Tag Archives: Indostomus

Indostomus paradoxus

27. February 2020

The Burmese Dwarf Stickleback or Paradox Fish, Indostomus paradoxus is a tiny species, it becomes only 2-3 cm long and originates from the northern parts of Burma. The charming creature should be kept in single species tanks, so called nano-tanks fit perfectly. Indostomus are very peaceful against conspecifics, but they are too weak to compete with other species. The Paradox Fish feeds exclusively on small live food.

The species should be kept best at room temperature (18-22°C), the water should be medium hard to hard and the pH should be around 6.5 – 8. Despite its diminutiveness the fish is rather hardy and can live for a long time in aquaria. It has been bred occassionally already, females become larger than males, otherwise the sexes are difficult to distinguish. The Burmese Dwarf Stickleback breeds in caves like bamboo stems etc..

For our customers: the fish have code 421713 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Lexicon: Indostomus: means about “with a very tiny mouth”. paradoxus: means “very strange, paradox”.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Indostomus crocodilus

25. May 2018

This Southeast Asian dwarf will never grow larger then 3 cm; we obatined the species recently again from Thailand. The gender difference is very easy to see, for the males have broad light seams along the dorsal, the ventral and the anal fins. Moreover, during breeding time the females are clearly more filled around the belly. The male fish shows guarding behaviour for spawn and fry until the young are free swimming; breeding occurs in tubes, for example pieces of bamboo. 

These are peaceful, quiet and slowly moving fish. Even the smallest aquarium is sufficient for these fascinating study objects. The substrate in the tank should be finest sand and the aquarium should be planted with fine-leafed plants and decorated with small stones and little pieces of bogwood. 

The food should consist of smallest live food. 

For our customers: the fish bhave code 411723 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer