25g. Perchlike fishes (7): Remaining groups

25g. Perchlike fishes (7): Remaining groups (53)

Hephaestus habbemai

4. September 2023

New fish, new questions. This is how we could characterize our import of the grunter Hephaestus habbemai. These beautiful fish come to us from Indonesia and originate from the island of New Guinea. Originally (1910) they were described from the south of the island, from the Lorentz River. The species is a pure freshwater inhabitant; it reaches a length of about 15-20 cm plus caudal fin. At present our animals are 10-12 cm long (total length). Among themselves the animals are extremely well compatible, which is by no means a matter of course with grunters.

The perch-like shape and the relationship show it already: we are dealing with a carnivore. Frozen and live food of suitable size is willingly accepted, small fish are of course considered as additional food.

So far, so good. Where are the questions? In fact, the identification of the animals is by no means certain. We simply took the name for the time being, the research about which species it really is proves to be lengthy and is by no means finished.

We have also made a small film about these fish, which you can watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03uhpKSNNxA

For our customers: the fish have code 421478 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Datnioides campbelli

25. August 2023

Among lovers of large, predatory fish, the species of the genus Datnioides (formerly: Coius) enjoy great popularity. They are calm, expressive fish that, after a sometimes somewhat tough acclimation period in which they are shy and skittish, become very attached to the keeper and provide decades of enjoyment.

All Datnioides species grow to 30-40 cm in size. Some prefer brackish water, others soft and acidic freshwater. Still others – D. campbelli is one of these – can do both and take it as it comes. D. campbelli is restricted in its distribution to the island of New Guinea. There it lives in the south-central part in two states, the province Papua belonging to Indonesia and the independent Papua New Guinea. Most of its finds are in the lower reaches of rivers, where it is often brackish, but it has also been caught far above the tidal influence. Due to its bright golden-yellow tiger coloration (all other Datnioides species are silver to ivory with black bands), D. campbelli is easy to identify by color, but capable of extremely rapid color changes. Disturbed animals become deep dark brown in a flash. Currently our animals are 7-9 cm long.

For basic care of such tiger perches see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/general/datnoides-quadrifasciatus-2/

For our customers: the animals have code 413893 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Gymnochanda ploegi

18. August 2023

We have received this dwarf glass perch from Indonesia, which was named in honour of Alex Ploeg, who was in the passenger plane shot over the Ukraine on 17 July 2014.

Gymnochanda ploegi is known so far only from West Kalimantan, the part of Borneo belonging to Indonesia. It is a pure freshwater species that lives in very soft, acidic water. The peaceful fish become only 3-4 cm long and is a schooling species. Their care is not difficult, however, Gymnochanda, like most glass-perches, accept only live and frozen food, the latter only after habituation. It is best to feed such small treasures with live Artemia nauplii.

Only the males have enlarged and red colored fins. Glass-perches often spawn in the aquarium, they are plant-spawners without brood-care. The raising of the tiny young, who often only accept certain food organisms, is, however, a very high school of aquaristics.

For our customers: the animals have code 419622 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Scatophagus argus

3. February 2023

The Scat is one of the fish species known to science almost from the beginning of scientific naming. Scatophagus argus was already described in 1766. This first description refers to a red scat. The name “rubifrons” for red scats that is always bandied about in the hobby is a purely fanciful name with no scientific value. We have now received quite adorable red scats from Indonesia, which are about the size of a 1 Euro coin. As small juveniles red scats are vertically striped, as you can see on the pictures. It is not until they are 4-5 cm long that the striped pattern changes to a dotted pattern.

Scats use virtually any food source, they are opportunists. Studies in nature showed that larvae (scats spawn in the sea, this is also where larvae develop) eat mainly plant microplankton near the water surface. Juveniles migrate to the mangrove. Here they eat small particles both free-floating and bottom-dwelling. These are diatoms, animal plankton, aufwuchs and mulm. Adults will eat anything that fits in their relatively small mouths, but especially aufwuchs and mulm. But the absolute favorite food is filamentous algae. Scats prefer these to any other food. In the aquaristic literature one often reads that scats are herbivores. However, they are not stricly herbivorous, but omnivorous!

As euryhaline fishes, scats can be kept in fresh, brackish or marine water. The fish do not care. But the pH should never drop below 7.5 for long periods of time, this is very important. Otherwise scats will get seriously ill and may even die. The maximum size of scats is about 30 cm, a size that is usually not reached in nature or in the aquarium. Usually they stop growing at about 15-20 cm in both habitats. Then you can also distinguish the sexes: Males are more high-backed and have a steeper forehead, they also grow larger than females. Scats are free spawners without brood care. They do not spawn in freshwater, for this you need a marine aquarium.

For our customers: the animals have code 454800 on our stock list. Please note that we supply only wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Glossamia aprion

3. February 2023

The cardinalfishes (Apogonidae) are a species-rich (ca. 370 species), mainly marine group of mostly small-bodied, mouth-breeding perch-like fish. Very well known species are the Kauderni or Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) or the Pyjama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera), several other species belong to the standard assortment of marine aquaristics. Only very few species have made it into freshwater. The most important freshwater genus is Glossamia with currently 11 recognized species. All of them originate from New Guinea and Australia. Since hardly any ornamental fishes are exported from there – and if they are, they are rainbow fishes – Glossamia remained almost unknown in the aquaristics of the western world until now. This is a pity, because they are not colorful, but highly interesting species, all of them usually do not grow larger than 8-10 cm, whereas the largest specimen of G. aprion ever caught measured 18 cm.

In the wild, Glossamia often form a very substantial portion of the biomass of the waters they inhabit. The fish are attached to dense underwater vegetation. Without it, they do not feel safe and are shy and skittish. This changes immediately when they have “herbage” in the tank. Their diet consists of aquatic insects, crustaceans (shrimp) and small fish. In Australia, the species has a funny popular name: mouth almighty!

Among themselves and towards fish that do not qualify as food, the mouths almighthy are completely peaceful. They are, as with all cardinalfish, mouthbrooders in the male sex. At first we thought the females are very plump and a bit smaller than the males, because otherwise there are no external sex differences visible. But then we observed a brooding animal, a small fat one! Apparently the smaller ones are the males and eat themselves really big and round before they take care of the brood!

We have now received for the first time a nice, larger shipment of Glossamia aprion from New Guinea.

For our customers: the animals have code 417043 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Datnioides polota

16. December 2022

From India (Orissa) we have received quite adorable tiger perch babies of the species Datnioides polota. Most of the only 1-2 cm long babies still have the dark baby dress, which is only interrupted in the front third of the body by a bright band. But single animals change already into the adult dress, which is silver-colored with vertical dark bands. Cheeky as Oskar they roam the aquarium and are incredibly curious.

Tiger perch (Datnioides) are large, magnificent fish. As predatory fish, they develop significantly more behavior that seems intelligent to us humans than most other fish. Datnioides species grow up to 30 cm long. Accordingly, they need large aquariums, not so much for swimming space as for water stress. Such a large tiger perch eats quite a lot during a meal and everything that disappears through the gullet in the body (live and frozen food of all kinds), comes converted back into the water. And that’s why you need volume, otherwise there will be a water chemical catastrophe.

But true tiger perch fans provide large aquariums for the animals anyway. In the many years that a tiger perch accompanies its keeper through life, the animal becomes tame and develops into a real pet! Among themselves tiger perch are relatively compatible, other fish that do not come into question as food, they ignore. Datnioides polota is a brackish water fish that is also commonly found in pure freshwater. Aquaristically, it has been found to be best to make sure that the pH does not drop below 8 on a permanent basis.

For our customers: the animals have code 414051 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parambassis lala Bred

21. September 2022

The dwarf glass perch, Parambassis lala, is widely distributed in South Asia; it can be found in India, Burma and Nepal. In the past this dwarf, which never grows larger than 2-3 cm, was mistaken for the juvenile of other species, which is why completely wrong size data (up to 8 cm) and also completely wrong ecological data (supposedly it is a brackish water fish, but this is not true) can be found in the literature. In reality P. lala lives only in pure fresh water and remains small.

However, there are several forms of this species, which may yet turn out to be separate species upon closer inspection. We occasionally receive wild-caught specimens from India (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/parambassis-lala-2/), but we also receive captive-bred specimens from Southeast Asia. In our country dwarf glassfish are rarely bred, because the feeding reflex of the larvae is only triggered by the nauplii of a certain small crustacean species (Diaptomus). Without this food, an attempt at rearing is pretty much futile.

Dwarf glassfish are delightful aquarium inhabitants, always “strutting” around the tank like little tin soldiers. The males court the females spiritedly, but without becoming aggressive. Spawning takes place in fine plants, brood care is not practiced by dwarf glassfish.

Concerning the water (pH, hardness) Dwarf Glassfish are undemanding, the temperature can be between 16 and 30°C (depending on the season, no sudden temperature changes!). Eaten is exclusively frozen and live food, dry food is strictly refused.

For our customers: The dwarf glass perch has code 441282 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Toxotes mekongensis

2. June 2021

Archerfishes can be divided into two groups: those that live in the brackish water of estuaries, reproduce there as well (all archerfishes are free spawners without brood care) and can also live in pure seawater. These species are therefore widely distributed along the coasts of the Indo-Pacific from India to Japan and Australia. And then there are the freshwater species that spend their entire lives in freshwater and reproduce there as well. Complicating things is that there are populations of the brackish water species that live in pure freshwater. However, you cannot tell from which population the brackish water species come from and therefore you have to rely on the information provided by the exporter so that you can finally care for them correctly.

Many of these findings have only been made in the last few years and have not yet become common knowledge. One of the pure freshwater species is Toxotes mekongensis, which, as the name suggests, is known from the Mekong River. We have now received this species from Vietnam. The pattern of markings with the long band in the middle of the body, reaching from the back to the belly, is typical for this species.

T. mekongensis grows to about 15 cm in length. It is not necessary to feed archerfish with insects (although T. mekongensis spits well and unerringly), but they need a lot of food. Ideal are dried stream shrimps (Gammarus) as basic food, which you give 2-3 times a day in small amounts (as much as will be eaten in 5 minutes). In addition, the animals take almost all food of animal origin that fits into the mouth, including small fish and shrimp. Only from the bottom they do not like to eat. Among themselves archerfish are relatively compatible. Females grow larger, otherwise there are no external sex differences.

For our customers: the animals have code 468512 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Monodactylus argenteus

16. April 2021

Moonies are magnificent brackish water fish. In pure fresh water they should be kept only temporarily, if possible, because they are very sensitive there. If it has to be freshwater, then the pH value must not drop below 7 and the nitrate value must not rise above 50 mg/l, nitrite is harmful even in very small amounts. In brackish or seawater (from 10-15 g salt/liter), however, they are robust animals. The fish we can offer right now are from Indonesia and were caught near Java.

Monodactylus argenteus should be kept in aquariums as large as possible, because they grow to a length of 15-20 cm and are very eager to swim. Juvenile specimens can be very incompatible with conspecifics, but this varies from individual to individual and there are also very compatible animals. It is best to keep them in a group of 10-12 (or more) so that any aggression is dispersed. A strong current and a good oxygen supply are further prerequisites to enjoy the animals for many years. The sexes cannot be distinguished externally. The fish spawn at night. They are free spawners without brood care.

The temperature should be between 24 and 28°C. They eat all usual dry, frozen and live food, if it fits into their mouth. Since these fish have a high metabolism, feeding several times a day in small portions is recommended.

For our customers: the fish have code 436202 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Etroplus suratensis Bred

12. March 2021

Mostly we receive the Indian Pearl Cichlid (Etroplus suratensis) as wild catch from South India (formerly also from Sri Lanka) or as German offspring from zoo aquariums. Now, for the first time, we have imported bred ones from Indonesia; some specimens of these offspring do not show a stripe pattern, but have an irregular bow and scroll pattern on the back half of the body. In the wild, such fish would have little chance of survival. Juvenile Etroplus suratensis live in larger groups and whoever stands out in color quickly becomes the prey of a fish eater. But in the aquarium there are no predators and so such mutations can survive. One thing is for sure, they look very interesting!

For more information about Etroplus suratensis see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archives/etroplus-suratensis-2/

For our customers: the animals have code 415902 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply only wholesale.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Monodactylus sebae

17. February 2021

The African Mono is widely distributed along the tropical Atlantic coast of Africa. As a completely euryhaline fish, it can freely change between fresh, brackish and seawater; it prefers to stay in brackish water. In its native range M. sebae is a common fish and is caught there for food. In the past, aquaristic needs were met by wild-caught fish from Lagos Bay, Nigeria, but for decades this species has only been available as offspring from Southeast Asia.

M. sebae was one of the first marine fishes to be successfully reared in the aquarium. First breeding reports date back to 1968, planned breeding succeeded since the 1970s. The animals are free spawners without brood care, the spawn swims around during development, external sex differences are not known.

With a maximum length of 25 cm (but mostly around 15 cm, the animals are spawning at about 10 cm at the age of about 1 year) Monodactylus sebae is not a small fish, furthermore they are fast swimmers and should be kept in a troop (from 8 specimens upwards). So they require a correspondingly large aquarium. A value of 3-4 g/l has proven to be the ideal salt content. Monos are carnivores, which can be well fed with all common frozen and live foods. Dry food is accepted, but should not be used as a sole food. Monos like it warm, the water temperature should be between 25 and 28°C.

For our customers: the animals have code 150002 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Gymnochanda flamea

26. August 2020

A very wonderful dwarf glassfish reached us from Indonesia: Gymnochanda flamea, the red filamentous glassfish. All Gymnochanda species (G. filamentosa, G. flamea, G. limi, G.ploegi and G. verae) are pure freshwater fish, you should never add salt to the water.

Only two species, G. flamea (South-Borneo) and G. filamentosa (Malaysia, Sumatra (?), West-Borneo) have thread-like long dorsal and anal fin rays, red in G. flamea, white-blue in G. filamentosa.

The care of the cute, maximum 4 cm long animals is not very difficult, but they only eat live food. Among each other they are very peaceful, even against other fish, but one should – if at all – only keep these treasures with other tiny and peaceful species. Soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6-7) and a temperature of 24-28°C are recommended.

The animals are egglayers without brood care. The eggs are deposited in fine-grained plants. As far as we know, no successful rearing of the brood under aquarium conditions has been reported so far.

For our customers: the animals have code 419642 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Toxotes blythii

6. July 2020

This archer fish that lives exclusively in freshwater originates from Burma. It has been discovered as early as 1860 and received its correct scientific name in 1892. Since then it has not been found anymore. Only in 2004 the first specimens appeared in the international trade and were celebrated as a sensation. These first specimens were extremely expensive, but nowadays the price is on a normal level and so any real fish enthusiast is able to keep this beautiful fish at home. Currently we received a shipment with really nice specimens of this extraordinary archer fish.

For our customers: the fish have code 468352 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Datnioides microlepis

23. April 2020

The Indonesian Tiger Fish (Datnioides microlepis) is without any doubt the most beautiful species of Tiger Perch. These large growing predators can reach a maximum length around 50 cm and are wonderful show fish for large aquaria. But the photographed fish are still young, 4-6 cm long.

There are two populations of this perch, one originating from the southeast Asian mainland (the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins, this population is sometimes regarded as a separate species, D. pulcher) which has invariably 5 bars, while specimens from Indonesia have an individually variable number of bars. Both have in common the double bar on the tail.

It is fascinating to observe how fast the fish can change their coloration. When the fish are in a cool mood, they show the typical dark bars on a light ground. When the fish are upset – for example on hunt – they become very dark within a glimpse. Even small tiger fish prefer other fish as food. The feeder fish are hunted by swimming after them or by lying in ambush. When the latter tactic is chosen, only the light blaze discloses the hunter. The remaining body melts optically with the background.

For our customers: the fish have code 414002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Datnioides: means “similar to Datnia”; Datnia is another genus of fish. microlepis: means “with small scales”. pulcher: means “beautiful”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Terapon jarbua

8. April 2020

This brackish water fish – adult Terapon jarbua usually live in the sea, juveniles in brackish water, but the species is euryhalin and can be found both in the sea and in freshwater – is widespread along the coasts of South East Asia to Australia and East Africa. From the Red Sea, T. jarbua has even migrated into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. However, this attractive fish, which can reach a length of up to approx. 35 cm, is only found comparatively rarely in trade. We have now once again received charming 2-3 cm long juveniles from Singapore.

Terapon jarbua changes its behaviour several times during its life. Small juveniles, like the ones we imported, are lively schooling fish that roam the shallow water. With a length of 5-6 cm they become sedentary and occupy small territories in sand pits. In this phase they are very quarrelsome against conspecifics. With the onset of sexual maturity, i.e. with 8-10 cm length, T. jarbua become swarm fish again and migrate together through the free water.

Little is known about the reproductive behaviour of the animals, they are said to spawn in the sea and the spawn is guarded by the male. The fish are very greedy and always need plenty of food. Well fed they are also less quarrelsome. The chemical composition of the water should always be considered: while the salt content may vary in a broad range, the pH-value should never drop below 8, otherwise T. jarbua will quickly show discomfort. The water temperature should be between 24 and 28°C.

For our customers: the animals have code 468001 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parambassis pulcinella

23. March 2020

Once more we were able to import the most peculiar species of glass perch: Parambassis pulcinella. This freshwater fish originates from clear streams in the border region between Thailand and Burma. The maximum size reported so far is about 10 cm. Against conspecifics the species is rather peaceful. They tend to tease each other sometimes over a short period, but this is harmless. It is best to keep this fish in groups of 8-10 specimens. In our experience, a strong current is very beneficial for the well-being of the animals. Like all glass perches, this species needs live and frozen food as food, dry food is usually refused.

Nobody knows what the odd hump is good for. But the males have a larger hump than the females, so the hump may have do something with the sexual life of the animals. However, nothing about the sexual life of Parambassis pulcinella is known yet.

For our customers: the fish have code 441294 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Elassoma evergladei

14. February 2020

The pygmy sunfish, Elassoma evergladei, is a real classic among the dwarf fish. Many generations of hobbyists already enjoyed keeping and breeding the tiny species. It is best kept in a small single species tank that should not be heated.

For our customers: the fish have code 404603 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Datnoides quadrifasciatus

15. January 2020

Some aquarium fish are more of a pet than just an observation object. They grow larger than usual and communicate with their keeper. It is often not clear who is observing whom more intensively: the vertebrate in front of the aquarium or the one behind it. Datnioides quadrifasciatus clearly belongs to this category of fish. With a maximum length of 30-40 cm (although most specimens in nature only grow to around 20 cm) they are large fish for large aquaria. The water for this species should be hard and above all, the pH-value should be above 8, as these tiger perches also often occur in brackish water and tolerate soft, acidic water only very badly.

These predatory fish become so tame that they take food (preferably frozen, whole fish of suitable size) from the forceps. They also eat them from the fingers, but with larger specimens this can be painful…

More recently, D. quadrifasciatus, which we import from Vietnam, has been synonymized with D. polota from India. We do not follow this view, because Datnioides polota from India differs significantly in colour from our Vietnamese. However, the name D. quadrifasciatus is not available in a scientific sense due to the current zoological nomenclature rules, so that it has to be assumed that in case of a revision of the tigerfish a name change will be necessary.

For our customers: the animals have code 414104 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Etroplus suratensis

2. August 2019

After a quite long time we were able to import the Indian Pearl Spot, Etroplus suratensis, once again. Of the three species of Indian cichlids this one is the largest. Record dimensions of up to 40 cm were reported. But normally this fish becomes only about 15 cm long, it is sexually mature from about 8 cm.

Etroplus suratensis occurs in nature along the south coast of India and in Sri Lanka. It is often found in pure fresh water, but likes to live in a brackish environment and also tolerates pure sea water. A slight addition of salt is recommended in the aquarium, but much more important is the pH value, which should not fall below 8 if possible.

Plants are part of the diet of this species and planting the aquarium is therefore usually doomed to failure. The Indian Pearl Spot is a sociable animal that is best cared for in the company of some specimens. With its smaller cousin, the Indian cichlid (Pseudetroplus maculatus), it is associated with a cleaning community that can also be observed in the aquarium. If E. suratensis wants to be cleaned, he stands very conspicuously with his head up on the caudal fin. P. maculatus understands this instinctively and cleans his larger cousin. This behaviour is inherent and can also be observed in animals that were born in the aquarium and never had the opportunity to observe this behaviour.

Our 4-5 cm long youngsters of E. suratensis are already very nice to look at in their stripe pattern; adult animals look quite splendid, as if they are covered with diamond splinters.

For our customers: the animals have code 415902 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Toxotes siamensis

8. March 2019

We obtain some years already the very nice Toxotes sp. „Marble“ from Thailand, where it inhabits the Chao Phraya river. The up to 15-20 cm long species is a pure freshwater fish. It was very recently scientifically described as Toxotes siamensis now. During their research the authors found that only 2-3 of the currently 10 accepted species of archer fish are brackish water fish, the remaining species live exclusively in freshwater.

In the paper two additional species of Toxotes are described which were confused with T. microlepis before: Toxotes mekongensis from the Mekong (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam) and Toxotes sundaicus (Sumatra, Borneo, maybe Malaysia). Sadly we have not yet nice pictures from these fish, but as soon as they are available we close that gap.

For our customers: Toxotes siamensis has code 468542 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Literature

Kottelat, M. & H. H. Tan (2018): Three new species of archerfishes from the freshwaters of Southeast Asia (Teleostei: Toxotidae) and notes on Henri Mouhot’s fish collections. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, publiziert am 2. Mai 2018. DOI: 10.23788/IEF-952

Gymnochanda ploegi

28. September 2018

For the first time we received this dwarf glass perch from Indonesia, which was named in honour of Alex Ploeg, who was in the passenger plane shot over Ukraine on 17 July 2014.

G. ploegi is known so far only from West Kalimantan, the part of Borneo belonging to Indonesia. It is a pure freshwater species that lives in very soft, acidic water. The peaceful fish become only 3-4 cm long and is a schooling species. Their care is not difficult, however, Gymnochanda, like most glass-perches, accept only live and frozen food, the latter only after habituation. It is best to feed such small treasures with live Artemia nauplii.

For our customers: the animals have code 419622 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.

Etroplus maculatus

22. November 2017

The Indian cichlid, Etroplus maculatus, is a very popular aquarium fish and never disappeared after its first importation again. Recent research suggests that Etroplus is not a close relative of the cichlid family, but rather of the damselfishes (Pomacentridae). However that does not mean anything for the hobby.

Etroplus maculatus can be kept and bred in pure fresh or brackish water. The sexes are equal regarding colour and finnage, but males are always bigger than females, at least after maturity. Males become mature with about 5 cm, females with 4 cm total length. Maximum length is around 9 cm for males. When specimens offered are of equal age or were imported together one should take the largest and the smallest specimen in the tank. They will almost ever form a pair. Etroplus take biparental care. They are open brooders. They attach the eggs on stones, roots etc.. The eggs have small stalks and move when they are fanned. Both parents lead and guard the offspring. The young feed inter alia on skin mucus, similar as young discus do.

For our customers: the fish have code 415803 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Etroplus canarensis

13. October 2017

Only three species of cichlid are found in Asia, all of them belong to the genus Etroplus. But many scientists believe that Etroplus are closer to damsels than to cichlids. Anyway, all three species are marvelous aquarium fish. Two of them, E. maculatus and E. suratensis are wide spread.

There was no trace of E. canarensis for over 100 years on the other hand and some people already assumed, it may be extinct. This beautifully coloured perch gets approx. up to 10cm long. It is a pure freshwater inhabitant. The peaceful animals should not be kept in company of fast eating kinds to avoid that they get too less food when being fed. Apart from fights for the hierarchy after being put inside, E. canarensis get along together well.

The fish are available only once per year and in limted numbers; currently this is the case.

For our customers: the fish have code 415752 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Photos: F. Schäfer, Text: K. Diehl

Scatophagus tetracanthus

13. September 2017

We received this top rarity from the Pacific coast of Eastern Africa. For the first time ever we can offer 27 specimens. Like all scats this species is completely euryhalin, this means it can change freely between the sea and freshwater; this is their typical behaviour in the wild. Much more important than the salt content is the pH for these fishes: pH must never drop below 8 over a longer period.

The extremely beautiful Scatophagus tetracanthus are omnivorous fishes. They prefer small crustaceans, like artemia or cyclops, but they also feed on vegetables. The maximum length reported for S. tetracanthus is 30 cm, but it usually is fully grown with 15-20 cm; at least in the wild hardly ever larger indiviuals are found. One should be careful when catching the fish, as they produce a venom in glands under the first dorsal fin. A sting is very painful, but usually harmless. Only allergy sufferers should be careful and visit a medic if stung.

African scats are quite peaceful fish that often swim in large schools. It is also recommended to keep them in groups in the aquarium, if necessary along with their green and spotted cousins from southeast Asia.

For our customers: the fish have code 169103 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in small numbers only!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parambassis lala

15. August 2017

The Indian Glass Perch is an old aquarium fish, the first importation was as early as 1905. Nevertheless there are still totally wrong rumours on it. So it is often said that P. lala would prefer brackish water. But this is nonsense the fish occurs exclusively in pure freshwater where it lives in schools.

Due to confusion with other, similar species it is also often said that P. lala would reach a length of about 8 cm. In fact P. lala never becomes larger than 3-4 cm. Males of P. lala have a very pretty whitish-blue seam along the anal and the dorsal fin, which lacks in females. Keeping the Indian Glass Perch is easy, but the fish not accept dried food, but only frozen or live food items.

For our customers: the fish have code 441282 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Elassoma zonatum

22. February 2017

Even our grandfathers will remember the dwarf sunfishes. The tiny, hardly 3 cm long fish are ideal inhabitants for small tanks that are not heated. Elassoma originate from the USA. Formerly only one species of the genus was represented in the hobby, namely Elassoma evergladei. But in the meantime additional species became avialable. Among them is E. zonatum. This species originates from eastern and central parts of the United States.

Elassoma zonatum is a perfect aquarium fish and as good suited as its well known cousin. One has to keep in mind that Elassoma will refuse dry food, but otherwise they are easy to keep. Sadly the offspring is extremely small, so a successful rearing will be performed by experienced hobbyists only.

For our customers: the fish have code 414725 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Only very few specimens available!

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Only in the transit…

14. February 2017

There are not many species of fish in which the demand is greater than the number of offered animals. The Rainbow Darter (Etheostoma caeruleum) from North America belongs to these exceptional species. The pretty, small species – it attains a maximum length of 7-8 cm – has been imported as early as 1899, but it always stayed rare.

Now we obtained 10 adult bred specimens, which are, however, not for sale, but which will go to another breeder. We hope the new breeder will be able to produce a good number of offspring for us.

Although the Rainbow Darter inhabits cool, fast running watter in the wild it is all but demanding. The species deposits the eggs in the ground. Hopefully they will do it in great numbers in their new home and then we will be able to offer the pretty fish to all who are interested in it.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Coreoperca cf. liui

26. April 2016

For the first time ever we obtained this interesting freshwater perch from southern China. The genera Coreoperca and Siniperca contain altogether 14 species. They are thought to be close relatives of the groupers (Serranidae), but are placed in a family on their own, the Sinipercidae.

The fish were shipped under the name of Coreoperca kawamebari; however, this species occurs only in Japan and Korea and has a pattern of vertical bands. Three species are known to occur in China, namely C. loona (Wu, 1939); C. liui Cao & Liang, 2013, and C. whiteheadi Boulenger, 1900. Of these, our specimens are closest to C. liui. That species of Chinese perch attains a maximum length of about 11 cm.

In contrast to the groupers the Chinese perches are absolutely peaceful against conspecifics, they even seem to prefer to swim along with partners. Of course these fish are small predators that like living fish for food. In respect of the external appearance the Chinese perches remind one strongly in nandids (Nandus nandus), but the behaviour is completely different. Nandids are shy and always try to cover, whereas the Chinese perches are very lively and curious and swim in the open water.

For our customers: the fish have code 412403 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Parambassis siamensis

21. March 2016

Formerly
this species of glass perch was the most common found in the trade. It
has a very wide distribution through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and
Laos. However, Parambassis siamensis was most often mis-identified and
traded under the name “Chanda wolfi”. P. siamensis is very similar to
the Indian species P. ranga. Both are distinguished by only minor
details and both become about 6 cm long.

These
glass perches are wonderful aquarium fishes and very peaceful. They do
not accept dried food items, but can be easily fed with frozen of live
food. The fish are undemanding in respect of the water, but the water
should be not too soft and – more important – not too acidic. The best
pH is between 7.5 and 8.5. It is not recommended to add salt to the
water; both species are pure freshwater fish.

It
is important not to keep them alone or by pair, but in larger schools.
Ten specimens should be the minimum, otherwise the fish will be very shy
and anxious. They spawn in fine plant material. The mating rituals are
very nice to look at. The fish do not care for eggs or brood. It is
pretty difficult to raise the extremely tiny brood that accepts only
live copepod nauplia for food. The best nauplia for raising glass
perches are those from members of the genus Diaptomus.

For our customers: the fish have code 441304 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Elassoma evergladei

18. January 2016

The pygmy sunfish, Elassoma evergladei, is a real classic among the dwarfs. Many generations of hobbyists already enjoyed keeping and breeding the tiny species. It is best kept in a small single species tank that should not be heated.

For our customers: the fish have code 404603 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	2-3

Scatophagus

29. September 2015

Tiny scats

Scats (Scatophagus) spawn in the sea. The juveniles enter brackish water zones after their development in the plankton. From the mouths of the rivers they migrate often far inland. In India currently this migration starts and we received from there charming scat babies of 1-1.5 cm length.

Juvenile scats show their realtionship: the butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae). Both families share a special juvenile stage which is called “Tholichthys”. Tholichthys have small horns on the head. In many specimens in our scat Kindergarten these horns are still clearly visible.

For our customers: The fish have code 454750 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indien / India
Verfügbare Größe in cm	1-2

Maccullochella peelii

21. September 2015

Who ever looked for a really extraordinary fish as a pet will find it in this species. M. peelii is the largest freshwater fish of Australia. The popular name of Maccullochella peelii is “Murray Cod”, after the Murray River. The average length of adults is about 60 cm and 2-3 kg weight; but the largest specimen recorded scientifically was 183 cm long and had a weight of 113 kg! There are rumors of even larger specimens….

Sadly the Murray Cod – which is, by the way, not a relative of the Cod (Gadus morhua) at all – is endangered in the wild. Our specimens are bred ones and originate from Taiwan. The Murray Cod is bred in large numbers, also in Australia, for stocking purposes, but of course this does not help the natural populations. Many of the latter are already extinct.

This large fish is a generalist in the wild and occurs in any thinkable waterbodies – even in very small ones. The species is extremely territorial, so only a single specimen per tank can be kept. The advantage is that these animals become very tame and even interact with the keeper and other persons on the wrong side of the tank. And the larger a Murray Cod becomes the tamer it will be. Murray Cods are obligate predators. In the aquarium they can be fed easily with fish and crayfish. In the wild they also prey on young waterfowl, small mammals, frogs, water turtles and other reptiles.

We were able to import four juvenile fish which are currently 18-22 cm long.

For our customers: the fish have code 426095 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	18-22

Toxotes blythii

31. July 2014

This
archer fish that lives exclusively in freshwater originates from Burma.
It has been discovered as early as 1860 and received its correct
scientific name in 1892. Since then it has not been found anymore. Only
in 2004 the first specimens appeared in the international trade and were
celebrated as a sensation. These first specimens were extremely
expensive, but nowadays the price is on a normal level and so any real
fish enthusiast is able to keep this beautiful fish at home. Currently
we received a shipment with really nice specimens of this extraordinary
archer fish.

The
animals of our current importation have a very uniform pattern; this is
quite different to the specimens observed in former importations. We
add a picture of a specimen imported in 2011 as an example. Possibly the
fish in our current import represent even a species new to science, for
there are a lot of hints that the real diversity and species-richness
in archerfish is not understood yet. Currently only 7 species are
recognized in the genus Toxotes.

For our customers: the fish have code 468352 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Monodactylus argenteus

20. January 2014

Are you planning already your tanks for the upcoming year? Maybe you try a brackish water tank? A large aquarium with a school of monos (Monodactylus argenteus) is a real eyecatcher and a perfect opportunity to learn about all the other interesting species that like it a bit salty.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand

Omobranchus zebra

11. November 2013

Once more we could import this charming freshwater blennie. For more information on the species, please see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Omobranchus_zebra_en/

For our customers: the fish have code 439742 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Datnioides microlepis

16. July 2013

Finally we were able to import once more the most beautiful species of tiger perch, the Indonesian Tiger Fish. These large growing predators can reach a maximum length around 50 cm and are wonderful show fish for large aquaria. But our imports are still young, 4-6 cm long.

There are two populations of this perch, one originating from the southeast Asian mainland (the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins, this population is sometimes regarded as a separate species, D. pulcher) which has invariably 5 bars, while specimens from Indonesia have an individually variable number of bars. Both have in common the double bar on the tail.

For our customers: the fish have code 414002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Datnioides: means “similar to Datnia”; Datnia is another genus of fish. microlepis: means “with small scales”. pulcher: means “beautiful”.

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indonesien / Indonesia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Etroplus canarensis

19. September 2012

Only three kinds of cichlids are found in Asia, all of them belong to the species Etroplus. But many scientists believe that Etroplus are closer to damsels than to cichlids. However, all three kinds are marvelous aquarium fish. Two of them, E.macultus and E. suratensis are wide spread. There was no trace of E. canarensis for over 100 years on the other hand and some already assumed, it died out. This beautifully coloured perch gets approx. up to 10cm long. It is a pure freshwater inhabitant. The peaceful animals should not be kept in company of fast eating kinds to avoid that they get too less food when being fed. Apart from fights for the hierarchy after being put inside, E. canarensis get along together well.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indien

Etroplus canarensis

19. September 2012

Finally we are able to offer once more the extremely rare and extraordinary beautiful Indian Wasp Cichlid. In contrast to its relatives, this species is an inhabitant of pure freshwater only and never enters brackish water zones. Available in limited numbers only!

For our customers: the fish have code 415751 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Sunfish special!

24. April 2012

Enneacanthus gloriosus

The Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) is a coldwater fish and a real oldtimer among aquarium fish. Aquarists used to name the up to 7.5 cm long fish “working class discus”, due to its brillant colours and the nice behaviour. However, it was never as expensive as the discus.

Bluespotted Sunfish occur in nature along the southeastern coastal region of the US. Here they live in ponds and slow moving rivers with clear water and a dense vegetation. In the aquarium they are not undemanding. They need clean, clear and preferably soft and slightly acidic water. Moreover they are said to be very anxious and can die when shocked. Neverless it is not a big problem to fulfill these demands and a tank with Banded Sunfish belongs to the most beautiful looks one can have in the whole aquarium hobby.

Like all sunfish, the Banded Sunfish usually refuses flake food, it is better to feed them on frozen and live food The term “coldwater fish” is often misunderstood. In this case it does not mean that the tank for sunfish has to be cooled in living rooms. These species have no problem with temperatures as high as 26°C for some time. However, they need a cool period during winter at 4-10°C, otherwise they will not breed.

In Central Europe this species will not survive extreme winters in the garden pond, so it is better to bring them in a cool cellar room from December to March.

For our customers: the fish has code 803803 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Enneacanthus: ancient Greek, means “with nine spines”. This refers to the structure of the dorsal fin. gloriosus: Latin, means “glorious”.

Common name: Bluespotted sunfish

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Enneacanthus chaetodon

Everything that has been said for the Bluespotted sunfish is also true for the Blackbanded sunfish, E. chaetodon, that also occurs in the wild along with its cousin.

We have received very nice, fully grown German bred ones!

For our customers: the fish have code 803702 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: chaetodon: ancient Greek, means “with hairlike teeth”

Common name: Blackbanded sunfish

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Lepomis gibbosus

To Europe it was brought around 1880 for the first time. Since then it became a native fish in Europe but was not able to settle over the whole continent. Nowadays the pumpkinseed is blamed as an unwanted and useless species in Europe. In its natural habitat the fish grows up to 25 cm, but in Europe it stays small. How come? Indigenous North American populations of the pumpkinseed serve as food fish for many predators. The strategy of the pumpkinseed is a a very high reproduction rate. In Europe these predators are missing what leads to a mass-reproduction and the fish stay dwarfish. This phenomenon is also known from other fish species. The perch (Perca fluviatilis) also becomes dwarfish where predators are missing. And so the pumpkinseed usually grows only up to 5-10 cm in Europe.

In aquaria the fish can become much older than in nature. Like all fish the pumpkinseed can grow its whole live through and so aquarium specimens can grow to a captial size. In the garden pond, on the other hand, they usually stay small (around 15 cm). With growing age the adaptability to changes in the enviroment lessenes and so most pumpkinseeds die at the age of around 5 years due to weatherchanges or something similiar. It is wise to buy small individuals (4-5 cm) as their adaptability is high and they easily adopt to live in the new environment.

The garden pond for pumpkinseeds should contain shallow parts with fine sand. Good growth of submerged plants is also important for the fish. Clear and clean water ist preferred. Pumpkinseed are small preators which feed on insect larvae, amphibian larvae, small fish and so on. They can be fed easily with frozen bloodworm, but will almost ever refuse dried food. Males become bigger than the females and are more colourful. A pairbinding is not known in the species, the male will readily mate with any females that will come around. The males defend territories where they take care of the brood until the fry swims free.

For our customers: the animals have code 882500 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply to the wholesale market.

Lexicon: Lepomis: ancient Greek, means “with scales on the operculum”. gibbosus: Latin, means “humped”

Common name: Common Sunfish, Pumpkinseed

Photo: B. Migge / Aqualog archieves Text: Frank Schäfer

Lepomis cyanellus

This is a close relative of the Pumpkinseed. Lepomis cyanellus, the Green Sunfish, is only very occassionally found in the trade. It differs from L. gibbosus by the much larger mouth. The Green Sunfish also becomes much larger than its cousin, about 30 cm. Thus it represents a beautiful inhabitant for large coldwater aquaria and garden ponds. Our animals are German pond bred and currently 7-9 cm long.

For our customers: the animals have code 882203 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: cyanellus: Latin, means “blueish”

Common name: Green Sunfish

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Centrarchus macropterus

The Flier was a very popular aquarium fish some decades ago; nowadays it is somewhat “out of fashion”. This is very unjustified, as is shown by the wonderful, 8-12 cm long specimens we currently have in stock.

Fliers are calm, majestic fishes that are real eyecatchers for every well planted coldwater aquarium. In the garden pond, these fishes also look extremely beautiful when they stand in shallow water over sandy ground and the sun makes them glitter as if they were powered with gold dust.

Young specimens show a well defined ocellus in the soft part of the dorsal fin which gets lost when the fish gorow to adult ages.

For our customers: the fish have code 803106 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Centrarchus: ancient Greek, menas “with spiny back”, referring to the spines of the anal fin. macropterus: ancient Greek, means “with large fins”.

Text & photo: Frank Schäfer

Sillaginopsis panijus

25. January 2011

The difference between “foodfish” and “ornamental fish” is often hard to tell. For example, who in Europe would term the zebra barb (Danio rerio) a foodfish? Nevertheless hundreds of thousands of these tiny animals are collected daily in India, become dried and are sold as a spice. On the other hand young examples of attractive foodfish can be found quite regularly in the ornamental fish trade, because fingerlings are easily available in large numbers due to the aquacultivation of these species.

An example of the latter category is Sillaginopsis panijus that can reach approx. 40 cm total length and is subject of an important commercial fishery. This fish belongs to the family Sillaginidae that contains only 30 species. There is no accepted common name for this family, fishbase suggests “smelt-whitings”.

Sillaginopsis panijus is a very attractive aquarium inhabitant, for it is a restless swimmer of a somewhat sharky appearance and the always erected dorsal spine is a real eyecatcher. The fish inhabits in the wild muddy regions and is anything but demanding. However, only juveniles live in pure freshwater, larger fish and adults should be kept in brackish or marine water. The species is a peaceful omnivorous that should be kept in schools (5 or more specimens).

Sexual maturity is reached at about 12 cm total length. The presumably males can be recognized even at a much smaller length (around 5 cm) by the much longer head and dorsal filament. Still Sillaginopsis panijus is an absolute rarity in home aquaria and it will be an interesting experience to discover the life history of the species under aquarium conditions.

For our customers: the fish have code 455201 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Sillaginopsis: means about “similar to a small Sillago”; Sillago is another genus of the family Sillaginidae. panijus: after the Bengal name of the fish.

Suggestion for a common name: Longfin surferfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indien / India
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-6

Plagioscion squamosissimus

10. January 2011

Croakers, also called Drums (Sciaenidae) are a fish family that comprises about 290 species. Most of them are marine, but some occur exclusively in fresh water. In South America about 20 species and 4 genera are known to live in fresh water. The smallest among them becomes only 7 cm long (Pachypops pigmaeus), most become 20-40 cm long. They are quite abundand and important food fish.

However, none of them has been imported as an ornamental fish so far. Now we can offer for the first time a member of the genus Plagioscion from Peru. Probably it is P. squamosissimus, but it may also be the close relative P. auratus. Plagioscion are predatory fish and one should not underestimate the broad mouth! Against conspecifics the fish are peaceful. P. squamosissimus can reach a length of about 80 cm, whereas P. auratus becomes only half of that.

For our customers: the fish have code 280593 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Plagioscion: ancient Greek, means “oblique scion”; Scion was the common name in hellenistic Greek for the Red mullet. squamosissimus: Latin, the word is a superlative of the adjective meaning “scaled”, so it means something like “with many, many scales”. auratus: Latin, means “golden”.

Suggestion of a common name: South American silver croaker

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Peru
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8-10

Centropomus unionensis

7. December 2010

The snooks (Centropomus) are distributed in the New World; currently 12 species are recognized. Persons that are reminiscent of giant perches (Lates) by looking at snooks are not wrong: until quite recently the snooks and the giant perches were united in a single family, Centropomidae.

We were now able to import a pretty species of snooks for the very first time from Colombia (Pacific slope). Initially we had some problems to identify the species, but were successful finally: our fish belong to the species Centropomus unionensis. This snook becomes around 40 cm long. On the other hand, the largest known species of snook can reach 120 cm, the smallest only 20 cm total length.

Snooks are rather marine fish, but many species enter brackish water regularly and some even pure fresh water. Among the latter is Centropomus unionensis. However, we are not able to decide whether it is possible to keep this species in a long time sight in pure fresh water and thus recommend adding some salt to the water.

Against conspecifics our 5-8 cm long specimens are very peaceful. They can be even characterized as schooling fish. Friends of unusual predatory fish will like this one for sure!

For our customers: the fish have code 214661 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Centropomus: ancient Greek, means “thorn-cover”; this probably refers to the spiny operculum. unionensis: after the type locality, Bay of Union, El Salvador.

Suggestion of a common name: Union snook

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Kolumbien / Colombia
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Omobranchus zebra

1. December 2010

Omobranchus belongs to the Blenniidae family, most of which live in marine environments. Due to their funny behaviour and the generally easy keeping the blennies are favorite fish of the marine hobbyists. There are only very few species that settle permanently in fresh or brackish water.

One of the latter is the pretty Omobranchus zebra, which we were able to import now from India for the very first time. The species has a large distribution along the coastline of the Indo-West-Pacific, ranging from the Bay of Bengal in the west to Singapore in the east. The fish are found almost exclusively in brackish and fresh water, although they are said to tolerate also pure marine water. They breed in the mangrove area in holes in the bottom. The larvae develop in the sea.

Our specimens have proofed so far to be very lively and healthy, even without adding salt. The photographed specimens for example stayed about ten days in the photo tank in pure freshwater to settle themselves and obviously felt very well. Nevertheless we suggest a slight addition of salt – about 5g/l. For all cases salt is used for a long time sight we recommend commercially manufactured sea salt for coral fish aquaria.

Males and females have a similar coloration, but the dorsal fin and the lateral spots are more intensively colored in males. The easiest detectable sexual dimorphism can be found in the structure of the anal fin. In this fin the male´s anterior four rays are flattened on the tip. Besides this the males become larger than the females. There are a lot of additional sexual dimorphisms, we recommend the study of the paper by Springer & Gomon (1975) for all who have a special interest in these things.

The fish feed readily on all usual types of food for ornamental fishes. In nature, these fishes are carnivorous and feed on small invertebrates. The maximum size is around 7 cm. Like all blennies, these fishes defend a small territory, but neither conspecifics nor tankmates belonging to other species become hurt usually.

For our customers: the fish have code 439742 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Omobranchus: ancient Greek and Latin, means “shoulder gill”. zebra: refers to the pattern of the same-named wild horse.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Literature: Springer, V. G. & M. F. Gomon (1975): Revision of the blenniid fish genus Omobranchus with descriptions of three new species and notes on other species of the tribe Omobranchini. Smithonian contributions to zoology 177.

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Indien / India
Verfügbare Größe in cm	5-6

Lepomis megalotis

23. September 2010

Sunfishes belong to the most colourful species of coldwater fish. The most widespread species in the hobby is Lepomis gibbosus, but the genus comprises not less than 12 species.

Lepomis megalotis is native from NE-Mexico to the Great Lakes in the US and is additionally introduced in many countries. Up to six subspecies have been described within this large area, but as in so many other common species there is almost no scientific research and so the systematics of the species are only poorly understood.

The preferred habitat are clear waters with sandy and rocky bottom and submerse vegetation. The largest specimen recorded was 24 cm long, but the common length is around 11 cm.

Males grow to a bigger size than females, have larger “ears” (these flaps are extensions of the operculum) and hardly show a pattern of vertical bars, which can be recognized in females (depending on mood more or less visible).

The Longear sunfish may be quite rough in small tanks, a behaviour that can be found in many cichlids as well. The fish feed readly on frozen and live food, but dried food is most often refused. The water temperature may be beween 10 and 24°C. If the keeper wants to breed with the fish, it is necessary to hibernate them at low temperatures and (this is by far more important) lighting periods of less than 8 hours per day.

For our customers: the fish have code 883203 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Lepomis: ancient Greek, means “with scales on the operculum”. megalotis: ancient Greek, means ” with a great ear”.

Common name: Longear sunfish

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Taiwan
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Enneacanthus gloriosus

27. August 2010

Neverless it is not a big problem to fulfill these demands and a tank with Banded Sunfish belongs to the most beautiful looks one can have in the whole aquarium hobby. Like all sunfish, the Banded Sunfish usually refuses flake food, it is better to feed them on frozen and live food

The term “coldwater fish” is often misunderstood. In this case it does not mean that the tank for sunfish has to be cooled in living rooms. These species have no problem with temperatures as high as 26°C for some time. However, they need a cool period during winter at 4-10°C, otherwise they will not breed. In Central Europe this species will not survive extreme winters in the garden pond, so it is better to bring them in a cool cellar room from December to March.

For our customers: the fish has code 415203 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Enneacanthus: ancient Greek, means “with nine spines”. This refers to the structure of the dorsal fin. gloriosus: Latin, means “glorious”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	6-8

Toxotes sp. New!

10. February 2010

A new species of Archerfish!

Recently we received a shipment containing archerfishes (Toxotes) from Thailand. Most of the shipment were T. jaculatrix (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/toxotes-jaculatrix_en_1076.html) and some T. chatareus (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/toxotes-chatareus_en_1044.html). But a closer look showed also four specimens of an unique colored archerfish, which we have never seen so far and which fits to none of the seven species of archerfish accepted so far. A black band on the belly, right between ventral and anal fin, is characterising the fish. As there are four specimens and not only a single one it is much more likely that we have a new species instead of a mere colour variety.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	8-10

Etroplus maculatus

23. October 2009

The Indian cichlid, Etroplus maculatus, is a very popular aquarium fish and never disappeared after its first importation again. Recent research suggests that Etroplus is not a close relative of the cichlid family, but rather of the damselfishes (Pomacentridae). However that does not mean anything for the hobby.

Etroplus maculatus can be kept and bred in pure fresh or brackish water. The sexes are equal regarding colour and finnage, but males are always bigger than females, at least after maturity. Males become mature with about 5 cm, females with 4 cm total length. Maximum length is around 9 cm for males. When specimens offered are of equal age or were imported together one should take the largest and the smallest specimen in the tank. They will almost ever form a pair. Etroplus take biparental care. They are open brooders. They attach the eggs on stones, roots etc.. The eggs have small stalks and move when they are fanned. Both parents lead and guard the offspring. The young feed inter alia on skin mucus, similar as young discus do.

Beside the beautiful wild type also a cultivated orange type of Etroplus maculatus exists. Now the breeders have developed a new cultivated variety with iridescend lines over the body. The pattern reminds one on a damascene blade. We now offer this new variety as “Gold-Blue”.

For our customers: the fish have code 415822 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	4-6

Etroplus maculatus “Gold-Blue”

23. October 2009

For our customers: the fish have code 415822 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.

Etroplus: from ancient Greek, means “with armoured belly”; this refers to the spines of the anal fin. maculatus: Latin for “spotted”.

Lepomis gibbosus

15. April 2009

The pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) is one of the most beautiful coldwater fishes. Moreover it has a very interesting behaviour. The species originates from central parts of the North American continent. The continental climate (hot summers, cold winters) makes the pumkinseed a hardy fish and so it was transferred by humans to many regions as a foodfish. To Europe it was brought around 1880 for the first time. Since then it became a native fish in Europe but was not able to settle over the whole continent.

Nowadays the pumkinseed is blamed as an unwanted and useless species in Europe. In its natural habitat the fish grows up to 25 cm, but in Europe it stays small. How come? Indigenous North American populations of the pumkinseed serve as food fish for many predators. The strategy of the pumkinseed is a a very high reproduction rate. In Europe these predators are missing what leads to a mass-reproduction and the fish stay dwarfish. This phenomenon is also known from other fish species. The perch (Perca fluviatilis) also becomes dwarfish where predators are missing. And so the pumpkinseed usually grows only up to 5-10 cm in Europe.

In aquaria the fish can become much older than in nature. Like all fish the pumkinseed can grow its whole live through and so aquarium specimens can grow to a captial size. In the garden pond, on the other hand, they usually stay small (around 15 cm). With growing age the adaptability to changes in the enviroment lessenes and so most pumkinseeds die at the age of around 5 years due to weatherchanges or something similiar. It is wise to buy small individuals (4-5 cm) as their adaptability is high and they easily adopt to live in the new environment.

The garden pond for pumkinseeds should contain shallow parts with fine sand. Good growth of submerged plants is also important for the fish. Clear and clean water ist preferred. Pumpkinseed are small preators which feed on insect larvae, amphibian larvae, small fish and so on. They can be fed easily with frozen bloodworm, but will almost ever refuse dried food.

Males become bigger than the females and are more colourful. A pairbinding is not known in the species, the male will readily mate with any females that will come around. The males defend territories where they take care of the brood until the fry swims free.

For our customers: the animals have code 882500 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply to the wholesale market.

Photo: B. Migge / Aqualog archieves
Text: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Nachzucht / bred
Verfügbare Größe in cm	3-5

Toxotes jaculatrix

12. February 2009

Seven species of Archerfishes (Toxotes) are known. Three of them (T. lorentzi and T. kimberleyensis from Australia and T. microlepis from South East Asia) are usually found in fresh water. Two are practically unknown, at least they have not been kept in aquaria so far: T. blythi from Burma and T. oligolepis from the Moluccas. The remaining two species have an extreme wide spread distribution in the Indo-West-Pacific region. They are found in brackish water (especially T. chatareus) or even in pure marine environment (T. jaculatrix).

Toxotes chatareus can easily be recognized by its typical pattern (alternating large and small spots), whereas T. jaculatrix is the only species of archerfish with only 4 spines in the dorsal fin (all other species have 5). Both features are recognizable in live fish and serve as the basis for the determination.

For a while we already receive shipments from one of our thai suppliers with wonderful T. chatareus that are collected in pure freshwater. They stay in perfect condition when kept in freshwater. The last shipment contained for the first time mainly T. jaculatrix. The specimens from this population also thrive extremly well in pure fresh water.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Thailand
Verfügbare Größe in cm	10

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

Etheostoma fusiforme

6. July 2007

October 2003: This week we received a limited number of Etheosoma fusiforme. These goby-like perches are also called Darters and originates from North America. Darter males inspire during the courtship with beautiful colors. During the summer months this species can be held also in the domestic garden pond. (Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Östliche USA

Gymnochanda filamentosa

6. July 2007

This glass perchlet is a rare inhabitant in German aquaria. This species originates from Malaysia and Singapore. The male from G. filamentosa is easily distinguished from other Chanda species by the elongated fin rays of the dorsal and anal fins. The maintenance of these fish is not very complicated and a bit of salt added to the water will avoid a lot of problems. Breeding has been successful, although up to now no extensive breeding reports could be found. This glass perchlet accepts only life food. Also freshly hatched brine shrimps are taken eagerly. Flake or tablet food is generally not appreciated.

(Photo: Frank Schäfer, Text: Izaak den Daas)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft	Malaysia