Author Archives: Paul_

(19.Feb.2008) After a long break back in our stock: German offspring of L 173. This very rare Hypancistrus is probably the most closely with L 46 related species. As juveniles they look like zebras with an irregular stripe pattern. Their final size is a little larger than L 46 L also their clutches are larger. Since they share their habitat with some other Hypancistrus species, they should be kept like them.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

(28.Nov.2007)At the moment we have a group of nearly full-grown Hypostomus isbrueckeri in stock. The here pictured male is easily distinguishable from its partners by the bright colors of the caudal fin. This is probably the only Loricariid species which shows such a pronounced gender difference. Their origin is the border region Brazil, Argentina, and imports of them are rather rare. As recently some breeding attempts of big loricariids were succesful, ambitious breeders should also try to spawn this species. Since they originate from a region with a subtropical climate, they should not be kept all year round at high temperatures. A well-structured, unheated tank should be ideal for them. (Photo und Text K. Diehl)

(2nd.Nov.2007) For the first time we can offer Pseudacanthicus spec. Typhoon. This extremely attractive Cactus Pleco comes from Brazil, its origin is kept as a secret, so that no information concerning the river were they have been caught can be made. In the appearance they reminiscent of Pseudacanthicus spec. “Titanic” L 273, the colour (black body with orange-white stains), however, differs strongly from the Titanics. Remarkable are the wonderful long, orange-coloured filaments of the caudal fin, as well as the orange tip of the dorsal fin. Photos of the exporter can prove that they reach a size of > 30 cm and are still very attractive.

(Photo R.Neunkirchen, Text K.Diehl)

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)

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)

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)

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)

September 2006: This week we succeeded in importing several of this beautiful new Panaque from Brazil. In their appearance they remind of L 27, are however flatter and slimmer than these. In addition they possess a larger mouth and their dorsal fin is smaller. These characteristics let assume that they originate from strongly flowing river sections. The comparison of different sized animals shows, that the strong gold colouring, as well as the for L 27 atypical, attractive dotting of the caudal fin increases with ageing. Scarcely said: For me at present the most attractive Panaque!

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

This catfish coming from Bolivia, belongs to the smallest of his relatives, measuring 13 cm maximum. It is mostly getting imported by travelling aquarium hobbyists. Regarding the water condition this kind is rather adaptable, as guide values of up to 400 µS/cm and a pH-value of 7.6 were measured. Approx. 25°C are quite enough for keeping and breeding. These fish are also hardly demanding on food, which is why a wide range of frozen and dry food is sufficient. There are no heavy demands made on the aquarium decoration. It is only absolutely necessary to place fine sand as ground to the disposal of these catfish, in which they can burrow themselves. In contrast to many other catfish of this family Ps. thorectes belong to the kinds, which actually only leave the protecting ground at night and after settling for food. Breeding is possible, although it is not very productive. Approx. 25 eggs can be looked upon as a good result. Like the other Pseudohemiodon species, Ps. thorectes also belongs to the so-called „lip-breeder“, of which the males grip the eggs with their lower lip and carry it around. After 14 days the larva hatch out and are already independent.(Photo & Text von T. Weidner)

Ancistomus sabaji – Hypostomus spec., Peckoltia spec.? A fish with many names! There is hardly another L number catfish where the confusion regarding the nomenclature is as large as with this species. This is a result of the generous allocation of numbers (L 75, L 124, L 301 and LDA 2) for this fish. One reason for this fact is the large area of origin where numerous deviating color forms exist. For the hobbyist this should be no real problem, since all varieties are attractive and can be easily kept. They can get larger than 20 cm and need therefore roomy aquariums. As expressed omnivors with only little aggression they are very well suitable for community tanks.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

From southern Brazil and northern Argentina originates the probably most beautiful representative of the genus Hypostomus. Contrary to many other loricariids they become more beautiful with increasing age, since the portion of the yellow body parts constantly increases. Their southern area of origin suggests a tolerance in relation to low temperatures. They can be can maintained in the unheated room aquarium. Since a size of more than 30 cm can be reached a tank of appropriate size should be available.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

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)

Pterosturiosoma microps is one of the regularly imported Loricariidae from Peru, although not in bigger quantities. Even though it is more impressing in colour by its soft black-grey, it can still arouse enthusiasm by its remarkable appearance and its impressive but graceful fins. But its steady nursing is not quite easy. Whereas the acclimatization probably seems to be the most problematic part, as it is difficult to get the fish used to food substitute and/or they could possibly be pre-injured by the catch or transport. The type of food is surely tainted with a certain risk, because during the first time these fish persistencely refuse to frequent a sandy or graveled ground or other decoration materials. This means they only eat what they find on waveless surfaces. Therefore it is recommended not to use ground during the quarantine, in order to get the animals into a good condition. When the fish got used to the life in the aquarium and when they recovered from the strains of transport, a nursing in a well-decorated and planted aquarium will be simple. Roots or the broad leaves of Vallisneria gigantea for example could be the prefered residences. As these catfish grow to a length of 20cm, the nursing tank should include 250 l. Unfortunately P. microps can be only socialized with really peaceful fish, which do not fight with him for food, because it does not have any self-assertion. If you meet its requirements, P. microps can be an absolutely recommendable fish, but it surely is not an easy to keep fish. (Photo & Text von T. Weidner)

A close relative of the well known common plecos, is shown at the time of the importation not fully grown yet. This fish can easily grow up to 30 cm in length. This pleco is a harmless solitude fish, very well suited for the cichlid aquarium. It is an animal who has a nocturnal way of life and will show most activity at dawn and dusk. During the day it will rest at a shadowy place under a stone or piece of bogwood. The representatives of the pleco species live in fast streaming rivers but also in flooded areas. They feed in the aquarium preferably on vegetarian food like salad and boiled pees or Brussels sprouts, but this fish is not picky at all and will eat all kind of flake or tablet food as well.(Text: I. den Daas, Photo: F. Schäfer)

As a further german bred rarity we can offer Rineloricaria melini at present. Our specimen of the probably most attractive Rineloricaria species have with 9 – 12 cm length already attained full growth and are of outstanding quality. Their origin is the area of the Rio Negro where they live in black water biotopes. Like all Rineloricaria species they are cave spawners in the male gender. An aquarium for Rineloricarias should have densely planted zones, and also open areas and some caves. They are omnivores, which need both vegetable and animal food.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)