FRESHWATER & TROPICAL DISCOVERY

Congo Killies ❙ Pac-Man ❙ LED Freshwater Lighting ❙ A New Dwarf Cichlid

MAY/JUNE 2013

AMAZONAS 3

, IN THE THE IN

Apistogramma playayacu

APHYOSEMION Etheostoma caeruleumEtheostoma IN THE CONGO BASIN BASIN CONGO THE IN : a dwarf among the L-number catfishes

by Hans-Georg Evers by Hans-Georg APHYOSEMION

: Tadpole shrimp in theaquarium : Tadpole APHYOSEMION Shedding new light on a planted aquarium RETAIL SOURCES RETAIL SNAPSHOTS CONNECTIONS SOCIETY INDEX ADVERTISER EYE UNDERWATER HUSBANDRY AND BREEDING: AND BREEDING: HUSBANDRY by Timm Adam PLANTS: AQUATIC by Thomas Hörning AND BREEDING: HUSBANDRY Chang by Ivan AND BREEDING: HUSBANDRY by Hans Georg-Evers AND BREEDING: HUSBANDRY by Jörn Sabisch CALENDAR: AQUARIUM events Upcoming by Mary E. Sweeney EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK AQUATIC Sonnenberg der Zee and Rainer by Jouke van by Olaf Deters Schlüter by Olaf Deters and Michael by Heiko Bleher & BREEDING: HUSBANDRY by Ken Zeedyk Using a trick to rear claro Lophiosilurusalexandri Triops

OF KEEPING THE BREEDING TRAVEL: AQUATIC

$0/5&/54r70-6.& /6.#&3 4 6 62 94 54 40 34 90 86 48 22 88

In search of the Blue-eyed Plec 97 98 74 80 84 DEPARTMENTS ARTICLES FEATURE 68 Breeding success with the Pac-Man catfish, the Rainbow Darter jewel: A native

AMAZONAS, Matthias Schmidt ISSN 2166-3122 (Digital) 2166-3122 ISSN James M. Lawrence James M. Lawrence |

Hans-Georg Evers Hans-Georg Nick Nadolny species. species. www.amazonasmagazine.com Linda Provost www.reef2rainforest.com Stephan M. Tanner, Ph.D. M. Tanner, Stephan Howard White & Associates Howard Send address changes to: to: changes address Send is a licensed edition of edition is a licensed Linda Bursell ™ , Freshwater Aquariums & Tropical Discovery Discovery & Tropical Aquariums , Freshwater Anne Linton Elston Dartmouth NH Printing | Hanover, , Natur und Tier Verlag GmbH, GmbH, Verlag Tier und Natur Germany,

Aphyosemion James Lawrence | 802.985.9977 Ext. 7 | 802.985.9977 James Lawrence [email protected] Reef to Rainforest Media, LLC 490 Road | PO Box Webster 140 Shelburne, VT 05482 | Fax: 802.497.0768 802.985.9977 Tel: Ext. 3 Judith Billard | 802.985.9977 Matthew Mary Pedersen, E. Sweeney Bleher, Juan Miguel Artigas Heiko Au, Azas, Dick Eric Bodrock, Jeffrey Christian, Morrell Devlin, Hepworth, Jay Hemdal, Neil Maike Ian Fuller, Ad Konings, Judy, Wilstermann-Hildebrand, Ted Monks, Michael Lo, Neale C. Lacerda, Marco Tulio Rachel Martin O’Leary, Thaler Morte, Christian & Karen Randall, Marie-Paulette Mark Piednoir, Ben Tan Ph.D., Perez, Sabaj Dr. Gerald Allen, Christopher Gerald Allen, Brightwell, A. Svein Dr. John Paul Loiselle, Dr. Fosså, Raymond Lucas, Dr. E. Randall, , Jeffrey A. Turner [email protected] 570.567.0424 Louise Watson, John Sweeney, Eamonn Sweeney Sweeney, John Louise Watson, Various is published bimonthly in December, February, April, April, February, in December, bimonthly is published Media, Rainforest to Reef by October and August, June, VT Shelburne, 490, PO Box Road, Webster 140 LLC, at pending prices periodicals at mail to Application 05482. Subscription offices. mailing additional VT and Shelburne, year. one for $41 Canada, year. one for $29 U.S. rates: year. one for $49 Canada, and U.S. Outside COVER: AMAZONAS POSTMASTER: WEB CONTENT | WEB CONTENT AMAZONAS CUSTOMER SERVICE | SERVICE CUSTOMER | SUBSCRIPTIONS ACCOUNTS | ACCOUNTS | NEWSSTAND PRINTING | BUSINESS & MARKETING DIRECTOR | | DIRECTOR & MARKETING BUSINESS | SALES ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE EDITORS | EDITORS ASSOCIATE | OFFICES & BUSINESS EDITORIAL TRANSLATOR | TRANSLATOR | DIRECTOR ART | DESIGNER CONTRIBUTORS | SENIOR EDITORS | | EDITORS SENIOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | DESIGNER CHIEF | BOARD ADVISORY SENIOR EDITOR & PUBLISHER | & PUBLISHER EDITOR | PUBLISHER INTERNATIONAL AMAZONAS Muenster, Germany. Muenster, this from material of any Reproduction reserved. All rights in part or in whole prohibited. is strictly issue PO Box 361, Williamsport, PA 17703-0361 PA Williamsport, 361, PO Box (Print) 2166-3106 ISSN Images by Olaf Deters. Deters. Olaf by Images Dear Reader,

Fishes from Africa play almost no role in the modern a highlight. Similarly exciting is the story about the aquarium trade today, unless they come from the Blue-Eyed Pleco, which is certain to start a lively dis- famous Rift Lakes. This, of course, was not always the cussion—and not just among catfish followers. case. During my youth, the cichlids and the small When I look over this new issue, with its many but very vibrant killifishes of Central and West Africa interesting stories that should excite a diversity of true were quite popular. Killifishes were kept then—as they are now—mostly by specialists, but they ITORIAL were more commonly mentioned in the literature and more often seen at shows and auctions. Today, killifish enthusiasts appear to operate much more under the D radar. However, our knowledge about these colorful dwarfs is vast, and scientists and amateur enthusiasts have contributed much to it in recent years.

E One of our editorial board members, Olaf Deters, is very active in this sphere of interest, so it was just a matter of time be- fore we chose killifishes as a cover theme. We have intentionally focused on the ge- nus Aphyosemion because the name is well recognized and there are many new and exciting insights to tell you about. An African cover addicts, I cannot stop grinning! It is amazing what story is quite unusual for us, but I hope you enjoy this both hobbyists and scientists have to report. Quite peek beyond the usual horizon. the opposite of predictable, fishkeeping is far better When water plant enthusiasts gather, the ques- than reality television for most of us. I would much tion of lighting will almost always come up sooner or rather spend my time in the fish room than turn into later. We have wanted to report on this topic for some a dazed sofa spud. time, and in this issue we include hands-on articles Enjoy the issue, and happy fishkeeping! on the ever more popular LEDs. In the marine hobby, this technology is already widespread and fast becom- ing an accepted technology. For a catfish buff like me, the breeding report on the Pac-man Catfish, , is truly AMAZONAS

4 AMAZONASAMAZONAS 555555 is als, als,

VOCs, heavyVOCs, met filtration provides superior water water filtration superior provides to purify your tap water. Zero waste! Exceeds US EPA & US Exceeds US EPA waste! Zero water. tap to purify your and KOLD STER-IL® and KOLD com

117 Neverslnk St. (Lorane) 117 Neverslnk 19606-3732 PA Reading, Phone 610-404-1400 610-404-1487 Fax www.poly-bio-marine. Use KOLD STER-IL® Use KOLD strontium, barium, carbonates, bicarbonates or hydroxides. bicarbonates carbonates, barium, strontium, fully stabilized — it can’t sorb trace elements, calcium, magnesium, magnesium, calcium, elements, — it can’t sorb trace fully stabilized organic wastes, phosphates, pesticides and other toxins. POLY-FILTER® pesticides and other toxins. phosphates, organic wastes, are fully protected from: low pH fluctuations, pH fluctuations, low from: protected are fully being adsorbed & absorbed. Fresh, brackish, marine and reef inhabitants marine and reef inhabitants brackish, Fresh, being adsorbed & absorbed. POLY-FILTER® — the only chemical filtration medium that actually actually medium that — the only chemical filtration POLY-FILTER® pollutants contaminates, different color shows changes color. Each cats, plants and makes fantastic drinking water. Go green and save! Go green and save! drinking water. plants and makes fantastic cats, quality for optimal & invertebrate health and long-term growth. health quality for optimal fish & invertebrate FDA standards for potable water. dogs, for potable herps, standards pets, FDA Perfect for aquatic Only POLY-FILTER®

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK

t article and images by Ralf Britz Three new fish species from Southern India

The fish fauna of the so-called Western Ghats, a mountain range that extends parallel to the west coast of India over a distance of 1,600 km (1,000 mi.) from Maharashtra in the north to Kerala in the south, is considered one of the best-studied ichthyofaunas in this country. Sykes (1839) and Jerdon (1849) published the first monographs of the freshwater fish fauna, which were followed by those of Day and Hora and their co-workers. A recent compilation by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed 290 different species of fishes (Dahanukar et al. 2011). The best-known species of the Western Ghats is the Red-Line Torpedo

Right: Type locality of Pangio ammophila

Below: Pangio ammophila AMAZONAS

6 Pristolepis rubripinnis

Barb, Puntius denisonii. Other popular species found his German friend Benjamin Harink. Harink reported there include Carinotetraodon travancoricus and Pristolepis about it on the forum of the IGL (International Society marginata. While on a short collection trip with Indian for Labyrinth ). Sood took us to the location and colleagues in different river systems in Karnataka and we were able to capture a number of these chameleon- Kerala, we were able to collect several new fish species, fishes in a few hours. The river was up to 10 meters (33 which we have described in the past few months. A big feet) wide and 2 meters (6.5 feet) deep. Large stands of surprise for us was the discovery of a second Indian Pris- aquatic plants such as Blyxa, Lagenandra, and Cryptoco- tolepis species, P. rubripinnis, which differs significantly ryne were present. The new species was hidden, mainly from the known species P. marginata. We were able to in leaf litter that had accumulated in the shallower areas, capture a number of specimens of this fish, which has and could be shaken out of the roots along the riverbank. beautiful orange fin fringes, at night in the Pamba River. During our research to describe the species, we We hope that this species will soon be imported, because discovered that Francis Day, one of the fathers of it is a very pretty fish. Indian ichthyology, had already collected this fish, but In some recently published Indian publications, a he believed it belonged to the taxon Dario dario. There second Pristolepis species, P. fasciata, was mentioned; were also some specimens collected by Day, said to be however, this species is native to Indonesia. Whether the from “Wynaad,” in the collection of the Natural His- fish called P. fasciata in the Indian literature is potentially tory Museum in London, which, together with the newly identical to P. rubripinnis could not be clarified due to the collected , served as the basis for the description. lack of reference specimens. For completeness, it should be mentioned that in June A second unexpected freshwater fish was caught in 2010, a group of Indian caught the same (or a a tributary of the Barapole River in southern Karnataka. very similar-looking) species in the Sita River, part of the This exciting new Badidae was co-discovered by the In- Kaveri River system. Rahul Kumar pointed that out to me dian aquarium fish lover Nikhil Sood from Bangalore and on the Indianaquariumhobbyist.com forum. Interestingly, the new Dario shows some features usually found in Badis species, such as the striking caudal peduncle spot, which has led to the species name Urops. This trait, however, is an ancestral trait and of no use in determining the relationship. The total absence of the lateral line, various lateral line pores in the head region, and the lack of gill rakers on different gill arches clearly place the species D. urops in the Dario, since these are all derived features. Compared to other Badidae species, Dario urops is not exactly the most colorful of species, but it will surely fascinate fans of chameleonfishes. It remains to be docu- AMAZONAS mented how Dario urops propagates—like Badis species, via parental care by the male in a nest, or as egg scatter- ers in dense vegetation without parental care, like other Dario species. Aquarists still can contribute meaningfully

7 Type locality of Dario urops

Male of Dario urops

in this respect. Nikhil Sood maintained these animals successfully for several months in a cool aquarium with faintly moving neutral and soft water, a sandy bottom, and a lot of leaf litter. The third new species from the Western Ghats that we found in our nets was a new Pangio. We named it Pangio ammophila because of its lifestyle. The handful of specimens of this small, scaleless Pangio that we captured were buried in the sand of the Kumaradhara River. Because of its plain appearance it is unlikely that it will make it into the aquarium fish trade. Another very unusual Pangio species has been described from the Western Ghats. Pangio goaensis is known not only from Goa but also from several riv-

TM ers in Kerala, in the south. This Pangio is spectacularly striped; apparently, no pictures of live specimens were taken. Our small-scale collecting trip to southern India has shown that this sup- posedly well-known part of India still holds many surprises, and with a little luck, a few of them might make it into the hobby.

REFERENCES

Britz, R., A. Ali, and R. Raghavan. 2012. Pangio ammophila, a new species of eel-loach from Karnataka, southern India (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cobitidae). Ichthyol Explor Freshwaters 23: 45–50. Britz, R., A. Ali, and S. Philip. 2012. Dario urops, a new species of badid fish from the Western Ghats, southern India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Badidae). Zootaxa 3348: 63–68. Britz, R., K. Kumar, and F. Baby. 2012. Pristolepis rubripinnis, a new species of fish from southern India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Pristolepididae). Zootaxa 3345: 59–68. AMAZONAS

8 AMAZONAS 9

UV ® AQUASTEP AQUASTEP PRO up to Step new Lifegard to technology kill disease causing micro-organisims. is a registered trademark of Lifegard Aquatics, Inc. Aquatics, of Lifegard trademark is a registered Slip or Threaded in all sizes. Threaded Slip or BULKHEAD FITTINGS ® Email: [email protected] [email protected] Email: 562-404-4159 562-404-4129 Fax: Lifegard ADAPTERS, BUSHINGS, CLAMPS, ADAPTERS, LED DIGITAL THERMOMETER LED DIGITAL temp. water display to Submerge dryUse for air temp.

® www.lifegardaquatics.com

FLUIDIZED FLUIDIZED BED FILTER the ultimate Completes system. biological filtration BIO-MATE MEDIA FILTRATION or refillable in Solid, Available or Foam. Ceramic with Carbon, for those hard to find items... find items... to for those hard VALVES. TUBING and ELBOWS, NIPPLES, SILICONE, Visit our web site at site our web Visit Add Mechanical, Mechanical, Add Heater Chemical, Module and UV as your Sterilizer needs dictate. MODULAR FILTRATION SYSTEMS Hides tubing for any Hides tubing for any or toy. AIRLINE BULKHEAD KIT

PUMPS ®

™ QUIET ONE and style reliable for everyA size quiet... need... to 4000 gph. 53 gph up efficient. and energy if needed and keeps fish food dry. if needed and keeps Can digitally feed up to 12 times daily digitally feed up to Can INTELLI-FEED Advanced aquarists choose from a proven leader in in leader choose from a proven aquarists Advanced performance and satisfaction.product innovation, AQUATIC NOTEBOOK

Betta mahachaiensis from Samut Sakhon; most populations have a rounded caudal fin, although the population in the first description has a pointed tail.

tby Jens Kühne & Chanon Kowasupat Betta mahachaiensis: a brackish water Betta

Ever since its recent discovery, many aquarists al. 2012. According to DNA analysis, Betta splen- and scientists have known this brackish water dens is the closest relative of B. mahachaiensis. fighting fish by the name Betta sp. “Mahachai.” The name refers to the type locality southwest of Brackish water swamps Bangkok. Although other names were consid- Betta mahachaiensis lives in brackish water habi- ered, to avoid confusion Betta mahachaiensis was tats west of Bangkok and in Sakhon Nakhon chosen. province, in pH values of 6.87 to 7.8 and a salin- Betta mahachaiensis Kowasupat, Panijpan, ity of 1.1 to 10.6‰. When Panitvong introduced Ruenwongsa & Sriwattanarothai 2012 differs the species as Betta sp. “Mahachai” in 2002 on from other fighting fishes of the Betta splendens his Internet portal, siamensis.org, experts were group in having two parallel, vertical, bright surprised to learn that a Betta species could per- green to bluish green stripes on the gill plates. manently settle in a brackish water habitat. B. The eversible gill membrane is red-brown, brown, mahachaiensis was initially known only from the or black and has no red spots. The body base government district Mahachai in Samut Sakhon color is dark brown or black. The iridescent body and differed from local B. splendens forms. But scales give the fish its characteristic appearance. Panitvong failed to mention that populations The shiny blue-green fin membranes con- of B. imbellis from southern Thailand are also trast with the brown-black dorsal, tail, and anal adapted to live in brackish water habitats. fin rays. The caudal fin lacks markings. The The main habitat of B. mahachaiensis is the brown-black pelvic fins have a blue-and-white Mae Nam Klong, which flows as part of the Mae first dorsal ray and bluish-white tips. Nam Chin system in Samut Sakhon into the Bay The species is distinguished from other simi- of Bangkok. The Mae Nam Chin forms a marshy lar types of the Betta splendens group mainly by delta in which the salt-tolerant Nypa palm DNA studies. For further information, refer to grows. These swamps are exposed to the tides

Sriwattanarothai et al. 2010 and Kowasupat et that affect the great Mae Nam Chin, as well as J. KÜHNE AMAZONAS

10 AMAZONAS 11 and contains cultured Miami Gardens, FL 33169 USA www.twolittlefishies.com Two Little Fishies Inc. 1007 Park Centre Blvd. Two FW TM BioPronto is so much simpler, and faster too! is so much simpler, hardy fishes and waiting one to two hardy fishes and waiting Nowadays the startup of aquariums Nowadays the startup of nitrification cycle in new aquariums process. Use it to start the months until the tank “cycled.” months until the tank aquarium involved introducing a few aquarium involved introducing or to enhance nitrification denitrification in heavily stocked aquariums. What are you waiting for? Once upon a time the way to start an Once upon a time the way rapidly start the biological filtration rapidly start the biological naturally occuring microbes that naturally occuring microbes It’s time to make a fresh start. It’s The Wait Is Over Wait The 12 AMAZONAS the leaf axils ofplants. build their foam nests in Nypa palm trees and animals live the between mahachaiensis. Habitat of How does care Aquarium up a brackish water aquarium for this for this up abrackish water aquarium ofcare?Do you needtoset in terms membersofthe other freshwater habitats of freshwater habitats are marsh.InSamutSakhonthere inflows intothe chaiensis 3and7g/L(12–28seems tobebetween g/gal.). time.Theoptimumsaltconcentration only for ashort fish concentrationistoleratedbythe (~50 g/gal.),this perliter(12ceptible at3grams g/gal.).Peaking at13 g/L residualamountofsaltisbarelyper- the so muchthat completely. swamps arediluted the rainy periods, During up flooded rarely dry bysaltandfreshwater. very They confirmation. ofBangkok require south Chao Phraya MaeNam in SamutPrakanalongthe proven populations.Thesporadicfinds west are ofBangkok,buri wherethere ofNontha- parts southern and the clude SamutSongkhram,Prakan, probablyin- already mentioned,these Samut Sakhonprovince Besides the speciesmightbefound. wherethis tats habi- unconfirmed areother, yet there ofBangkok. giantmetropolis swallowed However, bythe areasarebeing known distribution future, becausethe specieswasobserved. ofthe mixing orhybridization of brackishwaterhabitats to the The habitats of The habitats One ofus(JK)found ahighdensityof Betta mahachaiensisBetta individuals in freshwater streams near their individualsinfreshwaterstreamsneartheir Betta B. mahachaiensis The B. mahachaiensis B. splendens B. splendens will struggle to survive in the inthe tosurvive willstruggle habitat of habitat the andforms rivers of these Nypa palmisfound alongall 80 km(50mi.)inland.The about way toNonthaburi, River ChaoPraya allthe the differ from differ B. mahachaiensis group group immediatelyadjacent are periodically areperiodically B. mahachaiensis. B. maha- , butno bubble nest under the Pair spawning Great Britain species mahachai?” Sriwattanarothai, N.etal.2012.Saltwaterfightingfishor“Isittoolatefor speciesof new and reveals thespeciesstatusofMahachaifighter supports Sriwattanarothai, evidence N.etal.2010.Molecularandmorphological April 2002.www.siamensis.org/article/6602. Panitvong, resurrection: N.2002.Oldarticle 40–46. Kühne, J.2010.Salzwasserkampffische. 3522: 49–62. (Teleostei: Osphromenidae)fromSamutSakhon province, Thailand. 2012. Kowasupat, C., B.Panijpan, P. Ruenwongsa, andN.Sriwattanarothai. REFERENCES mosses toleratebrackishwaterwell. Cabomba plants, roots,rocks,andclaycaves. Many water lilies, dense junglewith asanunderwater aquarium upthe set papilla.You awhitegenital indicatewith can which they have mature, tobesexually The femalesinparticular old. months toseven breed young adultanimals,three Betta , already beenkeeping fish? No, notnecessarily. Oneofus(JK)has signs ofreproduction.We to recommendtrying show no oftimewhenthey stretches and then periods fertile extremely gothrough kok; they suchasoccurinBang- andcoldperiods warm water. Thesefishseemtoreactintermittent readily inbrackishwateraswell asinfresh tion. Thespeciesbuildsfoam nestsandspawns B. mahachaiensis added saltisrecommended. include salt.Forprophylaxis, asmallamountof Any treatmentfor diseasesymptoms should any noticeableimpairment. fresh waterwithout five in years.Somestrainsarekept permanently

168:2–11. mahachaiensis Vallisneria I cannot confirm that the proliferationof the that I cannotconfirm Labyrinth, NewsletteroftheAnabantoidAssociation , rushes, , rushes, Betta , speciesofbubble-nestingfightingfish anew fromThailand. depends on the saltconcentra- dependsonthe Hygrophila B. mahachaiensis Aquaristik Fachmagazin Betta J Fish Biol J Fish sp.MahachaibyNonn, Betta , horn ferns, and ferns, , horn sp.Mahachai 77 (2):414–24. for about 216: Zootaxa

J. KÜHNE

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK

A Mexican Crayfish for Nano Aquariums

Cambarellus patzcuarensis “Orange”: “berried” female carrying eggs under abdomen

Text and images by Rachel O’Leary tThe Dwarf ing. Adult crayfish molt about twice a year, and young Orange Crayfish, Cambarellus patzcuarensis “Orange,” is crayfish generally molt every three to four weeks until a petite and colorful crustacean that is not as well known they hit maturity at about 0.7 inch (1.75 cm). They are to freshwater aquarists as it should be, but makes a sassy fairly easy to breed. The male pins the female to the sub- and active addition to a nano aquarium. Some crayfishes strate and then places his sperm packets near her seminal and “mini lobsters” can be destructive; this species has receptacle. In a matter of days to weeks, she will molt proved safe with plants, fishes, and other invertebrates. and then produce from 20 to 50 eggs, which she attaches In its wild form, it originates in Lake Patzcuaro, about to her pleopod and covers with a protective mucus. The 38 miles southwest of Morelia in Central Mexico. It is female carries the babies, even after hatching, until they thought that the first orange offspring originated from a are ready to venture out on their own. The adults do not pair of hobbyists from the Netherlands in the late 1990s. prey on healthy young, so the survival rate is high. They started becoming available in the United States sev- Feeding is no problem—the crayfish readily take most eral years later, and are casually referred to as CPO. prepared or gelatinized foods. Specialized feeding is not Cambarellus is a diminutive species, reaching around required for the young, although like all invertebrates 1.25 inches (3 cm) at the largest and averaging about 1 they are sensitive to water quality, so care should be tak- inch (2.5 cm). Its native water is relatively cool, averaging en not to overfeed. They do well with a varied diet with about 72°F (22°C), and is moderately hard. These crayfish both meaty (live or frozen worms and pellets designed do not require a heater, but because of their size, any intake for bottom feeders) and herbivorous foods (vegetables or on a power filter should be covered with a prefilter sponge. algae-based foods), and appreciate having leaf litter for CPO have an average lifespan of two years, and grazing. Enriched foods containing bio-pigments such as

warmer temperatures accelerate their growth and breed- carotenoids will help maintain bright color. S. POSTIN AMAZONAS

14 Small size and relatively peaceful disposition make this an ideal nano-tank invertebrate.

While peaceful to other inhabitants, these crayfish can threaten each other, es- pecially after molting, so ample hiding places or cover should be provided utilizing plants, small pieces of stacked driftwood, or clay or PVC caves. A pair can easily live in a 5-gallon (20-L) tank or be part of a larger, peaceful community of small fishes and invertebrates.

This crayfish, which resembles a miniature lobster, exhibits interesting behaviors and will reproduce in the aquarium.

15 Does size matter to you ?

We bet it does. Trying to clean algae off the glass in a planted aquarium with your typical algae magnet is like running a bull through a china shop. That’s why we make NanoMag® the patent-pending, unbelievably strong, thin, and flexible magnet for cleaning windows up to 1/2” thick. The NanoMag flexes on curved surfaces including corners, wiping off algal films with ease, and it’s so much fun to use you just might have to take turns. We didn’t stop there either- we thought, heck, why not try something smaller? So was born MagFox®, the ultra-tiny, flexible magnetically coupled scrubber for removing algae and biofilms from the inside of aquarium hoses. Have you got us in the palm of your hand yet?

www.twolittlefishies.com AMAZONAS

16 AQUATIC NOTEBOOK

Wild-type Enneacampus ansorgii collected by Ted Judy in Gabon.

This new captive-bred red form is now reaching the aquarium trade.

t by Matt Pedersen Arriving soon: Tank-raised African Freshwater Pipefish

The African Freshwater, or Dwarf Red Snout Pipefish, Enneacampus ansorgii, is exotic and rare enough that even expert aquarists assume it is more at home on a coral reef than in a clear freshwater stream 100 miles from the ocean. Now this sometimes brilliantly pigmented little species is being bred in captivity and is starting to enter the aquarium trade. Husbandry accounts suggest that wild specimens are certainly difficult to keep alive, generally requiring live foods such as brine shrimp, black- worms, , cyclops, and even the fry of livebearers. Wolfgang Löll makes a compelling argument that live glassworms are the best food for pipefishes such as E. ansorgii because they survive for several days in the

aquarium and will tolerate slightly brackish water. TM Aquarium literature, where this fish was formerly known as Sygnathus ansorgii (Boulanger, 1910), generally suggests that the inclusion of salt is helpful for this species, although it is clear that some populations of the species have no contact with anything remotely close to a marine environ- ment. A general rule is to house them in a small species tank in slightly brackish water or a .5-percent sea salt solution. Their reported range includes the Ogooue River of Gabon, Cameroon, and . (American and award-winning breeder Ted Judy reports collecting males brooding eggs in pure, freshwater river conditions in Gabon.) They AMAZONAS produce relatively large offspring. In March of 2013, Segrest Farms in Gibsonton, Florida, announced the arrival and almost immediate sell-out (within 24 hours) of captive-bred E.

UPPER: TED JUDY; LOWER: MIKE TUCCINDARDI/SEGREST FARMS MIKE TUCCINDARDI/SEGREST LOWER: UPPER: TED JUDY; ansorgii. These fish came in at a 3–4-inch (7.5–10-cm) size, which is close

17 AQUATIC NOTEBOOK

to the maximum adult size of 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) specialist breeder. and were not produced by Florida or Asian fish farms, as While this certainly isn’t the first time this species many aquarists suspected, but actually made their way to has been successfully bred in captivity, this commercial North America from the Czech Republic via a small-scale availability represents a potential shift in our perception of the species. Just as captive-bred marine seahorses are infinitely better suited to captive foods and life in an aquarium, these captive-bred E. ansorgii were feed- ing on frozen Cyclops (CYCLOP- EEZE®), and might be weaned to small, high-protein pellet foods or potentially even flake food. Truly, commercially viable captive-bred specimens may well redefine this species. Segrest’s Mike Tuccinardi sug- gests that “it’s unlikely they’ll be a regular stock item, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to see them Manage Your Own in some of the more specialized local fish stores across the country over the next few months. We Subscription are sold out right now, but we’ll be bringing in more soon.” He It’s quick and user friendly. adds, “As for care, treat them as you would their saltwater cous- Go to www.AmazonasMagazine.com. ins—avoid boisterous or aggres- sive tankmates, give them lots of Click on the SUBSCRIBE tab. cover, and feed them frequently.”

Here you can: ON THE INTERNET ● Change your address http://diszhal.info/english/livebearers/en_ ● Renew your subscription Syngnathus_pulchellus.php#ixzz2NbnQTyG5 ● Give a gift http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/ ● full/167999/0 Subscribe http://www.aqualog.de/Aqualog/news/ ● Buy a back issue web90/Seite11-13e.pdf ● Report a damaged or missing issue

Other options: Correction EMAIL us at: The images accompanying [email protected] the article, Dicrossis macu- CALL: 570-567-0424 latus: Breeding the Check- Or WRITE: erboard Cichlid by David AMAZONAS Magazine Magid (AMAZONAS, Mar/ 1000 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 300 Apr 2013, page 60), were Williamsport, PA 17701 taken by Noah Magid, not David Magid. AMAZONAS regrets the error.

18 AMAZONAS 19 Editors AMAZONAS Your Subscription, Give a Gift, Shop for Back Issues Web-Special Articles Aquatic News of the World Coming Issue Previews New Product News Links to Special Offers Messages & Blogs from Aquarium Events Calendar Links to Subscribe, Manage • • • • • • • • VISIT OFTEN: , with the latest news and and news latest , with the & MICROCOSM BOOKS and our partner our and publications.

CORAL, ,

AMAZONAS AMAZONAS

HOME of

24/7 www.Reef2Rainforest.com

content from Our new website is always open is always website Our new AQUATIC NOTEBOOK

Male Black Ruby Barb, now known as Pethia nigrofasciata

New names for old friends

Hans-Jürgen Bäselt tNothing is as constant as change. This applies especially to the of fishes, and earlier this year some familiar barb species from India and Sri Lanka were caught up in a sea of revisions. Pethiyagodha et al. revised the large “dumpster” genus Puntius and divided it into several newly established genera. Nine species of the former Puntius filamentosus group were placed in the genus Dawkinsia. The Melon Barb (formerly Puntius fasciatus, now Dravidia fasciata) was renamed and put together with four other species in the genus Dravidia. The third new genus, Pethia, was erected to include some very popular species, such Pethia conchonius, P. padamya, P. ticto, and many more. Pethia nigrofasciata, known to many as the Black Ruby Barb, belongs in the genus as well.

The Melon Barb is now The Filament Barb called Dravidia fasciata. Dawkinsia filamentosa was reclassified as well. H.-G. EVERS AMAZONAS

20 AMAZONAS 21  sWWWSEGRESTFARMSCOM QUALITY, SERVICE & DEPENDABILITY QUALITY,

0/"OX 'IBSONTON &,s0 s& ™ The world is yours. is world The sh supplier for the best, ask for Segrest. ask for the best, sh supplier for sh, we’ve really got it covered. Not only with exotic varieties from from varieties Not only with exotic got it covered. really we’ve sh, ¹3EGREST&ARMS around the globe, but with the highest level of quality, selection and vitality. selection and vitality. of quality, but with the highest level the globe, around local fi your Ask Say Segrest. See the best. Segrest. Say The earth is composed of water—71.1% to be exact. But when it comes to to But when it comes earthThe be exact. to of water—71.1% is composed fi tropical COVER STORY

Killifish gems in the genus Aphyosemion from the Congo River basin, in the second-largest rainforest on earth.

Aphyosemion in the Congo Basin

by Jouke van der Zee & Rainer Sonnenberg t African killifishes are some of the most coveted and beautiful of tropical fishes, but they are found in a place so vast, untamed, and fraught with violence that they are neither collected nor studied as frequently as many enthusiasts would like. Our interest in these fishes has focused on the genus Amphyosemion, which is very likely an assemblage of more or less related species groups. AMAZONAS

22 MAP: J. V. D. ZEE; MIDDLE: RMCA; BOTTOM: E. VREVEN (RMCA) between the inlandseaandawestward-flowing the between river alink that Ocean hadbeenerodedtosuchanextent Atlantic lake fromthe separatingthe mountains the byonetotwo millionyearsago that It isthought and intimeavastlake incentralAfrica. developed Congo rainforest couldnolonger drainaway itswater, Congodrainage. ofthe part Malagarasi,for example, usedtobe the that evidence is andthere Lukuga, Congoviathe directionofthe the Lake Tanganyika EastAfrican the level, stillempties in dependingonwater today: east canstillbedetected direction wasblocked. Traces linkstothe offormer ancientCongoinaneasterlyflow ofthe highland plateaucameintobeingandthe 1.8–5.3 EastAfrican millionyearsago)the Pliocene(around Congo river. the During ancient lower former courseofthe the inTanzaniaOcean. TheRufiji ispossibly Indian timeitstillemptied intothe that at although earth, the dinosaurs ruled Republic. Central African Zambia, Sudan,Tanzania, Uganda,andthe Cabinda,Cameroon,Rwanda, Burundi, ofAngola, Congo, orDRC) butalsoparts Republic andDemocraticofthe (Congo two Congostates es notonlythe Amazon.Itsdrainage encompass- the after world, second-largestflow inthe river the ofdrainage areaandwater and interms deepest andsecond-largest inAfrica, river (230m)deep,isthe and upto755feet The Congo,2,717 miles(4,374 km)long After the blocking of the eastern lower course, the lower course,the eastern blockingofthe the After whenthe The Congoalreadyexisted Congo. collect fishes inthe more than anet to his assistant. You need Africa (RMCA), with Museum for Central at Belgium’s Royal Vreven, ichthyologist Right: Dr. Emmanuel Basin. species inthe Congo the the distribution of Above: The map shows Aphyosemion s. l. l. s. Aphyosemion Reserve. Wildlife the Okapi christyi Aphyosemion Location for Left: in

23 AMAZONAS Lake Mai Ndombe. The surrounding areas are very swampy and difficult to access.

Hard-to-Reach Fishes In terms of fish collections, the Congo Basin is one of the least explored regions on Earth. This is mainly due to the immense size of the basin, the lack of infrastructure, and the very unstable “Aphyosemion” labarrei from Nenga Kibuka, Ngufu River (AVD 2011). political situation. Systematic study of the fish fauna of the Congo began in the colonial period; the works of Bel- gian zoologist George Albert Boulenger are particularly worthy of note. After Aphyosemion labarrei “ ” from Kingembe, Inkisi River (AVD 2011). 1960, the end of the Belgian colonial period, many fish collections were made by Belgian biologists and mis- sionaries. Nevertheless, large parts of the basin have never been scientifically studied. Aquarists, especially killifish specialists, rarely travel the eastern and southern Congo Basin. In the 1980s, Heiko Bleher explored Lake Fwa, in the drainage of the Kasai and the middle Congo. In 1985, Dutchman Jan Pap and two Germans, Winfried Sten- glein and Wolfgang Grell, visited the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This is probably one of the best documented collecting trips. The western part of the Congo Basin has been collected only in 1978 by Huber and in 1991 by a Dutch-Belgian team consisting of De Waegeneer, Vlym, and Van der Berg. By contrast, other African countries, such as Cameroon and Gabon, have been visited many times by aquarists in the past four decades.

Killifishes of the Congo Basin Raddaella batesii from Equatorial Guinea (EQG 06/2). Because the genus Aphyosemion as usually understood is an assemblage of various species groups, in this article we will classify only the species of the Aphyosemion elegans species group as came into being. From then on the lake emptied west- Aphyosemion or Aphyosemion s. s. (sensu strictu, in the ward from Malebo Pool to the Atlantic Ocean via its cur- strict or narrow sense). rent lower course. But perhaps there were already earlier This group includes the type species of the genus, outlets in the direction of the Atlantic further to the Aphyosemion castaneum. Other species groups already north, for example via the Ogooue. There are still many have an established name (usually described as a sub- unanswered questions to be researched here. genus). In the event that there is still no (sub-) genus The remains of the ancient lake can still be found in name described, the genus name will be given in quotes.

the central Congo Basin, for example, Lake Tumba and This usage may be known to cichlid enthusiasts from the EIGELSHOFEN W. & MIDDLE: K. STEHLE: BOTTOM: TOP AMAZONAS

24 AMAZONAS 25

”

escherichi Aphyosemi- ” Aphyosemion Aphyosemion microphtalmum ” Aphyosemion (Poll 1951) was described 1951) (Poll . Their description in is now Aphyosemion from Mayombe, collected collected Mayombe, from (HZ labarrei labarrei ” .” A escherichi ” Radda & Huber, 1976 (type locality: stream 1976 Radda & Huber, castaneum

achieved this in the northern Basin, Congo has penetrated only a few kilometers the into Aphyosemion simulans “ ” Aphyosemion progress. Apart differently from two colored 85/8), north of Kisangani. 85/8), “ Aphyosemion from the a southern Inkisi, tributary of the Congo. lower candidate at a doctoral A few years ago Soleil Wamuini, in Belgium, who was supervised of Liege the University by staff at the RMCA, prepared an inventory of the fish and in the et al. 2010), fauna of the Inkisi (Wamuini several previously spe- unknown process discovered cies related to “ by A. Van Deun (May 2011) in Bas Congo. in Bas 2011) (May Deun A.by Van splendidum and the out from there species has spread more for “ km). By contrast, than (1,000 600 miles escherichi extreme of the was de- The species west Congo drainage. scribed at the specimens caught from of the foot Crystal Mountains in Gabon. “ (type locality: PK 85 on the Route Lambert 1968 & Géry, and “ to Sunda, Congo Republic) Noire Pointe on on thefrom Libreville road to Cap Esterias, Gabon) are currently “ as synonyms. regarded is distributed the along coast from northern Gabon to the course of the lower Congo. , 7 Fenerbahce

, ” When we mean the we ” When , we will use the will , we term

., 2 , Epi- Radda- (Ahl

escherichi , in the sense). broad Aphyose- (family ), ” Raddaella , and Cichlasoma. lato splendidum

Aphyosemion Aphyosemion s. l. Aphyosemion Aphyosemion sensu Aphyosemion escherichi Aphyosemion s. l Aphyosemion teugelsi sensu ” ( .” . A Aphyosemion Raddaella species in a relatively species in a relatively was found in museum was found s. l.

, “ Nothobranchius group (or , 5 teugelsi ), only four additional species ), only four , but also two as-yet-undescribed, but also two labarrei ” Aphyosemion splendidum All these expeditions have discovered a number of All these discovered expeditions have The recently described “ “ At present, 22 At present,

.” A

ella “ material collected back in 1939 from material collected back in 1939 a southwestern tributary of the Kasai near the border with Angola. This indi- cates the that likelihood in the future can expectwe to see more new species from the southern tributaries of the Congo Basin. 1924) is, like is, like 1924) Aphyosemion sensu lato Aphyosemion withCompared the as region known Guinea (EquatorialGuinea, Lower Gabon, Cameroon, and the coastal regions of the Congo Republic, the and Cabinda), DRC, are poorly represented in theare poorly Congo members of the Basin. Apart from 18 A. elegans stricto occur there: “ former catch-all genus “ former genus catch-all are described from Poeciliidae) (family lampeyes and 21 the so, the Even Congo Basin. killifish fauna of this region is only fragmentarily but that known, is changing Several the institutions, including Royal Museum quickly. Central Africafor (RMCA) the in Belgium, Zoologische in Munich, and the München (ZSM) Staatssammlung American History Museum of Natural (AMNH) in New on expeditions collaborated with have local biolo- York, the In particular, gists and students. Basin, central Congo the Congo, and the lower northeastern been have DRC explored by various ichthyologists in recent years. noteworthy and hitherto undescribed fishes, including several a southern killifish species. For example, tribu- tary by Jose Justin of the Kasai was recently investigated of Mbimbi Mayi Munene, a student at the University Kinshasa and a member of the AMNH Congo project for research on the and fieldwork fishes of the He col- DRC. lected not only an unusual black platys Hypsopanchax small area in the middle section of the Lulua River. mion a member of the fish fauna of Lower Guinea that to penetrate has managed into the Congo drainage. entire erstwhile genus genus entire erstwhile Aphyosemion Epiplatys H. OTT H. cf. cognatum populations, no further killifishes have been labarrei resembles that of “Aphyosemion” zygaima, which collected. lives on the other side of the Congo, DNA studies show In May 2011, Armand Van Deun, a Belgian physician that the closest relatives are found in a group consisting who regularly works in the Congo, brought back two new of Aphyosemion, Raddaella, and Mesoaphyosemion (the “Aphyosemion” labarrei populations that are now being “Aphyosemion” cameronense species group), as well as the bred by aquarist friends and distributed more widely. “Aphyosemion” coeleste and the “Aphyosemion” wildekampi They come from two sites to the north and east of the species groups (Collier 2007, Murphy & Collier 1999). type locality. The holotype in the RMCA differs consider- “Aphyosemion” teugelsi (Van der Zee & Sonnenberg) ably from the “Aphyosemion” labarrei aquarium strains was discovered in 2010 in the RMCA collection. This known to date. It is a broader, compressed species with species is found in a very remote area in the south of relatively long teeth and almost completely dark gray to the DRC, close to the border with Angola, at an alti- black fins. Although the color pattern of “Aphyosemion” tude of 3,280 feet (1,000 m). Only Kathetys elberti and K. bamilekorum have been found at greater altitude. Although “Aphyose- mion” teugelsi exhibits a superficially similar color pattern to A. congicum, the morphology is very different. This species is distinguished from those of the A. elegans group by the dorsal fin, which begins further forward and is relatively broad at the base, a larger head with relatively large eyes, and a more strongly upcurved dorsal profile. We were unable to assign it to any of Aphyosemion chauchei (Obeya, RPC 91/6). the known species groups because of the morphological differences. Perhaps this fish belongs to a species group that lives in the hitherto rather inaccessible mountains of the southern Congo and northern Angola. Raddaella splendidum (Pellegrin 1930). The Raddaella species are the only annual Aphyosemion s. l. They were long assigned to the genus Fundu- lopanchax, but DNA study shows that they definitely belong to Aphyosemion s. l. It is, however, unclear whether Rad- daella is a monotypic genus with only one species, R. batesii, or whether R. kunzi and R. splendidum are also valid species. Raddaella species are the only Aphyosemion christyi (HZ 85/14), photographed in 1988. Aphyosemion s. l. that occur in both Lower Guinea and the Congo Basin. The two species previously mentioned, which also occur in the Congo drain- Aphyosemion cognatum from Kwambila. age, are restricted to western tributar- ies of the lower Congo. Raddaella are widespread in southern Cameroon and northern Gabon. To date, very few localities are known for them in Equatorial Guinea, the Congo Repub- lic, and the DRC. Perhaps they reached the Congo Basin via the Likouala in the northwest. The Likouala has tributaries that

drain the southeastern part of Camer- H. OTT ZEE; BOTTOM: EIGELSHOFEN; MIDDLE: J.V.D. W. TOP: AMAZONAS

26 AMAZONAS 27

elegans lie in . Aphyose- A ). With chauchei . decorsei A . A is very widespread in the (Meinken 1951) has a very 1951) (Meinken (Boulenger 1915) is restricted to 1915) (Boulenger christyi

christyi cognatum

(Fowler 1936) is regarded as a synonym is regarded as a synonym 1936) (Fowler Aphyosemion from Mayombe, Mayombe, from (HZ 85/8), north of Kisangani. (HZ 85/8), margaretae

Aphyosemion Aphyosemion escherichi remains unclear at present (see also locations for one exception, all known group that can be identified by its meristics (countable it has more rays in the dorsal fin traits), as on average than the other species. the southern basin. A population from Olombo, Likouala which differs in color pattern from the popula- Likouala in thetions, lives Alima drainage. large distributionlarge in the southern Congo. The distance At the to east is almost 559 miles (900 km). from west same time, the species exhibits numerous different phe- of an aquariumnotypes. The DNA strain of one of the eastern Fwa) was studied by Murphy (Lake populations It turned out that no differences were & Collier (1999). between the Fwa and the Lake Kinsuka populations (Van Hence it is possible that der Zee & Sonnenberg 2011). the Ituri region northeast forest of Bafwassende. mion der Zee & Huber 2006). Wild-caught specimens of (Van this a very species have typical violet in coloration. Even photos the species can be easily identified on poor-quality this basis. Okapi Faunal Reserve. been made Several collections have there (RMCA) and his recently by Emmanuel Vreven this is thecolleagues. So far, only species of the ” castaneum

as and Aphyosemion Aphyosemion “ collected by A. Van Deun (May 2011) in Bas Congo. in Bas 2011) (May Deun A. by Van collected was ” and , which is Aphyo- schioetzi

A. castaneum schioetzi represents a valid schioetzi . . “ A A. castaneum A , now restricted, now In- to is restricted to the Aphyosemion (Myers 1924) was described (Myers 1924) A. castaneum (Huber & Scheel 1981) is (Huber & Scheel 1981) , but it has recently been shown , but it has recently been shown A. christyi Aplocheilus then spread into the Congo ” is an as-yet-undescribed species ( species, unlike species, unlike chauchei castaneum

. species of the Congo ” The body forms of A. christyi Raddaella Raddaella schioetzi ” are separated by a large distributional” are separated by a large gap, . “ are identical. They small and are relatively Haplochilus A Aphyosemion . His newly described species schioetzi. . “ schioetzi Aphyosemion Aphyosemion chauchei A . . “

A robust species. a comparatively A believe thatand we they do not represent a single species. Whether slender dian and Asian species), didn’t constitute a homogenous a homogenous constitute dian and Asian species), didn’t group, and straightaway described the genus semion by the author from preserved material by an collected American expedition to the Congo. He established that the used in those more slender killifishes genus days for of Africa, designated the type species of theAuthors such genus. regard as Scheel, Radda, and Wildekamp of a synonym that the occurrence of eastern part feet of the Congo Basin at altitudes of 1,640 (500 m) and up, and that species (Van der Zee & Huber 2006). species (Van Aphyosemion sensu strictoAphyosemion This group contains the majority of the s. l Aphyosemion Basin. They are broadly identical in morphology but differ in considerably the their coloration of males and in DNA. Eighteen species are currently recognized. The distribution of most species is very and exhibits complex a parapatricmosaic-like, pattern. They sometimes also occur sympatrically, that is, in the same river system. How- in only a few cases to date are two ever, at to be syntopic (found species known the same site). oon. It is not unlikely thatIt is not unlikely oon. the change in the of the of flow direction Dja, which originally drained to theAtlantic originallycoast, was responsible for the of spread Basin via theBasin via tributary a Ngoko, of the Likouala. a “blue” species with blue dorsal and caudal fins and in a very anal fin, found a yellow limited area in the Congo Republic. In the and south west it is replaced by species with on thea “yellow” fins, shown yellow map as upstream in an easterly direction. That direction. upstream in an easterly been difficult—in this have re- wouldn’t gion the has a drop of only 328 Congo a distance of 1,242 over m) feet (100 a so it is more like miles (2,000 km), than lake a river. TOP: K. STEHLE; BOTTOM: H. OTT H. BOTTOM: STEHLE; K. TOP: 28 AMAZONAS 2007. Aphyosemion musafirii Aphyosemion lamberti parapatric parapatric inhabitingadjoiningranges. distribution, a species with orseveral alarge distribution species with isactuallyasingle this is neededtodemonstratewhether identified. killifishhobbyorincorrectly in the More study mixed been have two strains the importation since their neum with speciesinagroup placesthis (surprisingly) The species is known from only two sites in the southern southern The speciesis known fromonlytwo sitesinthe Aphyosemion and A . musafirii

congicum (BSWG 97/9). (AVD 1),4.3 miles ofUbundu, (7km)north wild-caught male, Aphyosemion lujae (Van derZee&Sonnenberg2011). (Ahl1924). research Genetic , the from type Kondue on the Sankuru. A. casta- A. further collections and photos of live fishes from the area collectionsandphotos oflive fishes fromthe further Pratt in1983, ora“blue”fishlike low” fishlike doesn’t problem ofwhether solve the analfin.Butthat numerousdots,atleast onthe cies with Wildekamp’sconcur with argument: reddots.We small,moreorlessnumerouscarmine with dorsal,anal,andventral finsarecovered the wrote that the fin. In the original description of description original fin.Inthe the A . “ schioetzi Aplocheilichthys assumed acloserelationshipwith Haplochilus Epiplatys genusdebated. Poll placeditinthe of status species ofthe 1904) mostconfused isoneofthe base coloration. body the arelighterthan ing areasthat red pigmentsleave behindcorrespond- and subsequent transferintoalcohol, informalin preservation syntypes. After scalesofthe lightspotsonthe on the side,based has numerousdotsonthe suggests that suggests that remaining tracesofcoloration.Huber any are inpoorcondition,without Republicand CentralAfrican of the south fromthe specimens originate Myers’sand confirmed view. Thetype Wildekamp types have allthe examined in (1924) species placedthe tentatively fin. These are arranged at the baseof atthe fin. Thesearearranged anal (ornoneatall)onthe few very side,butalso spotsonthe not onlyfew contrast, isconvinced that a synonym. Wildekamp (1993), by with sideandisconspecific red dotsonthe ity given as“Congo.” Atpresent, local- the based onspecimenswith in 1982. is Thespeciesdescription were discovered Congo; both byRadda longer exhibit anylonger tracesofcoloration. exhibit typespecimensingeneral no preserved www.killi-data.org). Unfortunately, the side(2007,dots onthe onlineversion supposedlyhasmanyformer morered from differs byAhlshows that scription de- the opinionthat Huber isofthe is regardedasasynonym. Bycontrast, whose typelocalityisalsounknown, melanopteron Aphyosemion Aphyosemion A. polli A. ” and , and in the description of description , andinthe A. decorsei A.

decorsei ; the latter would then be latterwould then ; the A Goldstein&Ricco1970, A. decorsei A. A A. elegansA. . . sp.RCA 3,collected by

. Scheel,Huber, and melanopteron spilauchen A Aphyosemion

decorsei . sp.“Lobaye.” Only A Pellegrin even even Pellegrin haslongbeen A A. decorsei A. . . decorsei decorsei group. The group. has very few few hasvery . Myers

(Pellegrin (Pellegrin A. decorsei A. A , as the , asthe Pellegrin Pellegrin

isaspe- . polli is a“yel- congicum A has .

TOP & MIDDLE: J.V.D. ZEE; BOTTOM: H. OTT H. OTT Basin. pseudoelegansA. Gabon. Huber 1977) in iswidelydistributed solve many unanswered questions. live specimensandDNA samples, may species,above allof lections ofboth “ with maybe speciesgroup, belong inanother semion Tshuapain 2006fromthe Boenderegion. inthe from Mbombokonda. while A speciesgroup, membersofthe all other secondpossibility.to pointthe Like Congo Basin.DNA resultssofarseem two speciescamefromthe of these ancestors Gabonorthe from southeast semion genus the unknown whether Congo Basin.To dateitremains Aphyosemion genusfar, onlymembersofthe the rectogoense other the charactersfrom infurther also differs spotsbelow.above, without Thespecies caudalfin:spotted onthe color pattern unusual,asymmetric character isthe asimilarband.Perhaps go with abetter Con- northern species fromthe scribed unde- isatleastonefurther, there body. sideofthe dinal bandonthe But redlongitu- easilybythe beidentifiedvery (purportedly) Congo.Thespeciescan ofthe southeast locations inthe specimensfromvarious known onlyfrompreserved of the type locality will permit unequivocal clarification. typelocalitywillpermit of the represents real brought whatisprobablythe UliSchliewen illustration accompanying description. the tion of descrip- ofthe text doesn’t characterinthe mentionthis specimens.Boulenger clearly recognizableinpreserved dark reddorsalfin,whichisalso characteristic has avery of scription term 2011) fishes(whichwe Lambert’s argueinsteadthat hobby. aquarium the We (Van derZee&Sonnenberg introduced killifishesfromBoendelabeled 1950s name.Inthe Lambert Belgianaquarist this the for speciesknown decadesunder toaquarists the cal with dweller. . lamberti Aphyosemion Aphyosemion Aphyosemion A A. rectogoenseA. Aphyosemion

colonized the Congodrainage colonizedthe . sp. “Cuvette”) do not agree with Boulenger’s with de- donotagree . sp.“Cuvette”) elegans A. elegansA. Aphyosemion Aphyosemion aresiblingspeciesand,so isalsoarainforest dweller, A. elegansA. A. elegansA. that occur outside the occuroutsidethe that and the species recently described byusas speciesrecentlydescribed andthe occur sympatrically in the centralCongo inthe occursympatrically

, and no dark dorsal fin is shown in the , andnodark dorsalfinisshown inthe

lamberti ferranti elegans ” is the onlysavanna isthe , as does a commercial importation , asdoesacommercialimportation teugelsi

lamberti . This incorrectly identifiedspecies . Thisincorrectly Aphyosemion speciesandmay (Radda & (Radda (Boulenger 1910) iscurrently

(Boulenger 1899) isnotidenti- . New col- . New and Aphyo- A. elegansA. A sp.“Bombala”also . A. elegansA. to Germany toGermany Aphyo- into 2002. 2002. from Boende, in imported Aphyosemion pseudoelegans Aphyosemion plagitaenium in the hobbyas in the to Europe.Thesefisheshave and bred beenmaintained specimens fromtwo populationswere broughtbackalive vanDeun(AVD)was caughtbyArmand in2007, and berg 2011) Thespecies wasonlyrecentlydescribed. out completely a few yearsago. out completely afew hobby, captive have populationmayeven andthe died aquarium rareinthe Lefini.Thisspeciesisvery in the sites speciesagainatvarious were abletofindthis RMCA fromthe tion wasbased,itwasn’t staff until2005that descrip- firstcollection,onwhichthe the Republic. After Congo Congointhe west bankofthe Lefinionthe to the whether the currently known locationsfor currently the whether around BenaTshadi in1974 and1979. Itremainsunclear This specieswas,however, places alsocollectedatvarious Kondue. Kasai,at ofthe system,atributary Sankuru from the originated specimensthat known onlyfrompreserved as-yet-unknown species. as-yet-unknown Kasaiharboradditional, ofthe tributaries southern the of distribution ofthe boundary lujae A. Aphyosemion Aphyosemion Aphyosemion in the vicinity of Kondue represent the southern southern vicinityofKondue representthe inthe Aphyosemion from Epoma (RPC91/1). A

. sp.AVD 1andAVD the 2.Although musafirii lujae lefiniense

ferranti (Boulenger 1911) iscurrently (Van derZee&Sonnen- (Woeltjes 1984) isrestricted isalsofound nearKondue. Aphyosemion A. ferranti A. , or whether , orwhether and

29 AMAZONAS 30 AMAZONAS males), itsclosestrelative is body in sidesofthe (numerousreddotsonthe group species looksmorelike amemberofthe two millionyears. species mayhave been separatedaslongagooneto two the Congo.DNA indicatesthat sideofthe other the Aphyosemion Aphyosemion rectogoense

plagitaenium A . (Huber 2004) wasdis- (Huber2004) castaneum from site PEG 95/16. Aphyosemion schioetzi A , whichlives on . cognatum 2002. 2002. Boende, in imported pseudoelegans Aphyosemion

from Kintete. Kintete. from from from is the sisterspecies of is the tern of the fin edges of the caudalfin. finedges ofthe ofthe tern A in dorsalfin(versus reddotsonalightbackground the dark redcolorationof characters arethe characteristic not-yet-described and afurther, . elegans Aphyosemion ) and an asymmetric sequence in the colorpat- sequence inthe ) andanasymmetric

rectogoense as CongoRepublic.Itwasknown to the byDutchandBelgianaquarists trip covered in1991 acollecting during This species(if (see convinced that schoutedeniA. regard authors DRC. Many nearKinshasainthe port air- international 82/26), closetothe 1987) fromN’djili was described (Z incorrectly labeledas incorrectly hobby, been aquarium buthashitherto is aspeciesalreadyknown inthe (Sonnenberg &Van derZee2012) topic with topic with and,insomecases,alsosyn- sympatric central CongoBasinandisfound there Congointhe ofthe locations south A tributary of the Likouala. ofthe tributary MambiliRiver, systemofthe in the a far known fromonlyasinglelocation isso has aremarkable colorpattern, Thisspecies,which its description. expressed by the designation bythe expressed fishshouldbe ofthis unclear status adefiniteidentification,the permit like littlecrosses.Until collections new sidesaren’t look on the round;they color pattern as color pattern same the Kasaidrainage exhibit in the location southern specimens fromthe cannot bechecked. Thepreserved species identificationofthe so the of Huber’s collectionswere published, Unfortunately,main rivers. nophotos have beenmaderelatively closetothe Kasai,allcollections ofthe tributary ber, andapopulationfromsouthern Republic, whichwere collectedbyHu- Congo ofthe north populations inthe fromanumberof and Congo.Apart Uele,Ubanghi, took placealongthe Basin. Collectionsknown todate Congo see map)iswidespreadinthe . A elegans Aphyosemion Aphyosemion A . sp.“EpomaRPC91/1” to prior A . . lamberti schoutedeni ). Itisknown fromseveral A (Radda &Huber1977) (Radda . elegans or Aphyosemion on the basisofDNA onthe A. polli A. A A. polli A. A

. cf. A. decorsei A. polli pseudoelegans . and polli , polli A A (Radda & Pürzl &Pürzl (Radda asasynonym of isavalidspecies . cf. . , but the dots , butthe A elegans . isincluded, decorsei species.Its , butwe are castaneum A . cf. (see

). polli , .

TOP & MIDDLE: H. OTT; BOTTOM: HANSSENS (RMCA) study. Ten localities are known in the hobby and all populations are very Taxonomy in upheaval: the genus Aphyosemion similar. There are, to date, only three collections in museums. This is the DNA studies indicate that the genus Aphyosemion is a complex assem- only Aphyosemion s. l. species on the blage of genetically clearly distinguishable species groups and isolated IUCN Red List. This because of its species. So far only the most obviously distinct species groups have small distribution region in the upper been described as genera or subgenera (eg Chromaphyosemion, Kath- Lékoni-Djouya and the upper Mpassa in etys, Diapteron, Episemion, Raddaella). On the other hand, right from the Ogooue basin in southeast Gabon. the start the subgenus Mesoaphyosemion was the “rubbish bin” for all The occurrence of this species has been the difficult-to-classify species and species groups. heavily affected by pollution of the And therein also lies a problem with the taxonomy of Aphyosemion waters in the vicinity of Franceville s. l. Humans, as sight-oriented animals, can very easily appreciate the and deforestation leading to increased definition of Chromaphyosemion or Diapteron, as the species within sedimentation. these groups are very similar, but exhibit clear differences from other Aphyosemion schioetzi (Huber & Aphyosemion. This is less apparent with other groups, for example Scheel 1981) is the only representa- the “A.” wildekampi and “A.” cameronense species groups. Molecular tive of the A. elegans group in the lower genetic studies indicate, however, that phylogenetically speaking, the Congo to the north of the river. Its visually very distinct species groups are not necessarily more geneti- distribution is limited to an area mea- cally distant from one another. suring around 62 x 62 miles (100 x 100 Now there are two taxonomic possibilities here: either accept km), with the majority of known popu- that the other species groups also represent separate genera, just like lations in the DRC and two (including Diapteron, Episemion, and others. Or put them all in a genus Aphyo- the type locality) in the Congo Repub- semion s. l. with numerous subgenera. But that doesn’t solve the lic. We do not concur with many other problem of the species groups so far without any name, whether as authors that this species also occurs in subgenus or genus. the northern Congo with a distribu- From a pragmatic viewpoint a catch-all genus Aphyosemion pro- tional gap of more than 259 miles (400 vides less information content than Diapteron or Chromaphyosemion, km) (see A. chauchei), but suggest that for example. For practical purposes it is all the same whether we use a further, probably still undescribed species-group names (e.g., the or A. georgia Aphyosemion species is involved, shown group) or scientific names (Chromaphyosemion, Diapteron) for the on the map as A. “schioetzi.” Aphyo- different groups. A species group equates to what some authors call semion schioetzi populations exhibit a either a subgenus or genus. Hence, as far as the aquarium hobby is relatively uniform color pattern, unlike concerned we can regard the terms “species group,” “subgenus,” and the related species A. cognatum, in “genus” as essentially equivalent. which numerous different phenotypes Just as with the species groups, it is often the case at species level are known. as well that usually the most distinctive species are described first. A Aphyosemion schoutedeni (Bouleng- good example is the A. cameronense species group or Mesoaphyosemion: er 1920) has hitherto been assumed to populations are termed M. cameronense that do not have a particularly be restricted to the type locality Medje, distinctive body coloration, that is, have metallic blue to blue-green on around 186 miles (300 km) northeast the sides of the body, overlain with a very variable red pattern. Several of Kisangani in the northeast of the obviously different phenotypes have been described in recent decades, DRC. Although the types are in good for example M. amoenum and M. halleri, which both have a yellow condition, all traces of coloration have caudal peduncle, and M. maculatum and M. mimbon, which possess disappeared. But to the present day, a spotted pattern on the sides. Genetic studies indicate that many of topotypes collected by Lang and Chapin the blue forms of M. cameronense are just as different genetically as the in 1910 have retained their color pat- phenotypically more distinct, described species. Here, too, there are tern (Van der Zee & Huber 2006), two solutions: lump everything together in the species M. cameronense, which resembles that of A. castaneum which would be to ignore major genetic and phenotypical differences except for the pattern of the anal fin. between the phenotypes, or retain the existing species and acknowl- This color pattern is found in various edge that M. cameronense as currently understood represents a species RMCA Aphyosemion collections that complex. It is for precisely such situations that the use of the afore- originate from the Aruwimi basin east

mentioned locality codes is important, because that way name changes AMAZONAS of the Kisangani-Buta road. Hence it can be understood, regardless of where these fishes belong taxonomi- can be assumed that the distribution cally and where they come from. region is significantly larger than previ- ously thought.

31 AMAZONAS

32 11 AMAZONAS 33 .

chris- . A . Unfortunate- localities is Aphyosemion Aphyosemion . On the other Aphyosemion s. l Aphyosemion polli . when he collected when he A . But thereafter, fur- batesii

rectogoense

” was collected several teugelsi ” Raddaella plagitaenium probably the distribution largest schioetzi

. Further south you in the Wamba, . “ A polli Aphyosemion

Aphyosemion congicum , and . A Aphyosemion , which do not accord with, which do not accord currently any known Aphyosemion and with the exception of bamilekorum species has also been found in the species has also been found same area. . We would like to thank Werner Eigelshofen (Sprock- to thank Eigelshofen like Werner would We K s. l. ,

cognatum , occurs there. The distance from other Aphyosemion

Epiplatys polli

elberti

, a phenotype occurs that has a rather similar color pattern to Aphyosemion Aphyosemion In various places in the east, south of the distribution of everyA collecting trip investigating east from Kinshasa, southern tributary So far there been only a very have fewcollections made in the southern The northernpart of the undoubtedly harbors as yet Congo drainage A very in the interesting species lives the in savanna northeast of the Uele Kathetys ; the red dots are, however, much smaller. It is probable that It is probable further much smaller. ; the differ- however, red dots are, has been collected there. So far, only a number of interesting lampeyes are only a number of interesting lampeyes has been collected there. So far, from thisknown region, unfortunately only as preserved material. ther east, every be a surprise. likely catch would Another interesting trip would be a journey along the northern of Angola. Although border the numerous Kasai tributaries offer promising habitats, to date not a single would probably be able to capture “ would very great. give That would of all ly, no traces of the color pattern remain visible in thely, preserved A specimens. possibly new hand, the similarity of the color pattern preserved (in specimens) may be coincidental. of the probably produce very Kasai, would would exciting Initially you results. find christyi tyi as soon as theences will be found coloration of this live species is known. part of the Basin. Every Congo southern tributary of the Kasai possibly has endemic species, as all theseits own rivers are separated from one another at least one striking fish, similar to As already mentioned above, by savanna. Aphyosemion are times by Huber at different locations, but not by the RPC team in 1991. differenttimes by Huber at locations, but not by the in 1991. RPC team undescribed several example, very because, for species, different-looking (even when preserved) collected therespecies, were by missionaries in museums. There and deposited phenotypes thatare at least two may represent new species in the rainforest between the Uele and the Congo. One of them collected and was recently photographed by Uli Schliewen (ZSM). date the within recognized only savanna-dwellers basin. To in this area back in 1978; it was discovered by De Waegeneer, Vlym, and Van Vlym, and Van Waegeneer, by De it was discovered in this in 1978; area back during the RPC trip. to be restricted This species appears to a 1991 der Berg in very small area, and there may be other species with very limited distribution regions of this type. On the other hand, REFERENCES REFERENCES for this articleExtensive references can be found online at the Reef to Rainforest site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/aphyosemion-issue-references/. Acknowledgments: hövel), Mark Hanssens (RMCA, Mark Belgium), Paul Lemmens (Leuven, hövel), Tervuren, and (Attenkirchen), Belgium), Heinz Ott (Mönchengladbach), Klaus Stehle (RMCA, permission Belgium) for Emmanuel Vreven to use their Tervuren, Deun, the to thank Schliewen, ichthyo- A. also like U. Van would photos. We for logical team at the of the and the RMCA DKG in Tervuren, Elegans-AG supporting us in our work. The western part of the explored, been well Basin has already Congo it is and thatlikely few in this newspecies will be discovered But nothing region. can be ruled find out: Huber didn’t Undescribed species AMAZONAS

34 AMAZONAS 35 are de- Aphyosemion species successfully. species successfully. will seek to breed if STORY species can readily be maintained

Aphyosemion Aphyosemion COVER It is also believed that killifishes aren’t It is also believed that killifishes aren’t The correctsome is of water temperature given the opportunity, but the thegiven presence of a opportunity, mate causes continual stress, which inevitably shortens the of the lives fishes. It is question- able whether the them alternative of keeping singly to prolong life expectancy is really wise. in the water long term, over-warm Moreover, can reduce life expectancy. fishes will find the smallest gap in the cover where filter example glass, for parts enter or withexit. can be plugged gaps filter Any wool. take these precautions, things don’t may If you will find a a while, but one day you be fine for on thedesiccated mummy or a fish will floor disappeared withouthave trace. Theylong-lived. to be certainly live don’t themancient, but it is usually possible to keep or three two years, and sometimesfor longer, expectations raise your though shouldn’t you too high. Water and temperature Water It is sometimes stated that and thatmanding when it comes to the water, These fishes appear out of thin air. idea didn’t waters and won’t come mainly from flowing long. Theytolerate old and polluted water for may survive a while in such conditions, for regular water So but they more rapidly. will age are verychanges them. beneficial for On the other hand, special preparation of the water is only necessary if it is very hard. The majority of Aphyosemion and even in medium-hard tap bred water.

Aphyo- , and they Aphyosemion , known as the, known

Aphyosemion It is hard to imagine how a fish can be attractive, colorful, a fish can be attractive, how It is hard to imagine not too

t can and will jump out of the can and will jump in the aquarium should be tightly covered. These should be tightly covered. Aphyosemion is not considered the easiest species in species in the aquarium hobby may be Aphyosemion However, this behavior isn’t equally equally this isn’t behavior However, One reason for theOne reason for poor spread of large, peaceful, and interesting, and still not be common in the aquarium hobby, but this peaceful, and interesting, and still not be common in the large, aquarium hobby, more interest in them,has been true years. In hopes of awakening I will of killifishes for spell out just what the aquarist to keep needs to know will generally prove to be rewarding pets. prove will generally Accomplished jumpers Accomplished example. There is the for matter of jumping, Yes, In theaquarium the if given wild opportunity. they at the are not top of the chain, so food they try to evade their by escaping predators some- into areas where the water is shallow, times only a few centimeters deep. Should also threatendanger there, the best escape method and as far as is to leap up, quickly possible. expressed in all species. Some exhibit jump- in an extremeing behavior form, others not the sake, aquarium safety’s for at all. But for Aphyosemion The killifishes have been known to generations to generations been known The killifishes have and thereof aquarium keepers, are numerous species; they deserve greater recognition on ac- count of their colors, but only a few standard in thespecies are found aquarium trade—for example, “Cape Lopez” killie. Interestingly, australe the to maintain. genus semion certain long-standing against them, prejudices Never- which cannot be entirely discounted. theless, the species are not really complicated— “standardmany fishes” are more demanding. a fewThe aquarist adjust- needs only to make ments in order to keep by Olaf Deters

is , is the , is the

also found found also trade in the then. and now species The higher tolerates temperatures. Opposite page, page, Opposite “Cape The top: the here Lopez,” golden form of Aphyosemion australe best-known of the member genus. Middle: Aphyosemion castaneum is very but attractive, unfortunately very also demanding. Bottom: Aphyosemion striatum

The keeping of keeping The

Aphyosemion TOP: H. NIGL; MIDDLE & BOTTOM: O. DETERS O. BOTTOM: & MIDDLE NIGL; H. TOP: Aphyosemion cameronense is widely distributed and very variable in appearance.

Aphyosemion cameronense (locality BSW9920).

Left: Female Aphyosemion are rather plainly colored. Only in Aphyosemion hera (right) are the females very colorful. AMAZONAS

36 AMAZONAS 37 species , as long Aphyosemion Aphyosemion . And you can usually . And you species can be kept with species can be kept Aphyosemion Aphyosemion have only a limited acquaintance have are often rather and retiring shy in larger . It is enough if their appearance causes the On the other anxiety. hand, small tetras and Aphyosemion If you really want to obtainIf you the benefit maximum several It is also possible to keep with in their plants lush aquatic waters—usually native streams that, depending on the time of year and the amount of precipitation, are a few meters wide and a few keep even more in it. Problems arisekeep only when a single dominant individual terrorizes the other fishes. In such guarantee a solu- aquariumcases, even doesn’t a larger tion. The dominant individual chases the others all over out of the keep aquarium and the specimens can’t weak sight of the experience long. In my alpha individual for Aphyosemion aquariums. Only if there are sufficient fishes of a species present will they aquari- and outgoing in large be lively ums as well. together in the no ambi- aquarium, have but only if you tion to breed them. of the Because many females look very cross, you and related species will generally similar should at least ensure that thechosen are as dif- species ferent from one another fry as possible. But any that may home. turn your up should never leave and hence no obvious territories no and hence are established. Where togetherseveral live fishes in an aquarium therehigh is a thatprobability there dog” who chases will be a “top the other the males and pursues The almost females. constant is part of females by males harassment of Healthy can cope with individuals normal that, behavior. and there be no losses as long as there should are places males and oppressed females can to which subordinate retire. Only extremely will be unable to specimens weak cope in the long term. Not too much light, not too much space too much light, not too much space Not The subject of minimum aquarium size conceals nu- merous pitfalls, especially when it comes to the killifish the (60-cm) usual 2-foot Be that as it may, hobby. gallons is suitable up for aquarium of 15–20 beginner’s pairs of adult to four Danger of hybridization Danger Generally speaking, other fish species; as a rule they occur alone in do not tankmates should never look similar the wild. However, to their characins and which include larger predators, for need to be actually dangerous cichlids. And they don’t Aphyosemion Aphyosemion species from othersmall barbs are fine. In addition, fish with be kept regions can generally as they actually hunt them. don’t from these fishes in theaquarium, it is advisable to buy all at the time. same not just a trio,number, but a larger pairs or more. The fishes will thenThat can mean four exhibit and will be constantly natural behavior more vis- ible and less retiring. , A. A. . A , and . They Cyclops , and much prefer nauplii as long coeleste . A Aphyosemion , Artemia A. primigenium , Aphyosemion , it is not unusual for , it is not unusual for mimbon

and White or Grindal Worms. amoenum A. striatum

, Tubifex are not territorial in the normal sense, Aphyosemion australe will also reliably take

are not considered aggressive other towards , for example. example. , for . Aphyosemion Some individuals are very timid. This isn’t necessar- Some individuals are verytimid. This isn’t Aphyosemion On the other hand, coastal species or species from In my personal experience,In my

females to grow more rapidly and become significantly than stronger and males. larger ily due to an error in maintenance; even in the wild it is undoubtedly advantageous to the survival of the species therefor as outgoing specimens. In to be cautious as well the is in short outgoing indi- times when food supply, viduals are at an advantage, but in the event of major predation pressure it is the retiring specimens that will survive. will take any live foods that foods from all live theywill take any can overpower, sorts larvae, and midge of water fleas, and fishes that food, live to it are reluc- are accustomed tant to take frozen or dry can cause problems This food. shortage. thatin times of live-food Naturally doesn’t happen with frozen or dry as these food, are always available. Aphyosemion and fruit flies to maculatum at temperatures the live regions and savanna lowlands similar to those in our aquariums. The water parameters so tapthere resemble those water, generally of average such species are betterto the suited normal aquarium than from the species Suitable species include interior. Aphyosemion Aphyosemion within within the and, naturally, genus fishes. However, their species, there own are sometimes very violent individuals can suffer badly weaker Noticeably squabbles. as a result. And females will vigorously harass males that are very possible to predict if this small. It is not usually that will happen. Note in some individual species, for example Not territorialNot Diet influence on these has a significant fishes. Essen- green to is of no interest food tially, Everything but greens as the latter remain alive, but they aren’t adequate food as the food but they adequate latter remain alive, aren’t fishes in the larger long term.for With good feeding the females will visibly fill with happen eggs. If this doesn’t an extendedfor period, otherbe offered. should foods importance. in particular Inland species, those from around 68–70°F of prefer temperatures higher regions, domes- The average sometimes even lower. (20–21°C), this,tic aquarium think should cannot provide so you these acquiringbefore carefully such species. However, in the found species are rarely cool-water aquarium of species that cooler mainte- trade. Examples require nance include marginatum 0. DETERS 0. Aphyosemion amoenum females grow larger than the males.

Aphyosemion mimbon likes cooler conditions.

The larger-growing Aphyosemion herzogi lives in shallow water. AMAZONAS

38 0. DETERS tendency of the fishesto jump. Youtendency ofthe can,of question becauseofthe isoutofthe aquarium parentsdo. younger the their siblingsthan danger to poseagreater often youngsters—they young,to keep you larger shouldremove the the happensregularly andyou want Ifthis survive. will spawn initandoccasionaljuveniles will fishes the apossibilitythat iseven ery, there won’t is feath- vegetation lookasgood.If the splendid coloration come moretimidandtheir used. investigated outofcuriosity, butnotdeliberately leaves isequally well accepted. Caves maybe ofbogwood form andoak But cover inthe trees. Still, isappreciated. aplantedaquarium areasmayalsobeshadedbysurrounding these region, Dependingonthe submerged grasses. or trailingbankvegetation haunts areshallow areas with andshallow. narrow deep butmayalsobevery Popular arevision. after even involved, wayitispossible totellwhatfishwasoriginally changed. Inthis Names maybealtered,butlocalitycodesremainun- species descriptions. still unresolved, namechanges we andnew anditislikely canexpect that taxonomy of here,the articles other can beseenfromthe samesite. atthe were caughttogether they samecodeif butsyntopickillifishspeciesbearthe two different, pen that collectingsites,itmaywell hap- codesdescribe Becausethe caught there. fishes speed, airandwatertemperatures, andother waterparameters, current suchaswaterdepth, details timeofcapture,andother tion, the loca- ofthe GPSdata process,includingthe inthe data additional habitat precise you canfindvery codes.Sometimes example, whoisbehindthe for collectingsiteno.15.stands nearbysettlement. “Lolo1”referstothe 15 andthe year2004 indicatesthe ofGabon;04 country represents the G andthe anddeBruyn, two for collectorsBogaerts the BDBG stands Thus data. additionoffurther the andalsopermit information damental fun- contain They rules. collectors andarenotsubjecttoany particular hobby. aquarium ofthe discretion in the Thesecodesareassignedatthe populationsseparateandavoid together to keep different mixingthem example BDBG04/15 “Lolo1”orLEC93/4.Thesecodesmake itpossible have strange-looking appended,forKillifish namesoften abbreviations localitycodeexplained ofthe The mystery ers, most of them in the United States, inthe ers, mostofthem Killifish site( KillifishAssociation( American atthe Internet various killifish andkillifisheggs,including various It should be obvious that anopen-topped It shouldbeobviousthat fishestobe- lightingcancausethe Bright on Information collector. ofthe discretion As goesisatthe information How farthe for Internet, Anyone fishescanfindout,onthe these working with www.killi.co.uk Aphyosemion ). Foronlinepurchasedirectlyfrombreed- and other killifishes can be found on the killifishescanbefound onthe andother www.AquaBid.com Aphyosemion www.aka.org spp.,atauction. Aphyosemion usuallysells Neolebias unifasciatus ) or the UK ) orthe reserved for enthusiasts. for enthusiasts. reserved in particular, have for many yearsremainedhobbyfishes is isfound together with used asspeciestanks. of 6–7gallons(25L)arealsofineif jumping won’tthat occur. noguarantee offers butthis extent, jumping tosome order tolimitthe floatingovergrown plantsin with tobecome surface course, allow the mion Aphyosemion trade. arenotavailable inthe they exceptions, afew with lem isthat water.and willtoleratetap Theprob- needtobekept warmer that those is, species—that coastal foremost the listed here.Iwould suggest firstand couldbe There aremany speciesthat species starter Suitable lifishes ingeneral, and Sokil- andeffort. expense without large numberscannotbeproduced on The deliberatebreedingof regarded asdemandingandexotic. publicand are attentionofthe the killiesdon’tAs aresult,the cometo caught specimensarerarelyavailable. trade:wild- found inthe not often reason why trade. mon inthe least asattractive, butarenotcom- and available. isrelatively time-consuming, and Smaller aquariums with avolume with Smaller aquariums In my opinion there is a further isafurther In my opinionthere Aphyosemion

striatum Aphyosemion Aphyosemion

australe arewell known and Aphyosemion. Aphyosemion.

primigenium and

marginatum Aphyosemion speciesare Aphyose- Aphyosemi- areat

39 COVER STORY

Breeding Aphyosemion by Olaf Deters and Michael Schlüter t First the bad news: Breeding Aphyosemion is the opposite of making lots of money for little effort. Anyone who wants to breed Aphyosemion must make quite a large commitment. The adults neither tend the eggs nor care for their offspring, so you don’t always get many offspring. And the breeder must constantly be on the ball—intervening, looking for eggs, and sorting out dead ones every day. Rearing the fry is work, too. It is possible to mass-produce some species, but the outcome can’t be predicted.

Above: Part of a breeding setup for Aphyosemion species.

Right: A courting pair of Aphyosemion sp. “Oyo,” a member of the A. elegans group. O. DETERS O. AMAZONAS

40 AMAZONAS 41 from BSW 99-03. 99-03. BSW Aphyosemion pseudoelegans Aphyosemion from Zomoko GBG 92-25. 92-25. GBG Zomoko from do not exhibit multifaceted courtship Aphyosemion buytaerti If the the female is willing to spawn, pair press into Aphyosemion Aphyosemion herzogi Male behavior like many cichlids and gouramis. Instead, they many like behavior rightget to the point. The male drives the female around the aquarium when the and, opportunity arises, posi- tions himself in front of her and excitedly displays the maximum possible splendor of coloration and finnage. In some species the mouth as a area becomes as yellow sight. bright pretty lemon as well—a impressive the together spawning and she lays an egg. If she is chased around the yet convinced, the female isn’t tank her mind. Should time and again until she changes been fed sparingly for some time and haven’t spawned spawned been fed sparingly some time and haven’t for will oftenmuch, or at all, you more find significantly aftereggs a day or two enriching the diet with a hefty portion food. of live A pair of the recently described described recently of the A pair the vicinity of Boende, Tshuapa drainage. drainage. Tshuapa of Boende, vicinity the . Lots Cyclops , for example. example. , for or White Worms, will or White Worms, and the South American Tubifex Simpsonichthys are non-annual killies. The develop- are so-called continuous spawners. If the are so-called continuous spawners. and Nothobranchius A prerequisite for spawning is that spawning for theA prerequisite fishes should It is always astonishing how rapidly theIt is always astonishing how fishes react This ability is exhibitedthe by so-called annu- But the majoritynot annual spe- of killifishes are whose bio- There are also semi-annual killifishes, Aphyosemion

Aphyosemion be in good condition, and thatleast the is not result of feeding. The females should be visibly full of eggs. heavy be full to bursting, but nothingThey can be shouldn’t expectedis usual to from noticeably slim individuals. It larvaeoffer such as mosquito foods live or Continuous spawners fishes are in good condition and in the right mood, they will lay a few eggs every a long period day for of time. The number of eggs can vary from 0 to 20. If the large several days beforehand, sexes are separated for or more eggs as 100 females may produce as many the but not infrequently loss rate is very high if initially, there rapidly and are a lot of eggs. The dead eggs fungus infect the good ones, and in the are left end you with a to get especially desirable none. For this reason it isn’t number of eggs from a pair all at once. large of fatty foods, such as of fatty foods, encourage egg formation. frozen Some species will accept encourage as long as theyfood, are accustomed to it. If they in feeding. and improvements have to changes Killifish are associated with are associated Killifish the to survive ability of water thatin bodies dry The periodically. up development of the the eggs extends over dry period, and the next hatches with generation the next eggs can remain dormant season. The rainy months, many the and not all for fry hatch in but the be not a downpour, first rain; it might just a brief cloudburst. include the genera annual East al killifish. Typical African ment of the to three eggs takes around two withweeks, variations If thetemperature-induced up or down. upper boundary of the is greatly time window exceeded, the embryo will die while still in the egg or will be too to break throughweak the eggshell completely. Austrolebias dormant a dry, unconditionally require These genera period the for eggs, as otherwise develop. they won’t a predictable periodcies. Their eggs develop over of days and three So they weeks. or four between 10 don’t in a substrate such as peat or absolutely need to be kept chopped coconut hair to simulate a dry period in con- also develop in water. tact but can generally with air, Such species are termed “non-annual.” The eggs of thesetopes dry species up only occasionally. will develop both The eggs in water and in a substrate. in this stick to plants, so case, too, peat or some- don’t thing substrate. similar should be used as a spawning M. SCHLÜTER M. Above: Pairs temporary separation of the sexes, a change of partner, or groups of or a hefty water change using cooler water can provide a fishes can be stimulus. But there are also pairs from which you never placed in plastic containers. In get as much as a single egg. this one, Perlon mesh and Mops, peat, and Perlon mops made of Woolen mops, peat fiber, and fine nylon thread are the artificial wool spawning substrates normally used. The advantages of (left) serve as spawning artificial substrates are obvious: they are more durable, substrates. can be used for a long time, and have no effect on water quality. The majority of breeders use dark woolen mops made of synthetic wool, which can be attached to a cork or other buoyant material so that they float in the water. the female become excessively stressed by the pushi- The woolen threads should be long enough to extend ness of the male, she will seek out a hiding place. For down to the aquarium bottom, as many species like to this reason it is advisable to make sure hiding places are spawn in the lower regions. Alternatively, the mop can available—otherwise the male can become too rough, simply be laid on the bottom. You need to check out and weaker females occasionally succumb. The burden where the fish prefer to spawn. Any second mop provided on individual females can also be reduced by using two as cover for the female or as an alternative spawning females and a male, a so-called trio. However, sometimes site should have a different texture and/or color; some a pair forms and the second female is then chased by Aphyosemion are fussy in this respect. both fishes, or she eats the eggs laid by the spawning pair. It is sensible to make sure that there is no other ma- It is thus wise to watch the fish carefully at first so as to terial in the aquarium that might be used by the fishes as be able to intervene if necessary. substrate, for example, Java Moss. Otherwise, finding the That said, a certain amount of tension between the eggs may be difficult. Essentially, although the eggs can partners is generally desirable. Pairs that live together too develop in the tank, it makes sense to look for them every peacefully and harmoniously in the aquarium often lay day and store them separately. Many adults eat their eggs no eggs for long periods, if they lay any at all. The idyll and the eggs often die off in the aquarium. But if they

is thus deceptive in a breeding context. In such cases, are transferred into a small bowl with very little water DETERS O. AMAZONAS

42 AMAZONAS 43 species, the larva is already larva is already the species, Aphyosemion In this egg of an In this egg well developed. The eyes are clearly visible. visible. are clearly eyes The developed. well When storing eggs in water, it is advisable to spot bad it is advisable to spot When storing eggs in water, In our experience, the container storage should have fertilize the eggs properly. The reasons for this The reasons for fertilize are mani- the eggs properly. and offer won’t speculation, but we fold much room for onto thatventure thin ice here. themeggs as soon as possible and remove with a pipette. be put in the container—theyCloudy eggs shouldn’t will theendanger fungus almost immediately and may others. will find that you If the up in the eggs are shaken water, sink- a noticeably long time before for some eggs float ing to the bottom. These, too, are suspect. Healthy eggs, regardless of their stage of development, sink quickly. water level. This is thoughta shallow a better to provide the supply for the eggs because of oxygen more favorable volume-surface ratio. The water should be only half a reverse-osmosis percent wa- 100 use centimeter deep. We You add a minimal amount of tap or perhaps water. ter, leaf, but thecan also add a small piece of Sea Almond yellow become excessively color of the water shouldn’t It isn’t unusual for the unusual for It isn’t first eggs from young pairs first eggs from young to come to naught, but there are other that problems can lead to total loss of the eggs. males don’t Some young

Only eggs laid prematurely are still soft and burst Sometimes the eggs are not fertilized or the larvae die But it can also work the also work But it can other can around: you way Aphyosemion australe

Below: Here a whole group group a whole Here Below: of The breed. to put been have fish are leftadult spawn to of a number for peat in the removed. then and days Hard eggs mm and are diameter a 0.8–1.5 of around The eggs have They or orange. are slightly yellowish clear to transparent and so stick securely to theadhesive substrate. The eggshell is rather hard, so theeggs can be collected with the fingers. develop the quickly necessary this.feel and eye You for when collected. It is helpful to briefly the squeeze spawn- excess in order to remove ing mop in a handkerchief this repeat If you procedure several times, the eggs water. are then easier to find. the into well development phase. It is wise to find these them stage and remove withdead eggs at an early a pipette Otherwiseor an airline. they seriously will pollute the wa- need to distinguish between ter and infect other eggs. You forms of fungussing: on thetwo one hand the eggs may be attacked from outside, and on the other they may die in which case the fungus is only secondary. internally, (around 5 mm), they 5 mm), (around One possible develop should well. explanationbe that may there is a better supply of oxygen thefor eggs. theremove after adults a few days and then the leave in theyoung If this breeding aquarium container. or and often successful, it is easier variation proves produces all species, individu- for work better results. But it doesn’t yourself. check it out for must als, and aquarists. You TOP: R. SONNENBERG; BOTTOM: W. HILGNER W. BOTTOM: SONNENBERG; R. TOP: Left, top to bottom: The “Cape Lopez,” Aphyosemion australe, here the normal form, is one of the few species that are bred commercially. “Cape Lopez” males courting and displaying to a single female. The female is already in spawning position; the males are still impeding each other.

oxygen supply. Alternatively, the airline can be fastened to the container with a clothespin so that the water’s surface is constantly in motion. It is also important to cover the container so no dust can get in. The temperature of the water is difficult to ascertain in such small amounts, but it is important to avoid major fluctuations. As long as the container is placed on the cover glass of the aquarium (provided it isn’t an aquarium with a light hood), you should be sure of a good temperature range for the eggs. The eggs will alter progressively over the days that follow, and using a magnifying glass you will be able to see the embryos inside. If an egg becomes noticeably dark and you can see the eyes of the fry using a magnifying glass, hatching may follow shortly. The fry usually manage to initiate this themselves. If the fish don’t hatch unaided, you can assist by adding cold water, shaking them in a small jar, or vigorous stirring. The old method of sprinkling a little flake food on the water’s surface, so that the oxygen content of the water drops rapidly, can also trigger hatching. But in that case a complete water change is required immediately after hatching. The fry swim free immediately after hatch- ing and can generally also take small Artemia right away. Sometimes they don’t fill their swimbladders with air and remain bellyslid- ers all their lives. You should think very hard about rearing such specimens, as they probably won’t be accepted as breeding partners. If there are a large number of bellysliders, you may still be able to obtain healthy young by adding an oxygen tablet or a small piece of one shortly after hatching.

Dry storage In addition to storing them in water, the eggs or the eggshells will harden and the larvae will die off of non-annual species can be stored dry. This results in inside. You will need to experiment to see whether the an even hatch rather than hatching being spread over a water needs to be changed daily for fresh or not. If the longer period, as is the case with storage in water. This eggs are developing and not dying off, a water change has the advantage that you can rear a good number of fry in the storage container isn’t necessary. The container together. You will need a fairly tight-closing container,

can also be gently aerated in order to guarantee a better for example a standard margarine tub, containing a HILGNER W. AMAZONAS

44 AMAZONAS 45

Below: Spawning Spawning Below: Aphyosemion australe penetrate a little way into into way a little penetrate and eggs, release peat, the to close lying while spawn each other. originated. From this can evaluate you Transfer to a completely different to a completely aquariumTransfer spawn- or region your It is also wise to consider from what Problem areas Problem Sometimes the pauses in spawning fish undergo long and are then difficult again. This isn’t induce to spawn to necessarily on the dependent situation. For example, food If you to spawn. lead to unwillingness boredom can also there is no option to change only one pair, are keeping partners, so other the to perk be found ways must fish with a water change up again, such as making noticeably the amplify effect can also stop mak- you To cooler water. this In a long time beforehand. for way ing water changes can simulate theyou dry tropical season, during which do without to make the fresh rain water. fish have ing container can also help. Reluctant should spawners During at least a week. separate for be separated and kept this The male period the female should be fed heavily. or he may lose should be fed somewhat more sparingly, his sex drive and react only half-heartedly to the female. Aphyosemion whether fish prefer cooler water or should be kept your If and bred in warmer water. the species is from the low- lands or the then savannas, it will naturally prefer higher which may temperatures, of 73–77°F mean a range timid, and don’t grow in a of fish again, lots Then well. and don’t timid, small container they because idea either, is not a good grow well. won’t Lay the on the eggs trying peat, themto keep from Another method the is to use peat fiber in aquarium Which method best depends on the works circum- The size of theThe fry rearing grow quickly. out fairly

layer of peat fiber, which should be moist enough that be moist should which it of peat fiber, layer wet. but not be remoistened It can dry out quickly, won’t periodically with The container a spray bottle. should be labeled with the the species name and date the eggs were harvested. a fungussed This helps to avoid touching one another. egg infecting a neighboring Monitor the one. develop- ment of the thinkeggs, and when you that the hatching been reached, add water to thepoint may have container. theIf all has gone well, majority of the fry will hatch. Or, the hand and placed in fresh out by be picked eggs can laboriously and must be oxygen as peat consumes water, separated from the larvae. it is worth Either storing way, the a few peat moist and adding water again days later. it after mop, removing instead of a spawning a few days and storing it moist in a plastic bag or lidded container. will to pick out the having eggs by hand. You This avoids been laid, but this eggs have is many how no idea have and effective varianta simple readily bred species. In for the the recommend would case of recalcitrant species we more easily monitored method, but more labor-intensive, easier in the prove long run.which may well stances and the skill of the aquarist. Everyone will find route to success. his or her own container should be suited to the of the size fish. There is no advantage to a small number of fry a in too large find the are often as well, food The fish won’t container. W. HILGNER W. SPECIALTY PET PRODUCTS Visit Repashy.com to view our full

line of fish and reptile products.

oasu obt, oea E Rosemar Sorbate, Potassium

Phaffia Rhodozyma Yeast, Paprika Paprika Yeast, Rhodozyma Phaffia

i hsh Phos cid

Aahdncai) re rwr es,Codu la,Kna ao B Carob Konjac Algae, Chondrus Yeast, Brewers Dried acid), (Arachidonic

INGREDIENTS:

ediately

Whole Squid Meal, Whole Sardine Meal, Who Meal, Sardine Whole Meal, Squid Whole

stir. Alternatively, Alternatively, stir.

xrc aedl Calend Extract

i tes) and remove ¼ cup of powder into ¾ cup of water and stir stir and water of cup ¾ into powder of cup ¼

Whole Squid Meal, Stabilize l M

eKilMa,Shzcyru A Schizochytrium Meal, Krill le f product add

d Rice Bran, Whole Sardine Meal, Flax Seed Meal,

hdu la Ascophyllum Algae drus Algae, Konjac, CaCh CONSU HUMAN FOR NOT

aiodFoe xrc R Extract Flower Marigold

Algae, Potassium Citrate, Calc Citrate, Potassium Algae,

ieBa,DniinPwe,DidBeesYat lxSe Flax Yeast, Brewers Dried Powder, Dandilion Bran, Rice

uoaeL luconate INGREDIENTS: O O UA CONSUMPTI HUMAN FOR NOT

NOT FOR HUMAN CON CONDITIONINGCONDITIONCOCON ONDNDIDITITIOTIO OurOur growth andIONON conditioningNNININGINGININGN formula for WWW.REPASHY.COM/COMMP and condcondG GGELELELLP PPPREMIX freshwater and marine omnivorous,PREPRREMREREMIEMEMIXMIXMIM SCAVENGERSCAVESSCACAAVVEENGERENENGENGENGGERGEER GGELE PREMIX WWW REPASHY COM/SS itioninitioni IXX

To prepare one cup of product, add ¼ cup of powder i t GE

Chlorella Algae, Spirulina Algae Spirulina Algae, Chlorella insectivorous, and carnivorousg formula fish. OMNIVORE GEL PREMIX INFORMA AUFWUCHSAUAUFUFWFWUWUCUCHHS GGEL PREMIX Ourr MMealeale RReplacementeplac Gel for TION: fofor Calendula F t eplacement Gel for Omnivorous This product is designed to be used to conditionrousous, Broodstock for

R Invertebrates. estir. and spawning and is also suitable for the initial raising of fry Our Meal Our Meal Replacement Gel for Aufwuchs (algae Aquaticaticc SScavengersccavengeca of all kinds. This formula is high in fat and not suitable as a st fishfish. WWW.REPASHY.COM/SPAWN

SUM NFO PAGE

Species of Fish and Aquaticand small living organisms)g eatingCT INFO PA species of Fish, DIRECTIONS: until blended. Microwave until it starts to boil (typicall 2

Contains high l bring water to a boil on stove or in mi u rpo t Propion ium pour into a storage Invertebrates, Amphibians and Reptiles. hllfh l PAGE fii fi d out Tauri

l f 24 hours or longer, promotin t ) remov

hd l l f 4h l PaPoenIoaeGermi Isolate Protein Pea ,

lWoeSquid Whole Meal, Whole al KrillM Meal, Pea Protein Isolate, Dried Brewers Yeast, C

cup of powder into ¾ cup of cold water water cold of cup ¾ cupinto of powder

ed dd ¼

Calcium Propionate, Dicalciumt Phosphate, Taurine, Sp O O UA CONSU HUMAN FOR NOT

NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMP VEGAN A

otPwe Malic Root Powder Acid, i LGAE To prepare one cup of product, add ¼ cup of powder int ¾

WWW REPASHY.COM/MPFISH Our Formula for ObligateGEL PREMIX Herbiverous Freshwater Fish and I A CARNIVORE GEL PREMIX Contains no products.lgae Eating WWW.REPASHY.COM/SPGN Replacement Gel for CarnivorousR eptiles.Species Finished gel can last for 24 hours or longer,nvertebrates. promoti DIRECTIONS: until blended. Microwave until it starts to boil (typically 2 3 bring water to a boil on stove or in mic Our Meal Invertebrates, and pour into a storage cont natural grazing and reducing water p ll finish d of Fish, Amphibians, ng

more plea d 2037 h d l can last for 24 hours or longer,ll tionpromoti To find out T INFO-PAGE REPASHYREPASHHYY VENTURES,V VENENTTUURES INC.INC Toll Free Phone/Fax  2%0!3(9   s,OCAL   %MAILSALES REPASHYCOMsWWWREPASHYCOM AMAZONAS

46 AMAZONAS 47

. List- Aphyosemion A. australe , and species groupsspecies with which you

A. marginatum , A. striatum , Recommended starterspecies include around and mention the and mention around definitely shouldn’t start—primarily shouldn’t definitely thosethat come to heat the waters. It is easier from cooler than water to it permanently withoutkeep cool. Even influence any living-room conditions under and pumps, from lighting levels will reach at which thetemperatures fish won’t necessarily to spawn. be inclined elberti ing possible additional species would be a waste of time, species would ing possible additional since they in the are not easy to find trade. Reliable sources include enthusiasts find through you local your fish store or aquarium society online killifish club and and forums.websites

Aphyosemion spe- (Cape Lopez) or (Cape Lopez) australe

Aphyosemion he should start with (Red-Lined Killifish), for example, this example, Killifish), for (Red-Lined indicates Aphyosemion A further with hurdle to be reckoned is the sex ratio Another putting method involves A not unimportant for question If the from near the fish came coast, as is the case striatum warmernot necessarily and the By contrast, soft water. water in themountain streams tends to be soft. Again, there are differences areas. and savanna between rainforest among the offspring. extremely skewed, This can prove males or females. There are a percent with up to 100 thatnumber of factors influence sex determination, but individual so far this only for actually been proved has species under very specific condi- theorytions. The most popular thatsuggests the sex ratio can be influenced to some extent by the the for maintenance temperature fry during the This weeks. first two some aquarists, for actually works but often only with particular species with particular parameters. Often their results cannot be repeated elsewhere. frytwo at a time in a container and themkeeping there by themselves for This frequently weeks. at least two this Unfortunately, produces a pair. and reliable either, method isn’t also appears to be influenced by other factors. Often the sex ratio of offspring reared with the parents is than thatmore favorable in young- sters incubated externally. and where he can get them. We will them.and where he can get We turn the first part of the question cies are related to one another, thecies are related to one another, greater the that likelihood they will hybridize. Whether their offspring remain fertile several genera- over it However, tions is another matter. cannot be stressed enough that creat- no sense. The fish ing hybrids makes are already brightly colored enough; there is nothing to be optimized and species molded, and crossing two a breeding achievement to write isn’t home about. the beginner is, of course, which Aphyosemion Species and crosses The more closely (23–25°C). If it comes from forest regions in the regions from forest it comes If (23–25°C). high- lands, then the64–68°F is correct range temperature (18–20°C). with The Río Magdalena flows through a gigantic valley. The photograph below was taken at Honda in April 2011. AMAZONAS

48 AQUATIC TRAVEL

In Search of the Blue-Eyed Plec

by Heiko Bleher t It was April 2011, and it had been over 20 years since my last visit to the Magdalena Valley. This time, my objective was to discover why the export of the Blue-Eyed Plec, Panaque cochliodon, from this region came to a standstill in the mid 1990s. What could have caused this sudden change?

For a long time the Blue-Eyed Plec, Panaque cochliodon, You should know that an eternal spring, so to speak, was sold incorrectly as Panaque suttoni in the aquarium rules in Bogota, and it is much too cold for all tropical hobby, and even called by this name in the scientific fishes. The water temperature in the holding tanks of literature. The type locality of P. cochliodon is the Río many exporters wasn’t adequately monitored, and the Cauca in Colombia. Another species that purportedly fish, usually packed in simple cardboard boxes or just has blue eyes is Panaque suttunorum from the Río Negro, lying in the vehicle in plastic bags, were subjected to Maracaibo Basin in Venezuela. P. suttunorum has not so continually decreasing temperatures throughout the long far turned up in the aquarium trade, while the opposite journey up through the mountains. There was no ques- is true of P. cochliodon. I first imported both sexes of this tion of quarantine in the randomly heated aquariums in fish with the intense blue eyes as long ago as the late Bogota, let alone the prophylactic treatment that might 1960s. These catfish were not very popular initially, but have increased the fish’s chances of survival. Normally from the mid-1970s to around the mid-1990s it was they were packed and exported right away. virtually impossible to get enough of them. The high losses among imports were attributable to Travels in the Magdalena Valley the difficulty of transporting the specimens, which were In Bogota I was greeted enthusiastically by my good usually large. There were virtually no specimens smaller friend Pedro Zea at Eldorado Airport, which has re- than 6 inches (15 cm) total length caught, let alone mained unchanged during the more than 40 years I have shipped from Bogota, Colombia, the only export location. known it. Now, it is slated to be demolished. Pedro runs I traveled on several occasions to the collecting area. Every time this involved a hellish journey down to the middle of the Magdalena drainage along one of the most winding and dangerous roads in . The majority of Blue-Eyed Plecs The Blue-Eyed Plec were collected from Honda and got its name from the Cambao. Drivers transported the fish characteristic color of its eyes. from the Magdalena Valley, just a few hundred meters above sea level, to an altitude of almost 9,843 feet (3,000 m) in Bogota. I repeatedly tried to educate the collectors and drivers and asked them to be careful, but this AMAZONAS didn’t help much—most of the numer- ous exporters in Colombia shipped these beautiful fishes far too tightly

OPPOSITE PAGE: H. BLEHER; THIS PAGE: H.-G. EVERS H. BLEHER; THIS PAGE: OPPOSITE PAGE: packed and often still chilled.

49 Panaque cochliodon from the Río Magdalena, near Cambao.

We caught Hypostomus hondae in the Río Magdalena near Cambao. H. BLEHER AMAZONAS

50 AMAZONAS 51 corresponding increase in truck traffic. hours later Many 3,600 feet at an altitude of around reached La Vega we that grown village has now into m), a once-tiny (1,100 feet (700 thena veritable to 2,297 descended We town. m), and feet (1,600 m) and then climbed again to 5,249 in the Honda, down it was evening before Magdalena too, has grown; This town, it came into view. Valley, expandedhas now to both sides of the eternally murky Magdalena, and the parts two are connected by an iron has been verybridge. town The old beautifully renovated, stayedand we in a nice little hotel there. The road was as full of convinced thatconvinced the Blue-Eyed Plec had died out due to envi- ronmental destruction, so they naturally verywere surprised that I had come to Colombia to it. look for bends as ever and though it was there was a somewhat improved, sp. was caught in caught was sp. species, Hypostomus Pedro had reserved me, Pedro a car for Below: This Below: Isorineloricaria undescribed, very likely catch. a spectacular was genus This monotypic only known been had Andean west the from rivers of Ecuador. and his brother-in-law, Antonio and his brother-in-law, Salamanca Barrera, was to be my Every 15 companion. for week years, Antonio transported 500–600 theBlue-Eyed Plecs from Magda- to Bogota Orinoco for lena Valley Antonio Aquarium, but that ended in the mid-1990s. and most otherand Pedro, exporters and importers, were what is hands-down the what is hands-down best export station he in Colombia, which established decades ago four almost near the in of Villavicencio town the warm his Amazon basin. All of a month for fishes are acclimated there being shipped out. before Right: This This Right: net. cast the Adult Panaque cochliodon from San Martin de Loba.

Poison The fisherman told us that a little over 12 years ago, an I wanted to seek out Antonio’s fisherman contact right American was there visiting with his daughter. She was away the next morning. We made our way through nar- stung by a freshwater ray while swimming and fell into row alleys, inquired all over the place, and eventually a coma. Her father thought he was going to lose his only found his house a long way outside of town. I don’t think child, and wanted to avenge her. He had experts develop he recognized me any more, but he knew Antonio, who a poison that would sink immediately in the water and had regularly purchased his fishes for 15 years. When I kill the bottom-dwelling fishes—that is, the rays he asked him about cuchas de ojo azul, he looked at me and hated. Tons of it were tipped into the upper course of said only that it would be easier to win the lottery than to the Magdalena and killed thousands of stingrays, as well find a cucha—there were none left and he had long since as everything else that lived on the bottom, including given up looking for them, since the “American million- the Blue-Eyed Plecs and seven or eight other loricariid aire had poisoned everything.” species. When I heard that, I was more than a little sur- Local fishermen kept trying to catch cuchas de ojos prised, because even Antonio knew nothing about it. azul for around two years, but without success. They gave

This stingray is Potamotrygon magdalenae (Dumeril, We also caught this ray. Is it a variant 1865), a common species that may have triggered of P. magdalenae or a new species? the environmental vandalism in the Magdalena.

52 OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: H.-G. EVERS; THE REST: H. BLEHER strates what We didn’t RíoSeco,either. inthe findanything in my searchfor arax Ferraris Jr., C.1991. Burgess, W. 1989. REFERENCES breeders only. Theaverage willhave aquarist towaitandhope. catfish for serious price for sale—at$250U.S. serious eachfromBogota—a deLobabyhiscollectors. regionofSanMartin been broughtbackfromthe hadalso my lighterform lighter-colored the Blue-EyedPlecs,hetoldmethat owner Magdalena.When Ishowed Aquarium merly ofStingray lived the inthe middle Tapajós many yearsago. species, blue-eyed another similarto looksvery before RíoMagdalena.Thisvariant itempties intothe vicinityofTamalameque, RíoCaucainthe inthe albeit alightervariant, success.However,but without Blue-EyedPlec, Ididfindapopulationofthe delHuila, Departamento upperRíoMagdalenainthe made searchesinthe fishes suchas We Jawel, spenttwo whonowadays daysinCambaowith catchesonlyfood A lightervariant full ofdeadfishesfor weeks. poisoninthe put the had TheAmerican samething. toldmethe others andthree Gomes Perrera, Jawel fisherman, Magdalena,another upthe In Cambao,further up trying. The story of the Blue-EyedPlecisreallytragic,andonceagaindemon- ofthe The story A few specimens of this lighter variant from Colombia have been offered fromColombiahave beenoffered lightervariant specimens ofthis A few doesn’t for-This form that form have suchablackbodycolorationasthe , anda Leporinus Homo Pseudoplatystoma An AtlasofFreshwaterandMarineCatfishes Catfish intheAquarium cuchas deojosazul

sapiens species. Nevertheless, hewaspreparedtoaccompany me species.Nevertheless, represa ispreparedtododestroyaquatic fauna.Ialso Cochliodon of the Lago Prado and the Magdalenahadbeen LagoPradoandthe ofthe , Ageneiosus . Tetra Press, Plains, Morris NJ . Butwe couldn’t findany Blue-EyedPlec.

soniae , Pimelodus (L137), whichIfound inthe . TFHPublications, NeptuneCity, NJ. , Hypostomus thousands. upstream by the making their way Pimelodidae, of the family full ofcatfishes Magdalena was my visit,the At the time of , Cyphoch-

53 AMAZONAS HUSBANDRY & BREEDING

A Native Jewel: Etheostoma caeruleum,

by Ken Zeedyk t The Rainbow Darter, Etheostoma caeruleum, is a beautiful and intriguing small fish native to North American rivers and streams. It is known to some hobbyists and the occasional fisherman, but most people in its native range are not aware that there is such an amazing beauty right in their own backyard. I have found that Rainbow Darters make hardy and very interesting aquarium inhabitants, and have even succeeded in breeding them. Males in full breeding color are among the most colorful of freshwater fishes, and look like they belong in the tropics rather than the cold, fast- flowing rivers and streams that they inhabit.

The author on a Rainbow Darter collection trip in Michigan.

A pair of Rainbow Darters, Etheostoma caeruleum; the male is on the left. Rainbow Darters are part of the Percidae family, which includes the popular game fishes the Walleye (Sander vitreus) and the Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens). While some mem- bers of this family are found in North America, Europe, and Eurasia, the Etheostomini subfamily of darters is exclusive to North America, predominantly east of the Continental Divide. The darter family comprises over 150 species, includ- ing the recently described spangled darter, Etheostoma obama, which is named after U.S. president Barack Obama, and is

native to the Buffalo and Duck Rivers in central Tennessee. A KEN ZEEDYK AMAZONAS

54 the Rainbow Darter AMAZONAS

55 56 AMAZONAS environmental protection. and fieldsofconservation leadershipinthe tion oftheir vice-president)inrecogni- presidents (andoneformer duced in2012, United andallwere States namedafter other other various over with 70°F(21°C). habitat sharethis They fromclosetofreezing canvary north inthe habitats relatively cool.Waterstay preferred temperatures intheir are slightly alkalineandmoderatelyhard waters that prefer They current. predators andasashieldfromthe rocksascover tohidefrom usethese substrates. They larger orrelatively shallow rock over areaswith riffles aretypicallyfound stream, andsoon.Thesedarters have intoasingle cometogether that tributaries of three streamconsists intoonestream,athird-order together coming bytwoorder streamisoneformed tributaries second-order andlarger Asecond- streamsandrivers. locales. from different populations were studied,soitisbesttonotmixdarters Darter Rainbow would mostlikely different change ifthe in color, timenosubspeciesarerecognized.This atthis caeruleum Fox River drainages York inNew State. While Geneseeand populations have inthe becomeestablished Mississippi.Introduced population insouthwestern anisolated Alabama, with into Arkansas andnorthern rangebeen found, islocated.Toextends their south, the have onlylake Darters inwhichRainbow Phalen, the whereLakeCanada, andasfarwest asMinnesota, York, New Ontario, northwestern acrosssouthern OhioandMississippiRiver drainages,across the from native range Darter’s The Rainbow ispredominantly jewelThe lifeofanAmerican offive new total aquatic larvae including those ofmidges, caddis includingthose aquatic insect larvae number ofdaceandminnow species. Rainbow Darters inhabitareasofhighwaterflow in Darters Rainbow Etheostoma Etheostoma from different river drainages can be variable drainages river canbevariable fromdifferent

caeruleum caeruleum Etheostoma and Percina is amicro-predator, feedingon darter specieswere intro- darter darter species,chubs,anda darter Etheostoma

be quite entertaining to watch. Two of the mostpopular to watch. Two of the be quite entertaining techniques, anyusing anumberofdifferent ofwhichcan oftime. length extended more, sobepreparedtocare for your captive fishfor an yearsor canlive for three Darter Rainbow captivity the watersheds. In organismsbetween harmful and other exchange ofinvasive the ment inordertoprevent plants your collectingequip- cleananddry sure tothoroughly wild.Also,be release any captive animalsbackintothe drainages fishesbetween property, or transport and never naturalbreedingpopulation,respectprivate the depleting don’t naturalhabitat, over-collectrespect the andrisk collecting native fishesisprohibitedaltogether. Please native fishesmayalsobenecessary. Insomelocations, tocollectandmaintain license isrequired, andapermit inwhichyou arecollecting.Afishing state tions ofthe andregula- be suretoknow fishingrules andfollow the outtocaptureyourfore own venturing Darters, Rainbow fornative individualuseasregulationsallow. habitat Be- canbecollectedfromtheir breeders found online,orthey specialized through canbeobtained Darters Rainbow Gem hunting Bass, Stonecats, and Burbots. fishes suchassculpins,trout,Smallmouth predatory uponbylarger preyed areopportunistically bow Darters fromrocktoinorderavoid capture.Rain- dart asthey were namedbecomesevident for whichthey activity substrate,andthe blendsintothe patterning dorsal fromabovespot innature,butwhenviewed their would beeasyto they onewould think coloring, bright canbequite challenging.Duetotheir habitat in their fish flanks.However, these banding ontheir observing coloredfins,and bluecheeks,brilliantly side,with the from gaudywhenobserved full breedingcolorarevery breedingseason.Malesin the which intensifiesduring flanks, dorsalfinandonthe amount ofcoloronthe asmall years.Femalesexhibit twois between andthree Collecting Rainbow Darters canbeaccomplished Darters Collecting Rainbow fishes. rivals that ofbetter known tropical of thisnative American North species Rainbow (male). Darter The beauty their life expectancy in the wild inthe lifeexpectancy their and cm) whenfullygrown, of2.5–3inches(6.4–7.6length relatively small,onlyreachinga species. competition fromother availability offood resourcesand year, of the dependingonthe course the during varies diet smallorganisms.Their other well asconsumingfisheggsand as andblack flies mayflies, flies, Rainbow Darters are Darters Rainbow

BOTTOM: SHAELYN MCGEE; OTHERS: KEN ZEEDYK AMAZONAS 57 The group method a minimum requires of collecting darters out of hiding and, typically, downstream into the downstream darters typically, out of hiding and, and fall into balance lose your net. don’t As long as you well. quite thisthe works water, cold of three people seine net. and a 4- to 8-foot people Two place the net seine into the into the stream, facing cur- rent and holding the making a nice handles at an angle, in thecollecting pocket net. The third up- moves person stream of the net and proceeds to do the “darter dance,” which entails shuffling the and kicking feet rapidly across thezigzag pattern in a substrate while moving the toward Etheostoma Etheostoma male, fresh from from fresh male, Shoal of Rainbow Darters of Rainbow Shoal fish community in a native the by tank maintained author. colorful Inset: stream. the caeruleum Collecting individually requires Collecting individually requires are collecting individually withindividually are collecting dip net, a long-handled or thein a group with wide seine net. to 8-foot a 4- Ideally, supported mesh bag a 1/8–1/4-inch have dip net would or triangularby a square metal rim. rim A flat-edged theallows net the securely on to be placed stream bed. alone, a netWhen collecting handle of 4 feet or longer be used to help steady oneself in theis helpful and can current. seine net The should also be of 1/8–1/4-inch mesh, with on the on theweights and floats edge upper it vertical to keep in the edge water while being lower strung poles. Both between two methods entering require the river or stream, so a good pair of is recommend- waders or hip boots ed, especially if the collecting trip occurs during the spring breeding temperatures season, when water range. are still in the 50°F (10°C) a small or medium-sized long- handled dip net. The net is placed from thedownstream collector behind a promising group of rocks and held with one hand. The col- lector then disturbs the rocks and substrate with his (or her) foot upstream of the net while balancing on the other This flushes the foot. 58 AMAZONAS Showcasing your collection issufficient. tank linefromthe drip temperature anairstoneanda inanopenbucket with fishtoroom Acclimating the ter intoahomeaquarium. coolwa- fisharegoing fromvery utilized, especiallyifthe fishesshouldbe acclimation proceduresfor aquarium container. Typical transport waterinthe to circulatethe airpump maybeused of time abattery-powered period fishwillbetravelingtemperature. for Ifthe anextended atacool inordertokeep them insulatedcontainer other inacooleror placingthem bag,then plastic orbreather 3–4-mil waterintoathick cleanriver ber offishwith baggingasmallnum- entails relocation. Propertransport hoursof afew feedingwithin typicallystart and they Darters, collectedRainbow oracclimatingnewly porting Personally, any problemstrans- Ihave notexperienced yourBringing treasureshome others. water, enjoymentofthe muchtothe cold adipinthe his orherbalanceandenduptaking “dancer”willlose Occasionallythe method. using this canbecollectedatonetime andanumberofthem net, waiting areflushedfromhidingintothe Thedarters net. live blackworms and eat them with enthusiasm, and enthusiasm, with andeatthem live blackworms daphnia,and preferfrozenbloodworms, They aquarium. to take food frommid-waterinthe butwillrise larvae, insect feedersuponbenthic arediurnal Darters Rainbow inanticipationofameal. aquarium front glassofthe providers andapproachthe torecognizetheir soon learn environment new have they becomeaccustomedtotheir butoncethey aquarium, when firstintroducedtothe feelmoresecure fishandmake them appreciated bythese orrockcaves are ofdriftwood form Hiding placesinthe fluorescent bulb if desired. Once the fishareacclimated fluorescent bulb ifdesired.Oncethe a maybelitwith aquarium lid isrecommended,andthe eggs.Atight-fitting ornotyou will bepullingthe whether be from5to20gallons(19–78 L)insize,dependingon upfor can breeding.Thespawningcally set aquarium specifi- toanaquarium andintroducethem mid-April ofadultfish inearly to captivity istocollectapairortrio keep inmindifmultiplemalesarehousedtogether. to spawning areas,whichisimportant preferred within outsmallterritories time.Themales stake this during colors mostbrilliant their malesexhibit spawn, andthe arereadyto eggswhenthey become visiblyswollen with Thefemales andwatertemperatures rise. lengthen days whenthe early spring, Breeding occursinthe bounty Increasing the to increasewaterhardness. tank gravel, orapieceoflimestonecan beplacedinthe water, In areasofsofter dolomitemaybeaddedtothe what you fish’s would seeinthe naturalenvironment. isnaturalincolor,mend usinggravel that similarto femalecandeposithereggs.Iwould recom- where the current ofgravel canbeplacedinthe container or other bareandaseparateshallow dish breeding, itcanbeleft isgoingtobe usedonlyfor aquarium cm), orifthe of2inches(5 rounded, pea-sizegravel uptoa depth time. that hascollectedisremovedwater, at that andany detritus two tap weeks usingdechlorinated water changes every of 7.5 andahardnessof142 70percent ppm.Iperform hasapH tap Thewateroutofthe darters. for the tory hasproven satisfac- waterchemistry Michigan, sincethis The easiest method for spawning Rainbow Darters in for spawning Darters Rainbow The easiestmethod The substrate in the aquarium shouldconsistof aquarium The substrateinthe Michigan stream. collaborate to capture the elusive ina darters a team: Patrick Miller and Phillip Kukulski Collecting Rainbow isbest done Darters with area that draws its drinking waterfromLake draws itsdrinking area that tolive inan wild.Iamfortunate range inthe high-endtemperature their with corresponds of 62°F(17°C) winter. inthe Thisroughly summertoalow 68°F(20°C)inthe between fluctuated water inwhichIhousedmy darters sponge driven Thetemperature filter. ofthe suchasanair- biologicalfiltration, sufficient powerhead, orinternal alongwith nal filter createdbyanexter- water andgoodcurrent afeedingresponse. helps totrigger often tank inthe current food intothe the stillprefer“real”foods. Placing flake, butthey or ofsmallpellets form prepared foods inthe for spawning. take Somespecimenseventually fish alsowork bestinconditioningthe these Provide their aquarium with clean,cool with aquarium Provide their

KEN ZEEDYK AMAZONAS 59 Post-spawning Post-spawning the in behavior Rainbow author’s Darter aquarium. her, but once she startsher, eyeing the substrate he becomes very interested and rushes to her side with his fins fully extended. head first into the The female dives and gravel pushes forward snout and the until just her top of her tail are exposed. of eggs in the She lays a small number fry. Rainbow Darter Rainbow with prominent eggs developing. eyes hatched newly Inset, Etheostoma caeruleum The other option is to over-winter The other option is to over-winter The making of new gems is initiated when theSpawning female enters the display to area. The male may or may not spawning to their new surroundings, spawning withinshould commence a week. which was the them in captivity, condition- methodchose. Over-winter I ing entails photoperiod a reduced and preferably water temperatures, lowered for range into the 45–55°F (7–13°C) I suc- months;up to two however, themcessfully conditioned by drop- to theping the down low temperature to indirect 60s Fahrenheit. Exposure and based outdoor light is beneficial, initial experienceson my this exposure to natural photoperiod fluctuations is a more important than conditioner a of the Many drop in temperature. large references to darter breeding that I have as an importantread list water temperature conditioning Rainbow Darters,factor for but the in water temperature The tank 60°F (16°C). spawning below did not get my aquarium was exposed to natural lighting from south- so thefacing windows, exposed fish were to natural fluc- tuations in the photoperiod. The females still became withvisibly swollen eggs and the males colored up. I look forward drops temperature to testing limited and exposure on other to natural light cycles native area. fishes from my In addition to their amazing colors and intriguing natural behaviors, these living jewels also have plenty of character and personality.

mature and the Iowa Darters spawn later in the year and deposit their eggs in floating vegetation and spawning mops. This native fish aquarium was quite entertaining to watch—the darters and dace could be frequently observed hopping and zipping throughout the aquarium looking for food and interacting. Reflections of an American jewel hunter Experiencing these amazing and beau- tiful fish in my own “backyard” was, and still is, extremely rewarding. It has given me an even greater respect for the aquatic environments in my gravel while the male fertilizes them from above. After area, and also has raised concerns over the troubles facing spawning the female wriggles out of the gravel to rest. our native fishes. Siltation, habitat destruction, and pollu- Spawning occurs repeatedly over a number of days tion, as well as the introduction of non-native fishes and until the female has exhausted her egg supply, which invertebrates, are constant threats to the darters’ natural usually averages around 300 eggs, depending on the habitats. One oil or chemical spill into a small tributary or size of the female. The eggs stick together in the gravel, waterway can have long-lasting effects on the fish popula- which is a great preventative against being swept away in tion. Not only are the fish directly harmed, but their food the current, and are thus easily collected, either using a source of aquatic is lost. gravel vacuum to siphon them out of the gravel or gently In my home state of Michigan the Round Goby swirling the gravel and removing the adhesive eggs. (Neogobius melanostomus) has spread through many of Rainbow Darter eggs can be hatched in a small con- the waterways and can be easily caught by hook and line tainer with an airstone and methylene blue as a fungi- or net. This non-native invader competes with darters for cide. An alternative is to remove the spawning adults and habitat and food resources, and in areas of the river near let the eggs hatch out in the spawning aquarium. The my home I can catch 10 gobies to every 1 Blackside Darter. eggs hatch in 10 to 14 days, depending on temperature, Fortunately, I have yet to find one of these gobies in the and the development of the young fish may be witnessed same locations where I have found and observed Rainbow through the clear eggs, with the eyes of the developing Darters, so I hope that our beautiful little native fish oc- fry being readily visible. Newly hatched darter fry can be cupies a niche not suited to these unwelcome intruders. raised on brine shrimp nauplii and other small live foods, Rainbow Darters are amazing fish with wonderful such as microworms. I found the eggs to have a very good colors and fascinating behaviors, and they well deserve hatch rate, and fry survival was also good. Clean water a place in the hobbyist’s fish room. They are very inter- and frequent feedings were very important to long-term esting to observe in the aquarium, and often appear to fry survival. tilt their heads while observing their keepers, implying a level of intelligence and awareness similar to that which Native tankmates I’ve seen in some cichlids I have kept. I feel fortunate to Other residents that I have kept in aquariums with live in a region inhabited by such a fish, and believe it Rainbow Darters include Iowa Darters (Etheostoma exile), deserves to be considered a North American jewel. Northern Redbelly Dace (Phoxinus eos), Brook Stick- lebacks (Culaea inconstans), Western Blacknose Dace Ken Zeedyk has been keeping fish off and on for more than (Rhinichthys obtusus), and small immature Blackside 30 years. He is a fellow of the Grand Valley Aquarium Club Darters (Percina maculata). The Brook Sticklebacks and (GVAC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has bred more than Iowa Darters also spawned while in the same aquarium 120 species of freshwater fishes and invertebrates and cultured a with the Rainbow Darters. I was not concerned about number of aquatic plant species. Zeedyk and his family reside in

cross-breeding, since the Blackside Darters were im- Zeeland, Michigan. KEN ZEEDYK AMAZONAS

60 AMAZONASAMAZONAS 61 works w

t that w com yy . TM icals licit pp pp SwissTro . B&H Jetlifters Wholesale & Retail Wholesale [email protected] www www.SwissTropicals.com

ion with sim Poret® Brand Filter Foam Filter Brand Poret® Explore our expanded selection. our expanded Explore Email: vati Long lifespan and low maintenance. and low maintenance. lifespan Long Perfect for the widely used Hamburg the widely used Hamburg Perfect for

made by EMW Filtertechnik in Germany for in Germany made by EMW Filtertechnik The most efficient airlift tubes on the market. Innovation with simplicity that works Innovation Innovati The famous original “Blauer Schaum” (blue foam) “Blauer Schaum” The famous original Mattenfilter (HMF), canister and hang-on-back canister (HMF), Mattenfilter (HOB) Available in porosities of 10-45 pores per inch (PPI) in of 10-45 pores in porosities Available filters, and sumps. Guaranteed free of toxic chemicals. chemicals. of toxic free Guaranteed and sumps. filters, freshwater, aquaculture, pond, and saltwater filtration. pond, aquaculture, freshwater, various colors. As filter cartridges, and sheets. filter As various cubefilters, colors. Exclusive North Importer American Exclusive & Distributor HUSBANDRY & BREEDING

Triops

Tadpole shrimp in the aquarium

Above: An adult by Timm Adam t They have been shunned for many years by serious aquarists, but specimen of Triops there is now growing interest in a group of freshwater invertebrates with unbroken cancriformis cancriformis from living links to the age of the dinosaurs: the tadpole or shield shrimp of the genera Spain. This local Triops and Lepidurus. In addition to Triops longicaudatus, which has been sold in variant is lighter colored than those toy stores and natural history supply houses (sometimes as “Dinosaur Shrimp” or often seen for sale. “Microsaurs”) for many decades, several other species, subspecies, and morphs have become available. For aquarists ready to try something totally new—and yet absolutely ancient—here is an introduction to these fascinating primordial crustaceans.

One fact alone justifies the fascination with tadpole the U.S. (I call it the “toy-store strain”), T. cancriformis shrimp: Triops cancriformis has been around almost cancriformis from a biotope on the river March in Austria unchanged for about 220 million years, as seen in many (distributed by Dr. Erich Eder), and Triops cf. newberryi fossil images circulating on the Internet. The fossil spe- from Queensland, Australia (a strain distributed by Billa- cies was described as a subspecies of Triops cancriformis, bong Bugs)—might be maintained indefinitely under very namely Triops cancriformis minor. simple conditions. With other strains, it can be difficult Triops can be kept and observed with relatively little to establish a stable population in the aquarium for long effort over very long periods of time. Even “rest peri- periods of time. ods” of dormancy for years or decades are tolerated by this crustacean. What fish species could endure such a Legs for every purpose lifestyle? Even among freshwater inverts you won’t find Triops are “basic” crustaceans and do everything—breath- many that would tolerate such treatment. ing, moving, digging, and feeding—with their specialized One fact must be noted: not all Triops are made legs. Their curious movements—flips, rollovers, body equal. Their habitats are as variable as their ways of life, curls, swimming belly side up—make them fascinating to so their care requirements vary as well. The three com- watch, all thanks to the power of their appendages. Even

monly available hobby strains—Triops longicaudatus from the cysts for their reproduction are stored in a pouch ADAM T. AMAZONAS

62 B. TIMMS conventionally viatwo and copulation.With sexes in available 15-gallon aweek’s within (55-L) aquarium time. uptoasizeof2inches (5cm)ina to raise40ofthese hatched. Itispossible resting cysts,massesoflarvae with tank 24 addingwatertoadry tralia, within hoursafter criformis of stages andmoldedinstar larvae ofabout32gallons(115aquarium nauplius L),myriad addingwatertoan days after For example, two tothree self-fertilization. orthrough produce byparthenogenesis similarly high numbers in other similarly highnumbersinother 1993). 72hours(Gruner ited within Ihave toassume longicaudatus eggcell).In fromanunfertilized of anembryo (development reproducebyparthenogenesis females that sameindividual) or female reproductive organsinthe maleand have both (organismsthat of hermaphrodites reproduction.Many populationsconsistentirely efficient The main survival advantage of advantage The mainsurvival and virgins Heterosexuals, hermaphrodites, protein. is duetothis in observed of thropods) hemolymphdissolved (bloodanalogofar- inthe is oxygen-transporting hemoglobinthat is the coming frombelow. mentioning Alsoworth light animaltodetect the designmaypermit eye Interestingly,one isaso-callednaupliaeye. the middle The two larger the onesarecomplex eyes; carapace,orshield. frontofthe foundeyes atthe andnoantennae. erae asmouthparts andseaspiders)have chelic- ders, scorpions, (spi- Chelicerata family Limulidaebelongtothe shoe crabs,whichhave asimilarappearance. from the shrimp tadpole the todifferentiate aresufficient two characteristics food andtwoto chew pairsofantennae.These usually have nolegs. segments 10 lastfew pairspersegment,andthe canbeupto backthere legs each,whilefurther first 12 areonlyonepairof bodysegmentsthere Onthe shrimp. segments areseenintadpole Up body to70pairsoflegsand44 purpose. this 11thon the pairoflegs,whichisadaptedfor in April ofthe following year, season. during the dry with water. The bottom picture shows the same biotope picture was taken inJune when the depression was filled Right: Typical habitat of Reproduction incaptivityis usuallylessproductive The genus name However, speciesofthe four surviving the have mandiblesasmouthparts Crustaceans were observed. In were observed. Triops Triops it was observed that 594 cystswere that depos- itwasobserved Triops speciesandstrains,whichpropagate

longicaudatus . The intense red color often . Theintenseredcoloroften Triops Triops inAustralia. The top stems from the three three stemsfromthe Triops Xiphosura in the aquarium aquarium inthe Triops Triops cf. Triops newberryi is their istheir strains that re- strainsthat orhorse-

cancriformis fromAus- Triops Triops

can-

found in the sameregion(Garcia-Velazcofound inthe 2009). onespeciesinbiotopes within strategies maybeobserved offemales.Moreover,dites, andparthenogenesis all three inhermaphro- perindividual),self-fertilization one sex or tive (gonochoric, strategiesknown toscience:sexual bottleneck incaptivity. whichmightrepresenta partners, always plentyofsexual animalspresent andtherefore arelotsofdeveloping there wild, In the ofavailable larger habitat. given expanses the seemtoreproduceatahighrateinnatureaswell, they speciesabove. However, the generations aswith filial firstthree inthe encountered asmany hatchinglarvae australiensis and 12 inches(30cm) high. Forsomeyearsnow, the sured 20inches(50cm)long, 12 inches (30cm)wide, Triops mostconvenient arethe way tohouse Glass aquariums Glass orPlexiglas In summary, . I used to buy 12-gallon (45-L) tank sets that mea- that . Iusedtobuy12-gallon sets (45-L) tank

australiensis Triops possess all the possiblereproduc- possessallthe and T. granarius , Ihave never

63 AMAZONAS the finest particle size. With my first strain of T. cancriformis cancriformis I used soil from the garden, which is rich in clay and sand. However, for a first trial, I now recommend a clean substrate without too many fine par- ticles, which tend to cloud the water and make it difficult to observe the animals. Once a population flourish- es, you can experiment with various On this recently deceased adult Triops sand types or other natural substrates. australiensis australiensis the cysts are visible through the egg sacs. Salt or no salt? Distilled water, commercially available from the supermarket or hardware store, is the best option for starting a culture of Triops. This guarantees a high hatch rate, and Large specimen of Triops cancriformis you can be assured that there are no toxic elements or cancriformis. This animal stems from a strain microorganisms present. Once a culture is performing distributed by Dr. Erich Eder from the river well, you can experiment with other water sources, such March, near Angern, Austria. as rainwater, filtered pond water, or even tap water if it contains no heavy metals or chlorine or if you have used a water conditioner. To start a culture with a new Triops strain, it is helpful to research the water conditions in that strain’s natural biotope. Some populations apparently tolerate or even require various salts and trace elements in their water (not only sodium chloride). From the island of Malta there is a population of Triops cancriformis known to live in brackish water (Lanfrano et al. 1991). If you at- tempt to hatch cysts from such habitats in distilled water, failure is certain. However, for the “toy strain” of Triops longicaudatus, Triops cancriformis cancriformis from Cen- tral Europe, and Triops cf. newberryi from Queensland, I recommend starting the culture with distilled water. 12-gallon kits have not been available and I have started to convert to the 15-gallon (55-L), 24-inch (60-cm) Not made for short days starter sets (24 x 12 x 12 inches/60 x 30 x 30 cm). These Shrimp of the genus Triops require about 12 hours of day- kits have the advantage that they are relatively inexpen- light to develop. Thus, unless you keep them only during sive and include a hood with a light and a heater. Indi- the spring or summer outside or near a window, artificial vidually purchased, the components would cost more. lighting must be provided. A timer is recommended. For The internal filters included in these kits are not suitable a light source, all ordinary fluorescent, halogen, LED, and for Triops husbandry, but will certainly find another ap- incandescent light bulbs will work. The water tempera- plication in the fish room. As for the size of the tanks, ture should be close to that found in the natural biotope. I can only reiterate that bigger is better, especially with Triops cancriformis cancriformis requires about 59°F regard to the footprint; however, since most readers will (15°C) to hatch and adults tolerate even lower water work with standard tanks, the footprint is fixed. Instead temperatures. Triops longicaudatus develops best between of tanks, other glass containers can serve as Triops habi- room temperature and up to 77°F (25°C). Triops cf. tats: for example, large vases or bowls, or plastic contain- newberryi from Queensland is best kept at 84°F (29°C), ers of various kinds. However, in many plastic vessels, and with good nutrition reaches a size of 2.5 inches (6 the long-term care of Triops fails. This might be due to cm) within 10 days. Since these animals are very toler- softeners or other chemicals that are added to some plas- ant in terms of temperature, 77°F (25°C) or warmer is tics and affect the Triops negatively. I have had luck so far sufficient. Longhurst (1955) kept and reproduced Triops with mortar buckets, the familiar Exo Terra Faunarium australiensis, T. cancriformis, T. granarius, and T. longicau- (plastic terrarium), and fauna boxes from Hagen. datus, as well as Lepidurus apus and L. arcticus, at 68°F

As a substrate I use common aquarium sand with (20°C). ADAM T. AMAZONAS

64 AMAZONAS 65 , cancri-

. the first

Triops longicaudatus

Triops Triops newberryi Triops T. granarius T. , and Triops longicaudatus Triops from Japan. The sexing sexing The Japan. from This cyst-laying individual probably probably individual This cyst-laying of form a to belongs T. australiensis T. , Triops granarius Triops might require a little more time. might require is straightforward: the male (right) (right) male the is straightforward: is and shield a rounder has uniformly more and brighter female. the than colored Pair of Pair of of a variant male An adult to male a high This strain has U.S. the from ratio. female tilled water, we wait until the has stabilized we temperature tilled water, can add the Then we want it to be. where we cysts or the sand containing the cysts. With newberryiT. hatched nauplii are found within 24 hours; withinhatched nauplii are found 24 formis , and aquarium: the great pond Triops Daphnia , cancriformis Artemia

. Although the is eaten, duckweed . , and possibly other snails, can be with other one animals is a challenge; cancriformis minor

as food. Fish are generally unsuitable generally are Fish as food. lives together lives are true they omnivores, also con- will stagnalis

Triops Triops cancriformis Lemna

Triops Triops algae and animal ingredi- algae and animal aquaticus

Lymnaea Triops Since should be care- As in fish aquariums, decorations any Keeping Aeration of theAeration tankcan be

sume live plants; therefore,sume live it is difficult to maintain a planted tank with tadpole long. However, shrimp in it for there the for is one plant that well works I would like to report like I how I would achieved thehave best suc- cess in terms of the number and size of adults I was able to raise. An aquarium of at gallons (38 L) is first least 10 pounds withequipped 6–10 (3–5 kg) of aquarium sand, a and a heater, light with timer, Afterif necessary. adding dis- Seasonal shrimp bloodworms, to name just a few. duckweed, the fast growth plant’s rate permits its survival and it helps absorb excess nutrients from the water. substances. appear plastics toxic Many fully assessed for to which theseto release toxins, shrimp are very sensi- driftwood natural such as that However, used for tive. fish tanks is very natural stones can be suitable. Various used to add structure biotopes. and replicate natural Omnivores that every almost found for I have strain of tadpole shrimp, ordinary is suitable. food For theflake first larval stages, small feed that contains Spirulina ents normally fish larvae used for brineor to culture baby shrimp has Larvae well. stages in larger worked will consume almost anything: dried vegetables, silkworm casings, fish food fallen tree leaves, tablets,such as foods and live achieved stone con- by using an air but a a small air pump, nected to filtersponge medium connected to a maintains bettersized air pump water quality. should not forget thatshould not forget they smaller animal any will eat might company larger Conversely, and even each other. regard the aquariums, the larger In one of my water louse found. Asellus with snail as tankmates, but various snails are perfect because they are common in the natural habitats. In nature-like biotopes of T. ADAM T. The first nauplius stage does not forage for food. ists and are widely available online. Consequently, it is better to wait on feeding until after Triops cancriformis simplex (Ghigi 1921) and T. can- the first molt. Finely powdered food works well for brine criformis mauritanicus (Ghigi 1921) are kept by scientists shrimp or baby fishes, but it is only required for a short and a few hobby breeders. Korn et al. (2006) argued in time as these shrimp grow very fast. After a few days, their publication that T. mauritanicus should be consid- ground flake food can be used. Given that the Triops tank ered a valid species rather than a subspecies of cancrifor- usually has no filtration other than a sponge filter, the mis, because it is genetically distinct from T. cancriformis water quality must be maintained by balancing careful cancriformis. feeding with regular water changes. Triops longicaudatus (LeConte 1846) is distributed The amounts of food are difficult to specify, since worldwide by Toyops, a U.S. company. Aside from that it depends on the number of hatched animals you are strain, whose origin I was not able to pin down, I have a keeping and the size of the tank. It is best to feed in small population from Kansas, a gonochoric variant (reproduc- amounts several times a day. After all the shrimp have ing sexually) also from Kansas, plus another form from grown up, spawned, and died off and no more shrimp are Japan that differs morphologically. hatching, I usually wait for two weeks and then drain the One often reads that T. longicaudatus is not a valid species, which is not true. It has become clear that there are likely several subspecies of T. longicaudatus in the U.S. It is possible that companies or individuals in the U.S. An electron micrograph of a broken cyst of Triops have accidentally mixed several populations and then longicaudatus illustrates the inner structure of the shell. distributed them. Hybrids may also have resulted from accidental contamination by moving sand or soil around the country. In his revision of the genus, Longhurst (1955) differ- entiated two subspecies, Triops longicaudatus longicaudatus and T. longicaudatus intermedius. However, his work was virtually ignored in subsequent years. T. longicaudatus was unquestionably described by LeConte in 1846. Whether the animals we keep at the moment belong to this spe- cies or should be differentiated into multiple species or subspecies is another question. Triops australiensis australiensis (Spencer and Hall 1895) is not very commonly available. Animals of this strain, which indeed originated from Queensland in Aus- tralia, are very closely related or even genetically identical to Triops newberryi from the U.S. How this was possible might never be fully explained. I keep three different strains of T. australiensis australiensis. But like other sexually tank. Simply leave the tank in its place and let it totally reproducing forms in captivity, their continued mainte- dry up. About two months after the tank has completely nance can fail easily. Triops australiensis australiensis faces dried out and the cysts have been dormant, the next the same dilemma as T. longicaudatus: all known popula- generation can be hatched out by adding water again. It tions were labeled as or determined to be T. australiensis is wise to set aside a large batch of sand from the tank australiensis, but it is a fact that there are several forms of beforehand, so that if something goes wrong you will Triops in Australia that differ from each other, morphologi- have some cysts in reserve for another attempt. cally as well as genetically. After growing several generations successfully in the Triops granarius (Lucas 1864) became available same tank, it is time to experiment. Split the substrate into only recently. The strain originates from a population various tanks and containers, place them in multiple loca- in Japan. This species reproduces only sexually. What tions, and use different water temperatures and conditions are missing in Europe are strains of T. granarius from and evaluate the best circumstances in your setting. Africa, since this species evidently occurs both in Asia and Africa, as Triops numidicus is now a synonym of T. Species and strains granarius, therefore no longer a valid species (Korn and Triops cancriformis cancriformis (Bosc 1801) is a European Hundsdoerfer 2006). species that was distributed for many years by Dr. Erich Triops newberryi (Packard 1871) from the U.S. is Eder. The original animals or cysts came from a biotope firmly established in the hobby. Maintenance of this spe- on the river March near Angern, Austria, that was later cies is as easy as that of T. longicaudatus.

filled in. Offspring of this strain are kept by many hobby- Triops australiensis sakalavus (Nobili 1905) from Mad- SCHNEIDER F. AMAZONAS

66 AMAZONAS 67

Triops

forms forms Triops australiensis cf. cf. Bull Brit Mus Nat Hist hermaphrodites for the Triops Triops 96 (1): 91–97. (Crustacea, Notostraca): Ein (Crustacea, 35: 301–22. Curr Sci 57: 77–84. (Lucas, 1864) (Crustacea: 1864) Notostraca). (Lucas, 212: 241–43. Zool Scripta . Macmillan, Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne, . Macmillan, was planted. During the rainy season, season, rainy the During planted. was Australian Freshwater Life: The Invertebrates of Aust J Zool Trias, Eine ganz andere Welt, Mitteleuropa im frühen andere Welt, Eine ganz Trias, Triops cancriformis Triops Hydrobiologia Triops granarius Triops Marsilea , pp. 81–104. Dr. Friedrich Pfeil, München, Germany. München, Pfeil, Friedrich pp. 81–104. Dr. , 1257: 57–68. Williams, W.D. 1980. W.D. Williams, Australian Inland Waters Australian continent. Australian (Branchiopoda: Notostraca), lineages in middle Paroo, northwestern lineages in middle Paroo, (Branchiopoda: Notostraca), with the first record of New South Wales, Korn, M., and A.K. Hundsdoerfer. 2006. Evidence for cryptic 2006. species in the and A.K. Hundsdoerfer. M., Korn, tadpole shrimp Zootaxa J. Mertens. and 1991. Schembri, P. C. De Walsche, S., Lanfrano, Islands (central Branchiopods (non-cladocerans) of the Maltese Mediterranean). A.R. 1955. A Review of the Notostraca. Longhurst, 3: 1–57. and B. Timms. A.M. Maeda-Martínez, H. Obregón-Barboza, G., Murugan, 2009. Co-occurrence of two tadpole shrimp, (Notostraca) in Mexican Waters. in Mexican Waters. (Notostraca) Wirbellose Band I, H.E. 1993. Lehrbuch der Speziellen Zoologie, Gruner, New Stuttgart, Jena, 4: Arthropoda Insecta). G. Fischer, (ohne Teil Tiere, York. 1999. K.-P. Kelber, N., Mitteleuropas. In: Hauschke, bemerkenswertes aus der Trias Fossil Wilde (eds), and V. Erdmittelalter cancriformis lineage the Triops M. et al. 2006. Sister species within Korn, Notostraca). (Crustacea, ON THE INTERNET (in German; English translation available). www.urzeitkrebse.at SOURCES http://www.toyops.com http://thetriopsforum.com REFERENCES Rückenschaler Kärntens. E. 1999. Rote Liste der Rote Listen Eder, Tieregefährdeter Kärntens. Naturschutz Kärnten in 15: 535–38. Shrimp the Tadpole 2009. Reproduction of H. et al. Garcia-Velazco, An attempt to reproduce the habitat for two newly discovered discovered two for newly habitat the reproduce to An attempt accordingly, Pond; Marsilea as is known habitat original The Australia. from genus of the clover water with it. covered completely almost is apparently Pond Marsilea is greater is long Triops Triops . I thank my wife, my . I thank enthusiast has a responsi- Lepidurus outside, since they could and Triops Triops I would like to thank a few like to thank people who I would Triops In summary, a revisionIn summary, the of genus

Acknowledgments: An appeal Please, never mix strains from various locations, even thinkif you they are the trade same species. When you them withcysts, always accompany all the information including detailed have, or GPS data location names you (not just the country), date of collection of the animals or cysts, who collected them, and who has determined the species. And, most important, never discard substrate that might contain cysts of become established outside their natural range! agascar seems to have vanished from captivity; from vanished neither to have seems agascar reportednor hobbyists have scientists them in a while. overdue. New genetic insights show that insights show New genetic theoverdue. current be reevalu- subspecies should of species and classification be argued thatated. It can the of diversity the But given lack of a thanhas been assumed so far. among scientists, it is not surprisingunanimous opinion that the situation in the hobby is even more problematic. not familiar withMost amateurs are the detailsabout even and systematics and evolution less familiar with each However, genetics. certainbility to follow guidelines. Sabine Adam, for her patience with my many tanks many and her my Sabine Adam, for her patience with ongoing support hobby. of my have supported and facilitated my personal exploration of the of the supported personal exploration facilitated my and have Christoph Claus Wurst, Eder, Erich Dr. tadpole shrimps: Brian Timms Korn. Special thanks and Michael to Dr. Seiler, me and to Don Dasis for trad- with for everything he shared of strains ing many T. ADAM T. AQUATIC PLANTS

Shedding new light on a planted aquarium

CZ5IPNBT)ÚSOJOHJNBHFTCZ)BOT(FPSH&WFSTt It was November 2011. I had an empty wall space in my basement fish room—a luxury that stimulates the imagination of every aquarist. Should I install shelves for breeding, a few medium-sized tanks, or a container pond? I chose a big tank with a large footprint—over 7 feet long (220 cm). But how should I light it?

The support for the tank was built with bricks and mortar, with space for a Opposite page, top: The aquarium filter and a 60-gallon (240-L) grow-out tank. Everything went accord- shortly after the initial planting in ing to plan, but the last step—the lights—caused some headaches. How could I November 2011. illuminate such a large tank in a way that was both cost-effective and visually Middle: Four months later, the fast- pleasing? With the usual T8 or T5 fluorescent bulbs, or with the newest tech- growing stem plants were growing well, nology—LED? but because of the fish waste, the first Opinions about LEDs are still all over the map. Some balk at the higher algae problems began. purchase price, others consider the light “weird” or unfamiliar. And the tech- Bottom: By the summer of 2012, seven nology, everyone agrees, may not have fully matured yet. Knowing all this did months later, the aquarium had become not help with my decision; I was tempted to try LED lighting for the first time, a real jewel. The algae were gone, and but unsure if I should take the plunge. in addition to the stem plants, rosette Finally, thanks to my friend Hans-Georg Evers, I came into contact with plants were starting to enhance the look. Lars Fehlandt and his company, ECONLUX. I told Lars about my tank, the intended fish stock (my pri- mary passion: rainbowfishes that would thrive with all that swimming room), and the many plants. My intention was to make the tank an eye- catcher with attractive planted , which, I realized, would take time. I wanted to document the plant growth and gather experience with LEDs over a long period of time, then report on my re- sults. Practical reports with the actual experiences of real aquarists happen to appeal to me much more than theoretical discourses on the science of new aquarium technologies with impressive but, unfortunately, often unhelpful technical details. For me this big tank, with a volume of more than 1,000 liters (280 gallons) and a footprint of 220 x 80 x 60 cm (87 x 32 x 24 inches), was a chance to experiment and see the results first-hand.

Pendant lights and strips After a flurry of phone calls and emails, Lars Fehlandt sent me a long-awaited package con- taining three pendant spotlights, each with an LED-universal module (25 w, 6,500 Kelvin) and a reflector set (36°). In addition, there were four AMAZONAS

68 AMAZONAS 69 Revolutionary Lighting Technology

XR30w

TM Radion

Optimized Refl ector Design Channels 95% of emitted light to maximize energy effi ciency. LEDs manufac- tured by Cree and Osram. 44-inch (110-cm) LED SunStrips in the light-color Above: Small catfishes “Plant-Coral” (each 22 w). The pendants were hung of the genus Otocinclus with chains over the tank, along the center line. kept slow-growing plants like Anubias barteri var. The chains make it possible to change the height of nana and the Java fern the lights. Pairs of connected SunStrips were placed Microsorum pteropus Broad Light Distribution One Radion will provide optimum directly on the glass covers on the front and back “Windeløv” free of algae. lighting for around 40 gallons of the tank. According to Lars, the expert, an open (150 liters) of tank volume. tank with free-hanging lights would be better, since the 4-mm glass reflects some of the light. However, with rainbowfishes that chase every fly and can be jumpy, an uncovered tank was not an option. The aquarium was decorated with brown gravel and an initial planting of fast- Simple Interface growing plants. I left out Super-easy three-button a substrate fertilizer, but controllability on the fi xture. 2 Graphic-driven PC interface I opted for a CO dosing after USB connect for system. advanced functionality. Well, as it is with any freshly set up aquarium, I was pleased to see the first new leaves of Hygrophila INTENSITY and other plants. Great, it was starting to grow! Customizable Spectrum Full-spectrum output allows But after a short signifi cant PAR peaks to be while, the first filamen- targeted. Five-channel color tous green algae on some adjustment enables custom spectrum choice based on of the leaves proclaimed aesthetic or photosynthetic an approaching night- requirements. mare. Unfortunately, they kept expanding, but a troop of about 30 Otocin- clus dwarf suckermouth catfishes, aided by manual EcoSmartTM Enabled RF wireless communication removal, got this prob- between Radion fi xtures lem under control. Then and EcoSmart-equipped I began gently fertilizing VorTech Pumps. with iron and potassium, ® and the plants started to With pendant LED units emphasizing certain areas, the grow stronger and more aquarium looked as if rays of sun were penetrating the www.ecotechmarine.com vigorous. water’s surface. AMAZONAS

70 AMAZONAS 71 families. families. spectral output. spectral output. TM Customizable ® effi ciency. ciency. effi www.ecotechmarine.com Radion In short, a healthier, more beautiful ecosystem. beautiful ecosystem. more In short, a healthier, The new Radion Lighting features 34 energy-effi cient LEDs with fi ve color fi cient LEDs with 34 energy-effi The new Radion Lighting features EcoTech Marine. Revolutionizing the way people think about aquarium technology. Marine. Revolutionizing the EcoTech Improved growth. Wider growth. coverage. Better energy Improved Sleek. Sophisticated. High-tech. Beautiful. Beautiful. High-tech. Sophisticated. Sleek. The LED strips simply rest on top of the glass cover.

Natural light effects Back to the lighting: it is fantastic to see how the combination of strong surface movement and spotlights create light wave effects known as “glitter lines” that are reflected on the plants and substrate. The whole display appears very natural. There are, I admit, moments when I pay more attention to the ever-changing random play of light reflections than to the colors of the rainbowfishes. Under the LED lights the plants look different and, I think, more natural. Hygrophila Fast-growing plants corymbosa shows pink to reddish shoots. Limnophila sessiliflora keeps a compact growth with such as Ceratopteris and Hygrophila short internodes, even when growing right under the strips. And the Java Fern variety “Win- developed a pleasingly deløv” is a lush green. In my opinion, which has been reinforced by friends when they see the compact look with system, the overall appearance of the fishes and plants under the LED lighting is really attrac- sufficient fertilization. tive. Despite my earlier doubts about all the unknowns, I am very happy with it. This report was written in August 2012, when the last pictures were taken. I set up the aquarium almost a year ago. I am currently regrouping the plants and replacing some of them with more red-leaved and decorative spe- cies. A section of Lobelia cardinalis (“Cardi- nal Flower”) with its deep purple colors is planned as well. I hope to report again in these pages at a later time to document the results—with more images. If I were making the decision today, I would use LEDs again; I like the optical impression they create better than the one created by the fluorescent tubes I have used in the past. I know there are those who favor the look of fluorescent or metal halide lights, but I can well imagine switching additional, smaller tanks to LEDs.

Comparison The aquarium is lit by four 22-watt strips and three 25-watt LED spots, a total of 163 watts. To sufficiently illuminate an area of 88 x 32 inches and 24 inches deep (220 x 80 x 60 cm), six or maybe even eight 24-inch (100- AMAZONAS

72 cm) light strips would be required. Using T8 bulbs, that would be 180–240 watts, and Above, left: Less light- using high-output T5 bulbs it would be 240–320 watts. If I had worked with fluorescent hungry plants, such as these T8 or T5 bulbs I would have used four rows of two bulbs, eight bulbs in total. With that Cryptocoryne affinis, were setup, the electrical usage would be significantly higher. Add to that the factor of lifespan: planted in the corners and fluorescent tubes should be replaced at least every other year (some people change them along the edges of the tank. out annually), while LEDs last much longer. Manufacturers are boasting of a full five Right: Red-leaved water years for LED emitters, but we shall see how that works out with all the aquarists now plants grew equally well—a starting to try LEDs. On the other hand, LEDs cost more to begin with. sign of sufficiently strong illumination. However, I don’t want to do a cost-benefit calculation here; that is a matter for another report. Economy counts, but most of us want healthy, thriving plants and fishes most of all, and in my case, I am seeing it with my own eyes. AMAZONAS

73 HUSBANDRY & BREEDING

After spawning, the female guards a mass of yellow eggs until they hatch.

Breeding success with the Pac-Man Catfish, Lophiosilurus alexandri

by Ivan Chang t The frogmouth catfishes of the Asian genus are known to many hobbyists due to their unusual body shape and behaviors. Only a few specialists know that in eastern there lives a catfish species that appears very similar but gets considerably larger. A handful of aquarists have successfully bred the Pac-Man Catfish, Lophiosilurus alexandri, which is capable of reaching a length of more than 28 inches (72 cm) and a weight of 11 pounds (5 kg) in the wild.

This particular catfish is very special. With its flat body, the However, I was more interested in keeping these tiny eyes on top of its head, and its huge mouth, Lophiosi- catfish in the aquarium to attempt their propagation. I lurus alexandri is destined for aficionados of the extraor- eagerly studied the reports of a Japanese aquarist, who dinary. The beige-colored body, with its numerous small apparently was the first to succeed in spawning these brown spots, is usually hidden—buried in fine sand. Only animals in captivity. Delighted to find a few specimens the eyes and the upper rim of the mouth are visible. This ambush predator waits, buried, until a shrimp or a suitable fish swims by, then rapidly opens its large About 50 mouth to inhale the victim in one quick gulp. of the eggs Lophiosilurus alexandri lives in eastern Brazil in in the first clutch the drainage of the Rio São Francisco. Specimens were not have also been found much further south, in the fertilized. drainage of the Rio Doce in the state of Espirito Santo. It appears that the species was released there with the intention of establishing it as a food fish— not surprisingly, given its size and a reputation for having fine-tasting flesh. AMAZONAS

74 OPPOSITE PAGE: I. CHANG; THIS PAGE: H.-G. EVERS were deposited. eggs removed bareglassbottom,wherethe down tothe sand was the selected againinlaterattempts. Often, pitwasusually eggs.Anestablished select aspotfor the vicinity. pittodigdeeperand inthe Thefemalestayed pitandguardedthe malecircled the substrate;the in the herbodysideways excavated aspawning pitbyshifting keeper, were notdisturbedbyit.Thefemale of their they presence appearedtobeaware ofthe quent. Whilethey tremblingbecamemore fre- unusually active, andthe fishwere before evening aspawn the time frame.Onthe have seenany never reproductive activity outsideofthat white after two tofour hours. white after eggsturned unfertilized laid. Viableeggsremainedyellow; 10–15 whichsome100 minutes,during to300eggs were Thewholespawning tookabout in awavy event pattern. act,hispectoralstrembled the eggs.During the fertilized other. Themalecarefullymoved clutch and over the stickyandadheredtoeach casings. Theeggswere very swelled quickly andwere soonenclosedin1-mmjelly Thefemalelaidgolden-yellow, morning. 2-mmeggsthat pitwas ready,When the spawning followed next the Sticky eggs 7 and8 between occurred Mostpairings morning. pened inthe usually found eggs. display. I Thedisplaylasteduptotwo daysandafterwards behavior, asacourtship initiated this whichIinterpreted spond inasimilarmanner. femalewho Itwasalwaysthe maletore- signalsprompted the seconds. Theseshort fleshy body.soft, Eachwave two lastedbetween andfive were waves traveling alongherlarge, body. Italmostlooked asifthere herwhole tremble, displayingwith male,shebeganto approached the smallerfemale Catfish. Whenthe interesting behavior inmy Pac-Man an One day, toobserve Istarted display Courtship length. female was22inches(55cm)in smaller somewhat (63 cm)andthe malehadreached25inches the time, five years.Bythat more than for andraisedthem purchased them were toTaiwan, imported that I as well. reaches over 2feet(60–70 cm)inlength tankmate for the Pac-Man Catfish, since it Megalodoras uranoscopus Right: The Giant Raphael Catfish, For the next two to three days, the femaleguarded days,the two tothree next For the spawning alwayshap- According tomy observations, A . M . , andoccasionallylater, upuntilnoon.I , isasuitable 22 inches(55 cm)atfour orfive years old. at anage femalewas offivelength to six years,whilethe malewas25inches(63cm)total firstspawning, the the were timeof removed. Atthe they first signsofcourtship, alexandri power head an increasinglydarker pigmentation. steadilyanddeveloped 7–10 grew sac within days.They yolk At81°F tails. consumedthe (27°C)their larvae the tightlyandwiggled allgathered but two dayslaterthey female, were scatteredaroundthe fry hatchthe the after ahuge firsthours yellowtransparent with yolk sac.Inthe bodyandheadwere butthe adults—hadblackeyes, the smallcompared to hatchout.Thefry—relatively larvae hatch, andfinallyIsaw 0.2-inch(5–6-mm) before the eggs’ jelly-like shortly protective casingsbecamethinner vigilantly. surroundings the The eggs,butsheeyed the timeshelaydirectlyontopof clutch.Mostofthe the hence irregular lightcycles hence irregular Tankmates: Food: Substrate: Water changes: Water temperature: Water parameters: Lighting: Filter: Aquarium: (2010)Breeding Diary spawning, increase the rations.) spawning, increasethe days.(Usecaution:don’tto three To overfeed! induce removed for better hygiene when rearing the fry.removed the hygiene for whenrearing better sizeofabout0.2inch(4–6mm),whichwaslater particle Small live fish and thawed large shrimps every two Smalllive large fishandthawed every shrimps External biofilter with supplemental aerationviaa supplemental with biofilter External Dim fluorescent tube without atimerand Dimfluorescenttubewithout and three andthree 48x24 x24 inches(120 x60cm) Dark river-gravel without sharp edges, with a edges, Dark with river-gravel sharp without Initially, semi-adult another One-third weekly One-third pH7.0–7.3 81–82°F (27–28°C) Megalodoras uranoscopus Lophiosilurus . After the the . After

75 AMAZONAS March 12: Increasing activity between the adults, with first signs of the trembling courtship display. All the oth- er occupants were removed, the substrate was replaced with fine sand, and one-fifth of the water was exchanged. March 15: The female, who was usually hiding in a cor- ner, approached the male and the two fish often lay next to each other, now actively courting. The larvae two days after March 17: The female began to mouth the sand in one hatching. The body is still spot, obviously cleaning it, while digging a pit. The male unpigmented and the started to actively patrol the tank. The courtship became yolk sac is very large. increasingly more intense when the animals met. This continued for another day, until the night of March 18, when the cleaning and courtship activities reached their peak. The male swam into the current from the filter return near the surface and slapped audibly with his fins. Meanwhile, the female dug the pit all the way down to the glass bottom. March 19: Around 11 in the morning, the fish spawned. Afterwards, the female guarded about 200 eggs in the pit. The male retreated into another corner to relax. The female lay directly on the eggs and fanned them with her large fins to supply fresh water and oxygen. Some 50 eggs were not fertilized and turned white. March 20: To be on the safe side, I removed the devel- Seven days after hatching, oping eggs to hatch them separately. I left subsequent the yolk sac is consumed clutches in the care of the parents, who cared for them and the small catfish start to quite reliably. I filled the 15-gallon (54-L) rearing tank develop their pigmentation. Now they need to be fed. with water from the breeding aquarium. A large airstone supplied oxygen, but I used no filter. March 22: The larvae began to hatch in the morning and

When fed, the fry swim enthusiastically through the tank and gorge themselves on baby brine shrimps. I. CHANG AMAZONAS

76 AMAZONAS 77 A magnificent success! success! A magnificent The pair spawned again. With about 160 again. Withspawned The pair 160 about I transferred the to the eggs rearing tank, When they about 0.25 inch (7 mm) were Barbels and fins became noticeable. The dark noticeable. The dark Barbels and fins became Seven days after hatching, the fry 0.4 were The babies had grown to 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) and I The babies had grown to 0.6 inch (1.5 fry in size and began to about 0.35 inch (9 mm) were swim about in a tight group. They to light or reacted touch with flight. percent water I continued with 10 daily and measured a stablechanges pH of 6.9. sacs were The yolk mm) long and dark. inch (10 absorbed. I carefully fed baby brinecompletely March 27: March 29: March 31: April 3: April 5: long, the fry’s pigmentation started to develop. The in size. I but decreasing still large sacs were yolk percent of the water every 10 and changed other day, in addition to the airstone, I installed small filter. a The pH was stable at 7.1. from thefrom tank breeding and replaced it with pH-neu- in thehematite, as shown tral black first picture. eggs the was smaller than clutch the pH first. The (28°C). at 82°F 7.1 was around where they began to hatch within hours, resulting in hatchlings. about 100 shrimps, which were greedilyshrimps, which were consumed. During day- light hours, I fed them about every hours. A few four fry refused the died, but the and food and majority fed well The pH I began changing 50 percent of the water daily. was between 6.9 at 82°F (28°C). 6.7 and changed thechanged diet bloodworms to frozen every six to eight eaters polluted thehours. These voracious water heavily, April 7: A large number of fry A large dead in the were morning . all had hatched. A total of about 120 larvae. all had hatched. A total of about 120 sur- M . P

vived and were scattered all around the were and vived tank with their much sacs. Because I was afraid to induce too yolk large stress, I refrained from performing a water change. March 24: by 4 and I quickly changed some water to save the some water to save rest. Unfortu- changed and I quickly all the fry remaining nately, I assumed died by the next day. that the had become too poor and that water quality I the themight need to lower I removed pH. Thus, substrate At a size of a bit over an inch (3 cm), the juveniles show a show juveniles (3 cm), the an inch over of a bit a size At this size, At disappears. later that pattern banding black of bloodworms. quantities copious consume they I. CHANG I. Semi-adult specimen of the Pac-Man Catfish, Lophiosilurus alexandri.

so I had to change 50 percent of the tank volume two to ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ three times a day. To me, the captive propagation of aquarium fish is April 12: The fry were 15 days old and looked like small an important aspect of this wonderful hobby. With the Pac-Man Catfish with fully developed fins, but darker. successful breeding of the Pac-Man Catfish, a dream The 64 babies were about 0.8 inch (2 cm) long. They became reality. Intense efforts over the years, from rested in small caves close to each other, but became im- obtaining the juveniles to having the adults spawn, mediately active when food hit the water. They rapidly ate eventually led to success. Lophiosilurus alexandri is a lot during each feeding, and with daily water changes certainly an unusual aquarium tenant and its keeping is they increased their size by 0.4 inch (1 cm) per week. still quite rare. I am proud to report this success. Maybe Within a few weeks, they had become lighter in color and my work will inspire other aquarists to try their luck with turned into perfect little copies of their parents. this remarkable catfish.

BOTTOM FEEDER

Algae & Tropical Wafers are highly palatable, easily digestible sinking foods that provide maximum nutrition for bottom feeding fish, such as plecos, catfish and clown loaches. Our wafers have very thin edges making them easy for fish to nibble. Made from the finest ingredients they provide all the nutrition your fish need.

Algae Wafers Tropicalalal WafersWaaffeersers

AlAlgaegae WaWafersfers forfor herbivorous bottom ffeedingeeding fifisfishshh. Tropical WafWafers afafersers for omnivorous bottombob feeding fishh.

Allso Ask For Frozen Single Items andd Frrozen Formula Foods™ for bottom feeeding fishes likelike catfish, catfish, loache loaches, www.oceannutrition.com Pllecos, and large invertebrates. Tel: 801-956-0662 H.-G. EVERS AMAZONAS

78 AMAZONAS 7979

AMAZONAS Volume 2, Number 3 Number 2, Volume 2013 May/June MAZONAS A www.AmazonasMagazine.com don’t miss a single issue! miss don’t and and Use the convenient reply card in this issue, or subscribe online: online: subscribe or in this issue, card reply convenient the Use

Become a charter subscriber to subscriber a charter Become “Wow!” HUSBANDRY & BREEDING

Using a trick to rear Apistogramma playayacu

Male Playayacu Dwarf Cichlid.

article and images by Hans-Georg Evers t In recent years things have been rather quiet in the dwarf cichlid arena, once so popular with aquarists. Back in the day, new species were always arriving and were enthusiastically snapped up, but now it seems that interest in newcomers is at a low ebb. In the summer of 2012 a newly described species, Apistogramma playayacu, found its way into my aquariums for the first time and my excitement was restored.

Martin Mortenthaler of Aquarium Rio Momon in I subsequently acquired a pair of this species Iquitos, Peru, frequently sends me photos of new at the end of June 2012 from OF-Aquaristik in species he has obtained. When he presented me Butzbach, Germany. The two fish were immediately with photos of an unknown Apistogramma in May housed in a tank of their own that was decorated 2012, I was really excited. To date, Apistogramma with a number of caves, pieces of bogwood, and playayacu Römer et al., 2011 is known almost ex- dense stands of plants. The female, who measured clusively from preserved museum material. Kästner around 2.3 inches (6 cm) total length, was the (2005) reported on an import going by the name of boss of the tank right from the start and kept the Apistogramma sp. “Caquetá,” but the species actu- male, almost twice her size, in his place. ally comes from the drainage of the Río Napo in the I used reverse-osmosis water, alder cones, and border zone between Ecuador and Peru. And that is black peat to establish the water parameters: a exactly where Martin had obtained these fish. conductivity of around 200 μS/cm and a pH of AMAZONAS

80 6.0–6.5. The water temperature in the tank fluctu- the cave. I hadn’t noticed any courtship at all, as I ated between 77 and 81°F (25–27°C). The fish had been traveling a lot and had had little time to Above: Female were fed Artemia nauplii and frozen food and also observe the fish. The formerly dirty-gray female was Apistogramma Cy- playayacu in enjoyed frequent feeds of live water fleas and now resplendent in bright yellow. In brood-care brood-care clops . Mosquito larvae proved to be the ideal food coloration the species-typical black cheek spot con- coloration. A for getting the female to ripen with eggs. trasted boldly with the bright-yellow lower half of fresh clutch the body. The dorsal fin and the rounded caudal fin has just been First spawning were now yellow as well. The base of the pectoral laid in the clay pipe. At the end of July the first spawning took place. fins was a splendid orange color in both the male The red eggs were clearly visible on the ceiling of and the female in brood-care coloration.

The larvae continue to bear their red yolk sacs for a number of days. AMAZONAS

81 Handcrafted ceramic breeding caves for large and small Cichlids and Plecos

SouthCentralCichlids.comSoutthCentralCichlids.ccomm Steve Hallgring | Nancy Villars/Hallgring/ ll i Port Monmouth NJ 07758 Email [email protected] | 732.787.0654 AMAZONAS

82 Successfully After three days the larvae hatched and wriggled at outwitted: a the far end of the clay pipe, which was set at a slight angle brooding female in the substrate and open at one end. After another four with fry in the rearing box. days the little ones swam free and followed the female around the tank. There were only around 20 of them, and their numbers decreased each day until they had all disap- peared after about a week. For a long time, I have refrained from taking eggs or fry away from species that practice brood care in order to guarantee safe rearing with the maximum number of young. But in the case of such a rare species as the Playayacu Dwarf Cichlid, I wanted to be able to share the juveniles with a number of enthusiasts as soon as I could, so I reached into my box of tricks. Outwitted With good feeding, the adults spawned again several weeks later. The evening before, I had observed the male swimming around in front of the breeding cave with the female and tentatively performing quivering movements. The devoted togetherness was over by the next morning and the female was chas- ing the male all around the tank, a sure sign that there were eggs attached to the ceiling of the cave once again. This time, too, the female tended the clutch very reliably and was soon guarding a little heap of wriggling larvae with red yolk sacs. I carefully si- phoned them all out with an airline and placed them in a glass rearing box suspended in the parents’ tank. There were more than 120 larvae, a surpris- ingly large number of fry for a female of her size. Before long the mother, robbed of her brood, came closer and eyed the little ones with interest. After two days the yolk sacs were used up and the larvae swam free. The female stayed next to the glass box and guarded the brood. The young reacted to every twitch of their mother and did all the things that they would have done if she were leading them around the aquarium. The fry were still able to follow their instincts, but the protective glass box ensured that I wouldn’t lose any of the brood.

REFERENCES

Kästner, N. 2005. Ein neuer “Zwerg” aus Kolumbien: Apistogramma spec. „Caquetá”. AKZ-News, 1/2005: 45–47. Römer, U., J. Beninde, and I. Hahn. 2011. Apistogramma playayacu sp. n.: Description of a new cichlid species (Teleostei: Perciformes: Geophaginae) from the Rio Napo system, Ecuador. Vertebrate Zoology 63 (3): 321–33.

83 HUSBANDRY & BREEDING

The females are just as prettily marked as the males.

Ancistrus claro —a dwarf among the L-number catfishes

article and images by Jörn Sabisch t I had searched for Ancistrus claro for a long time, but sometimes things turn up right on your doorstep. That is how I was able to obtain this little bristlenose catfish from a breeder here in Berlin. Breeders are often the only source for rare Ancistrus species, and you must be prepared to travel long distances to get them. If you have youngsters to dispose of yourself, you quickly learn to gauge the seriousness of a potential buyer. “That’s too far for me” speaks volumes about the inquiring party’s level of interest.

The attractive vermiculate pattern in males is often men- Another characteristic feature of Ancistrus claro is tioned in the literature, and my fishes exhibit this too. the very large mouth, almost reminiscent of Chaetostoma However, the females aren’t far behind the males. The in- species. Other Ancistrus species have a more triangular tensity of the pattern can apparently be varied—these fish head, and the difference can be seen even in very small are very contrast-rich on dark gravel or sand. I have never juveniles. I keep my five Ancistrus claro (two males, three seen a similar range of coloration in any other Ancistrus; females) in a 20-inch (50-cm) tank with lots of clay these fish can also appear a dull gray-brown. It seems as pipes and bogwood. if the vermiculate pattern can be switched on and off. Ancistrus claro appears to prefer a vagabond existence

Male Ancistrus claro. AMAZONAS

84 when it comes to caves. Except at spawning time, no individual has Fry of Ancistrus claro with its own cave, as my Ancistrus L residual yolk sacs. 144 do, for example. The females drive the males out of any cave if it suits them—they are larger and more able to look after them- selves. Triangular-shaped pipes are particular favorites, probably because they are a good fit for the fish’s body shape. Bogwood seems to provide no particular attraction for Ancistrus claro. In this respect they are significantly different from other Ancistrus (for example, Ancistrus sp. “Río Paraguay”, L 107). I now feed my Ancistrus claro a less vegetarian diet than I use for other Ancistrus species—food tablets are noticeably more popular than spinach, for example. Cucumber, zucchini, and potato are more or less completely ignored. The temperature fluctuates between 73 and 79°F (23–26°C), as the heating is controlled by the same time switch as the light. A friend kept his specimens at 84°F (29°C). He said that these conditions were suggested in the original descrip- tion, but now he has no fish left. It would seem that not all L-number catfishes like the conditions required by Hypancistrus. After a year of maintenance, when my fish were almost two years old, I discovered the first clutch. There were fewer than 20 eggs, but they were very large, approaching 4 mm in diameter. The clutch wasn’t like a bunch of grapes—the eggs were distrib- uted next to one another in a patch on the ceiling Half-grown Ancistrus claro of one of the triangular clay pipes. No egg was at- still exhibits a pattern of tached on top of the others. spots on the dark body. The brooding male lay outside the pipe with only his head inside, continually fanning water inside with his fins. I have now observed this behavior in and became almost opaque. After four days the eyes both males during 10 different spawnings. There was no could be seen in the eggs, but hatching didn’t take place change, even when both males were brooding clutches until the ninth day. From above, the freshly hatched simultaneously and in sight of one another. larvae appeared banded and were very large at around .5 Unfortunately, I lost two clutches because, while I inch (13 mm) in length. With increasing age the young was away for a few days, the filter had become so clogged develop a white spot pattern, which may not be a match that the diffuser no longer created an air supply. The male for the other white-spotted species (e.g., L 107) but still apparently couldn’t compensate for this and the entire looks quite attractive. clutch failed to hatch. It appears that the oxygen require- On one point I have to agree with the literature: the ment is very high, which moved me to set the main- young grow very, very slowly. That is also the main reason tenance temperature permanently to around 75–77°F why this species is only rarely available in the trade. Some- AMAZONAS (24–25°C). Of course it sometimes rises to as warm as times you have to travel a bit further to the breeder. 86°F (30°C) in the height of summer, but so far all my fish species have withstood this well in the short term. REFERENCES After just two days the eggs darkened considerably Seidel, I. 2008. Back to Nature—Handbuch für L-Welse. Ettlingen.

85 AQUARIUM CALENDAR

compiled by Mary E. Sweeney

MAY JUNE

2–5 Convention 1–2 Open House North American Native Fishes Bergen Water Gardens, Association Genesee Valley Koi Club Cumberland Falls, KY Rochester NY www.nanfa.org/convention/2013.shtml www.gvpakc.org

4 Auction 20–23 Show & Auction CAFÉ, Columbus Area Fish Enthusiasts Florida Expo Columbus, OH Holiday Inn, Fort Myers, FL www.columbusfishclub.org www.flafishshow.com

5 Auction 22–23 Show & Auction Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society New England Fancy Guppy Association Pittsburgh, PA Lancaster, MA gpasi.org www.newenglandguppies.org

10 Giant Spring Auction 28 Auction Brooklyn Aquarium Society Great Lakes Cichlid Society Brooklyn, NY Euclid, OH www.basny.org/ www.greatlakescichlidsociety.net

18–19 Show & Auction 30 Auction IFGA Michigan Guppy Breeders SCALES, Stark County Orchard Lake, MI Aqua Life Enthusiasts Society www.ifga.org Massillon, OH www.scalesclub.com 18–19 Convention CAOAC, Aquarium Club of Edmonton JULY Edmonton, Alberta, Canada www.caoac.ca/ 13–14 Show & Auction 24–26 Show & Auction Greater Akron Aquarium Society Greater Chicago Cichlid Association Akron, OH Chicago, IL www.gaas-fish.net www.gcca.net 18–19 Convention 24–27 Convention Rocky Mountain Cichlid Association American Killifish Association (ACA)Denver, CO Portland, OR www.2013aca.com www.aka.org/convention/2013/ 20–21 Show & Auction Guppy Association International of Chicago Chicago, IL www.guppychicago.org Contact: [email protected] AMAZONAS

86 AMAZONAS 87 is a sponsor of the AACA 2012 Convention AMAZONAS Sources Look for AMAZONAS Magazine in these outstanding local aquarium shops.

UNITED STATES Neptune’s Tropical Fish Hawaii Massachusetts 1970 E County Line Rd Unit A Aquascapes South Coast Scientific Arizona Highlands Ranch, CO 99-082 Kauhale St. Ste B-4 109 McArthur Rd Aqua Touch 303-798-1776 Aiea, HI Swansea, MA 12040 North 32nd St Connecticut 808-487-0077 508-678-8306 Phoenix, AZ House of Fins Kalihi Pet Center 602-765-9058 Michigan 99 Bruce Park Ave 1199 Dillingham Blvd Arizona Nature Aquatics Blue Fish Aquarium Greenwich, CT Ste C-101 3025 North Campbell Ave 203-661-8131 Honolulu, HI 2939 Wilson Ave SW Ste 109 Tucson, AZ 808-841-5234 Grandville, MI 520-321-9000 Florida 616-667-2424 Idaho Arkansas Barrier Reef Moby Dick Pet Store 1921 NW Boca Raton Blvd Fish, Aquariums & Stuff 3700 Sashabaw Rd Northside Aquatics Boca Raton, FL 6112 West Fairview Ave Waterford, MI 7610 Counts Massie Rd Ste A 561-368-1970 Boise, ID 248-673-2520 Maumelle, AR 208-377-1119 501-803-3434 Boardroom Aquatics MVPets 12795 Kenwood Ln 7429 S Westnedge Ave Seafari Illinois Fort Myers, FL Portage, MI Fish Planet 115 N Dixieland Rd #28 239-275-8891 269-492-7387 Rogers, AR 839 Waukegan Rd Oceans and Seas 479-531-5955 Father Fish Aquarium Deerfield, IL 536 E Venice Ave 26085 Gratiot Ave Worlds Under Water 847-945-4700 Venice, FL Roseville, MI Sailfin Pet Shop 2105B Creekview 941-266-9998 586-778-2223 Fayetteville, AR 720 S Neil St Preuss Pets 479-521-7258 Fishy Business Champaign, IL 140 S Ronald Reagan Blvd 217-352-1121 1127 N Cedar St California Longwood, FL Lansing, MI All Seas Marine, Inc 407-331-4882 Indiana 517-339-1762 (Distribution Only) The Planted Aquarium Inland Aquatics Minnesota 1205 Knox St Store 10 Ohio St Tropiquatics Torrance, CA 3230 NE 12th Ave Terre Haute, IN 310-532-7769 Oakland Park, FL 812-232-9000 2519 7th Ave E Saint Paul, MN Aquatic Central 954-990-8871 Iowa 651-330-1635 1963 Ocean Ave Sea Life Aquarium Aquatic Environments San Francisco, CA & Service New Hampshire 730 E Kimberly Rd 415-584-1888 174 Semoran Commerce Pl Laconia Pet Center Apopka, FL Davenport, IA Ocean Aquarium 1343 Union Ave 407-889-9887 563-445-3687 120 Cedar St Laconia, NH San Francisco, CA Georgia Maine 603-524-8311 415-771-3206 Aquarium Outfitters Easy Aquariums New Jersey White’s Pets 17 A Gorham Industrial Pkwy 175 Old Epps Bridge Rd Adam’s Pet Safari 5212 North Blackstone Athens, GA Gorham, ME 19 W Main St Fresno, CA 706-546-1337 207-272-5212 559-438-4343 Chester, NJ Creation Pet Maryland 908-879-8998 Colorado 8265 Hwy 92 House of Tropicals Aquarium Center Woodstock. GA Animal Attraction Pet Store 7389F Baltimore Annapolis Blvd 1295 Blackwood Clementon Rd 770-364-2240 2518 11th Ave Glen Burnie, MD Clementon, NJ Greeley, CO 410-761-1113 856-627-6262 970-353-3400

88 AMAZONAS 89

. All back tab SOUTH AFRICA SOUTH SHOP Aquarium Depot Aquarium Only) (Distribution Hill Capital Park #1 Mackenzie Ave 392 Le Roux 1685 House Halfway 27-11-805-8899

Buy 3 issues or moreBuy

AMAZONAS (plus shipping) (plus original poly wrapping. original www.reef2rainforest.com Enrich your aquatic library your aquatic Enrich

and click on the at $8 each, 6 or more at $7each. AMAZONAS Go to MALTA SPECIAL OFFER: with back issues of issues are like new, in pristine in their condition new, issues are like NETHERLANDS BACK ISSUES BACK How deep is your collection? Sell sell To Email: [email protected] CALL (800) 381-1288 (630) 353-2692 Fax in your store, in your contact us today: Blue Reefs Callus Mattew Guzeppi 82 Triq MST 4105 Mosta, 003-562-762-7463 Stunning Corals 285 Wolvenlaan 1216EV Hilversum Noord-Holland 06-1569-9743 INDIA FRANCE CANADA AUSTRALIA Anthias 3 Chemin de Maupas Cheres 69380 Les 33-437-50-29-80 World Water Ananda Dutta Lane Howrah-7111 01 Bengal West 91-983-022-5574 3511 99th St AB Edmonton, 780-435-3474 The Afishionados 825 Erin St Unit 3 MB Winnipeg, 204-295-5375 Aqua Blue Distribution Only) (Distribution 17 Cairns St Queensland Loganholme, 07-3806-4255 Sunset Tropical Guppies Sunset Tropical 4864 County Rd C WI Auburndale, 715-254-4929 Reef Wholesale Only) (Distribution St 12 Vulcan ON Etobicoke, 613-884-7258 Aquarium Big Al’s Supercentres Pet & Aquatic Warehouse Pet Rd 2408 Wards VA Lynchburg, 434-239-6787 Virginia West Reptile/ Scales & Tails Fish Store St 9 1/2 W Washington WV Westover, 304-296-9218 Wisconsin Vermont Advantage Pet 350 Dorset St VT South Burlington, 802-860-1714 Virginia 2601 Flower Mound Rd., Mound Rd., 2601 Flower Ste 101 TX Mound, Flower 214-453-9133 Royal Aquatics Royal Reef Valley Suite 40 920 N 10th Street, TX Mcallen, 956-330-6155 Fish Gallery Houston View Dr 2909 Fountain TX Houston, 713-523-3474 Austin Aqua-Dome 1604 Fortview Rd TX Austin, 512-442-1400 Texas Oddball Pets & Aquarium Oddball Pets 262 Joseph St PA Pittsburgh, 412-884-2333 Pennsylvania Oregon Fish The Nautilus Tropical 727 Main Street OR Springfield, 541-344-3474 103 WNC Shopping Ctr Dr NC Black Mountain, 828-669-0032 Blue Ridge Reef & Pet North Carolina Aquarium Outfitters 823 South Main St NC Forest, Wake 919-556-8335 845 Manitou Rd NY Hilton, 585-366-4242 Pet Friendly Pet The Fish Place 141 Robinson St NY North Tonawanda, 716-693-4411 Eddie’s Aquarium Centre Eddie’s Loudon Rd Rt 9 1254 New NY Cohoes, 518-783-3474 New York Pets, Pets, Pets Pets, Pets, 2 JFK Blvd NJ Somerset, 732-545-6675 SPECIES SNAPSHOTS

➊ ACENTROGOBIUS VIRIDIPUNCTATUS ➋ NOMORHAMPHUS REX ➌ AEQUIDENS CF. RONDONI ➍ NEOLEBIAS TREWAVASAE ➎ GYMNOTHORAX POLYURANODON ➏ SPINIPTERUS SP. “OTORONGO”

Spotted Green Goby, Acentrogobius viridipunctatus

Acentrogobius viridipunctatus muddy bottom. The salinity of the water was rather high at the time of measurement—around 10 g/L. I couldn’t |The gobies and their relatives all over the world resist the temptation to pack up some of these gobies 1 include innumerable species that would be and try my hand with them. They had gorgeous, irides- suitable for freshwater aquariums, but attempts at cent metallic scales on their sides, though this isn’t their keeping have been made only sporadically, if at reflected to full effect in the accompanying photo. all. Many of these species have not been tried because The bulldog face with the visible teeth suggests they require salt water, at least periodically. In the past exercising caution about keeping this fish with tank- I, too, shared this attitude. mates, but so far my Acentrogobius viridipunctatus have However, these “commuters”—and there are lots been very peaceful toward tankmates and each other. of them among the gobies and their allies—can be very Obviously these powerful fish, which measure around 3 easily maintained in an appropriate aquarium. Often inches (8 cm) long, require a certain amount of bottom only small amounts of sea salt (1–2 g/L) are necessary space for their territories, but any aggression is well to keep these fishes in good condition. Many so-called distributed within the group, and even in a relatively brackish-water species even spend long phases of their confined space there are only minor squabbles. And long lives in completely fresh water. When it comes to repro- periods in completely fresh water present no problems duction, and especially the first larval stages, things do for this species either. So far there has been no breed- become more complicated—and often saltier (Taxacher ing success—or, more accurately, there have been no 2011a, 2011b). Another factor that is often really attempts. Acentrogobius viridipunctatus can occur sym- important with regard to the goby tribe is the availability patric with the second species of the genus, A. caninus. of live food. These considerations also apply to the spe- —Jens Kühne cies discussed here, which belongs to the true gobies. I found and collected Acentrogobius viridipunctatus REFERENCES in the administrative district of Chantaburi in southeast Taxacher, M. 2011a. Grundeln der Gattung Mugilogobius. AMAZONAS Thailand. They were living in a former shrimp-breeding 7 (4), 36: 32–39. pool in an area of Nipa Palms with a strong tidal Taxacher, M. 2011b. Kleine Süß- und Brackwassergrundeln aus der

influence, hiding among stones lying on the otherwise Familie der . AMAZONAS 7 (4), 36: 14–21. J. KÜHNE AMAZONAS

90 AMAZONAS 91 , rex

Raffles Nomorhamphus —Hans-Georg Evers —Hans-Georg 25) on the Web, 25) on the Web, AMAZONAS . rondoni . rondoni have a hard time of it in our aquari- a hard time of it in have , I was not that interested at first. But I was , cf . rondoni cf ums. Why? Probably because half-truths stick ums. Why? Aequidens Aequidens 60 (2): 477–85. Aequidens | in our heads better than the courage to question them. in our heads better than the courage that one of When I received word from Aquarium Glaser their Brazilian exporters be sending a small num- might ber of had purportedlythen I heard that they been brought and my in under the trade name “Cachimbo verde,” piqued immediately—I had seen photos of interest was the PIPES expedition (see a new species of viviparous halfbeak (Atherinomorpha: : Indonesia. ) endemic to Sulawesi Selatan, Bull Zool Aequidens 3 it be that the females resorbed the young into their it be that the females resorbed the young being by over-stressed were because they body cavities moved? REFERENCES 2012. Herder. and F. R.K. Hadiaty, J., Huylebrouck, N. kolono- N. from central species that occur Vermillion Halfbeak Vermillion Loricariich- , also from Sulawesi, but differs also from Sulawesi, , is not Huylebrouck et al. 2012 is Nomorhamphus rex rex rex Nomorhamphus

N. ebrardtii N. Nomorhamphus rex, rex, Nomorhamphus ). and Sulawesi, Indonesia, was described quite re- was Indonesia, Sulawesi, The halfbeak Pair of Pair acutus |

Nomorhamphus These not very aggressive fish are best maintained The new species resembles the species The new Nomorhamphus

exactly easy to breed. My largest but they 12 fry, brood to date was measured 1.2 cm at birth and fleas. immediately ate small water often transferred putative I have females that unfortunatelygravid the became thinner again over Could and weeks. following days thys known only from three small river systems in the prov- known only from three small river systems friends Jeffrey my Selatan. In 2010, ince of Sulawesi and Thomas Heinrichs and Debold, Peter Christian, clearwater able to find these fishes in various I were and in South Sulawesi rivers in the famous Torajaland bring them back alive to Germany. medium- in a small group in cool (72–75°F/22–24°C), that lands on will eat anything They hard to hard water. gravid surface. I place the water’s densely planted females in small, aquariums with a volume of around 10 gallons (30 L) to give birth. I maintain the group in a 53-gallon (200-L) aquarium with a number of ( catfish bottom-dwelling dalensis in having a longer lower jaw and in the structure of jaw a longer lower in having now the andropodium. We the male copulatory organ, know 10 described cently. These attractive fish have already been import- fish have These attractive cently. now reappear- ed incognito a number of times and are species name. ing under the new endemic to Sulawesi. Nomorhamphus rex Nomorhamphus 2 TOP: H.-G. EVERS; BOTTOM: T. WEIDNER T. BOTTOM: EVERS; H.-G. TOP: 92 AMAZONAS store, thesefishlooknice, butnotthatexciting; demanding. very peaceful, and, like mostSouthAmericantetras, isnot quietand grows toaround2inches(5cm)long, isvery fromGabonin2011.It in Europesmallnumbers This littletetrafromthefamilyDistichodidaearrived beauty as toseesucha Hence itcomesasapleasantsurprise a scarlet-banded African tetra Male 4 Neolebias trewavasae safe Iwillcallthem strongly expressedasisusualfor are typicalforthatspecies.Butbecausethisisn’t as margined scalesabove thelongitudinalbandthat rondoni shouldprobablybeassignedto arrivals 10 individuals. and they includedabrightgreen chance. genera, soitistimetogivethesespeciesasecond genus (or were) responsibleforthenegativereputationof intense yellow, withaslightgreenishsheen. overlain are oftenfood-dependent.Atpresentthefishan oration. Thisdoesn’t me, surprise sincegreenshades acid water, nothingisleftoftheintensegreenbodycol- However,eters. even thoughIhave kept theminsoft, and arenotdemandingwithregardtowater param- greedily acceptany typeoffood, arerelativelypeaceful, these fishhave proved extremelyeasytomaintain.They In normal coloration,In normal asyouseethematafish As isapparentlytypicalfor I mustsay, Ididn’t regretmy decision.Thenew One further point:thereallybadguys,One further whichare | Neolebias trewavasae Aequidens limited andmostspeciesarealsoratherdrab. The rangeoftetrasfromAfricainthetradeis , asthey exhibithints, atleast, oftheblack Neolebias trewavasae , have nowbeenassignedtoother Aequidens ,

cf. Aequidens Poll &Gosse, 1963. Aequidens rondoni A. rondoni —Thomas Weidner Aequidens species, . . Iordered , tobe - from Gabonareextremelyrare. ly andthepopulationincreased;unfortunately, imports any aquarium.Withany luck, itcanbebredsuccessful- Neolebias trewavasae revision willprobablybringclarification. To putitmildly, entirely agree.But, asisgenerallythecase, afuture bias of thelaterallongitudinalbandisdifferent. from Cameroonarenever ascolorful, andtheposition from Gabontherearenoticeabledifferences.Thefish when thefishfromCameroonarecomparedwiththose Cameroon, wisdom.But atleastaccordingtocurrent lutely themostbeautifulsmalltetrafromAfrica. toenticefemales.Inmy opinionthisisabso- they try which they defendagainstothermalesandintowhich gorgeous, aretruly occupying smallterritories particular once settledin, they arearealsensation!Themalesin Gymnothorax polyuranodon 5 another reason, inadditionto theirattractivecoloration, will oftentake offoodofferedusingforceps— morsels small fishestoeat. eels. They thatlike arepredators tohave shrimpsand should beplentyofhidingplacesforthesesociable atescaping—there these beastsarerealexperts tained withtheadditionofsaltrightfromstart. last longincompletelyfreshwater andshouldbemain- is possibletoorderthemthrougharetailer. They won’t upnowandtheninthetrade,turn andsometimesit mended tofansofbrackish-water fishes.Thesefish Note that some authors regardthegenus Note thatsomeauthors insouthern alsooccurs The speciespurportedly They quicklybecomeaccustomed to theirownerand In additiontoareallytightlycovered aquarium— asasynonym of | thorax polyuranodon The attractiveBlack-SpottedMoray, isastunningfishthatwillenrich Nannaethiops , candefinitelyberecom- , thoughIcan’t —Anton Lamboj Gymno- Neole-

A. LAMBOJ TOP: F. WANG; BOTTOM: N. WOODWARD 6 Spinipterus esting, atleastbriefly, totheiPhone-addictedteenager. their families.Suchunusualpetsmay even prove inter- why thesemorays make goodpetsforaquaristsand to therecentlydescribedgenus characteristics,external shouldprobablybeassigned Aquatics (Wigan, England), which, onthebasisofits time forthefirst by Pier the speciesrecentlyimported giae exceptions, suchasthepopular move aboutasmuch, atleastduringtheday. Afew catfish familylooklike pieceofwoodand abizarre ofthisSouthAmerican gible. Themajorityofmembers , areattractivelycolored.Thesamecanbesaidof | ily Auchenipteridae)worldwideisprobablynegli- The numberoffansdriftwoodcatfishes(fam- sp. “Otorongo” Spinipterus Centromochlus peru- —Hans-Georg Evers , previously laid incaves. similar not knownwhetherthefemalesofthisspecies, like the It isstill fertilization. This speciespracticesinternal analfininmales. fromthefirst organformed latory exhibit clearsexualdifferences—forexample, thecopu- such asthemaleinaccompanying photo, already Specimens ofonlyaround3inches(8cm)totallength, large. nottogrowvery speciesappears This nocturnal fromPeru; nomorepreciselocalityisgiven. imported regarded asmonotypic. Amazon. small, spinycatfish(Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) fromthe Peruvian Akama, A., andC.J.Ferraris, Jr. 2011. REFERENCES Spinipterus Zootaxa C. perugiae 2992:52–60. sp.“Otorongo”(itstradename)was Black-Spotted Moray, Spinipterus , practicebroodcare, guardingeggs sp. “Otorongo” Spinipterus

Gymnothorax polyuranodon —Hans-Georg Evers , genusof anew

93 AMAZONAS SOCIETY CONNECTIONS

U.S. AQUARIUM Norwalk Aquarium Society MASSACHUSETTS South Norwalk Boston Aquarium Society, Boston SOCIETIES www.NorwalkAS.org www.BostonAquariumSociety.org DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Pioneer Valley Aquarium Society NATIONAL AQUARIUM CLUBS Chicopee Greater Washington Aquatic Plant American Cichlid Association www.PVAS.net www.cichlid.org Association www.GWAPA.org Worcester Aquarium Society, Worcester American Killifish Association www.WorcesterAquarium.org www.aka.org FLORIDA MICHIGAN American Livebearer Association Gold Coast Aquarium Society of South www.livebearers.org Florida, Cooper City Greater Detroit Aquarium Society The Angelfish Society www.GCAquarium.org Royal Oak www.GreaterDetroitAquariumSociety.org www.theangelfishsociety.org Tampa Bay Aquarium Society, Tampa Aquatic Gardeners Association www.TBAS1.com Grand Valley Aquarium Society www.aquatic-gardeners.org Grand Rapids GEORGIA www.GrandValleyAquariumClub.org International Betta Congress www.ibcbettas.org Atlanta Area Aquarium Association Southwest Michigan Aquarium Society Portage International Fancy Guppy Association Atlanta www.SWMAS.org www.ifga.org www.AtlantaAquarium.com Mid-Atlantic Koi Club HAWAII MINNESOTA www.makc.com Honolulu Aquarium Society, Honolulu Minnesota Aquarium Society North American Discus Association www.HonoluluAquariumSociety.org Roseville www.discusnada.org www.aquarium.mn The North American Native Fishes ILLINOIS MISSOURI Association Central Illinois Tropical Aquarium Club www.nanfa.org (CITAC) Missouri Aquarium Society, St. Louis Northeast Council of Aquarium Societies Bloomington www.MissouriAquariumSociety.com www.northeastcouncil.org/nec/ www.citac-il.org NEW HAMPSHIRE ARIZONA Federation of American Aquarium Societies New Hampshire Aquarium Society Dry Wash Aquarium Society, Phoenix Champaign Rollinsford www.DryWashAquarium.org www.FAAS.info www.NHAquariumSociety.com Arizona Aquatic Plant Enthusiasts (AAPE) Greater Chicago Cichlid Association NEW JERSEY Tuscon & Phoenix Brookfield www.azaquaticplants.com/index.php Jersey Shore Aquarium Society www.GCCA.net Freehold CALIFORNIA Green Water Aquarist Society, Alsip www.JerseyShoreAS.org www.GWASOC.org Sacramento Aquarium Society North Jersey Aquarium Society, Nutley Sacramento INDIANA www.NJAS.net www.SacramentoAquariumSociety.org Circle City Aquarium Club NEW YORK San Francisco Aquarium Society Indianapolis Allegheny River Valley Aquarium Society San Francisco www.CircleCityAqClub.org www.SFAquarium.org Olean Michiana Aquarium Society, South Bend www.orgsites.com/ny/ARVAS Silicon Valley Aquarium Society www.MichianaAquariumSociety.org San Jose Brooklyn Aquarium Society, Brooklyn www.SiliconValleyAquariumSociety.com IOWA www.BASNY.org Danbury Area Aquarium Society (DAAS) COLORADO Eastern Iowa Aquarium Association Cedar Rapids Carmel Colorado Aquarium Society, Arvada www.FinFlap.com www.northeastcouncil.org/daas www.ColoradoAquarium.org Central New York Aquarium Society Rocky Mountain Cichlid Association LOUISIANA Syracuse www.rmcichlid.org Southeast Louisiana Aquarium Society www.CNYAS.org Baton Rouge & New Orleans Genesee Valley Koi & Pond Club CONNECTICUT www.selas.us Rochester Greater Hartford Aquarium Society www.ggw.org/GVPAKE MARYLAND Manchester Greater City Aquarium Society, Flushing www.GHASCT.org Capital Cichlid Association, Silver Spring www.GreaterCity.org Northeast Livebearer Association www.CapitalCichlids.org Long Island Aquarium Society Bristol Stony Brook www.nela.northeastcouncil.org www.LIASOnline.org AMAZONAS Thanks to Ray “Kingfish” Lucas of Kingfish Services in Boston, NY, for his invaluable help in establishing this 94 directory and the AMAZONAS Aquarium Calendar of Events. www.kingfishservices.net AMAZONAS 95

, Montreal, QC Montreal, , , Hoenheim , , Bristol ,

Vantaa Vantaa

, , Ste-Foy, QC Ste-Foy, , , Sussex , he Calypso Fish and Aquaria Club he Calypso Fish and [email protected] Hamilton, ON Hamilton, www.HDAS.ca Aquarium Society Durham Region Oshawa, ON Oshawa, www.DRAS.ca Aquarium Regina Society www.reginaaquariumsociety.ca Aquariophiles des Association Regionale de Quebec www.ARAQ.org Winnipeg Aquarium Society of MB Winnipeg, www.ASW.ca Montreal Aquarium Montreal Aquarium Society www.theMontrealAquariumSociety.com Society Aquarium District Hamilton & London www.calypso.org.uk GERMANY Deutsche Cichliden-Gesellschaft MALAYSIA Club Guppy Malaysia www.myguppy.net MALTA Malta Aquarist Society SINGAPORE Discus Club Singapore www.DiscusClubSG.com KINGDOM UNITED Association of Great Britain Anabantoid FINLAND (Finnish Cichlid Ciklidistit r.y. Association) www.aquahoito.info/cichlids/index.html FRANCE Cichlid Association France www.FranceCichlid.com (German Society) Cichlid Frankfurt am Main www.DCGonline.de www.maltaaquarist.com/ Doncaster www.AAGB.org The British and International BIDKA: Association Discus Keepers www.BIDKA.org Bristol Aquarists’ Society www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk Aquatic of British The Federation Societies www.FBAS.co.uk Greater Manchester Cichlid Society www.nekrosoft.co.uk/GMCS T

, Fairfax Fairfax ,

, Milwaukee Milwaukee ,

Mary Sweeney, Senior Editor: Mary Sweeney, Contact: Saskatoon, SK Saskatoon, www.SaskatoonAquarium.com BERMUDA BermudaAquarium Society Fry-Angle www.fryangle.com CANADA Association The Canadian of Aquarium Clubs State York Canada & New www.caoac.ca London Aquaria Society ON London, www.londonaquariasociety.com Saskatoon Aquarium Society BELGIUM Association Belgian Cichlid INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL AQUARIUM SOCIETIES AUSTRALIA Association New Guinea FishesAustralia www.angfa.org.au/ Cichlid Society Wales New South NSW Moorebank, www.NSWCS.org.au Victorian Inc. Cichlid Society www.cichlidae.be WASHINGTON Society Aquarium Greater Seattle WISCONSIN Aquarium Milwaukee Society VIC Mitcham, home.vicnet.net.au/~cichlid Queensland Cichlid Group Inc. VIRGINIA Virginia Aquarium Central Society Richmond www.CVAS.forumotion.com Aquarium Valley Society Potomac Seattle www.GSAS.org Aquarium Society Sound Puget Federal Way www.thePSAS.org www.MilwaukeeAquariumSociety.com Wisconsin Aquarium Central Society QLD Clayfield, www.qcichlid.org www.PVAS.com www.PVAS.com Wausau www.cwas.org

, Akron ,

, Cleveland Cleveland ,

, Euclid , , Houston , , Raleigh , , Brunswick Brunswick , LISTED!

, Canton , GET Burlington www.tfcb.org/ www.HoustonAquariumSociety.org www.HoustonAquariumSociety.org Fishof Burlington Club Tropical Houston Aquarium Society VERMONT Chalfont www.BCASOnline.com Aquarium Society Greater Pittsburgh TEXAS Clackamas www.GPAS.org Lancaster www.ACLCPA.org Aquarium Society Bucks County Pittsburgh www.GPASI.org PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVANIA Aquarium Club of Lancaster County OREGON Aquarium Society Greater Portland OHIO Cleveland Aquarium Society NORTH CAROLINA NORTH Raleigh Aquarium Society www.ClevelandAquariumSociety.org Area Fish Enthusiasts Columbus North Tonawanda North Tonawanda www.NFKPC.org Fish Club of Erie County Tropical Hamburg www.Tropical-Fish-Club-of-Erie-County.com www.RaleighAquariumSociety.org Plain City www.ColumbusFishClub.org Greater Akron Aquarium Society www.GAAS-FISH.net Cichlid Society Great Lakes www.GreatLakesCichlidSociety.net Aquarium Society Medina County Medina www.geocities.com/MCASfish/index Association Ohio Cichlid www.OhioCichlid.com Aqua Life Enthusiasts Stark County Society www.ClubScales.com Fish Area Tropical Society Youngstown Youngstown www.YATFS.com Nassau County Aquarium Society Nassau County Rockville Center Rockville Center www.NCASweb.org Club Pond & Frontier Koi Niagara

AMAZONAS 97   back cover .com y

...... 97 ariums ...... 19 ...... 47 p Media Kit ...... 82 ...... 46 ...... 11, 16 ...... 11, ...... 97  ...... 5 ...... 61 ...... 82 ...... 21 ...... 46 ...... 82 ...... 13, AMAZONAS ...... 73 James Lawrence, Publisher • 802.985.9977 Ext. 7, • 802.985.9977 Publisher Lawrence, James [email protected] Poly-Bio Marine Marine Poly-Bio www.poly-bio-marine.com Prodibio www.prodibio.com WebsiteReef to Rainforest www.reef2rainforest.com SuperfoodsRepashy www.repashy.com Riparium Supply www.ripariumsupply.com Brand Bay San Francisco www.sfbb.com Segrest Farms www.segrestfarms.com South Central Cichlids www.southcentralcichlids.com LedgesStax Magnetic Rock www.staxrock.com Swiss Tropicals www.swisstropicals.com FishroomTed’s www.tedsfishroom.com Tunze www.tunze.com Little FishiesTwo www.twolittlefishies.com SpotThe Wet www.wetspottropicalfish.com ZooMed www.zoomed.com For an or other information, please contact: CPJTUFSPVTöTI öMUSBUJPO lanted Ri t #FBVUJGVMCMPPNTBOEGPMJBHF t 3PCVTUQMBOUCBTFE t /PFYUSB$0SFRVJSFE t *EFBMGPSDJDIMJETBOEPUIFS www.RipariumSuppl Grow easy-care riparium plants with Grow aquarium fish. your P ..... 96 inside front cover inside back cover ...... 46 ...... 87 ...... 88, 89 ...... 88, ...... 87 ...... 11 ...... 18, 79 ...... 18, ...... 89 ...... 11 ...... 8, 15, 17 15, ...... 8, Magnetic Rock Reef Sources ...... 32 ...... 9

...... 78

...... 16 Back Issues Retail Subscriptions Save space, add habitat space, Save Real Rock Ledges Real Rock Ledges

Invisibly Attached Attached Invisibly ...... 33, 53, 83 53, ...... 33,  t.BSJOF t'SFTIXBUFS Invertebrates Msjinkzd by www.msjinkzd.com Lifegard Aquatics www.lifegardaquatics.com Instruments Milwaukee www.milwaukeeinstruments.com Era-Living ColorNew www.livingcolor.com Ocean Nutrition www.oceannutrition.com Piscine Energetics www.mysis.com American Livebearer Association American Livebearer www.ALA2013.com Enterprises Boyd www.chemipure.com Aquatics Brightwell www.brightwellaquatics.com and Fish Convention Show CAOAC www.edmontonfish.com ...... Marine. EcoTech 71 70, www.ecotechmarine.com Fish ExpoFlorida Tropical www.flafish.com AquaticsFritz www.fritzaquatics.com Hikari www.hikariusa.com/am American Cichlids Association Convention Convention Association Cichlids American www.2013aca.com AMAZONAS www.reef2rainforest.com/shop AMAZONAS www.reef2rainforest.com AMAZONAS www.amazonasmagazine.com INDEX Decoration Fish Rock Aquarium STAX Store: eBay eBay Category: Pet Supplies> Aquarium & Fish> Aquariums Supplies> & Fish> Aquarium Pet Category: eBay [email protected] | [email protected] Patent Pending Patent ADVERTISERS UNDERWATER EYE

Hericthys labridens “Yellow,” the Yellow Labridens, from Media Luna, Mexico. Listed as a “threatened” species in the wild, the fish is cross- breeding itself out of existence with the invasive Hericthys carpinte, which entered its waters via a manmade canal. Photographed by Morrill Devlin. AMAZONAS

98 s&AVORITEWITH!MERICAN HOBBYISTSFOROVERYEARS s%XTRALARGEFLAKEALLOWSYOUTO CONTROLTHEFLAKESIZE sSINKTOFLOATRATIOSOTOP MIDDLEANDBOTTOMFEEDINGFISH ACTUALLYGETFOOD

s4IMERELEASEFEEDINGBLOCKSFOR YOURCONVENIENCE s!LLBANQUETBLOCKSADDBENEFICIAL CALCIUMTOYOURAQUARIUMWATER s'REATFOODSOURCEFORPROBLEMFEEDERSANDCATFISH

ZOO MED LABORATORIES, INC. 3ACRAMENTO$R 3AN,UIS/BISPO #! 0HONE   EMAILZOOMED ZOOMEDCOM www.zoomed.com