressus (Peru, syn. to ocellatus), hyposticta (Peru, syn. to ocellatus), orbiculatus (Santarém, Brazil, syn. to A. ocellatus), rubroocellata (Rio Negro, Brazil, syn. to A. ocellatus) and zebra (Santarém, Brazil, syn. to A. ocellatus) are scientifically validly described, but “officially” in synonymy.

We have now received German offspring of beautiful Oskars from the Rio Negro. The pictures of the parents clearly show that they are the rubroocellatus described from this very river back in 1843. However, it is still unclear how constant the characteristics of this form of appearance (the technical term is phenotype) of the oscar are. Are there really only such animals in the Rio Negro? No one can answer that at present. Another complicating factor in oscar research is that these coveted edible fish have repeatedly been released in places where they did not originally occur. Care was never taken to select the geographically correct population, but rather to take what was available. The current situation in the Rio Negro is therefore by no means a reliable reflection of the natural species composition in this river.

In any case, the Rio Negro oscars are beautiful fish. They will certainly never be able to replace the numerous cultivated forms of the oskar from the range, but they are a real enrichment for friends of natural forms.

For our customers: the animals have code 633302 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text: Frank Schäfer, Photos: Thomas Weidner & Frank Schäfer

Hyalobagrus flavus

17. January 2025

Back in 1903 Georg Duncker from the Hamburg Museum described a small species of catfish from the Malay Peninsula under the name of Pseudobagrus ornatus. The description appeared in the same famous paper in which the harlequin barb (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) and the dwarf rasbora (Boraras maculatus) were described. In contrast to the two barbs, which are since then among the most popular aquarium fishes from Southeast Asia at all, the dwarf-cats remained almost unknown. This is very sad, as Hyalobagrus (this is the genus the species are currently placed in) make perfect aquarium fish, very nice and absolutely peaceful. They like to school with conspecifics. Hyalobagrus are not bottom dwellers in the strict sense of the word, but prefer to swim in the open water.

There are currently three accepted species in Hyalobagrus which differ mainly in details of coloration. We were able to import once more Hyalobagrus flavus from Sumatra (Jambi) now; this species has also a population in southern Borneo.

Hyalobagrus are perfect tankmates for small blackwater fishes like barbs, labyrinth fishes and kuhli loaches. Moreover they should be comparatively easy to breed in the aquarium. Ripe females can be easily recognized by the greenish eggs that are visible through the translucent belly. One should be careful when catching the fish, for they have strong serrations on the pectoral spines which can cause a desastrous tangle in the net.

For our customers: the fish have code 421692 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Myloplus sauron (formerly Myleus schomburgkii)

17. January 2025

The title of this post is perhaps a little misleading; it is intended to indicate that the species recently scientifically described as Myloplus sauron has been known in the hobby as Myleus schomburgkii for around 100 years. However, M. schomburgkii still exists. Back in 2004, the genus Myloplus was separated from Myleus and M. schomburgkii was placed under Myloplus. Until June 2024, all Myloplus with a black vertical band on the flank were classified as M. schomburgkii.

A recent revision of the group revealed that there are not one, but three species with a vertical black bar on the body flank. Aquarists have long been familiar with “broad-banded” and animals with narrow bands. The latter are the most common in the hobby, not least because they are bred in SE Asia for the ornamental fish market. The species with a narrow body band has now been renamed and described as Myloplus sauron. It originally comes from the Rio Xingu in Brazil.

Broad-banded Myloplus are widespread in Brazil and Venezuela in the middle and lower reaches of the large river systems of the Amazon and Orinoco. This is the “true” Myloplus schomburgkii. However, there is a second broad-banded Myloplus that occurs in the western Amazon basin of Peru and Brazil, i.e. the upper areas. This new species is now called M. aylan. It is not easy to distinguish between M. schomburgkii and M. aylan, so anyone interested should refer to the free and freely accessible original scientific description: https://www.scielo.br/j/ni/a/fFG9HTqKTjCs4Z4W3MxwSLJ/?format=pdf&lang=en

In any case, the “true” M. schomburgkii is the most colorful of the three species. M. aylan is more discreetly colored. While in M. schomburgkii the red coloration of the male can extend over the entire body, in male M. aylan it is essentially limited to the throat area. M. sauron shows the least color. The areas around the gill cover and front breast are only yellow-orange, sometimes reddish (especially in young specimens). Young sexually mature wild-caught males developed black-colored zones in the belly area at a size of 12-15 cm.

By the way: the three show such serious differences in the DNA structure that it is quite likely that they will end up in different genera in the future. And there are several color forms of M. schomburgkii (the “real” one) with clearly different colors. It is quite likely that some of these will be separated as separate species in the future.

You can find photos of M. aylan here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/myloplus-schomburgkii-big-black-stripe-2/

You can find photos of M. schomburgkii here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/myleus_schomburgkii_en/

We can offer the “new” Myloplus sauron very regularly, the other species are only offered very occasionally. All Myloplus can grow quite large, approx. 30-40 cm. They are magnificent animals, but only suitable for owners of really large aquaria. There they are very long-lived. One disadvantage of these fish is that they regard pretty much any aquatic plant as additional food.

For our customers: M. sauron has code 270501 (3-4 cm) and 270505 (8-11 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Marisa cornuarietis

17. January 2025

Marisa cornuarietis, originally from Colombia, is one of the largest freshwater snails kept in the aquarium. Its disk-shaped shell can reach over 5 cm in diameter. This is why the species has been continuously kept in aquariums since the 1930s, although it is only suitable for special aquariums without plants. Sooner or later every aquatic plant will fall victim to it. Because of its long antennae, Marisa should not be kept with curious fish, as they are all too easily tempted to nibble at the antennae. Marisa sooner or later acknowledges this by hardly getting out of the house and slowly starving to death.

Marisa cornuarietis used to often be offered under the name Marisa rotula, but this name is now only used as a synonym for M. cornuarietis. Only a second, externally very similar species is currently recognized in the genus Marisa: M. planogyra from the Pantanal. It remains somewhat smaller than M. cornuarietis. To our knowledge, it has not yet been (recognized) kept in the aquarium.

Systematically, Marisa belongs to the apple snails. In fact, newly hatched juveniles do not yet have the typical disc-shaped Marisa shell, but look very similar to “normal” apple snails. However, this will change as they grow up. In contrast to true apple snails of the genus Pomacea, Marisa lay their eggs under water. Pomacea are known to spawn outside the water. But just like Pomacea, Marisa must regularly come up for air at the surface of the water with a “snorkel”, otherwise it will drown.

Because Marisa also eats small snails and is so efficient at cleaning up aquatic plants, it was often released as a biological beneficial organism in many parts of the world until the turn of the millennium. However, it has been shown that in all these cases the undesirable side effects outweighed the hoped-for success. The species is now considered invasive and undesirable. There are two occurrences in Europe: one in Spain and one in a thermal stream in Hungary. In both cases, irresponsible people have released these animals. This has brought the snails to the attention of the relevant authorities. Calculations from climate models show that these tropical children could theoretically survive in many parts of Europe around the year 2070. To prevent this, they are considering banning the cultivation and breeding of Marisa cornuarietis throughout Europe. This shows once again what trouble a few misguided people can cause, from which a large majority of responsible contemporaries then have to suffer. So: please never release any animals or plants into the wild. Not only is this forbidden, it is also to the detriment of all.

For our customers: the animals have code 485313 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Syncrossus helodes (formerly: Botia helodes)

10. January 2025

The tiger loaches (Syncrossus) were previously assigned to the genus Botia. There are currently 6 recognized species of these magnificent loaches, which are distinguished by their special pointed heads, but their identification is often uncertain and questionable, as species distinctions are usually based solely on colour characteristics. Unfortunately, these color characteristics are not always constant and change depending on the mood as well as in the course of individual growth.

We can currently offer very beautiful Syncrossus from Thailand, which are most probably S. helodes. The very closely related and almost identically marked species S. berdmorei has dotted fins (striped in B. helodes), the species S. lucasbahi, S. beauforti (and S. formosa, which is usually seen as a synonym of S. lucasbahi) have many dots on the body instead of vertical stripes. S. hymenophysa is also very similar to S. helodes, although the stripes are different (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/syncrossus-hymenophysa-botia-h-2/). Due to numerous confusions in the scientific and hobby literature, the distribution of the species is not entirely clear, S. hymenophysa probably colonizes Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula, S. berdmorei parts of India and Burma, the other species are widespread on the Southeast Asian mainland (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, southern China).

Ultimately, however, it is not very important which species you buy, as they do not differ in terms of care requirements. Only in the case of any breeding attempts (which have obviously not yet been made in private ownership, but in Indonesia such animals are bred, see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/07-carp-like-fishes-1-loaches/new_tiger_loaches_from_indonesia_en/) you must be careful that you only use specimens of the same species/population. All tiger loaches grow to a relatively large size, you have to reckon with 15 cm, some literature even speaks of 20-25 cm. However, we have never seen such giants. All tiger loaches can be nasty to each other and to other fish. This is due to their unusually large urge to play and their intrusive curiosity. They are probably – by fish standards! – quite intelligent animals. The best way to counteract the undesirable characteristics of tiger loaches is to keep them in as large a social group as possible (8-15 specimens) in highly structured aquaria. Only robust species that are insensitive to disturbance are suitable as non-tiger loaches. The chemical composition of the water is irrelevant for maintenance, the temperature can be in the range 22-28°C, occasionally it can be a few degrees higher or lower. They will eat any commercially available ornamental fish food, plant food only plays a very subordinate role for these fish.

For our customers: B. helodes has code 400602 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Steatocranus casuarius

10. January 2025

The humphead cichlids (Steatocranus) are among the most interesting cichlids in Africa. In adaptation to their way of life in nature – they colonize boulder bottoms in the area of rapids – they have reduced their swim bladder and cannot float freely in the water without making swimming movements with their fins.

There are eight species of the genus, some of which look quite similar. S. casuarius and S. gibbiceps are most often confused with each other, as they come from the same region in the Congo and are therefore exported together. To tell them apart, look at the center of the scales. If it is light, it is S. gibbiceps, if it is dark, it is S. casuarius. For S. gibbiceps see here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/steatocranus-gibbiceps-2/

Humphead cichlids should be kept in pairs. They are relatively peaceful, even if the immediate area of the breeding cave is fiercely defended. Females remain smaller and have a smaller forehead hump. They are cave breeders with a parental family, i.e. males and females look after the offspring together. Even though they live in very oxygen-rich water in the wild, adapting to aquarium life is not a problem for them. The water in the Congo is soft, but not excessively acidic, so that the water composition requirements are easy to meet. Any common fish food is eaten, but it must not be too fatty (no Tubifex and the like), as this leads to intestinal diseases that can be fatal. Plants are not damaged, but are occasionally dug up or bitten away when the animals are in a breeding mood.  

For our customers: the animals have code 575003 (wild, 4-6 cm) and 575012 (captive bred, 3-4 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Steatocranus casuarius Gold

10. January 2025

Yellow or gold coloration is generally widespread in fish and, although the animals affected by the corresponding mutation are very conspicuous and can therefore be easily preyed upon by predators, they also occur from time to time in nature. The goldfish is such a xanthorist (xanthorism is the technical term for this mutation). Among cichlids, xanthorists are often found in Lake Malawi (so-called O-morphs) and in the large lakes of Central America (e.g. the Midas cichlids). There have long been golden breeding forms of the Indian cichlid (Pseudetroplus maculatus) and the eyespot cichlid (Heros serverus). However, xanthorists of the humphead cichlid (Steatocranus casuarius) were previously unknown to us.

We have received a few adult specimens of this color variant, but they will immediately be passed on to a breeder who wants to breed them for us; the animals are already captive-bred specimens. We are not yet able to supply any golden humphead cichlids at this time, but we find the fish so interesting that we would like to present a few pictures to you now.

You can find more information about keeping humphead cichlids here:

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Agamyxis pectinifrons

10. January 2025

If you are looking for a long-lived, extremely robust, pretty and peaceful fish, Agamyxis is the right fish for you. Although these virtually indestructible spiny catfish grow relatively large at up to 15 cm in total length, they are absolutely peaceful and require so little movement due to their well-kept phlegm that they can live happily in “normal-sized” aquariums for a lifetime – which can easily be 20 years or more.

There are two species in this genus that supposedly cannot be distinguished by external characteristics: A. albomaculatus and A. pectinifrons. Both species actually look very similar. The scientifically accepted distinguishing feature is the number of swim bladder appendages. To see these, you have to dissect the fish. However, a (syn-)type specimen (ZMB 10043) of A. albomaculatus has a white underside, while the (syn-)type of A. pectinifrons (ANSP 8346) has the typical black, white-spotted underside. The specimens in the trade are mostly captive bred and are referred to as A. pectinifrons, which also matches the belly coloration.

In the wild, A. pectinifrons is widespread, the species is known from Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, i.e. practically the entire Amazon catchment area, while A. albomaculatus is considered to inhabit the Orinoco (Colombia and Venezuela). Sexual differences are only slightly pronounced in Agamyxis, the males are smaller and slimmer. The animals probably do not practise brood care, but the spawn is scattered freely in roots and plants.

In the case of the black, white-spotted loricariid catfish we have asked about the purpose of the coloration; in the case of the spiny catfish there is at least one idea: it has been observed that a close relative of A. pectinifrons, the white-striped Platydoras armatulus (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/platydoras-armatulus-2/), acted as a cleaner fish for large predatory tetras (Hoplias). It is assumed that the other striking black and white spiny catfishes (there are several of these, but only Agamyxis is spotted) also do this.

For our customers: Agamyxis have code 202811 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text: Frank Schäfer, Photos: Frank Schäfer & Erwin Schraml

Neovespicula depressifrons

10. January 2025

The order of scorpionfishes is as well famous as famed. Without scorpionfishes a real bouillabaisse is unthinkable, without lionfishes public aquaria and marine hobbyists would miss a wonderful attraction, but all members of this order have venomous spines and can inflict very painful – in case of the stonefishes even eventually deadly – stings. Scorpionfishes are ususally marine animals, only one species of the family Tetrarogidae from Australia has become a freshwater species.

Neovespicula depressifrons belongs to the very same family, the Tetrarogidae. The species has a very wide distribution in the indo-west pacific region, attains a length of about 10 cm and is a marine species. But the 2-3 cm long juveniles are found in large numbers in freshwater and so they appear from time to time in the ornamental fish trade. The leaf goblinfish is an interesting and easy to keep animal, but it will not survive in a long time sight in freshwater. It needs brackish water or seawater. It is a peaceful species, but will feed on small fish. During the time of settlement these fish are fed best with live food items, later they readily accept frozen fishfood, too. One should be really careful when the fish have to be caught. The sting is usually harmless (exept one has an allergy), but is can be extremely painful.

For our customers: the fish have code 474001 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ancistrus sp. L519 Bolivia

3. January 2025

During the private fish expedition “SiluCha 2018”, this Ancistrus, which is ideal for aquariums, was discovered in the drainage of the Rio Iténez. The collectors managed to bring back a few specimens and breed them. In the meantime, this beautifully marked species has even reached the trade, and because there are currently no professional ornamental fish trappers in Bolivia, it is all captive bred. This is a very good example of intraspecific variability, as each individual has its own unmistakable pattern, like a human fingerprint. However, the characteristic honeycomb pattern is always recognizable.

Ancistrus sp. L519 is a comparatively small species that hardly grows larger than 10 cm (total length, including caudal fin). As it can get quite cold in its area of distribution, it is also well adapted to (at least temporarily) low temperatures of around 20°C. For breeding, however, it may be 26°C and slightly higher. This means that Ancistrus sp. L519 is also ideal for unheated aquaria, provided they are kept in heated living rooms. However, this species is hardly suitable for permanently high-temperature discus aquaria. Apart from that, everything that applies to other bushmouth catfish also applies: they are excellent algae eaters, fairly peaceful (they fight a little among themselves for the very best spot, but that’s about it) and robust. The fish are typical cave breeders with a father family.

For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L 519x-1 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Polypterus ornatipinnis

3. January 2025

Polypterus ornatipinnis is the most beautifully colored bichir. This species is native to the Congo and grows to over 60 cm in length. Nowadays, however, almost exclusively offspring from Indonesia are on the market. Despite the impressive size that Polypterus ornatipinnis can theoretically reach, this species was the first that could be bred by hobby breeders in “normal” sized aquariums (120 cm edge length). Walter Armbrust, who lived in Hamburg, successfully “cracked” this mystery nut as early as 1966.

The fish with its contrasting yellow and white speckling on a dark background can hardly be confused with any other Polypterus species. Sexual differences, care and breeding are the same as for all bichirs: Males develop a considerably larger anal fin than females when they reach sexual maturity. To stimulate spawning, a rainy season must be imitated, which is done by frequent, very generous water changes with soft and cool water, whereby the conductivity must drop significantly. A subsequent increase in temperature then triggers the spawning event. The male drives the female. The eggs are scattered in portions in fine plants, roots etc. These fish do not practise brood care.

The larvae of bichirs have external gills, similar to those of newts and salamanders. These gill branches are also still visible in the young animals we offer. Nevertheless, the animals already breathe through lungs and take in air at certain intervals at the surface of the water.

Bichirs are obligate carnivores; however, they are not picky in this respect. Young animals can be offered the entire range of frozen and live foods, and granules are also readily accepted. Adult P. ornatipinnis need large chunks, such as earthworms, mussel and fish meat, whole food fish (preferably frozen food such as smelts), etc. Polypterus are usually peaceful towards each other and towards fish that are not suitable as food. However, there may be individual exceptions. Plants are completely ignored unless they are in the way of the animals.

For our customers: the animals have code 164011 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Nomorhamphus liemi

19. December 2024

This beautifully colored halfbeak comes from the island of Sulawesi (= Celebes), where it is found in the south of the island, in the highlands of Maros. In contrast to the closely related genus Dermogenys, the upper and lower jaws are approximately the same length, hence the genus name. For some species, however, it is still disputed whether they belong to Dermogenys or Nomorhamphus.

Two subspecies of Nomorhamphus liemi have been described, N. liemi liemi with black fins and N. liemi snijdersi with black and red fins. As wild-caught specimens all show transitions in fin colors, no subspecies are currently scientifically recognized. Imports such as the present one, in which the fish have a high proportion of red, are nevertheless referred to as N. liemi snijdersi in the hobby.

It is interesting to note that Nomorhamphus males can have a fleshy lower jaw hook. The purpose of this is unknown. However, it is noticeable that the hook is developed to different degrees in males of the same size. This suggests that the mandibular hook has something to do with the social position of the respective animal, i.e. males with a high social rank have a strongly developed hook. Males with a low social rank have a weakly developed hook, which is reminiscent of the conditions in females. Such characteristics make it easier for females to select the strongest male for mating.

In the wild, Nomorhamphus are mainly found in streams, they also appreciate strong currents in the aquarium. The viviparous fish give birth to young every 4-6 weeks, which can already be up to 2.5 cm long. The mother fish are extremely prey to the young. Good breeding success can only be achieved if the fish are fed a very varied diet, including small insects (crickets, Drosophila, Buffalo worms). The water temperature should be rather low (20-24°C), the pH value above 7. The males are quite incompatible with each other. However, Nomorhamphus are peaceful towards other fish species, but their ability to swallow should not be underestimated. Small fish are eaten!

For our customers: the animals have code 438844 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Nomorhamphus: Ancient Greek, meaning “with jaws in accordance with the law”; refers to the upper and lower jaws, which are of approximately equal length in contrast to other half-billed pike. liemi: dedicatory name; snijdersi: dedicatory name.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hyphessobrycon saizi (“Hyphessobrycon eos”) Colombian gold tetra

19. December 2024

The most common “gold tetra” in the trade comes from Colombia and is generally traded under a false name. It can be found in the trade up and down the country for little money under the name Hyphessobrycon eos (sometimes also as Hemigrammus eos). The species Hyphessobrycon eos actually exists, but it is not kept in the aquarium. H. eos Durbin, 1909, originates from Guyana and there are currently no significant exports from there; we don’t even have any photos of H. eos in our huge picture archive. Too bad, because Jonathan Armbruster has published a picture of the species in Flickr, which shows a very pretty fish (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonarmbruster/15464514263/).

Be that as it may, the gold tetra imported from Colombia (and sometimes also from Venezuela and Peru) is Hyphessobrycon saizi, as Axel Zarske found out. The golden sheen is caused by the increased release of the pigment guanine in the skin, which is caused by infection with worm larvae. The fish are only intermediate hosts for the worms. The fish become infected by eating infectious bird droppings. If this happens, the worm larvae migrate into the muscles of the fish, where they encapsulate. Basically, even if it sounds disgusting, this is harmless and the infected fish live – at least in the aquarium – just as long as their non-infected conspecifics. However, their striking golden coloration attracts the increased attention of fish-eating birds – the final hosts of the worms. If a golden tetra is eaten by a bird, the encapsulated worm larvae hatch in its intestine and develop into a sexually mature worm. These produce large quantities of eggs, which are excreted in the bird’s feces – and the game starts all over again.

This explains why golden tetras are always wild-caught in the trade. Offspring of golden tetras are invariably normal-colored and there is no interest in wild-colored Hyphessobrycon saizi in the hobby; we only show also pictures of the non-gold-colored form here for informal reasons. With a maximum size of around 2.5- 3 cm, Hyphessobrycon saizi fits perfectly into any well-maintained community aquarium. It is a typical companion fish of the Colombian red neon in the wild and is a perfect contrast fish to this species. Younger specimens of the Colombian golden tetra in particular have more or less intense red tail fins, which looks very pretty. Unfortunately, this fades somewhat with age. The golden sheen, on the other hand, remains for life.

Literature:

Eigenmann, C. H. (1912): The freshwater fishes of British Guiana, including a study of the ecological grouping of species, and the relation of the fauna of the plateau to that of the lowlands. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum v. 5 (no. 1): i-xxii + 1-578, Pls. 1-103.

Zarske, A. (2013): Hyphessobrycon saizi Géry, 1964 – der Kleine Silbersamler, seit Jahren inkognito. Aquaristik Fachmagazin 229 (Februar/März 2013): 42-46

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Chilatherina alleni

18. December 2024

The rainbowfish of the genus Chilatherina are found exclusively in New Guinea. The genus differs from the closely related genus Melanotaenia mainly in its jaw structure. To date, 11 species have been assigned to Chilatherina. One of the peculiarities of some species of this genus is that they change color strongly at an advanced age. Otherwise, everything that applies to Melanotaenia also applies to the care and breeding of Chilatherina.

Gerald Allen, who has made a great contribution to modern rainbowfish systematics, writes in his 1981 revision of Chilatherina: “Typically these fishes prefer sections of the stream which afford maximum exposure to sunlight. The substratum generally consists of gravel or sand, frequently littered with leaves or log debris. Food items include filamentous algae, small crustacea, terrestrial insects such as ants and beetles, and various aquatic insect larvae. Sexual maturation occurs in most species at a relatively small size, usually about 35-40 mm SL in females and 45-55 mm SL in males. Gravid females deposit several eggs each day which adhere to aquatic vegetation by means of a thread-like filament. Hatching occurs in about 15 days at 22°-24°C. The fry grow rapidly and may attain sexual maturity by the end of their first year.“ Allen distinguished 6 species at that time. The species named in his honor, Chilatherina alleni, was described in 1997 by David S. Prize on the basis of 13 specimens of 44.1-82.6 mm standard length (i.e. without caudal fin). These specimens came from a tributary of the Aiborei River in the Siriwo catchment area, Irian Jaya. The strain currently represented in the hobby probably goes back to the collection by Johannes Graf and companions from the Wapoga River in 2008. The species is therefore also popularly known as the “Wapoga rainbowfish”.

Fortunately, Chilatherina alleni is one of the relatively few species of rainbowfish that already look very attractive when half-grown. The fish photographed for this post are only 4-5 cm long. The fish become more and more beautiful as they get older. The maximum length of this peaceful animal is around 9 cm.

For our customers: the animals have code 409912 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Literature:

Allen, G. R. (1981): A revision of the rainbowfish genus Chilatherina (Melanotaeniidae). Records of the Western Australian Museum v. 9 (pt 3): 279-299

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Mugilogobius rexi

18. December 2024

This small goby is a free swimming species, in contrast to most of the other gobies. Maximum length is about 4-5 cm. Territorial males become bright yellow and also develope larger fins with dark bands. Females are much paler in coloration and have translucent fins.

The species is restrictet to Sulawesi and even on that island it occurs only in two lakes, namely Towuti and Mahalona. The water in these lakes is very warm (29°C and more), very clean, slightly alcalic (pH 7.5) and the conductivity is about 225 µS/cm.

The charming fish already spawned in aquaria. The eggs are laid open, attached on vertical structures in a circle-round batch. However, to the best of our knowledge there was no complete successful breeding so far.

For our customers: the fish has code 436812 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Mugilogobius: latin, means “mullet-goby”. rexi: dedication name.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Uaru amphiacanthoides

18. December 2024

The triangle cichlids (Uaru) are a small genus of cichlids in terms of the number of species, with only two scientifically accepted species: U. amphiacanthoides from the Amazon basin and upper Orinoco (Brazil and Colombia) and U. fernandezyepezi from the Rio Atabapo (Venezuela). Both species reach a total length of 20-30 cm and are therefore large cichlids. They are close relatives of the discus cichlids (Symphysodon), with which they also have a few things in common. Outside the spawning season, both genera are sociable animals that like to swim in groups with their own kind, both prefer higher water temperatures (26-32°C) and both initially feed their young with skin mucus. In contrast to discus, however, Uaru are predominantly vegetarians.

There is a debate in the hobby as to whether there are one or two species of triangle cichlids under the name U. amphiacanthoides. Normally in U. amphiacanthoides the prominent large black triangle spot is below the upper lateral line branch. This applies to the Uaru usually kept in the aquarium; we have also occasionally received wild-caught specimens of this species from the Rio Negro in Brazil, the type locality of U. amphiacanthoides, which corresponded quite characteristically to this type of pattern. Many years ago, however, we were able to import adult Uaru from the vicinity of Manacapuru, about 100 km upstream of the confluence of the Rio Negro with the Amazon, which had a different appearance. Four of the five specimens had a significantly larger wedge-shaped spot that extended into the upper branch of the lateral line. The fifth specimen, on the other hand, looked completely “normal”. Werner Schmettkamp first introduced the form with the enlarged wedge-shaped spot to the aquarium literature in 1980 as the “orange-colored triangle cichlid”. It is still unclear and controversial whether this orange triangle cichlid from Manacapuru is an independent species or a local variant of U. amphiacanthoides. Unfortunately, we only have aesthetically unappealing pictures of this extremely rare fish.

There are probably only a few fish species that change their coloration as strikingly as Uaru amphiacanthoides in the course of their growth. There is not just one, but several very different-looking coloration phases, which already caused enormous confusion when first imported (1913) and first bred (1916). Uninitiated observers undoubtedly consider the different age stages to be different species due to their coloration, especially as the body shape also changes considerably from the 2-3 cm long juvenile to the over 20 cm long adult. In this post we will therefore show you some of the most striking coloration stages of U. amphiacanthoides. Please note that there are of course transitional phases.

Both wild-caught and captive-bred specimens are available in the trade. While the comparatively rarely imported wild-caught specimens almost always consist of adult or sexually mature animals that are over 12 cm long, the reverse is true for captive-bred specimens. Uaru amphiacanthoides are anything but rare in the wild and are traded everywhere in the region as comparatively cheap food fish. However, ornamental fish collectors rarely take the trouble to acclimatize the initially somewhat timid animals, especially as demand is not very high. Understandably, large wild-caught fish are always relatively expensive, as the freight costs are considerable.

Males and females cannot normally be distinguished with certainty in Uaru. Females remain somewhat smaller, are fuller and have shorter pelvic fins, but in individual cases you cannot rely on these generalized differences. It is always best to purchase a group of 6-8 specimens (or more if space permits), from which pairs will form. These fish are open breeders with biparental brood care. As already mentioned at the beginning, the young eat skin particles from the parents, but they are not dependent on this food and can also be reared with the usual foods. Uaru are usually peaceful towards other fish. It is important to cover their plant food requirements. Planting Uaru aquariums is usually not successful for obvious reasons.

For our customers: the offspring 2-3 have code 688500, 4-6 cm have code 688502, the wild-caught 12-15 cm code 688516 and the wild-caught 16-20 cm code 688518 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Geophagus pyrocephalus ( = Tapajós Red Head)

11. December 2024

Since the end of the 1980s, a beautifully colored Geophagus from the closer relationship of G. altifrons and G. surinamensis has been known, which differs from almost all other Geophagus species by an orange or red forehead. This characteristic affects both sexes from the onset of sexual maturity, which is the case at around 8-10 cm in length (excluding caudal fin). But even before that, this Geophagus species can be easily identified by the narrow vertical bands. With a maximum length of 16 cm, this species is one of the smaller representatives of the narrower relationship.

This fish, which was always referred to in the hobby as “Tapajós”, but with various other nicknames such as red head, orange head, Tapajós I (there are other Geophagus species in the Rio Tapajós), red cheek or red face, was not given a scientific name until 2022. The scientific name “pyrocephalus” translates as “fire head”. Why was this striking fish, which is by no means rare in the biotope, only “officially” described so late? This is mainly due to the fact that it is practically without exception color characteristics that distinguish G. pyrocephalus from other species in the group and it took a very long time before color characteristics were accepted as the sole species characteristics in science. Previously, “tangible” anatomical distinguishing features were required, which can also be recognized from old, faded museum material. A rethink has now taken place here.

G. pyrocephalus is a larvophilic mouthbrooder. This means that the pair initially spawns on a stone or similar in an open-brooder manner. Only after 2-3 days (depending on the water temperature), when the larvae are ready to hatch, are they carefully released from the egg shells with the mouth and incubated in the mouth for further brood care. Both sexes take part in the brood care ( = parent family). Externally, males and females differ mainly in their finning, which is considerably more abundant in the male. Both sexes have a red/orange-colored head. As these fish live in social groups outside the spawning season, it is advisable to keep them in a group, from which pairs will then separate on their own.

For our customers: the animals have code 681612 (5-7 cm), 681615 (10-12 cm) and 681616 (12-15 cm) on our stock list; all animals are captive bred. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Moringua raitaborua

11. December 2024

We were able to import something quite special for lovers of unusual fish from India: Moringua raitaborua. This “spaghetti eel” grows to a length of 30-40 cm and is only as thick as a pencil. In fact, the representatives of the genus Moringua are not eels of the Anguillidae family, but form a family of their own, the Moringuidae, which can be found in tropical waters in estuaries worldwide. Accordingly, the species can live in both seawater and freshwater and are therefore euryhaline, as the technical term for this is. There are 15 species in two genera in this family. Due to the very wide distribution of most species, it is likely that these fish spawn in the sea and that eggs and larvae are carried by ocean currents.

It is rather unlikely that our imports are actually the species M. raitaborua, because this species has three well-developed fins on the tail: one on the back, one on the belly and the actual caudal fin. Our animals, however, only have one caudal fin; no fin is visible to the naked eye in the dorsal and ventral areas. However, as these fish are virtually unknown in aquaristics and the few illustrations and care descriptions that show the species imported by us always use the name Moringua raitaborua, we have also given the animals this name. In addition, the species that looks most similar to our animals, namely M. multidentata, is currently listed as a synonym of M. raitaborua despite considerable deviations from the text and illustration in the original description of M. raitaborua.

Ultimately, however, it doesn’t matter exactly which species they are, as there is no difference in terms of care. It is important to provide these fish with a sandy bottom at least 4 cm high, as they dig themselves in from time to time. They usually only leave the end of their tail sticking out of the sand. The strangely shaped tail fin makes the tail look like a fish head. A potential predator is thus deceived: it attacks the head, but only catches the tail and the spaghetti eel can escape. It can cope with the loss of a piece of tail, but not the head. Sometimes, however, the spaghetti eels look out of the sand with their heads and then look like the well-known garden eels (Heterocongrinae) from the sea. We recommend keeping them in brackish water (5-10 g salt per liter). Spaghetti eels are completely peaceful animals. They prefer to feed on worm food and (frozen) bloodworm, but will generally accept any animal food as long as it fits well in their mouth. Very small fish are certainly also eaten, but we have not observed this. 

For our customers: the animals have code 436473 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tatia intermedia

11. December 2024

The closer relatives of Tatia are quite well known aquaristically, as several species have proven to be easy to keep and breed. The attractive coloration of some species makes up for the fact that these animals are rarely seen during the day. They only leave their hiding places at feeding times. The following applies to the hiding place: the closer, the better, because Tatia love physical contact.

Three species in particular are often confused with each other and it still does not seem to be clear which is which: Tatia aulopygia, T. galaxias and T. intermedia. All three have a rather elongated, cylindrical body with a dark ground color. Usually (but by no means always, there are also unicolored animals in T. intermedia) there is a bright dot pattern on it. If dots are present, T. galaxias differs from the other two in the shape of the dots: circular. In T. aulopygia and T. intermedia the dots/spots are always longitudinal oval. It is difficult to distinguish between T. aulopygia and T. intermedia on the basis of coloration, for this you have to look at an anatomical detail. The thorny shoulder process bone, the so-called cleithrum (it lies on the outside of the body and is therefore easy to see on the living animal), is short in T. intermedia. It always ends in front of an imaginary vertical line from the base of the dorsal fin to the belly. In T. aulopygia this process is much longer and protrudes far beyond the imaginary line.

As nice as this species differentiation model sounds, it is sometimes ambiguous. It seems important to always look at several individuals in order to arrive at a useful result. 

Indonesia is currently offering offspring of a Tatia species of this group of forms as “T. galaxias”. This is certainly not this species. All characteristics point to T. intermedia. Tatia intermedia reaches a length of around 10 cm, but becomes sexually mature at about half this length. As with all Tatia species, the anal fin of sexually mature males is transformed into a mating organ. These catfish have internal fertilization, so no male needs to be present when the eggs are laid.

For our customers: T. intermedia have code 295713 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Microrasbora rubescens

11. December 2024

This dwarf rasbora – it only reaches a total length of 2-3 cm – is right in line with the current trend. There have always been fashions in aquaristics, just like in any other hobby. Sometimes it’s the characins, then it’s the Malawi cichlids or the discus, the L-catfish or the West African dwarf cichlids. Most recently, dwarf shrimps have played a major role. Such trends come and go. However, it is difficult to predict which species will establish themselves permanently in the hobby.

Microrasbora rubescens was imported and bred for the aquarium hobby as early as 1962, but has always led a shadowy existence. Unfortunately, the animals appear quite colorless in bare dealer tanks. In full color, however, they look not unlike a neon fish (Paracheirodon). As these completely peaceful fish can easily be kept with shrimps and, like them, prefer cooler rather than higher water temperatures, they have experienced a real renaissance with the dwarf shrimp boom.

Microrasbora rubescens is found exclusively in Inle Lake and the surrounding area in Burma. The water there is hard, the pH value slightly alkaline (central part of the lake: pH 7.6 – 8.8, tributary of the lake: pH 7.1 – 7.2). The water temperature during the day is in the range of 21.3 – 28.8°C, the air temperature can fluctuate between 5°C (minimum temperature) and 38°C (maximum temperature) (all data according to: Khaung et al., 2021). A recent study (Fuke et al., 2022) has shown that there is an unexpectedly large genetic diversity in Microrasbora rubescens in Inle Lake and the surrounding waters, without these populations being externally distinguishable. At least two evolutionary lineages have been identified in the surrounding waters of Inle Lake, which are estimated to have diverged from the lake population 2.7 and 1.9 million years ago.

Microrasbora rubescens is easy to keep in the aquarium. They should be kept in groups of 10 specimens or more in well-planted aquaria. They will eat any ornamental fish food of a suitable size, plants are not eaten. The females grow larger than the males, are fuller and have less red in their coloration. Spawning takes place in fine plants, Java moss is particularly popular as a spawning plant. Breeding is something for experienced breeders due to the small size of the young, but is generally not difficult.

For our customers: the animals have code 430942 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature:

Fuke, Y., Y. Kano, S. Tun, L. K. C. Yun, S. S. Win & K. Watanabe (2022): Cryptic genetic divergence of the red dwarf rasbora, Microrasbora rubescens, in and around Inle Lake: implications for the origin of endemicity in the ancient lake in Myanmar. Journal of Fish Biology v. 101 (no. 5): 1235-1247

Khaung, T., Iwai, C. B. & T. Chuasavathi (2021): Water Quality Monitoring in Inle Lake, Myanmar from the floating Garden Activity. Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Vol. 17: 593-608

Lentipes ikeae

11. December 2024

The goby subfamily Sicydiinae currently comprises nine genera with 121 species. They are all current-loving animals that occur in nature mainly in clear streams and feed on growth and small animals. Larval development takes place in the sea. Some neon gobies of the genus Stiphodon are particularly popular, representatives of other genera are rarely found in the trade.

We have now received the species Lentipes ikeae from Indonesia. The species is known from Java and Bali and was scientifically described in 2014. The maximum size of L. ikeae is 4-5 cm. They are peaceful and sociable animals that like to climb out of the water with their well-developed sucking apparatus formed from the ventral fins – just like in nature. In nature, this is how they overcome waterfalls. In the aquarium, you should therefore ensure good coverage, otherwise the migratory instinct could have fatal consequences.

Incidentally, the species name does not refer to the Swedish furniture store, but honors the employee of the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, Bogor, Java, Indonesia, Mrs. Ike Rachmatika.

For our customers: the animals have code 423632 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Leporacanthicus sp. L241

4. December 2024

Why do so many L-catfish have a light-colored dot pattern on a black background? From the 3-5 cm long Parotocinclus haroldoi (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/parotocinclus-haroldoi-4/) to the sometimes meter-long Acanthicus adonis (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/acanthicus-adonis-2/) the coloration occurs; in between there are tens of species with such coloration, which are in between in size. In the entire realm of other catfish, we can only think of the spiny catfish of the genus Agamyxis (oops, we don’t even have a post on our homepage yet! We’ll make up for it, they’re sick right now – they have white spots, haha) and the Tatia galaxias (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/tatia-galaxias-2/), which show such coloration. Mysterious!

One of the very first L-catfish – from 1988, it was given the number L7 – also shows this coloration. This is reflected in the scientific name given to L7: Leporacanthicus galaxias. The species name galaxias means that the animal would look like the starry sky! Today we know a whole series of Leporacanthicus forms that are very similar to L. galaxias. Among them are L240, which can be recognized by its broad black dorsal fin margin, and L241. Both originate from Venezuela (upper Orinoco). L241 is anatomically very different from the other black Leporacanthicus with white spots. It has a proportionally much longer head and a lower dorsal fin. In terms of color, L241 is one of the most variable L-catfish of all. From almost pure black animals, to specimens with very few spots, animals with large spots and those with tiny speckles, every transition is conceivable.

These carnivorous L-catfish grow up to 30 cm long and require correspondingly large aquaria. Breeding these relatively peaceful cave breeders has already been successful; Leporacanthicus particularly appreciate caves with a side entrance. The sexes can only be distinguished in larger animals (males with a broader head, stronger spines on the hard rays of the pectoral fins and bristles on the head), the coloration says nothing about the sex.

For our customers: L241 has code 26480-L 241-2 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Enteromius fasciolatus ( = Barbus fasciolatus, Barbus barilioides)

4. December 2024

Only very few of the numerous small barb species in Africa have been able to establish themselves permanently as aquarium fish and only one species is bred so regularly that it is more frequently found in the pet trade. This species is the beautiful Angola barb, Enteromius fasciolatus. A well-known synonym of the species is Barbus barilioides.

The Angola barb reaches a length of around 6 cm. This schooling fish should always be kept in larger groups of 12 animals or more, otherwise it will remain timid, shy and pale. However, animals kept in shoals are a beautiful sight. A dark substrate and plenty of plants provide intense colors.

Angola barbs are completely peaceful towards all other fish, and plants are usually ignored. The species is originally widespread in south-eastern Africa (Angola, Botswana, D.R. Congo, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe), but is only available in the hobby as captive-bred specimens.

Lexicon: Barbus: Latin, meaning “the bearded one”, referring to the barbels. Enteromius: the genus was established by Cope in 1867 for the species potamogalis; the name was not explained, but possibly refers to an anatomical feature, the short digestive tract, which Cope considered typical of the genus. The name is therefore probably a coinage of Cope using the ancient Greek énteron (Gr. ἔντερον), for intestine. fasciolatus: Latin, meaning “finely striated”. barilioides: meaning “similar to a barilius”; Barilius is another genus of barbel.

Common names: African banded barb, Angola barb, blue-barred barb or fire barb

For our customers: the fish have code 369002 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pterophyllum “Rio Nanay Type3”

4. December 2024

The systematics of the angelfish (Pterophyllum) is poorly understood. Only three species are generally recognized, namely P. altum, P. leopoldi and P. scalare, but there are undoubtedly many more. The “field-forest-and-meadow” scalar of the aquarium hobby in its countless breeding forms is a hybrid for which it makes no sense to give it a scientific name.

There are several species of Pterophyllum in the Rio Nanay in Peru; the best known is the “Peru-Altum”, a pointed-headed, tall form (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/scalare-leopoldi-red-spots-peru-2/); the “honey-spotted” scalar of the Rio Nanay is very popular among aquarists: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/pterophyllum-sp-rio-nanay-bred/. However, there is also the small, round-headed angelfish in the Rio Nanay, which used to be called “eimekei”. It is very typical for this species that the males are larger and more hump-headed than the females, meaning that the sexes can be easily distinguished in sexually mature animals. This is not the case with the other Pterophyllum species.

We have now received the “eimekei” from the Rio Nanay as beautifully colored German offspring. To distinguish them from the “Peru-Altum” and the “honey-spotted”, they are referred to as “Type3”.

For our customers: the animals have code 699746 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Horabagrus brachysoma

4. December 2024

The catfish fauna of Asia is very species-rich and includes several hundred species, but only very few of these are kept in aquaria on a fairly regular basis. The genus Horabagrus is endemic (= only found there) to southern India. There are only two accepted species in this genus, namely H. brachysoma and H. nigricollaris. Until 1991, Horabagrus was considered to belong to the Bagridae, i.e. the spiny catfishes living in Africa and Asia. Due to anatomical peculiarities and not least because of molecular biological findings, a new family, the Horabagridae, was established, which, in addition to Horabagrus, also includes the genera Platytropius, Pseudeutropius and Pachypterus, which were previously classified as Schilbeidae and are not dissimilar to the glass catfish.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the wild population of Horabagrus brachysoma is in sharp decline. The reasons for this have not been researched in detail, but it is assumed that biotope destruction and overfishing for food are among the main causes. Fortunately, Horabagrus brachysoma, which can grow up to 45 cm in length and is highly sought-after as a food fish, can be bred well in aquaculture, making it independent of wild catches. The animals that we can currently offer are also captive-bred specimens.

Apart from the expected final size, which requires a sufficiently large aquarium, Horabagrus brachysoma is easy to keep. This catfish species is very peaceful and sociable; if possible, you should never keep individual animals, but groups of 5-15 or more specimens. Very small fish are naturally regarded as food. Any common ornamental fish food is readily accepted, plants are ignored. Sexual differences exist mainly in the shape of the gential papillae. In our fish it can also be observed that there are slimmer animals with proportionally higher dorsal fins (probably males) and stronger ones with lower dorsal fins (probably females). In aquaculture, the fish are usually stripped, but they also spawn spontaneously after hormonal stimulation, with the male embracing the female in a ring. The animals are polygamous, one female spawns with several males. No further brood care has been reported.

Horabagrus brachysoma are undemanding in terms of water composition; they are considered to be very hardy and insensitive to low oxygen levels and can therefore be marketed live as food fish. In the wild they are often found in brackish water, an indication that soft and acidic water is not one of their preferred environmental conditions.

For our customers: the animals have code 421694 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Blind cave tetras

4. December 2024

In 1936, an ornamental fish catcher named C. Basil Jordan discovered blind tetras in a cave in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. He managed to catch 100 specimens and bring them to the USA without any losses. This discovery was a sensation, as it was the first blind cavefish belonging to the tetra family to be known to science. The species was named Anopichthys jordani in honor of the discoverer, which translates as “Jordan’s fish without eyes”.

The species proved to be very easy to keep and breed. Today we know that the blind cavefish can be crossed with the above-ground, sighted species Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus without any restrictions. Many scientists therefore said that it was not a separate species. Today, this is seen differently and things are viewed more from an evolutionary-biological perspective. This is why the blind cave tetra is now usually referred to as Astyanax jordani.

The great thing is: although the fish is really not beautiful, the strain from 1936 never became extinct in the aquarium again. The animals we currently have in stock – offspring from Singapore – are also descended from the original import.

Blind cave tetras can be kept together with sighted fish of all kinds without any problems – provided they are peaceful! Blindness is not a handicap for the animals. This is probably the reason why the blind cave tetra has survived in the aquarium for over 80 years: many fish enthusiasts want to admire this sensational behavior in their own aquariums.

For our customers: the animals have code 209012 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Sturisoma cf. ghazziae

29. November 2024

Recently (December 2023) the genus Sturisoma was revised and on this occasion four new species were described. We have now been able to import Sturisoma from Brazil and according to the identification key of the revision we came to the conclusion that it must be one of the newly described species, namely Sturisoma ghazziae. This species originates from the Rio Araguaia. However, as we do not know the exact collecting site of our imports, we have added a “cf.”  (meaning “compare with”) in the species name as a precaution. 

Typical for the newly imported species is the course of the lateral bands, which converge in the area of the dorsal fin. Furthermore, the species has a black underside of the snout (the rostrum), which we have only seen in this expression in Sturisoma nigrirostrum from Peru so far. According to the first description, Sturisoma ghazziae grows to a maximum length of 24 cm (standard length without caudal fin). Our specimens are just 10-12 cm long and sexually differentiated; the species therefore appears to become sexually mature early. Females can be recognized by their proportionally less developed fins. Fully grown males of Sturisoma also develop a whisker, as does S. ghazziae.

We are delighted to be able to offer this new, attractive representative of the popular genus Sturisoma. So far, care has not caused any difficulties and corresponds to the familiar pattern for this genus, which is well known in the hobby.

For our customers: the fish have code 294753 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature: Londoño-Burbano, A. & M. R. Britto (2023): Taxonomic revision of Sturisoma Swainson, 1838 (Loricariidae: Loricariinae), with descriptions of four new species. Journal of Fish Biology v. 104 (no. 4): 989-1041

Apistogramma cacatuoides Yellow wild

29. November 2024

The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is one of the most popular members of the genus Apistogramma and found in petshops all over the World. Almost exclusively bred specimens of very colourful sports are traded. These do not appear in the wild.

However, “the” wild form of A. cacatuoides does not exist at all. Like so many other Apistogramma, this one is polychromatic in males. This means that even within one population males can look very different. The biological sense of the phenomenon is not understood at all. But the polychromatism is without any doubt the reason why in so many cases Apistogramma sports can be developed after only a few generations of breeding the fish.

Currently we have wild collected specimens of A. cacatuoides from Peru in our stock, where many males show a particularly high degree of yellow in coloration.

For our customers: the animals have code 617234 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Tylomelania marwotoae

29. November 2024

Although in aquaristics the scientific names are usually chosen for communication and only very few species have a really common or international popular name, there seems to be an occasional need for such popular names. However, in the case of the snail Tylomelania marwotoae, which originates from a single lake on Sulawesi – Lake Mahalona, which is part of the famous Malili Lakes – a really stupid popular name was invented, namely Himalayan TDS. TDS stands for the German term Turmdeckelschnecke, which means translated towersnail with cover. This term is used for all thiarids.

You can get away with abbreviations like TDS, but the reference to the Himalayas is really very misleading. Between the island of Sulawesi, which belongs to Indonesia, and the high mountain range of the Himalayas, which separates the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia, there are not only around 5,000 km as the crow flies, but entire zoogeographical regions. The name probably alludes to the snow-white shell of this snail, which reminded someone of the snow-covered Himalayas.

So be it. Care and breeding of these beautiful animals are problem-free. In contrast to the dwarf shrimps of the Malili Lakes, which can react very sensitively to water chemistry conditions and excessively low temperatures (below 28°C), the Tylomelania species have so far proved to be tolerant and adaptable; normal tap water and temperatures between 24 and 26°C meet their requirements. Tylomelania marwotoae prefers sandy, muddy soils and feeds on detritus, i.e. decaying plant and animal remains. In the aquarium, they are fed accordingly with fine-dust dry food; food tablets that slowly disintegrate into small particles have proven to be effective. The snails are sexually separate, but the sexes cannot be distinguished externally. A group must therefore be purchased for breeding so that – from a purely statistical point of view – both sexes are represented. The young are born alive and fully developed. Newborn Tylomelania marwotoae have a black shell. The shell coloration typical of adult snails (3-5 cm long) only gradually appears as they grow up.

By the way: it is completely normal for the tip of the shell to be missing in adult animals. This is not due to damage, but the snails recycle the shell material that is no longer needed for further growth.

For our customers: the animals have code 488955 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Cichlasoma pusillum

29. November 2024

Cichlids identified as Aequidens portalegrensis have been kept and bred in the aquarium since 1913. The German common name was “Streifenbuntbarsch” ( = striped cichlid) because the fish can show numerous vertical stripes in the rear half of the body. As there is a very nice photo by Paul Unger from the 1930s of a broodcaring pair with young, this cichlid species was mentioned in pretty much every handbook on aquarium fish until the 1970s. Even then it was known that these animals look very different depending on their origin and also grow to very different sizes. The only thing they all had in common was that – compared to the Central American cichlids known at the time – they were relatively peaceful and did not burrow excessively.

In 1983, a revision of the genus Cichlasoma was published by Kullander. This turned the previous naming system on its head. Kullander had discovered that only a few cichlid species that had previously been placed in the genus Cichlasoma were actually allowed to bear the name Cichlasoma, all others were not. From then on, the “true” Cichlasoma also included the portalegrensis, which were now called Cichlasoma portalegrense. Kullander restricted the distribution area of the species to the Laguna dos Patos system and several coastal rivers in southern Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay. At the same time, Kullander described eight new Cichlasoma species, bringing the genus to 12 species. 

One of the newly described species is Cichlasoma pusillum. The species name means “small”, because Kullander had no specimens larger than 81.1 mm (standard length without caudal fin), the vast majority were significantly smaller (around 6 cm). After all, other Cichlasoma can grow to over 20 cm in length! The distribution area of C. pusillum lies in the upper reaches of the Rio Paraná and Rio Uruguay in Paraguay. A good feature by which C. pusillum can be distinguished relatively reliably from the similar species C. dimerus and C. portalegrense is the very large dark spot below the eyes, which the other two species lack.

We can currently offer adult C. pusillum from European breeding. The fish may not be a “hit” in terms of color, but they score with their pleasant behavior (see above) and the fact that they belong to the “energy-saving fish”. At least outside the breeding season, C. pusillum thrive best at room temperature, i.e. 18-22°C. Aquarium heating is therefore not required for these fish. C. pusillum are problem-free omnivores, the water values are irrelevant, any drinking water is suitable for keeping and breeding. Like all Cichlasoma, C. pusillum are open-breeders with a biparent family.

For our customers: the animals have code 659104 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Vieja fenestrata White & Marbled

29. November 2024

The Central American large cichlids of the genus Vieja (synonym: Paratheraps) were, like so many others, previously classified as Cichlasoma. In the 1980s and 1990s, these fish enjoyed relatively great popularity among cichlid enthusiasts who traveled to their Central American habitats and brought back many new findings (and a few little fish). The species Vieja fenestrata has been known to science for a very long time and was originally described as Heros fenestratus in 1860. The distribution area of the species is the Rio Papaloapan system and Lake Catemaco and its tributaries in Mexico. All occurrences drain to the Gulf of Mexico (Atlantic Ocean).

The phenomenon of polychromatism is known in many Central American cichlids. There are pure white, pink, yellow and pied morphs. In the wild, these morphs represent only a small proportion of the total population, the vast majority of animals are wild-colored (i.e. with a pattern typical of the species). Under aquarium conditions, however, such color morphs can be bred relatively easily in isolation.

Vieja fenestrata grows to a maximum length of 35-40 cm and is a prolific open brooder with a parental family. Babies taken from a breeding pair in the wild, which were brought home and raised by traveling aquarists, occasionally developed into the morphs mentioned above as early as the 1990s. In Asia, where such fish are particularly popular, they are still being bred today. We recently received white and black marbled juvenile Vieja fenestrata from Indonesia. At first glance, they can easily be confused with the pied zebra cichlids (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/amatitlania-formerly-cichlasoma-nigrofasciata-marble-2/). We have put some specimens aside to grow them into large fish, as you can find photos of really spectacular looking adults of these morphs on the www!

For our customers: the fish have code 688536 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Mugilogobius adeia

22. November 2024

This strikingly beautiful dwarf goby, which is endemic to Lake Matano on Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), was only scientifically described in 1992, although this lake has long been known as the focus of independent evolution and has been the subject of much research. The earliest findings probably date back to 1989, when Arthur Werner and Maurice Kottelat collected the animals that later became type specimens of the species. Even before its scientific description, the species, which is a maximum of around 4 cm long, was occasionally traded. Unfortunately, breeding in the aquarium has not yet been successful (at least as far as we know), although the animals spawn regularly and willingly. The larvae are very tiny and we have not yet been able to find a suitable food for rearing them.

Keeping the small gobies is relatively easy, but it should be noted that the water in Lake Matano is alkaline, so pH values below 8 should be avoided. In terms of other requirements, these beautiful fish present the keeper with hardly any difficulties worth mentioning. In the lake, the gobies like to hide in the empty shells of the snail Tylomelania gemmifera. However, unlike the snail cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, they are not obligatory cave breeders, but will also lay their eggs on open surfaces (e.g. plant leaves). Nevertheless, a few narrow caves should be provided in the aquarium as hiding places. Males and females can be easily distinguished. The males have a thread-like first dorsal fin and the second dorsal fin has a broad yellowish edge with a black border at the upper edge. In females, this region of the fin is colorless.

Unfortunately, this beauty must be considered endangered due to environmental degradation and the invasive flowerhorn cichlids, which are causing great harm to the fauna and flora of Lake Matano. It is therefore desirable that as many serious aquarists as possible take a closer look at the species and hopefully soon solve the mystery of rearing the larvae in the aquarium.

For our customers: the animals have code 436782 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Peckoltia sp. L76

22. November 2024

In 1990, well over 30 years ago, the beautiful orange-fringed loricariid catfish L76 was introduced in the DATZ. Like L99, which was introduced in 1992 and is currently only seen as a color variant of L76, it originates from the Brazilian state of Pará, more precisely from the Rio do Pará. There are three forms of orange-fringed plecos among the L-catfish, in addition to L76 and L99 there is also L265 (Rio Tajajós and its tributary Rio Jamanxin, Brazil). The locations of all three L-numbers are therefore within the state of Pará. L265 also received the LDA number 84 after the assignment of an L number. All orange-fringed loricariids have in common that the otherwise largely unmarked dorsal and caudal fins have an orange-colored fringe. Individually, the basic body pattern can be quite different, hence the various L and LDA numbers. However, you can always recognize a pattern of four broad, dark bars on the flanks. In 2005, an orange-fringed loricariid catfish from the Rupununi River in Guyana, which looks extremely similar to L265/LDA84, was scientifically described as Peckoltia cavatica. Unfortunately, no scientist has yet compared the L-numbers with P. cavatica, so that it is uncertain whether all orange-fringed loricariids belong to just one species (P. cavatica) or represent different taxonomic units.

With a total length of 12-15 cm, these omnivores belong to the medium-sized loricariid catfishes. They are mainly active at dusk and at night, but are hardly shy after acclimatization and are often visible during the day. As they are peaceful animals, they can usually be kept well in groups. Orange-fringed plecos have been bred in Germany and Scandinavia for many years, although they are mostly marketed locally. It is mainly wild collected specimens that are sold wholesale, as in this case. The males develop dense bristles on the caudal peduncle as soon as they are sexually mature. These Peckoltia are typical cave breeders with a father family; if the catfish are kept in a species tank, i.e. without other fish species, the juveniles usually grow up without any problems, even in the presence of the adults.

For our customers: L76 have code 26480-L 076-2 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Loricariichthys sp. Rio Blanco

22. November 2024

The interesting genus Loricariichthys currently comprises 19 accepted species. The members of the genus can be reliably recognized by the shape of their lips. These lip-brooding catfishes – similar to many other whiptail catfishes, the male carries the clutch of eggs attached to the lower lip until the larvae hatch – do not have any fringe-like extensions on the lower lip. All other genera have such fringes, whiskers or the like. The situation is quite different when it comes to species identification. For reasons unknown to us, these catfish hardly ever appear in the trade, so that many species are only known from old alcohol preparations and/or from scientific descriptions that are inadequate from today’s point of view. Although species have been discovered and described recently (e.g. Loricariichthys melanurus from southern Brazil in 2021), there is still no modern revision of the entire genus.

We have now been able to import some specimens of a Loricariichthys species from Peru, more precisely from the Rio Blanco, for the first time. Five Loricariichthys species are known from Peru: L. cashibo, L. chanjoo, L. hauxwelli, L. stuebelii and L. ucayalensis. From a geographical point of view, three of these can be considered for the Rio Blanco (which drains via the Rio Tapiche into the Ucayali and finally into the upper Amazon): L. cashibo, L. chanjoo and L. ucayalensis, while L. hauxwelli comes from the Rio Ampiyacu and L. stuebelii from the Rio Huallaga. L. cashibo was only described from a single specimen that was lost; no illustration exists. L. chanjoo was drawn in detail by the first describer; the ventral plates are completely different from those of our specimens, which is why it is most likely that our imports from the Rio Blanco represent L. ucayalensis. Even if there is basically nothing against this assumption, we think it makes more sense to refer to the animals as L. sp. Rio Blanco, as in similar cases it has often turned out later that a more precise scientific examination leads to different results.

Loricariichthys are omnivores and are not particularly difficult to keep. The known species grow to a length of 20-30 cm (L. ucayalensis 20-25 cm) and are somewhat shy, which is why the largest possible aquaria should be used. Otherwise the animals easily bump their snouts when disturbed. As with most lip-brooding whiptail catfish, a sandy substrate is recommended. Furnishing should be done very sparingly, it is much more important to provide as large an open bottom area as possible.

For our customers: the L. sp. Rio Blanco have code 266688 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Corydoras orcesi

22. November 2024

The beautifully marked Corydoras orcesi is only very rarely found in the aquariums of enthusiasts. The species has been described from the Rio Tigre system in Ecuador, originally as a subspecies of C. pastazensis. Both species are similarly colored, but no hybrid forms occur, so that they are in all probability independent species, even if some scientists currently only see C. orcesi as a synonym of C. pastazensis. The rare imports come to us from Peru. If C. orcesi and C. pastazensis are seen side by side, there is no possibility of confusion. 

Corydoras orcesi is one of the long-snouted species that remain in the genus Corydoras even after the current reclassification of armored catfishes; the same applies to C. pastazensis.

The males remain smaller than the females. They are easy to care for in the aquarium and have proven to be robust. As with all armored catfish, the substrate should consist at least partly of fine, soft sand. Worm food (Tubifex) is very popular, but the fish will happily accept any common fish food, whether live, frozen or in dry form. Both species grow to a maximum size of 6-7 cm.

For our customers: C. orcesi has code 237903 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Corydoras: from ancient Greek, meaning “with helmet and lance”, referring to the outer bony armor and the strong fin spines. orcesi: dedicatory name in honor of Gustavo Orcés-Villagomez. pastazensis: after the Rio Pastaza in the province of Pastaza in Ecuador, where the species was discovered.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Botia udomritthiruji

22. November 2024

From time to time you have to tidy up the homepage a bit. On one such occasion we came across this nice post from 2007: 

Botia sp. New Emperor, probably imported for the first time, comes from the border region of Burma/Thailand. It is said to occur there in large numbers every ten years and is only caught then.

According to a local ichthyologist, transportation through hilly areas close to the border is only possible using small mopeds, on which only a small number of these animals (approx. 20) can be transported. It is therefore not surprising that these animals are extremely rare and have a certain price tag. They are also quite large for members of the Botia rostrata group and have a very attractive pattern on a strong yellow background. (Text K. Diehl)

In the meantime, this beautiful loach, in which no two specimens have the same pattern (the pictures accompanying this post show the original wild catches from 2007) has been scientifically described as Botia udomritthiruji – in honor of the ornamental fish exporter Kamphol Udomritthiruj in Bangkok. We receive these animals from time to time (usually every 2-3 years), but no longer as wild-caught moped transports, but as offspring that are comfortably flown in.

For our customers: the offspring in 4-5 cm have code 405702, in 5-6 cm size 405703 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hoplisoma sp. CW 91/CW 107

15. November 2024

The Rio Vaupés – the Spanish spelling – or Rio Uaupes – the Portuguese spelling – is a “small” right-bank tributary of the Rio Negro. After all, the “little one” has a length of 1,375 km! It rises in Colombia in the foothills of the Andes and forms the state border with the Brazilian state of Amazonas about 150 km downstream from Mitú, where it flows into the Rio Negro about 40 km south of Icana. 

Aquarists have long known that the Rio Vaupes is home to many special species. Among them are four armored catfish, which have only become known in recent years: Brochis sp. CW 89 (long-snouted, relatively narrow dorsal band), Hoplisoma sp. CW91 (round-snouted to CW 89), Brochis sp. CW106 (long-snouted, wider dorsal band and shorter snout than CW89), Hoplisoma sp. CW107 (round-snouted, wider dorsal band than CW91). They are all found in Colombia, approx. 40 km east of Mitú, at least according to the exporters.

Unfortunately, the distinguishing features mentioned are not really constant. The more animals you see, the more intermediate forms become recognizable, as is also known from other Rio Negro Corydoras. The width of the dorsal band in particular varies enormously. That’s why we don’t differentiate between CW91 and CW107 in the trade.

Now we have received particularly attractive animals, which correspond much more to CW 107 due to the very broad back band. 

For our customers: the CW 91/CW 107 have code 236114 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ivanacara adoketa ( = Nannacara a.)

15. November 2024

This cichlid, which only occurs in a narrowly defined area on the middle Rio Negro and was only scientifically described as Nannacara adoketa in 1993, was for a long time one of the absolute dream fish of cichlid enthusiasts. The initially very few imported fish were mostly exported to Japan and insane prices were demanded – and paid!

The species differs in many respects from the other Nannacara species and has a distribution area that is far removed from that of the other species. This led to the genus Ivanacara being established for the species (and the also very different N. bimaculata, which is very similar to N. adoketa, but is endemic – i.e. occurs exclusively there – in the Potaro and Essequibo rivers in Guyana). 

Nowadays, the initial situation has eased considerably. We can regularly offer Ivanacara adoketa both as offspring and occasionally as a wild catch. This species, which is demanding in terms of water quality during breeding and rearing, will probably never be a “cheap fish”, but the prices have fallen to such an extent that anyone seriously interested can probably afford them.

The males of these beautiful cichlids grow to around 8-9 cm long, the females remain around 3 cm smaller. The fish require soft and acidic water for their well-being; these values are essential for breeding. The temperature should be between 23 and 26°C, the animals prefer it a little cooler than too warm! Breeding is also successful at temperatures around 24°C. They are open brooders with a parent family.

For our customers: the animals have code 683474 (wild) and 683481 (captive bred) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Apistogramma cacatuoides Double Red

15. November 2024

Of course this beautiful breeding form of the cockatoo dwarf cichlid is not a novelty, but such beautiful specimens, as those, which we just received from a German breeder, are a rarity!

For our customers: the animals have code 617803 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Acestrorhynchus microlepis

15. November 2024

The pike characins (Acestrorhynchus) belong to the obligatory predatory fish among the tetras. They only eat carnivorous food, preferably fish. There are currently 14 recognized species. The smallest species are barely 10 cm long, the largest 35-40 cm. 

With an expected final size of 20-30 cm, A. microlepis is one of the medium-sized species. In addition to the particularly small scales (to which the species name refers), there is an inconspicuous but reliable identification feature for this species: a small dark spot behind the gill cover. This spot is missing in other, similar-looking species.

We received some specimens of this species from Peru measuring 6-9 cm. After a few days of acclimatization, they developed very pretty, orange fins, which we had never really noticed in this species before. The subsequent literature check revealed that only a few years ago (2003) the variability of A. microlepis in the very large distribution area of the species – which includes practically the entire Amazon and Orinoco basins as well as the Guyana states – was investigated. No new species could be delimited. Thus, our animals are at least formally only a local variant of A. microlepis.

Acestrorhynchus microlepis (and all other A. species) should be kept in aquaria that are as large as possible, as they are somewhat skittish and can easily injure their snouts in cramped conditions. Acclimatized specimens usually eat frozen fish, but during the acclimatization phase you usually need healthy (!) live food fish. A. microlepis are peaceful with each other and with other species that are not suitable as food. The water values (pH and hardness) are insignificant, the temperature should be in the range 22-28°C. Good planting, light that is not too bright and a calm, low-stress environment are the key to keeping Acestrorhynchus successfully for many years. We know of no breeding reports, and breeding has probably never been attempted. It can be assumed that these animals are free spawners without further brood care.

For our customers: the animals have code 202203 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Ariopsis simonsi (formerly Arius jordani or Hexanematichthys seemanni)

15. November 2024

The Colombian shark is a wanderer between worlds. It spends its childhood in fresh water, adults live in the sea. The nutrient-rich brackish water zones of the estuaries are particularly favorable habitats for specimens that have outgrown their infancy. These catfish, which belong to the Ariidae family of around 150 species, only have their name in common with sharks. 

The pretty, lively, peaceful and diurnal juveniles are easy to care for, as long as you bear in mind that pH values below 7 are poorly tolerated and that this fish must always be kept in groups of at least 5 specimens. The water temperature should be between 24 and 30°C. The animals require larger aquaria from the start (from 120 cm edge length), and the tank must be correspondingly larger for the adults, which grow to 20-25 cm in length in the aquarium. The largest specimen documented to date was 33 cm long (without caudal fin). Due to the mini shark’s high metabolism and particular sensitivity to nitrite, larger animals should be kept in brackish or seawater. From the onset of sexual maturity, females develop fleshy flaps at the base of the pelvic fins, the significance of which is unknown. The species is a male mouthbrooder. You can find more stories and pictures about the mini shark here: https://www.aqualog.de/blog/franky-karfreitag-der-kreuzwels-oder-minihai/ (unfortunately only available in German).

The mini sharks in the ornamental fish trade come almost exclusively from Colombia, but the species is widespread in the eastern Pacific from Colombia to Peru. 

For our customers: the animals have code 208104 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Neosilurus ater

8. November 2024

Catfish are an incredibly successful group of fish and have conquered practically all freshwater habitats. Only the sea catfish (Ariidae, the only true ornamental fish in this family is the Colombian mini shark) and the eel catfish (Plotosidae) are true marine fish, with around 30 of the 40 or so species of eel catfish regularly found in freshwater or living there permanently.

The latter group of purely freshwater fish includes the 11 species of the genus Neosilurus, which live on New Guinea (7 species) and in Australia. Identification of the species is difficult; proportions change in the course of their lives and a number of features used for scientific differentiation are not visible on the living animal. For this reason, Neosilurus in the ornamental fish trade are always named after the best known species, N. ater. 

Due to the great interest shown in the rainbowfish of New Guinea in the hobby, other fish from the island are also increasingly coming into the trade, including Neosilurus. We obtain them from Indonesia. Visually, after comparing pictures, the “N. ater” imported by us most closely resemble the species N. novaeguineae. This species becomes about 20 cm long, N. ater around 40-45 cm; our animals are currently 12-15 cm long. All Neosilurus species build nests in gravel and guard the spawn and fry. Externally recognizable sexual differences have not yet been described. The fish are problem-free but greedy eaters that will accept any standard ornamental fish food of a suitable size. The chemical composition of the water (pH and hardness) is insignificant; if it is drinkable, Neosilurus can also be kept in it. The water temperature can be between 22 and 28°C. 

There are not many published aquarium observations on these fish. In our fishhouse they are peaceful and sociable. They are said not to eat small fish, but we would not rely on this. Shrimps and snails are definitely at risk.

For our customers: the animals have code 438404 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hydrolycus wallacei

8. November 2024

The genus name “Hydrolycus” means “water wolf”. These sabre-toothed tetras are indeed impressive predatory fish and anyone who is interested in predatory fish and can provide the appropriate space – Hydrolycus species grow to between 40 and 120 cm in length – will have exciting fish to keep at home. For obvious reasons, however, such animals are usually kept in zoos and show aquariums.

There are four species of Hydrolycus, plus the similar Rhaphiodon vulpinus (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/09-characoids-tetra-relationship/rhaphiodon-vulpinus-2/). We are able to import three Hydrolycus species more or less regularly (albeit only in small numbers, the number of interested parties is manageable): H. armatus (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/hydrolycus-armatus-orinoco/); H. scomberoides (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/09-characoids-tetra-relationship/hydrolycus-scomberoides/) and H. tatauaia (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/09-characoids-tetra-relationship/hydrolycus_tatauaia_en-2/). Only the fourth species, H. wallacei, has so far only been obtained in a single specimen in 2012. Why is this species so rarely exported? We do not know. It is possible that Hydrolycus wallacei has an escape behavior that differs from the other species, which ensures that it rarely enters the nets. 

Apparently Hydrolycus wallacei, H. armatus and H. tatauaia occur together in Colombia, where our current import comes from, at least locally and at times, because they were sent mixed. Unfortunately, it was again only a single Hydrolycus wallacei, which, however, now shows the species-characteristic differences. Whether Hydrolycus wallacei is actually the smallest Hydrolycus species with a maximum length of 40 cm, or whether no larger specimens have yet been documented, is beyond our knowledge. At least our individual specimen can clarify this question; however, the animal currently measures only 12-15 cm, so it is still young.

For our customers: Hydrolycus wallacei has code 259345 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Hoplisoma (previously: Corydoras) weitzmani

8. November 2024

Over the decades, we have often witnessed the rise of a new star in the ornamental fish sky. Among the armored catfish, this was undoubtedly Hoplisoma weitzmani, which went from being a sought-after phantom to a species that is now firmly established in the range.

Our first posts on this animal appeared in 2007: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/10a-catfishes-corydoras-co/corydoras_weitzmani_en/ and https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/10a-catfishes-corydoras-co/corydoras_weitzmani_en-2/

The existence of this armored catfish was already in doubt, or it was believed that the animal was extinct, as the first scientific description from 1971 gave “Cuzco in Peru” as the type locality of the uniquely marked fish. However, several expeditions to the area around Cuzco were unsuccessful. Today we know that the first describer was given incorrect information. Hoplisoma weitzmani originates from the Madre de Dios region, where it was rediscovered by ornamental fish trappers in 2004. The Peruvian departments of Cuzco and Madre de Dios border each other; it is therefore possible that the first collector of the species meant the department, not the city, but this remains speculative.

Keeping this beautiful fish is very easy. They are sociable fish that should always be kept in a group. Earlier speculation that this armored catfish had to be kept cold (Cuzco is located in the Andes at an altitude of 3,400 m) is of course completely wrong. In fact, this species has no special requirements in terms of temperature or water composition. They are ideal armored catfish for a community aquarium.

Nowadays there are still wild-caught specimens from time to time (fortunately, as there were already fears of extinction in the wild due to the insane pollution of the biotope by gold miners), but captive-bred specimens reliably cover the main demand.

For our customers: the animals have code 248905 (wild) and 248912 (bred) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer & Erwin Schraml

Biotoecus dicentrarchus

8. November 2024

The dwarf cichlids of the genus Biotoecus were shrouded in mystery for decades. The first species, B. opercularis, was scientifically described as early as 1875. It originated from the Amazon River basin in Brazil, a well-collected area for aquaristic purposes, and yet the first import was not accomplished until the mid-1980s and early 1990s. The species was considered one of the most delicate aquarium fishes around. Its nice pastel colors and unusual breeding behavior – as sand dwellers, the fish like to build small “castles” for egg laying – nevertheless made it a sought-after keeper among specialists.

In 1989 a second species of the genus, B. dicentrarchus, was described from the Orinoco basin. Preserved animals differ from B. opercularis almost only by tiny anatomical details, which have to be examined under the microscope. Thus one looked with each of the (rare!) imports of Biotoecus very exactly whether differences were recognizable.

Nowadays Biotoecus are everything else than everyday fishes, but by far not so sensitive. The ever improving catching, transporting and keeping methods on site are the reason for this. And so both B. opercularis and B. dicentrarchus, when offered, arrive here in good to very good condition and present no one with unsolvable problems. The distinction between B. dicentrarchus and B. opercularis is very simple: B. dicentrarchus has free, extended rays in the front part of the dorsal fin, so that a “cockatoo” shape of the dorsal fin is formed here. In B. opercularis, all rays in the dorsal fin are approximately the same length.

For care a bottom of fine sand is the most important, in addition warmth (26-30°C), humic substances (from dead leaves, alder cones, peat, etc.) and if possible no or only extremely peaceful company, because Biotoecus are stress sensitive. If you now also do good water care and create low-germ conditions, you will have a lot of fun with the animals.

At the moment we have very nice B. dicentrarchus from Colombia in our stock.

For our customers: Biotoecus dicentrarchus has code 634483 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Physoschistura mango ( = Yunnanilus sp. Rosy)

8. November 2024

A delightful dwarf loach from Burma has been enriching the aquarium hobby since 2006. It was called Yunnanilus sp. Rosy before its scientific description in November 2023. The scientific analysis showed that the characteristics of the species (especially the lip structure, but also DNA examinations) do not allow it to be assigned to Yunnanilus and that it should instead be assigned to the genus Physoschistura, which contains eight other species in addition to P. mango. There are also many similarities to Petruichthys.

In the wild, P. mango has only been found with a maximum length of 23.4 mm (standard length without caudal fin). The males of this species indicate the onset of sexual maturity with a pretty orange base coloration. From a scientific point of view, the fish fulfill the requirement for a dwarf species, namely the onset of sexual maturity below 26 mm standard length (Weitzman & Vari, 1988). However, it has been shown that with many years of care – the animals grow to an astonishing age – they can reach almost twice this length (albeit with a caudal fin) in the aquarium. However, this obviously does not occur in nature.

In aquaria with lots of Java moss, young often appear without any special help from the keeper. Physoschistura mango lives together with Celestichthys margaritatus in the wild; like Celestichthys margaritatus, it therefore tolerates low temperatures of around 18°C at times, but the loach breeds reliably at 26-27°C. Males and females can be easily distinguished by their coloration, only the males turn orange.

Literature:

Weitzman, S. H. & R. P. Vari (1988): Miniaturization in South American freshwater fishes; an overview and discussion. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 101(2): 444-465. 

For our customers: the animals have code 478502 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Pelvicachromis sacrimontis ( = P. pulcher RED wild)

1. November 2024

The kribensis cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher), also known as the king cichlid, is the most popular dwarf cichlid from Central Africa. In the wild, it colonizes large areas in the Niger River basin. It is mainly bred in the hobby. Like so many dwarf cichlids, P. pulcher is also polychromatic, i.e. it occurs in different color forms. Some of these color forms apparently exist together in the same locality, other color forms apparently only come from certain regions. The dwarf cichlid in question here, Pelvicachromis sacrimontis, also originates from Nigeria. It looks very similar to P. pulcher, but cannot be fertilely crossed with it; the young of such a cross are always sterile in the first generation.

Pelvicachromis sacrimontis differs unequivocally from P. pulcher only in the female sex. In the dorsal fin of female P. pulcher there is always a light stripe on the upper edge, the dorsal fin of female P. sacrimontis is always uniformly dark (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/pelvicachromis-pulcher-wild-yellow-2/). Experienced experts can tell whether the males are P. pulcher or P. sacrimontis, but the differences are difficult to describe in words. Basically, the dark middle longitudinal band is wider in P. sacrimontis than in P. pulcher. 

There are also color forms of P. sacrimontis. There are usually two: a red and a green, whereby the latter is sometimes subdivided into green and yellow. The red color variant has red gill cover and cheek regions in both sexes. Below the eye there are blue-green iridescent bands. This is an important difference to red color variations of P. pulcher. In the green/yellow colorations, the cheek and gill cover regions are shiny green/yellow. The blue-green iridescent bands under the eyes can also be found here. It is still unclear whether the red and green/yellow color forms occur together in the same biotope; they are always exported mixed. The trade name “P. pulcher RED wild” for P. sacrimontis dates back to the 1960s and refers to the intense red belly coloration of these animals, which all females and many males display. In the hobby P. sacrimontis used to be known as P. pulcher form B or P. sp. aff. pulcher, an invalid trade name for P. sacrimontis from this time is P. camerunensis (a particularly stupid name, as the animals come from Nigeria and not Cameroon).

In terms of care and breeding, P. sacrimontis hardly differs from P. pulcher. The species should be kept under subdued lighting if possible, otherwise the animals are often shy and pale. Soft, slightly acidic water is best suited to their needs. Any common ornamental fish food is eaten. The water temperature should mainly be in the range 22-26°C, too high temperatures are less favorable for P. sacrimontis than the lower temperature range.

For our customers: Pelvicachromis sacrimontis has code 560004 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Celestichthys margaritatus ( = Danio m.)

1. November 2024

It was the sensation of 2006: the galaxy rasbora (Celestichthys margaritatus). The species was still scientifically unknown at the time of its discovery. Just one year later, in 2007, Tyson Roberts described this 2 – 2.5 cm long fish jewel from Burma under the scientific name Celestichthys margaritatus and established the new genus Celestichthys. This did not go uncriticized, as there is obviously a great similarity to M. erythromicron, which also originates from Burma and was placed in the genus Microrasbora at the time. In 2008, Conway et al. declared the genus Celestichthys to be a synonym of Danio on the basis of anatomical studies. Many follow this suggestion, in which case the galaxy rasbora must be called Danio margaritatus. Others do not accept Conway’s suggestion and see Celestichthys as a valid genus with the two species margaritatus and erythromicron, as molecular biological studies show that the genus Danio is polyphyletic. Accordingly, only the large species around D. dangila, the genus type (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/08-carp-like-fishes-2-barbs-minnows-carps-goldfish-etc/danio_dangila_en/), should be designated as Danio in the proper sense, everything else would have to be distributed among several genera, including Celestichthys. This whole story is not yet settled.

Much more significant is the fact that the galaxy rasbora has now become firmly established in the aquarium hobby. It is available both as wild collected and as a captive-bred. Fortunately, initial fears that the species could be overfished by catching it for the aquarium trade have turned out to be completely unfounded. There is no threat to the species from ornamental fish catchers. Bred animals are generally somewhat larger and better nourished, as life in the wild is hard; otherwise there are no external differences.

As a subtropical species, the galaxy rasbora should be kept at temperatures between 18 and 24°C, i.e. temporarily without heating and only for breeding at slightly higher temperatures. The water should be neutral to slightly alkaline, which is easier to achieve in harder water than in soft water. This completely peaceful schooling fish will eat any ornamental fish food that is suitable for their mouths. Females lack the red in their fins and they have a black anal spot. Spawning takes place in Java moss and the like, galaxy rasboras do not practice brood care.

For our customers: the animals have code 408243 (wild) and 408233 (captive bred) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer & Erwin Schraml

Sewellia lineolata

1. November 2024

From a zoological perspective, hillstream loaches belong to the family Gastromyzontidae and are very close relatives of the brook loaches, which belong to the family Balitoridae. Hillstream loaches are adapted to life in flowing water. Their pelvic and pectoral fins are enlarged and look like the spoilers of a car. The water flowing over the fish sitting on the bottom presses them against the substrate so that they can hold themselves in place without exerting any force. In some species, this fin apparatus is so effective that it acts like a suction device and enables the animals to climb up waterfalls!

Hillstream loaches are small animal eaters. They also eat algae. They can be fed a variety of frozen foods in the aquarium, live food is of course also popular and many also eat dry food. Hillstream loaches usually get on well with each other, at most there will be the occasional small chase. Other fish are completely ignored.

A hillstream loaches aquarium should be set up like a stream, i.e. contain stones and roots and have a strong current. Planting is of secondary importance. All hillstream loaches are very sensitive to nitrite.

Recently, breeding has been more successful, as aquaristic ambition has developed since the import of the spectacular Sewellia lineolata. The females grow larger and are fuller. They are permanent spawners that spawn constantly. Breeders offer pebble piles for this purpose, which are made of gravel with a grain size of 2-4 cm. The eggs disappear into the gaps in the gravel and are thus protected from the voracious parents. The young also grow in the gaps until they reach a size where they are no longer regarded as food by the parents.

Sewellia lineolata is certainly one of the most attractive hillstream loaches. Its area of origin is rivers and streams in Vietnam. There they live in fast-flowing sections of water with sometimes rapid currents.

They like it a little cooler in the aquarium – heating is not absolutely necessary for their well-being. As diurnal insect and mollusc eaters, they are a real enrichment to the range of East Asian fish.

For our customers: Sewellia lineolata has code 455052 (md), 455053 (lg) and 455054 (xlg) on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer & Erwin Schraml

Pao baileyi ( = Tetraodon baileyi)

1. November 2024

From time to time we can import what is probably the strangest of all freshwater puffer fish: Pao baileyi. This species occurs in the rapids of the river Mekong in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and has been discovered only in 1985. The species attains a maximum length of about 12-15 cm. The strange beard that is developed in some specimens is most probably only sometimes a feature that can be used to sex the fish. There do exist beardless animals that seem to be males (according to the overall proportions) and there are sometimes animals with a small beard that seem to be females. It is only rarely as easy to sex the fishes as it seems from some of our pictures. Anyway, the species is highly variable in respect of coloration, too, not only in respect of the beard.

This variability is connected with the unique lifestyle of the fish. They imitate stones! The puffer sucks with its belly to the ground. Now the function of the beard becomes obvious: this beard imitates algae growing on a stone! If a fish or a shrimp comes along and tries to feed Aufwuchs or algae from the surface of that “stone”, it becomes prey of the pufferfish. So a comparably bad swimmer like a pufferfish can survive in the strong current of rapids with a minimum of energy.

Pao baileyi is very aggressive against conspecifics. So one should keep these puffers solitary and put pairs together only for breeding purposes. The hardness and pH of the water is of no meaning, but this puffer needs clean, oxygen-rich water.

For our customers: the animals have code 461254 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Garra rufa

1. November 2024

The Kangal psoriasis fish (Garra rufa) has become famous because the population of this species, which is widespread in the Middle East, living in the Turkish Kangal thermal baths can be used to provide relief for people suffering from serious skin diseases (neurodermatitis, psoriasis, etc.). This is due to the fact that this sucking barb is not shy towards humans and grazes them, as it usually does with algae-covered stones. Growth, i.e. algae and the microorganisms it contains, form the natural diet of the Kangal psoriasis fish. 

In humans, the grazing process very gently removes dead skin cells and thus promotes the healing of inflamed areas. Young fish in particular are obsessed with cleaning and eating algae. The self-experiment, during which the picture shown here was taken, clearly showed that the small Garra rufa (we only have offspring in stock) nibbled on my arm as if it were a root; Garra rufa can be recommended without hesitation as a great algae eater for the aquarium. After all, what other algae eater can you show friends and acquaintances as a trained fish that voluntarily swims to your hand as soon as you put it in the aquarium?

Garra rufa is very easy to care for and tolerates temperatures between 16 and 30°C. They should definitely be kept in a shoal. Their maximum size is around 10 cm TL. 

For our customers: the species has code 416451 (2-3 cm), 416452 (3-4 cm) and 416453 (4-5 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer