Author Archives: Paul_

Hoplarchus psittacus

6. July 2007

Hoplarchus psittacus

This, by specialised hobbyists of large South American cichlid, well known species is only very rarely offered to the public. Our animals were imported from Columbia. The best way to take good care of these beautiful cichlids, which can grow up to 40 cm, is to keep them in large fish tanks with plenty of hiding places, which they need because of their high interspecific aggression. The optimal water should be warm (27 to 30 degrees Celsius), and preferably soft and acideous. The parrot cichlid is omnivorous in nature and therefore should be offered plenty of vegetable foods as well. Breeding has been reported on several occasions and is a real challenge for the experienced and dedicated fish-breeding hobbyist. This species is relatively sensitive to hole-in-the-head disease and therefore a good aquarium hygiene should have the highest priority.(Text: I. den Daas, Photo: F. Schäfer)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kolumbien, Orinoko, Brasilien, Rio Negro

Ceylonthelphusa kandanbyi

6. July 2007

The leopard crab Ceylonthelphusa kandanbyi represents an attractive addition to the offered crustaceans. This 1999 scientifically described species originates from Sri Lanka where it is found in the Bentota river system. According to statement of our supplier the animals were caught in the proximity of Mathugama city a town in the western part of Sri Lanka. After first reports of experienced crab holders C. kandanbyi is far less plant destructive than most other crabs. They spare also not to small fishes. Since they are not very far spread in the Aqua and/or Terraristik so far, surely some news will be discovered with this species.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Sri Lanka

Gercarcinus ruricola

6. July 2007

Gercarcinus ruricola Gercarcinus ruricola

This splendid land crab (Halloween-Crab, Gercarcinus ruricola) occurs in two colour variants, specifically with red or white base coloration. The colour variation involves both sexes. A mixed pair lived together in harmony for several weeks in my terrarium. These creatures are essentially vegetarian, but will occasionally take frozen foods intended for aquarium fishes, eg bloodworm. They are particularly comical to watch when they gnaw the stem of parsley which looks like theyíd hold bretzel sticks. Even though these crabs remain on land for most of the time, a shallow dish containing regularly changed water should be placed in the terrarium for them. These crabs are crepuscular, preferring to remain in hiding during the day. Even if they appear to be very peaceful among themselves, it must always be borne in mind that crabs (like all crustaceans) are soft and vulnerable after moulting. Hence newly-moulted specimens require secure hiding-places in order to be safe from the very real danger of cannibalism by their companions. These creatures are exceptional climbers, so the container must be tightly covered! Planting the container is problematical on account of the feeding habits of the crabs. Be especially careful to avoid poisonous houseplants!(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Zentralamerika
Name Gercacinus ruricola

Neocaridina sp FIRE/CHERRY

6. July 2007

Neocaridina sp FIRE/CHERRY

July 2004: Yesterday we got a limited number of this beautiful shrimp, which belongs to the family of Neocaridina. This type was imported one year ago, but also only in small numbers. They do not demand special water parameters and can be easily fed with common fish food. They can be kept in community tanks, but not with big or agressive fish! Their total length is around 2 to 2.5cm, which is typical for the whole family of Neocaridina.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Taiwan

Uca ornata

6. July 2007

January 2006: For the first time in Germany: The fiddler crab Uca ornata. We are proud to introduce this new species to the pet market. We got only few animals from Ecuador, hope however for further imports of this species. Further information for the maintenance of this at the Pacific coast from Ecuador to Nicaragua spread species are naturally not present at this time, however it will probably not differ substantially from the other fiddler crabs . The aquarium should have a large land part on that fiddler crabs preferentially stay, besides that a water part with shallow water is needed. They have no high requirements to their nutrition, nearly each offered food is eaten greedy. We hope that in the future more animals of this beautiful species will be available.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Ecuador-Nicaragua

Danio choprai

6. July 2007

Danio choprai

From Myanmars rivers and brooks origins Danio choprai the Glowlight Danio. With a length of 4 cm they have already attained full growth. With them as with many swarm fish the effect on the observer rises with the swarm size, a group of 30 animals is always impressing. Glowlight danios are good to keep and also to breed in a neutral, middle-hard water. On the nutrition they do not have special demands, with commercial flake food they are sufficiently supplied, however a certain alternation should also be granted to them. Due to their small size they can be already maintained in aquaria starting from 60cm length. Without any problems they can be socialized with other fish and represent a beautiful alternative to the Zebra Danio. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Myanmar
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Corydoras sp. C 71

6. July 2007

Corydoras sp. C 71

August 2006: With Corydoras spec. C 71 we could import a further rare species from Brazil. They originate from the Rio Arua in the Federal State Para. With a final size of 6 cm they belong to the medium sized Corys. The requirements for their maintenance might be the same as for other Corydoras species. An aquarium with open space and retreat areas, provided with fine sand, might be ideal. Probably they do not place excessive requirements against the water chemistry. Since well-known breeders already attempt to breed them there will be in some time offspring of them available.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Nematobrycon lacortei

6. July 2007

The Rainbow Tetra is one of the most attractive characins of South America. They origin from western Colombia, where they are caught in the tributaries of the Rio San Juan. They belong to the same genus as the usually better known Emperor Tetra Nematobrycon palmeri. Rainbow Tetras can not be characterized as true schooling fishes, since the males try to establish and defend territories.Therefore their aquarium should contain larger structure-forming elements such as bogwood and large plants. For their maintenance middlehard water is sufficient, for breeding attempts however it should be soft and sour. A lot of foods will be eaten, for a good spawning condition black mosquito larvae (Culex) should be fed regularly .(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kolumbien, Rio San Juan

Nannostomous espei

6. July 2007

Nannostomous espei

Up to now this ornamental tetra is only known from western Guyana/Southamerica in the lower course of Mazaruni River. Full-grown fish reach a total length of approx. 40mm. When putting on spawn the females are getting much plumper. By using their dish-shaped anal fin the males fix the eggs to a substrate (e.g. bottom of a plant leave). During the pairing the males lose the bands marking except for little black spots. Peaceful fish, which mostly stand in the upper water area among the plants. The keeping is advantageous in well-planted tanks only with other peaceful fish. Breeding is possible in 10 litre tanks with a spawn substrate (Javamoss), the number of eggs is not very big. For keeping, please do not use too hard water, 10°german hardness, maximum, pH 5.5-7 and temperature around 24°C. (Photo & Text von P. & M. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Guyana

Hyphessobrycon cf. loweae

6. July 2007

Hyphessobrycon cf. loweae

It was illustrated on the homepage of Canadian fish exporter “Below Water” and designated as “Kitty” Tetra (“a new Hemigrammus-species, caught in Mato Grosso in November 2000). It is presented as Hyphessobrycon loweae in the February/March-issue of “Aquaristik Fachmagazin & Aquarium heute”. According to Dr. Géry there are “good correspondences” with Hyphessobrycon loweae (Costa & Géry). Similar to Hyphesobrycon elachys , the clearly lengthened belly fins of the males, a widely extended back fin as well as a widened, bent anal fin are particularly remarkable. Tail-, back-, belly- and anal fin(s) are transparent-yellowish to darkyellow-orange-red and lined in a deep shade of red. The animals measure a total length of approx. 39mm of female sex and 42mm of male sex (standard length 32 resp. 35mm). According to first experiences water around 10° dGH, ph 7 and temperature around 24°C is sufficient for the keeping. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien
Name Hyphessobrycon cf. loweae
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Apistogramma agassizii „Fire Red“

6. July 2007

September 2006: Few days ago we received a delivery of fishes from a well-known German breeder. The here introduced Apistogramma agassizi „Fire Red “increases the heartbeat of each Apistogramma fan. The strong red of the caudal -, dorsal – and anal fin forms a fantastic contrast with the blue-yellow body colouring and a dark longitudinal strip beneath the dorsal fin. The outstanding colour quality is reached not by addition of artificial colour food, but is based on breed selection and consistent feeding with high-quality living food. Each individual is a potential exhibition winner.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Ancistrus spec. L 352

6. July 2007

Ancistrus spec. L 352

Our photo shows a pair of Ancistrus spec. L 352, one with 6 – 7 cm very small remaining loricariid from the Rio Iriri. In the view from above the different body forms can easily be be recognized. This and the characteristic beard of the males makes a differentiating of the sexes quite easy. As the high L number rightfully let assume, they were imported for the first time only a few years ago and until now only rarely traded.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Rio Iriri

Hypancistrus spec. L 236

6. July 2007

Hypancistrus spec. L 236

„Simply the Best “: Some days ago we could import some of this beauties. With a size of approx. 10cm the white of the here illustrated male shows a fantastic intensity. It seems that one of imported fishes is a not less beautiful female, and so we hope to be able to offer some days breds of these rarities(Photo and Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien
Name Hypancistrus spec. L 236

Scardinus erythrophthalmus Golden

6. July 2007

Scardinus erythrophthalmus Gold

March 2004: Just in time for the pond season this very attractive variety of the Rudd (Scardinus erythropthalmus) came to us. It is an excellent ecological algae destroyer for your garden pond. The Rudd is an endemic species for the whole of Europe and Asia up to the Aral Sea. It is a friendly schooling fish, which can be accompanied with related species, like for example Roach, European Chub and Ide. The Rudd is spawning in nature or garden pond from April until June. This fish is very productive and can produce more then 100,000 eggs. Between the ventral fins and the vent the Rudd has a sharp keel. The males can only be distinguished from the females during the breeding season by a white cloudy secrete on the head.(Text: I. den Daas, Photo: F. Schäfer)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Europa

Enneacampus ansorgii

6. July 2007

Enneacampus ansorgii

The small freshwater pipefish originates from Western Africa, from Cameroon to Gabun and in the Zaire- and Ogowe River. These fish inhabit freshwater as well as brackish water habitats. Addition of sea salt (1-2 teaspoons per 10 litre of water) will therefore increase the vitality of these fish. This species, but actually all freshwater pipefish, need a special fish tank for its own in order to thrive because they are slow eating fish. They eat only life food like daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimps and the smallest fish fry. Breeding has been performed successfully in captivity on several occasions. The female lays her eggs over the breeding pouch of the male pipefish. The eggs are attached on the male animal behind the vent within an area bordered by 2 folds, which form the breeding pouch. These fish need regular water changes and a clean fish tank but will give their owner many pleasure by displaying beautiful colouration and an interesting behaviour. (Photo: Frank Schäfer, Text: Izaak den Daas)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kamerun-Gabun, Kongo, Angola

Tahuantinsuyoa macantzatza

6. July 2007

Tahuantinsuyoa macantzatza

The unpronounceable from the Incas empire. So an article about Tahuantinsuyoa macantzatza the Inca Stone Fish could be titled. After fearing over years that they had become extinct, we succeeded to import a larger number of them at the beginning of 2003. For the first time we can offer now both: very beautiful wild caught and German breds in an excellent quality. Because Tahuantinsuyoa macantzatza has already attained full growth with a length of maximally 12 cm, they are suitable for medium sized aquariums. They do not damage plants, can thus be accommodated in tanks, decorated with bogwood and plants. Their interesting brood care as larvophile mouth breeders (the eggs are set off and bred first on a substrate, then the larvae are protected in the mouth) permits interesting behaviour observations. In particular it is always exciting to observe the transfer of the fry between the parents. Towards feeding there are no special requirements posed, the water should be not to hard and exhibit a slightly sour tendency.(Photo Thomas Weidner, Text Klaus Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Peru

Goniopsis pelii

6. July 2007

Goniopsis pelii Goniopsis pelii

June 2006: The mangrove crab Goniopsis pelii reached us from the Atlantic coast of Africa. Their orange and blue coloured claws are very remarkable. They owe their name to the mangrove woods where they naturally occur. This by water and land affected biotope has to be reproduced in the terrarium, since they need both habitats for their well-being. With some bogwood and stones the land part can be arranged, as water part a simple, flat basin filled with brackish water is sufficient. Some hard plants can complete the decoration. A close not displaceable covering is necessary, particularly if the decoration reaches the edge of the aquarium, since crabs are protruding escapees. As omnivores they are to be nourished rather unproblematically. In water frosted food can be fed, on land vegetarian food should be handed. Here you can make a lot of experiences, nearly all vegetables can be offered to the crabs (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft (sub)tropisches Afrika

Neocaridina sp RED CRYSTAL SHRIMP

6. July 2007

Neocaridina sp RED CRYSTAL SHRIMP

December 2002: Here we have it: german bred red crystal shrimp. We only got a few pieces, but we expect a limited quantity in the near future. This shrimp of the family Neocaridina is easy to keep and can be kept with not too big growing fish in a community tank (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Zuchtform

Uca tangeri

6. July 2007

The eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Angola, is the origin of the fiddler crab Uca tangeri, where they inhabit sand and mangrove coasts. The to an enormous size grown major claw of the males is remarkable. It is used for attracting the females and to the fight between rivaling males. In their periodically flooded habitat they inhabit muddy burrows, which they leave at ebb-tide for the intake of food. As omnivores they are not discriminating anything and feed on nearly each organic matter the sea is offering them. With the domestic care, frosted and granulated food can be fed, also different fruits and vegetables. For maintenance it should be tried to imitate their habitat, i.e. a land part with sand and gravel and a water part filled with brackish water should be present in the aquarium. Some hiding places give them retreat possibilities.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Portugal-Angola

Danio kyathit

6. July 2007

Danio kyathit

The Burma-leopard-Danio, Danio kyathit, (“Kyathit”, burmese for leopard) belongs to the many minnows, which came to Europe in a bigger number of pieces lately. We first saw this beautiful “new” Danio in the beginning of 2002 at AQUARIUM GLASER. In contrast to Danio rerio Daniokyathit is much more colourful. Both sexes show intensive orange-red, beautifully patterned fins, according to their mood, and especially the reddish body hue of the males make this kind one of the most colourful Danio species known to us. Full-grown males have a total length of approx. 46, females 51mm. The keeping does not cause any problems (in harder waters as well as in soft water) and also the breeding of this Danio is mostly possible in the same way as of other species. This kind is rather productive, the eggs unusually big and the young fish grow very fast. (Photo & Text von P. & M. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Myanmar
Lateinischer NameLateinischer Name Danio kyathit

Inlecypris auropurpureus

6. July 2007

Inlecypris auropurpureus belongs to in Inlé lake in Myanmar occurring endemic fish species. That about 6 cm long becoming swarm fish should be held in well planted to not too small (80cm) tanks. Since they are good jumpers, young animals of 1,5cm length can already jump over 10cm high, the tanks have to be completely covered. As tank mates you can choose Microrasbora species such as M. erythromicron and M. rubescens, occurring in the same habitat as Inlecypris auropurpureus,. They all feel fine at temperatures around 24°C and pH values 7 – 7.5, DGH 10 – 20. The nutrition can take place with commercial finished food. They have been bred in tanks. The mating effected in the early morning hours and the first larvae hatch after 36 hours (25°C). The growth of the young fish runs slowly, after 7 weeks they are only approx. 1cm long.(Photo: Erwin Schraml, Text: Klaus Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Myanmar
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Diskus Royal Blue/Rio Moju

6. July 2007

If an increase of beauty and charisma of the at 01.02.06 introduced Diskus variant Red Inferno/Rio Moju is still possible, then by the Royal Blues originating from the same river. When first seeing these fishes I remembered the headline of an old “aquarien magazin” article. In January 1972 Eduard Schmidt Focke a famous german discus breeder wrote “Forget the price”. It dealt with the first imported Wattleys Tuerkis Diskus a selection from Royal Blue, which at that time were sold for 500 $. Sometimes, if something extraordinary meets, one should lay aside the ratio and actually forget the price, particularly since today discus cost in relation to the purchasing power only a fraction of the 34 years ago required prices. And with something completely extraordinary it acts with this dicus, perfect bluish green wave lines on an orange brown basic colour, strongly coloured ventral fins and bright eyes. For me they are simply the perfect discus.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Rio Moju

Phenacogrammus cf. nigropterus

6. July 2007

Phenacogrammus cf. nigropterus

This new African tetra, presented by Dieter Bork in “Das Aquarium” 12/01 as “pastel-congo-tetra”, comes from Lake Maindombe (also known as “Lac Leopold II”) in the Democratic Republic Congo (Zaire). Ornamental fish breeder Winter was able to multiply them in a bigger number of pieces. The fins of the males are pulled out beautifully and nicely coloured (the “fringed” pulled out and dark lined back fin of full-grown animals reaches to their tail fin). The colouring of the females is plainly less spectacular (silver-grey body and “short” transparent fins). During the often noticeable courting the males develop bright yellow-orange fins, the body colouring is also getting more intensive and the usually hardly visible oval shoulderspot is becoming plainly wider and deep black. The spawn grains are conspicuosly big (approx. 1.2-1.4mm), crystal-clear and not adhesive. The growth of the babies is very slow. Altogether it is a very attractive, lively, peaceful, easy to handle, new tetra, which neither bothers other fish nor plants and whose whole beauty is showed to advantage under slightly muffled light.(Photo von F.Schäfer, Text von P. & M. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kongo
Name Phenacogrammus cf. nigropterus
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Otothyris travassosi

6. July 2007

Otothyris travassosi

This rarely imported catfish species originates from the federal states Bahia and Espirito Santo at the coast of brazil. With only 3cm of total length it belongs to the smallest Loricariids. There habitats are small and fast running streams. They mostly stay in areas thickly covered with vegetation. Otothyris travassosi is not a fish for a beginner. It makes great demands on the water quality/hygiene. Also the temperature of the water should not be too high (19-25°C). According to several different authors it is found in White- as well as Clearwater. In details of the place where it was found ph-values just under 7 and conductivities between 100 – 150 µs/cm can be meas-ured. Make sure of a good care with vegetable foodstuffs, also fine living food is ac-cepted. Nothing is known about successful breeding.

(Photo: Erwin Schraml, Text: Klaus Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien
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Pseudoplatystoma corruscans

6. July 2007

The rarely traded largest shovelnose catfish Pseudoplatysoma corruscans originates from the Rio Sao Francisco in Brazil. This predator becomes quite large (approx. 180cm) and heavy (100 kg). They like to stay in groups and socialize well with rays, big charazins, cichlids or other catfishes.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Pseudeutropius atherinoides

6. July 2007

Pseudeutropius atherinoides

The „shark cats“ of the genus Pangasius are highly seeked for aquarium fishes, because their swimming behaviour reminds one on a shark. Sadly all species grow very fast and none of the species stays smaller than 50 cm, some even reach 150 cm or even more. For some time now so-called „mini-pangasius“ are introduced to the market. One of these species (who, from a systematic point of view, are not close relatives of Pangasius) is the charming Eutropius atherinoides, that grows rarely longer than 6-8 cm. Actually this fish is quite cheap and available in greater numbers from India. They are very peaceful inhabitants for every community tank and take readily all types of the usual food for ornamental fishes. Plants will not become eaten or destroyed.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indien
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Amaralia hypsiura

6. July 2007

January 2001: At present we can offer Amaralia hypsiura for friends of the extraordinary . This rarely dealt catfish attains full growth with approx. 15 cm length. It originates from the Amzon and there it feeds mainly, as gastric examinations of freshly caught fishes documents, predominantly the spawn of other fish. Fortunately they are not dependend on this exquisite food. In tanks they can be fed with frosted or living red worms and other invertebrates. This predominantly night-active fish estimates not to bright lighting, also the aquarium should have some hiding places were they can find a place to hide.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien