Author Archives: Paul_

Panaque spec. „Papa Ojo Chico“ L 90a

6. July 2007

Panaque spec. „Papa Ojo Chico“ L 90a Panaque spec. „Papa Ojo Chico“ L 90a Panaque spec. „Papa Ojo Chico“ L 90a Panaque spec. „Papa Ojo Chico“ L 90a

With L 90a we can offer at present one of the most beautiful Panaque species. Especially the extremely long, orange colored filaments of the caudal fin are remarkable. In addition, the discrete black markings on the noble-grey colored body let them appear very elegant. With the purchase of these fishes their final size (over 30cm) should be considered. In to small tanks the fin filaments can be easily damaged. They need predominantly vegetarian food, besides that all kinds of wood are gladly eaten. Bogwood in the aquarium thus is obligation. They are easy to keep catfishes, owners of large tanks should absolutely try to breed them.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Peru
Name Panaque spec. „Papa Ojo Chico“
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Betta falx

6. July 2007

Betta falx, belonging to the Betta picta form circle, was scientifically described 1998 by Tan and Kottelat. Their origin is the central part of Sumatra, where it occurs in dense overgrown, nearly standing waters. The water conditions at the habitat (pH 5.7, GH 0 – 1, KH 0 – 1) do not have to be kept in the aquarium, Betta falx get along even with higher water equivalents. One can already maintain several pairs of those about 6 cm largely growing species in a 60 cm aquarium. The aquarium should be densly planted and not lighted up too strongly. A nutrition with small living food such as Cyclops, water fleas and Culex larvae is ideal, frosted- and flake food is however likewise accepted. Betta falx is a mouth breeder, the male takes care on the approximately 70 eggs, while the female takes over the territory defense. The raising of the fry with Artemia Naupliae is not difficult.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Sumatra

Micropterus salmoides

6. July 2007

Something special for your pond. The Largemouth Bass originates from the eastern part of the United States where they occur from the Canadian border down to Mexico. In the meantime they were spread in numerous countries as game fish and can therefore be found also in Europe. They prefer quiet, well warmed waters without a current and with dense vegetation. This biotope gives them protection and hiding places for sneak up their prey. They can get up to 100 cm long and a reach a weight up to 15 kg. As predators they feed on water insects and their larvae, crayfish and fish. The spawning takes place in the spring as a function of the water temperature. They spawn in nests built by the male, eggs and larvae are guarded by the male to approximately one month after the free swimming.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft USA
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Cyphotilapia frontosa var. „DARK BLUE HORIZON“

6. July 2007

March 2005:New on our list and absolutely rare: Cyphotilapia frontosa var. “DARK BLUE HORIZON”. We are proud to present these only in extremely small number existing variant of the well-known Cyphotilapia frontosa. Beside the remarkable longitudinal striation the animals are characterised by a very intensive blue. Since so far only very, very few animals are held, these fish should acquire only responsible “professionals”. The world-wide population increase lies for the moment with 10 fish per year!

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Tanganjika See

Geophagus altifrons

6. July 2007

Geophagus altifrons

You can surely excellently argue about taste, but the various populations of Geophagus altifrons could justly conquer a solid place among Cichlid lovers. And one of the most beautiful variants might be Geophagus altifrons “Tapajos”. Additionally, G. altifrons is an easy-to-keep cichlid. It requires aquariums with at least 500 ltr. capacity due to its size of 30cm maximum, but when being kept in such a tank it is rather undemanding to its keeper. The softer the water, the more beautifully coloured this fish is. But you can also keep it in harder water or higher pH-values without problems. Despite its size it is willing to accept dry food, frozen food must not be too coarse and without hard shells, otherwise digestive trouble might occur. As it is an eartheater, fine ground without sharp edges for burrowing must be available. It does not eat plants, but as it burrows, it is difficult to fasten plants tightly in the ground. Geophagus altifrons is a ovophile mouthbreeder, which can be even bred in a little harder water (approx. 25 °dGH). (Photo & Text von T. Weidner)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Retroculus lapidifer

6. July 2007

Retroculus lapidifer

To take sensibly care of Retroculus lapidifer, which comes from Rio Tocantins/Rio Araguaia catchment area, you should own quariums with a base of 150 x 60cm minimum, as this species can grow very big (25-30cm). But despite its size you should not socialize it with aggressive cichlids, because it has only a certain self-assertion among his own kind. The food is not really difficult, you will make these fish evidently happy, if you give them big bits, e.g. rough krill, mussels or small fish. Also dry food will be eaten. R. lapidifer might cause difficulties sometimes during the settling and an infection of Ichthyo can drag on for a long time. Often only a daily subsequent dosing will then be helpful. All Retroculus kinds are particular susceptible regarding the water quality and often they are the first inside the aquarium to respond to an interfered nitrogen circulation. Breeding is quite possible, but is mostly only successful in big aquariums and with animals, which are at least 2 years old. Retroculus lapidifer belong to the hole-egg-layer, which means that a ground hollow must be dug over which the fish lay their eggs. Afterwards the spawn is getting collected by both parents and covered with rough sand, leaves, empty shells and things like that. Breeding of the young ones succeeds with new hatchet Artemia without problems.(Photos & text by T. Weidner)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien, Rio Tocantis, R. Araguaia

Cambarellus patzcuarensis

6. July 2007

Cambarellus patzcuarensis

November 2003: New arrival! The orange dwarf lobster, Cambarellus patzcuarensis. They grow only up to 3-4cm. Just yesterday we got a very limited quantity from a german breeder. These dwarf lobsters are slightly agressive among each other. The origin is the lake Patzcuaro in Mexico.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Mexiko
Name Cambarellus patzcuarensis

Sesarma spec. „Neon Face“

6. July 2007

Sesarma spec. „Neon Face“

April 2005: These days we got a new crab species from Asia. The blue green irisdescent coloration of its face advised the name „Neon Face“. If further information is available, we will add it to our text.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Südost Asien

Devario assamensis

6. July 2007

Some of the about 35 Devario species are found regularily in aquaria, others like Devario assamensis are rather rare. Therefore we are very happy to be able to offer you for the first time german bred Devario assamensis. Here it is about magnificent colored, circa 10 cm long getting barbs, whose origin is eastern India. They are rather swim-active fish and need sufficient space, the aquarium length should therefore be not below 1 m. A large free swimming area is necessary, a densely planted background offers them a some times needed protection and a retreat area. They have no special requirements on the water chemistry, middlehard water and a neutral pH is sufficient for them. A high value should be set on a alternation of the food. Often omnivores get neglected in this regard. At feeding they will get fully active and particularly when feeding with living food they exhibit impressing swimming zournaments. For a productive breeding the parents should be departed after spawning, since they are fierce spawn eaters.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indien

Corydoras sp. aff. kanei

6. July 2007

Corydoras sp. aff. kanei

This new and undescribed true mailed catfish differs from C. kanei by a golden band on the shoulder. The very attractive fish originate from the Rio Jamaxin (Brazil). Their final length is 5 cm. C. kanei has been bred successfully on several occasions and Seuß (Die faszinierende Welt der Corydoras, Landbuch Verlag Germany, 1997) reports that at a temperature between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, 80 to 100 eggs are laid by a combination of 2 male and 1 female cory. The fertilisation rate between 80 and 90 percent and at 25 degrees Celsius the 1.8 mm eggs hatched after 4 days. The first food for the fry consisted of fresh hatched brine shrimps.(Text: I. den Daas, Photo: F. Schäfer)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Hoplias malabaricus

6. July 2007

“Here's lookin' at you, kid,” – but be careful. Otherwise it could happen that it will be the very last what a tank mate will be looking at. Under these beautiful green eyes are not less impressive teeth that makes the wolf fish Hoplias malabaricus a feared hunter. The owners of these from Costa Rica to Argentina spread species should, when being busy in the aquarium, always have a view of their “favorite”, since it can come to bite injuries. Due to its large habitat some only difficult to distinguish subspecies of H. malabaricus exist. For those the statements of size differ, but it is to be assumed that H. malabaricus can reach a size of at least 50 cm and a weight of 1,5 kg. It is thereby no fish for everyone and completely nothing for a community aquarium. For experienced owners of large tanks which search for the unusual they may be a challenge which could be looked at.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Costa Rica-Argentinien
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Pareiodon cf. microps

6. July 2007

This pencil catfish, a relative of parasitic the urethra of humans entering catfishes, is very rarely traded. The affiliation to the genus Pareiodon is rather clear, the species classification however is yet not clarifyed. As predators they should not be socialized with to small fishes. Due to their rarity no reports about their maintenance in the aquarium are present to us. For collectors of rarities: there is one albino in stock!

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

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

Apistogramma sp. Tefé 1 – Gold

6. July 2007

Apistogramma sp. Tefé 1 – Gold

The first golden animals were found among a bred shoal of young, approx. 14 days old Apistogramma sp. Tefé 1. From them a breeding phylum for further generations of Golden Apistogramma developed. Their growth is plainly slower than the growth of the normal Apistogramma sp. Tefé 1 and their breeding is generally more difficult. Their keeping conditions are equivalent to those of Apistogramma agassizii.(Photo & Text von P. & M. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien

Potamotrygon sp. „Pearl“

6. July 2007

From one of the most sought – after of the Amazonian stingrays in the hobby, Potamotrygon sp. “pearl” we could offer first European bred offsprings. Pearl rays got their names for the repeating pattern of pearl-like spots within black rings covering its dorsum. Their origin is the Rio Tapajos where it share its biotopes with P 14. If one holds Perl rays together with other ray species, their high assertiveness is noticeable. They are able to dominate substantially larger individuals of other species. For the successful maintenance an aquarium with a surface area as large as possible has to be selected. On the bottom a sand layer is to be provided. Well acclimatized rays have no special requirements for the water parameters. A varied, strong food is importantly therefore a good filtering must also be ensured. As tank mates Pseudoplatystoma and Sorubimichthys species will do fine.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien
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Sphaerichthys osphromenoides

6. July 2007

Sphaerichthys osphromenoides is the most famous representative of the in southeast Asia indigenous chocolate gouramis. Like other chocolate gouramis Sphaerichthys osphromenoides is a delicate and at least while settling down a sensitive fish. It’s natural biotope are shore areas of small, still and slow-moving black water on the Malayan peninsula. As a typical black water fish it needs a acidic, soft water. Because the natural habitat of extreme black water fish is very pour of bacteria the adaptability to the high bacteria density in the aquarium is very low. Flakes are mostly not accepted and a feeding with live or frosted brine shrimp, mosquito larvae or fruit flies is indispensable. For the breeding the water-quality again needs to be inceased , but should succeed with a little luck. Interesting is the several weeks lasting mouth-broodcare. The chocolate gourami is no fish for beginners and it should only be fall into the hands of experienced hobbyist. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indónesien

Camptandrium sp.

6. July 2007

July 2006: Few days ago we could import a new attractive crab species. It belongs to the genus Camptandrium, the species is yet not determined. They originate from India, where they were caught on the banks of the Ganges river in the proximity Calcuttas. There they live in estuaries and a therefore a salt additive to the aquarium water is reasonable. With approximately 1 cm length they attained full growth and so they represent the ideal inhabitant for the trendy mini aquariums. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indien

Demanietta spec. Laos

6. July 2007

From the border area of Laos and Thailand origins the expressed beautiful fresh water crab Demanietta spec. „Laos“. They exist in different colour forms. Fresh water crabs need an aquarium with a land- and water part. Some branches or stones will offer them climbing possibilities. As omnivores they despise nearly none of the usual crab-food, naturally it should already be diversified.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Thailand, Laos

Sesarmops intermedium, Flower Crab

6. July 2007

Sesarmops intermedium

This crab is known under the trading name “Flower Crab”. It will not outgrow 4 cm, measured by its carapace. These crustaceans have two large, red claws, which could weigh up to half the total body weight. In nature they feed mainly on algae and other organic material, which they catch with smaller pincers. The Flower Crab needs a dry surface in their tank. Feeding in captivity is no problem at all; they eat all available fish food including flake and pellets. To thrive these crustaceans need an addition of salt in the water. One teaspoon for 10 litres of water should be sufficient. Their tank should be thoroughly covered because crabs and lobsters are notorious escape artists, who will find every small opening to get out of their artificial environment in order to dry up and perish somewhere in the room.(Photo: Frank Schäfer, Text: Izaak den Daas)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Taiwan
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Barbus hulstaerti

6. July 2007

August 2006: Last night we received a small jewel from the Congo basin. For the first time a somewhat larger number, of the more than 30 years for the hobby lost Butterfly Barb Barbus hulstaerti could be imported. The lively fish, reaches 4cm in length and fascinates by its wonderful colors. In their area of origin they live in flat, shady and relative cool jungle waters. The discovery site data indicate with water values of pH around 6; and a total hardness under 5 DGH no excessive problems for their maintenance. The more delicate males can be differentiated from the larger, chubbier females at the more narrow anterior side spot. Due to the complicated political situation in the Congo the availability of wild caughts is not secured, therefore ambitious breeders should take care of this swimming gem to secure their existence in our aquaria.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Kongo
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Devario regina

6. July 2007

The Queen Danio (Devario regina) is a tropical fish belonging to the minnow family (Cyprinidae). Originating in India, Myanmar, Thailand, northwestern Malaya, and the Mekong basin it is quite rarely seen in our tanks. Other species often found in the same locality as D. regina are Puntius lateristriga, Rasbora paviei, various Poropuntius, Neolissochilus, Barilius, Nemacheilus and Schistura. They all are a good company for community tanks. In the wild, the Queen Danio is found in fast moving rivers with sandy bottoms in a tropical climate and prefer water with an ideal temperature range of 23 – 25 °C. D. regina can reach an overall length of 11 cm and since they are expressed lively swimmers they need enough space (at least 120cm tanks). Their diet in the wild consists of worms, small crustaceans and insects. In tanks feeding is completely unproblematic nearly everything which fits in the mouth will be eaten. Breeding should be tried in special aquaria, it is unproblematic. The parents will eat their eggs and therefore they have to be removed after spawning.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia

Astyanax leopoldi

6. July 2007

Astyanax leopoldi

Because of their rhomboid body form these animals remind one a little of African tetras of the species Phenacogrammus or Bathyaethiops. Except from Rio Oyapock Astyanax leopoldi are also said to be found in Rio Approuague. They were named in honour of King Leopold III of Belgium, who attended an ichthyological expedition to Rio Oyapock in 1962. Fortunately we soon succeeded in breeding, even though this tetra was not always unproblematic. Especially when doing too generous water changes with raising the pH-value fish of all ages occasionally respond with symptoms of a “shock” (body gets white), from which they somtimes do not recover. Apart from that these are very enduring, peaceful and “grateful” fish. Although they are not really coloured newcomers, they surely earn a permanent position in the aquarium hobbyists.(Photo & Text von P. & M. Hoffmann)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Guyana, Rio Oyapock

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