Author Archives: Paul_

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Rineloricaria sp. „Colombia“

6. July 2007

Rineloricaria sp. „Kolombien“

A remarkable species which came in in one of our import from Colombia. These fishes also originate from the Rio Chacu in the northern tip of the country. Because of the many bristles of the male this species has been falsely determined as Rineloricaria latirostris. A comparison with the pictures (see Mergus Catfish Atlas Part I) of the different species shows clearly the distinction, and will leave no room for doubts. This species is not demanding in the home aquarium and is breeding willingly when offered caves in the form of tubes. This is a productive fish and can easily lay 100 and even more eggs. The striking bristles on the head of the male are completely missing on the female. Also the basic colouration of the female is more lighter. The final length is approximately 18 cm. (Text: I. den Daas, Photo: F. Schäfer)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kolumbien, Rio Chacu

Hyphessobrycon haraldschultzi (= spec. „Araguaia“)

6. July 2007

Hyphessobrycon haraldschultzi (= spec. „Araguaia“)

Red fish always attract interest amongst hobbyists, especially the intensively red coloured ones. Five years ago when we received the first animals of this tetra by the name of “Hyphessobrycon serpae – the real one” (wildcaught from Rio Araguaia), we were immediately enthusiastic, too. At first sight (still inside the transport bag) these tetras looked very similar to the bloodtetra, Hyphessobrycon eques, formerly known as Hy. callistus. They also reminded us of the Red Phantomtetra, Hyphessobrycon (formerly Megalamphodus) sweglesi, while they obviously had “short fins”. Soon it was clear, however, that they are neither. Until today a final definition was not provided yet, it could be Hyphessobrycon haraldschultzi or an undefined species. Breeding this tetra, which occurs – very seldom – on the market as wildcaught, is difficult, but quite possible with much patience. Both the wildcaughts of the “crystal red tetra” and later also the young animals turned out to be absolutely “sociable” among themselves and others, also small fish. The nutrition by all live and dry food is not causing any problems (plants are not getting bothered), while the young fish belong more to the slowly growing tetras. For a “sense of well-being”, resp. in order to show the intensive red to advantage, the aquarium should contain well-planted sectors with indirect beam of light. (Photo & Text P. & M. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Rio Araguaia
Name Hyphessobrycon spec. „Araguaia“

Potamotrygon menchacai

6. July 2007

Potamotrygon menchacai

September 2006: From Potamotrygon menchacai, the tiger stingray, we could import a big, very beautifully patterned, female animal with approximately 60 cm in diameter. Tiger-rays can be colored quite differently and particularly can differ in the contrast. Our tiger rays come from Peru, through size and scrutiny, they certainly are among the most impressive “ornamental-fishes.” A basin with a big base is required for keeping these giants, at best several square meters should be provided for them.

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Rio Parana-Paraguay
Name Tiger Ray

Chromobotia macracanthus

6. July 2007

In our picture you see an interesting mutant of the clown loach, which reached us these days. Although Chromobotia macracanthus formerly known as Botia macracantha is a long time tank inhabitant, it is still not without mysteries. This applies particularly to the breed, so far we have only coincidence success. Also in the maintenance they can make problems, since they are very susceptible to stress. Catching and transfer should take place only in absolutely necessary situations, because they are particularly prone to whitespot disease (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) when stressed in any way. When well acclimatized clown loaches are beautiful and interesting fishes. A certain behavior can surprise the inexperienced owner. Sometimes they lie on their side when resting – which may alarm those not familiar with it, as the fish may appear to be ill! They may also make audible clicking sounds, particularly at feeding time. They tend to be more active if kept as a small group, rather than singly or in pairs. Further there should be a lot of hiding places in the aquarium to keep the stress for the animals as small as possible.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indonesien, Sumatra, Borneo
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Hypancistrus zebra L 46 „Double Tailfin

6. July 2007

November 2006: At present we can offer beside „normal “German bred zebras (surely the most demanded of all L-numbers) an individual with a doubled lower caudal fin. This change of the fin is probably to be led back on a disturbance in the embryonic development. If someone hopes to breed a race of „veil tailed zebras “ with this fish, it will probably end in a disappointment. Nevertheless: absolutely unusual, a rarity amongst the L-numbers.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien
Name Hypancistrus zebra
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Channa stewartii

6. July 2007

This often under the name Channa cf. barca traded Snakehead originates from the Indian province Assam. C stewartii can reach a length of 30 cm and as predators they should kept together only with fishes whose length exhibits at least 2/3 of their body length. Beside living and dead fish they accept food as insects, worms and after habituation possibly also sticks. Since their habitat does not lie in the tropical range, they can be kept well in the unheated aquarium. They tolerate temperatures between 20 – 30°C and have low requirements concerning other water parameters. They can tolerate low oxygen conditions in water because they are air breathers from an early age. For a pair a well planted aquarium 200l aquarium with slow moving water provided with some hiding places would be ideal. Channa stewartii is probably a nest builder providing eggs and young with parental care. Other reports mention them as mouthbreeders.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indien, Assam

Osphromenus exodon

6. July 2007

Osphromenus exodon

Even this fish looks like the common gourami, it is really something special & rare. As far as we know, this species was never before importet to Germany. When they have the size of about 30-40cm, they turn their lips inside out and show many small white teeths. Unfortunately this stadium is only shown in pictures in the original description. But here is a tip: take a look on this fish in the zoo WILHELMA in Stuttgart/Germany!(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kambodscha
Name Osphromenus exodon
Lateinischer NameLateinischer Name Osphromenus exodon

Mastacembelus greshoffi

6. July 2007

Some time ago we could import Mastacembelus greshoffi from the Congo. Here we have a spiny eel getting approximately 35 cm long, which occurs over rocky bottoms in rivers and lakes, also in rapids. Spiny eels are intelligent fish, they show a multiplicity of interesting behaviours. They also can become amazing tame and eat then literally from the hand of their caregiver. Best meaty food is eaten and rather plenty of it. They like mosquito larvae, worms and also now and then a small fish. Therefore not too small tank mates should be selected for their socialization in a community tank. A complete covering of the aquarium is important, since spiny eels rank among the “escapee kings” under the aquarium fish. With a little luck and smartness the breeding of this species should be possible, some relatives have already successfully be bred in aquaria.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kongo, Cingo River

Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis

6. July 2007

Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis is a plankton eater, which can reach a total length of up to 20cm. This may be one of the reasons, why it is not getting imported too often, as such nutrition specialists are mostly only interesting for specialists and enthusiasts. Yet the care of this species from Brasil is not neccessarily difficult, since it is actually a harmless aquarium occupant despite its size, and you can also easily socialize them with smaller fish because of their eating habits. When socializing them with other Cichlids you must see to it that these are no aggressive kinds. As there are no special demands neither to the water condition nor to the aquarium arrangement, the care is not really difficult. However, a man-made breeding was not successful yet. The biggest difficulty of the care surely causes the nutrition. But even this is to realize with a well-functioning artemia breeding. Especially during the settling artemia are absolutely neccessary. Later you can also feed them well-balanced with other food, even smallest possible frozen food like lobstereggs, cyclops or daphnia. The maximum is frozen artemia. Dry food will be hardly accepted. Artemia must always be available as basic food, but please note that you have to feed animals with a size of about 15cm with it, therefore significant quantities are important. If you are willing or able to manage this, there are no obstacles to purchasing these animals. And who knows, perhaps you happen to find out something new or surprising about the reproduction of this species in human care? (Photo & Text T. Weidner)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien
Name Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis

Geophagus sp. „Tananaco“

6. July 2007

Geophagus sp. „Tananaco“

This very beautiful representative of the surinamensis complex comes from Venezuela. These are very large animals of approximately 25 cm TL. The requirements of keeping, this species is not much different then the other members of its family. A sandy substrate, lots of shady hiding places like bogwood and round eroded stones, are basic requirements, which make feel these fish at home. They also prefer dimmed lights. If you would like plants in the aquarium as well, we would recommend hardy plants which do not require lots of light. Cryptocoryne aponogetofolia is very well suited for the cichlid aquarium, because it is apparently bitter in taste, does not need much light and the leaves can grow up to one meter in length.(Text: I. den Daas, Photo: F. Schäfer)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Venezuela

Barbus denisonii

6. July 2007

Barbus denisonii

This splendid fish is endemicly (i.e. only there and nowhere else) found in several coastal rivers of South India. That is why only small quantities may be caught and exported as aquarium fish. You keep this fish best, which is used to flowing waters, in biggest tanks possible in a shoal. The feeding with frozen food and flakes is unproblematic. These animals are peacefully to other fish and also among each other. So far there are no news about a succesful breeding. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kerala / Indien

Corydoras baianinha

6. July 2007

Corydoras baianinha

March 2003: Some weeks ago we received a few pieces of Corydoras baianinha. This extreme rare Corydoras only occurs in a little number of small streams in the south of Brasil. The population of Cordoras baianinha is very much in danger, because its living space was already largely distroyed by environmental pollution and forest clearing! It would be highly appreciated if some aquarium hobbyists would try to breed this endangered species. This kind was not furtherly studied scientifically. It is known, however, that the animals occur in cool black water with low total hardness. We hope that the continued existence of this species can be ensured in this case. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Salminus brasiliensis (formerly: maxillosus)

6. July 2007

Salminus brasiliensis (früher: maxillosus)

April 2004: At present Aquarium Glaser can offer Salminus brasiliensis (formerly: S. maxillosus) as a further characin rarity. This up to 1 m and over 20 kg growing fish is a migratory species. These migrations take place from October to January, and are correlated with the rise of the water levels as well as the rising length of day. They follow their prey at their migrations to their spawniong grounds. Both in migratory behavior and in appearance Salminus species reminds on the salmon species, and like them they are threatened by dams, barrags and the environmental pollution. As estimated food fish they are fish farmed in Brazil. At the maintenance in aquaria their rowdiness is to be considered, with their strong dentures they can hurt their tankmates, therefore even for young animals should large aquariums be available. Since they are strong devourers their appetite can not be satisfied with flake food in the long term. Sometimes a defrosted fish should be fed.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Bolivien
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Cochliodon spec. var. marbled L 360a

6. July 2007

From the drainage basin of the Tapajos arrived a new, until now not imported loricariid catfish at our facility. Body form and yellow fin seams remind strongly of L 360, the body and parts of the fins however exhibit a veining atypical for L 360. In their maintenance requirements they might probably not differ from the recently here presented L 360. Whether it is a variant of L 360 or possibly a deviating species must at the present level of knowledge remain open.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Tapajos
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Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus L 1, L 22

6. July 2007

Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus the “White Spot – Glycopterichthys” originates from the Rio Araguaia, one of the main tributaries of the Rio Tocantins in Brazil. There it inhabits different habitats, it was found e.g. on deadwood and also on flooded meadows. Natural water conditions (white water) do not have to be copied for maintenance, L 1 are very adaptable fish. One condition for the maintenance of adult Glycopterichthys species is however the ownership of a very large aquarium. With an overall length of approximately 40 cm, which can be reached in aquaria too, they are really stately catfishes. It is very impressing to see such a fish sailing elegantly through the aquarium. Sail Fin Plecos are not shy compared with many other Loricariids. Their large appetite is noteworthy this requires a strong filtering unit. Wild caughts of this species are only rarely found in the trade, predominantly the offered animals are asiatic pond breeds.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien
Name Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus L 1, L 22
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Panaque spec.

6. July 2007

June 2006: Just freshly arrived! Also for „old stagers“ there are again and again genuine surprises with us. In a shipment from Peru we received today several particularly delicate Loricariids, which represent a petite alternative to the frequently maintained Hypancistrus species. However their size of (50 – 70 cm) probably exceeds the possibilities of most fish keepers.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Peru
Name Panaque spec.

Gnathonemus longibarbis

6. July 2007

March 2007: From the environment of Lubumbashi, the second largest city the Congo comes Gnathonemus longibarbis to us. They were caught in close proximity to Bondaka and are probably for the first time in the trade. In nature they feed on water insects and their larvae, their final size probably lies at approx. 40cm. Since only very few of these rare pieces were imported, they should get into the hands of experienced Mormyrid fans.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kongo, Congo River

Mastacembelus spec. „Kamerun“

6. July 2007

This spiny eel reached us from Cameroon. The classification to a species was so far not possible for us. Since spiny eels predominantly are found on sandy to muddy bottom, they require a sand substrate in which to dig and hide. Flat rocks are also good for these fish to burrow under; just make sure that all rocks and gravel are rounded and not sharp, or the eel may injure its body. The chemistry of water does not play a crucial role, a lighter salt additive is recommended with many species. Spiny eels like to eat small live foods such as, crustaceans, brine shrimp, blood worms, glass worms, tubifex worms and fish. After acclimatisation frozen food as e.g. brine shrimp, blood worms, daphnia, glass worms and plankton will do too. Some Mastacembelus – species have been breeded in captivity. Their pattern of behaviour is very versatile, so that they should been kept more often in our fish tanks.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kamerun

Chitala ornata, Clown Featherback

6. July 2007

The Clown Featherback is well known to the hobby and has been imported as early as 1934 from South-East Asia. They are nocturnal fish and when they get older they become solitary. The fish tank should be decorated with dense patches of plants on the sides and back but should be kept with enough swimming space. A couple of hiding places made with stones and bogwood should not be omitted. These fish prefer shady areas and therefore floating plants should be added as well. The water should be soft (below 5 degrees German hardness) and sligthly acidious (pH 6.0-6.5). These fish are predatory. They take all kinds of live food (worms, insects and their larvae, molluscs and fish). Small cut meat preferably crab meat are taken as well. C.ornata Is the biggest representative of the family. It has been published that Individuals have been grown up to 1 meter in length. These animals are favoured as food fish in the countries they originate from.(Photo: Frank Schäfer, Text: Izaak den Daas)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Laos, Thailand Kamboscha, Mekong
Name Tausenddollarfisch
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Ctenochromis polli

6. July 2007

Ctenochromis polli occurring in the Congo River belongs to the rather rarely kept cichlids. Despite their body length of maximally 11cm they should not be kept in too small aquariums (100cm). The males are quite aggressive and pursue the females and suppressed males. They need sufficient hiding places, therefore the interior arrangement of the aquarium should be strongly arranged by roots, stones and large plants. The animals prefer life food and frosted food, after successful acclimatisation they will take flake and/or granulated food too. These fish prefer temperatures between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. They are delayed mouthbreeders in the female sex. The raising of the brood with Artemia Naupliae and small flake food does not represent large problems.

(Photo: Erwin Schraml, Text: Klaus Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Congo, Unterlauf des Kongo
Lateinischer NameLateinischer Name Ctenochromis polli
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Orthochromis stormsi

6. July 2007

Orthochromis stormsi reached us as bycatch with Steatocranus casuarius. Both species originate from Central Africa, where they inhabit the cataracts of the Congo River. Their maximum size amounts to 12 cm, whereby the females remain somewhat smaller. The differences between sexes are only weakly pronounced, males appear more multicoloured, females have a darker basic colour. Their social behaviour is very interesting, because of their rather high aggression potential one should however maintain them in one not to small groups. In a 200l tank about 10 animals can be accommodated. In such a group is a constant movement, apart from its favourite activity the feeding, it hunts conspecifics through the tank, rests on a stone and begins then again with hunting on the neighbours. According to their origin from fast flowing waters they need clean, oxygen-rich water. Otherwise they are rather undemanding, with good care one will discover with high probability sometime a “chewing” female and can look forward to the new generation.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Congo, Congo River

Procambaris sp. marbled blue

6. July 2007

Procambaris sp. marmor-blau

March 2002: This nice blue colour variant of the Marmorkrebs (the initially German name is now in international use and means „marbled crayfish“) is actually available. The Marmorkrebs is a remarkable species, because until now only females are known. The species breeds parthenogentically, eg females lay unfertilized eggs and produce only females again. As the species determination in these kind of crayfish depends mainly on the sexual organs of the males, no-one can hang a scientific name on the species, although it is kept and bred in aquaria for years now. The Marmorkrebs grows to a length of about 6-8 cm and is (compared with other crayfish) quite peaceful. Sadly the eat or destroy any plant that grows in the tank. Nevertheless they always find their way in the aquaria because of their interesting biology. Enthusiasts keep that species either in company with plant eating fish species or in a small extra tank. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft unbekannt

Oreichthys crenuchoides (=spec. Hifin)

6. July 2007

This barb out of the relationship of Oreichthys cosuatis measures about 5 cm. They originate from northern India. This species is characterised by a pronounced sexual-dimorphism, the males are more larger than females, only them show the magnificent, flag-like increased dorsal fin. The fish tank should be decorated with dense patches of plants on the sides and back but should be kept with enough swimming space. Tank mates should be not to big, vigorous swimmers should be avoided. In captivity they feed on all kinds of available food and they even take flake or pellet food. Breeding is not difficult at all. The females spawn in an upside-down-postion und broad leves of underwater plant, as it is known from the harlequin barb.(Photo: Erwin Schraml, Text: Klaus Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indien / India

Corydoras weitzmani

6. July 2007

Corydoras weitzmani

This is one of the most spectacular representative of the Corydoras genus recently imported. For us this is the ultimate Corydoras. Its closest relative is probably Corydoras panda. The body pattern is similar to the recently described Corydoras tukano. This species was caught by the authors in September 2004 in the riverine system of the Rio Madre de Dios in Peru. Recently the first importation of this fish was successful as well and is probably the first time this fish has been brought alive to Europe, albeit in low numbers. Around this species there are circulating several rumours. Especially the place of origin of the holotypes (out of the collection of C. Kalinowski from 1949) seems to be incorrect, because many years of searching in the area of Cusco this species could not be found. Not before 2004 Belinda and Lance R. Peck (Aquarium Gonewild, Peru) caught this rare catfish accidentally in a small area heavily destroyed by gold diggers. Often this fish is caught as individuals and despite many expeditions this species has only been imported in extreme low numbers. We participated in one of those expeditions and could catch only a couple of these Corydoras catfish. A larger importation to Germany was not possible during this period. Now this species has come available in amounts, which are suitable for the first breeding attempts. If these are successful this species can be distributed and made available for the aquarium hobbyists. Due to the destruction of the natural habitat of this catfish the future import will be doubtful. Aquarium Glaser is offering an exclusively part of the recently imported wild caught Corydoras weitzmani. (Text: P.+M. Hoffmann, Photo: P. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Peru, Madre de Dios

Poecilia caucana

6. July 2007

With an overall length of 3 – 5 cm the Cauca Molly (Poecilia caucana), originating from Colombia and Venezuela, belongs to the smaller living-bearers. Remarkably is the yellow – orange coloured dorsal fin and a violet metallically shining longitudinal line. The water equivalents (pH values of 8,2- 8.6, LF 360 and 420 Mikrosiemens/cm), based on different places where the animals are found in the area of the Rio Cauca, makes them to suitable aquarium inhabitants for the most Central European tap waters. They appreciate higher temperatures between 26 and 28°C. As industrious algae eater Cauca mollies are constantly on the search for food. All usual kinds of fish food are greedily eaten. With appropriate care a new generation will appear sooner or later.(Photo: Erwin Schraml, Text: Klaus Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kolumbien, Venezuela

Distichodus sexfasciatus

6. July 2007

From the Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) originates Distichodus sexfasciatus. This in the aquarium to approximately 30 cm growing characin is a pronounced herbivore. This has to be regarded for the basin setup, since most smooth leaved plants are regarded as food. Some hardy plants as Anubias- or Microsorium species may do well and are worth trying.The water chemistry plays only a subordinated role for their maintenance, a sufficient filtering should however be provided, since a certain nitrite sensitivity is present. Unfortunately the very beautiful youth colouring fades somewhat with increasing age, then however an attractive gloss covers the whole fish.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kongo, Congo River

Serrasalmus cf. brandtii

6. July 2007

From the Rio Sao Francisco originates this with Serrasalmus brandtii closely related species. They are quite aggressive and as young fish they can be held as a shoal in the species aquarium. Adults with a size of over 30cm length need then naturally very large tanks. At first freshly imported Piranhas accept usually only living fish as food, can however be accustomed to fish meat, shrimps or mussels. In some reported cases also pellets are accepted. Concerning water chemistry and temperature no special requirements are placed, middlehard water, a neutral pH and temperatures around 24°C are recommended for their maintenance.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Sturisoma sp. „Colombia“

6. July 2007

Sturisoma sp. „Kolombien“

This for science unknown species was imported with a unique shipment from Colombia. Sturisoma sp. „Colombia“ was found in the Rio Chaco in the North of Colombia. This elegant Sturisoma species differs from the short finned species, which live on sandy habitats as well as from Sturisoma festivum by difference in colouration and body form. Obvious is the position of the dorsal fin, which is markedly set backwards, and standing straight up. The striking colour pattern gives us hope that this species will be imported more reglarly in future. The fish probably will be not getting much larger then 15 cm. (Text: I. den Daas, Photo: F. Schäfer)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kolumbien, Rio Chacu