The

New Guide to

Aquarium Fish

A comprehensive and authoritative guide to tropical freshwater, brackish,

and marine fishes

Mary Bailey and Gina Sandford

ULTIMATE EDITIONS Ciclilids

Qchlids (family Cichlidae) origi- nate primarily in tropical America and Africa, with a few species in the Middle East and Asia. They are mainly freshwater fishes, though a few species require or tolerate brackish conditions. Size - adult Standard Length (SL) - 3 ranges from 2 cm to 91 cm ( /4 in Who's watching who? Cichlids, especially large ones, show considerable interest to 36 in) with a similar diversity in in the world outside their tank, and can become real pets. This is a female form, diet, and behaviour. Some Nandopsis do\ii, one of the largest species and a real character. species are very colourful and are thus attractive aquarium Cichlid Behaviour and Its occupants. Many aquarists are, Management however, attracted by their All cichlids practise brood care, interesting behaviour, character, guarding both eggs and young. and apparent intelligence; large This ensures a high survival rate, specimens in particular can so clutch size is small compared become genuine pets. to that in egg-scattering fishes, Cichlids can be divided into a which rely on sheer numbers of number of more or less discrete eggs for genetic survival. groups, based largely on geo- Cichlids have two brood-care graphical distribution, but also strategies: substrate brooding and

habitat, size, diet, and behaviour. mouthbrooding. In the former, Before discussing the major (normally) adhesive eggs are laid Teleogramma brichardi is a cave- groups, however, we must present on a "spawning substrate", for spawning rapids cichlid from the Zaire an overview of "cichlid psy- example a stone, plant, or piece of (Congo) River. The large eggs are opaque even when fertile, and are chology" — how they behave, and, wood; then guarded against more important, why. A thorough tended by the female alone. The fry are predators, kept clean by regular correspondingly large. understanding of this is essential "mouthing", and fanned with the to their successful maintenance. pectoral fins to ensure a constant supply of oxygenated water. Both parents may share these duties, or one (usually the female) may concentrate on tending the eggs while the other guards the breeding territory. When the larvae hatch they are often placed in a pre-dug nursery pit, and sometimes moved at regular intervals to new pits. Once free- swimming, the fry may be This Cichlid is one of the smallest, Cichlids are noted for their brood care: Lamprologus ocelatus a tiny Lake escorted around in search of food, or allowed to forage, Pelvicachromis pulcher (the krib) is easy Tanganika shell-dweller. This is a male to keep, easy to sex, and easy to breed, female are even smaller independently but under and can be kept in the general supervision, in the breeding community. This is a female guarding territory. Brood care usually fry. continues until the parents are guarded like substrate-brooder ready to spawn again (which may young. Some species have be from 10 days to several months, eggspots, while others have depending on the species). evolved different egg dummies This strategy is often known such as "genital tassels" and as "substrate spawning", and is egg-like tips to the pelvic fins. further divided into "open Many tilapiines are, however, brooding" and "cave brooding", A pair of Tropheus duboisi "yellow substrate-brooders, and where according to the location of the band" spawning. The female (left) is mouth-brooding has evolved it spawning substrate. It requires a nuzzling the vent area of the male, often appears less advanced strong pair bond which may last ingesting milt to fertilize the eggs than in the haplochromines. already in her mouth. for a single spawning episode, a Mouthbrooding has also breeding season, or life. In some arisen, quite independently, in species a male may bond with some American Cichlids but is several females ("harem far less common. polygyny"), each holding her own Breeding may be seasonal or breeding territory within his continuous. The former is the "super territory". norm in bodies of water affected Mouthbrooding, by contrast, dramatically by climatic change, protects the eggs and young in and is often triggered by the A brooding female Haplochromis the mouth of one or both par- pyrrhocephalus, one of the Lake onset of the rains and a con- ents until they are old enough or Victoria "haps". Note the comitant increase in food supply large enough to stand a good characteristic distended (with fry) and available territory (flooded chance of survival alone. throat and "pursed" lips. areas). Piscivorous species may Mouthing and fanning are spawn later when their food sup- replaced by the drawing of clean, ply is augmented by fry of other oxygenated water through the fishes! Some species raise more mouth by gill action. This, coup- than one brood during a breed- led with a reduction in or cess- ing season, often with the same ation of food intake, imposes a partner. The pair bond considerable physical strain on commonly dissolves at the end the parent(s). of the breeding season, with a

The majority of mouthbrooders new partner being selected next belong to one of the two main A Labeotropheus fuelleborni (orange time. morph) releasing her fry. lineages of African Cichlids, the Continuous breeding is nor- haplochromines, in which eggs before collection by the female, mally found where changes in the and fry are incubated by the but in many species males have climate have less effect, for female alone (maternal mouth- ocelli, the colour and size of example in large lakes. Over- brooding). Upon release, normally eggs ("eggspots"), on the anal population is prevented by cycli- after about three weeks, he fry fin, and in trying to collect cal fluctuation in food supply and are often abandoned. Males do these the female ingests sperm, breeding success; when the food not bond with females, but hold released from the nearby vent, supply is good females produce spawning territories, often to fertilize the real eggs that are large clutches, but the resulting centred on laboriously con- already in her mouth. population explosion depletes the structed "nests", from which they In tilapiines, the other African food supply and reduces breeding display to potential temporary lineage, brooding may be mater- success until the food supply partners. Frequently males hold nal, paternal or biparental, the recovers. In cap-nvhy constant adjacent territories and compete last usually involving a pair bond abundant food may lead to for females ("arena breeding"). and shared territory, as in sub- unnaturally frequent and/or large The non-adhesive eggs are laid in strate brooding. Brood care may clutches and excessive physical the nest. Sometimes they are continue after release, with fry drain on the female, with gill fertilized returning to the mouth or being strain a serious danger in mouthbrooders.

Courtship may be stormy. A pair of Nandopsis octofasciatus Qack Dempseys) mouthfighting.

Most cichlids can be induced to Plants can be protected by breed in captivity (some need planting in pots, or between rocks little persuasion), but it must be and/or pebbles; or omitted. understood that in some species Equipment can be fixed in place, there is a downside to their and heavy, immovable, decor breeding behaviour. This has used. The environment should be given the entire family an often tailored to natural behaviour - you

undeserved reputation for being will never achieve the reverse! Substrate spawners such as difficult, destructive, aggressive, A fish which needs to hold a Amphilophus citrinellus often dig and so on. The worst problems private territory to attract a mate nursery pits. can be avoided by understanding (mouthbrooders) or raise a family the reasons for their actions and (substrate brooders) will quite taking their behavioural (as well as justifiably regard tankmates as physical) needs into account. competitors, intruders, or potential Digging is a natural and fry-predators, and do its best to instinctive part of cichlid behav- eliminate such threats. Even if the iour, and attempts to curb it, for aquarist is aware of the need for example by having no substrate, an exclusive territory, he rarely

are cruel. "Aquascaping", some- comprehends the amount of space times with uprooting of plants, is required by substrate brooders. Mouthbrooders dig too, some building huge crater nests. often a necessary preliminary to Although some small species are breeding - the construction of content, in nature as well as a 120 x 40 cm (48 x 15 in) nursery pits or nests. Large cich- captivity, with an area 30-40 cm aquarium, they draw the line at lids may try to remove intrusive (12-15 in) in diameter, many sharing it. So, although many decor and equipment by brute others occupy an area the size of a species can be included in general force - and worse still, succeed! In good-sized room in the wild, and or cichlid communities, it must be general, the larger the species, the while they are obliging enough to accepted that some need their own greater the extent, and likelihood, make do with aquarium. 10 of disruption. Sometimes the hostility of the territorial male extends to the female. In nature a female can simply swim away from a male when she does not wish to breed. To stay is to indicate interest. In the aquarium she cannot swim away, the male assumes she wants to breed, and when she rejects his courtship he attacks her like any intruder -but she has nowhere to go, and may be killed. So, unless the tank is rather longer than natural territorial diameter, care Occasionally even Apistogrammas have to be "contained" with a divider. must be exercised with sexually mature adults; the problem can their young. In the wild fry grad- towards conspecifics, as they are often be solved by using a clear ually wander further and further the chief competitors for suitable divider to separate them until the afield until eventually they habitat, mates, and breeding female responds to the male's become independent. Often there space. Next come other cichlids, display. is not room for this to happen in especially those of similar size and Where aggression between the the aquarium; the parents tolerate appearance - often members of sexes is likely, or absence of sexual the youngsters until either the the same genus-. Non-cichlids are dimorphism makes sexing latter grow large enough to often a threat only to the brood, impossible, it is best to grow on represent competition, or the urge but not to the chance to breed, six to eight juveniles together and to breed again renders them a and are ignored if they keep their let them pair naturally. This potential threat to the intended distance. makes for greater compatibility. brood. Fry must be removed Care must be exercised in "Spare" fishes can be rehomed. before this stage if they are to be introducing new fishes to any tank Even with a compatible and grown on. in which a cichlid holds territory; bonded pair, perhaps with eggs or With arena-breeding mouth- again conspecifics and similar fry, the male may suddenly turn brooders, where territory is not species are most likely to fare on the female if they are alone in needed for fry-guarding, territori- badly. "New" fishes include the aquarium. His prime instinct ality can be turned on itself by former residents which have been is to defend his territory and crowding, so no male can claim a absent for -a period - for example family against intruders, but if significant area except when his while brooding. They will have there are no actual enemies to motivation peaks in the presence become strangers and have lost repel, this may be turned upon the of a "ripe" female. Often these their position in the tank only suitably sized fish available - fishes cannot be kept alone in hierarchy. the female. This can be avoided single pairs as the male then By now you must be wondering by placing the tank adjacent to one harasses the female to death in his if cichlids are worth the hassle, but containing fishes large enough to attempts to persuade her to this doubt will evaporate the first pose a threat, or by partitioning spawn; again her presence implies time you see a pair with young, or off part of the breeding tank with willingness. In the crowded watch a mouthbrooder release her a clear divider to accommodate a mouthbrooder community, fry. Many a confirmed fish-hating "target fish". Target fishes must, however, males have plenty of partner has softened at the sight! however, always have adequate distractions and females can Moreover many species can be living space, and never be exposed "hide" among the other fishes. kept and bred without problem in to actual aggressive contact. Such an aquarium is a hive of a general community. We trust, The novice cichlid breeder is activity, and it is generally best to however, it is quite clear that you often devastated when hitherto •: - move brooding females to must always research behaviour as :'ve parents suddenly eat individual small brooding tanks well as environmental until fry release. requirements before making any Territoriality is usually greatest purchase. GROUPS OF CICHLIDS A Paraiheraps fenestratus female. This attractive herbivore is not yet as widely available as the popular P. synspilum Central American Cichlids (Quetzal cichlid). Archocentrus, This group comprises several Neetroplus, and Herotilapia (7.5- genera closely related to the South 18 cm/3-7 in) are omnivorous cave American genus Cichlasoma, and brooders, feeding on invertebrates assigned to it until recently. The and some vegetable matter. Apart earlier name, and also Heros, is from Herotilapia and Archocentrus still commonly used. Their centrarchus, they tend to be very belligerent for their size. distribution encompasses lakes, Thorichthys (10-15 cm/4-6 in) rivers, and streams •in not only Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, the ever breed in caves or other sheltered Central America but also the popular "convict cichlid", is small sites (for example, between rocks, southern United States and some but highly territorial, probably or beneath overhangs) and are Caribbean islands. The water in because of heavy competition for insectivores. these regions is normally hard and breeding sites in the wild. Chuco, Copora, Paraneetroplus, alkaline (pH 7.5-8.0), and still or Tomocichla, and Theraps (13-30 with a slow to moderate flow. The cm/5-12 in) are also cave brood- maintenance/breeding temperature ers, but occur in faster-flowing is 24-27°C (75-80°F). water than other Central All are monogamous, seasonal Americans. They require a rocky substrate brooders, with a fairly habitat. Paraneetroplus are herbiv- large territorial requirement - a orous and the others largely diameter roughly 5 to 10 times insectivorous. Copora nicaraguensis adult male length. Many are Copora nicaraguensis is relatively is unusual for a substrate spawner highly competitive, and only the peaceful, and aspects of its breeding in that its eggs are non-adhesive, smallest species are suitable for a behaviour are unique among Central laid in a pit, and taken into the Americans. Shown here is a female. Central American community, and mouth for cleaning. then only in a large (120 cm/48 in) Herichthys, Paratheraps, and tank. NONE IS SUITABLE FOR Vieja (20-35 cm/8-14 in) are THE GENERAL COMMUNITY. herbivorous open brooders, gen- They should never be mixed with erally with little sexual dimor- their Amazonian cousins, whose phism. Although peaceful in temperament and water require- relation to their size, they require ments are completely different, spacious (minimum 120 x 50 though some can be housed with cm/48 x 18 in) private breeding some cichlids from hard water quarters.Amphilophus (20-30 areas of north-west South America. cm/8-12 in) are bottom-sifting Digging is often frequent and omnivores. Some of these open extensive. brooders are extremely intolerant Males are usually larger than of con-specifics or similar-looking females and have longer finnage; con-generics, and males may be a one sex may be more colourful serious threat to females. than the other. Ideally pairs should Nandopsis and Petenia (15-75 be given their own quarters, at cm/6-30 in), the "guapotes", are least for breeding, with 80 cm (30 open-brooding predators with in) the minimum tank length for piscivorous tendencies. They are Thorichthys pasionis, like its better solitary except when breeding, and the smallest species. The males of known cousin Th. meefei (the fire- some large species may represent a mouth), has "eye-spots" on its gill- are therefore intolerant of other serious danger to the females. covers, which, when the latter are fishes. Bonded pairs, however, are flared, make it look like a much often highly tolerant of each other, larger fish. and will unite to exterminate any competition.

Medium/large South American Cichlids Most of these are found in the Amazon and Paraguay river sys- tems, as well as rivers in the Guianas, with water chemistry generally soft, and pH ranging from extremely acid (pH<5.0) to slightly alkaline. Soft slightly acid water is a good starting point. Although several species have been acclimated to hard water, the correct conditions are normally required for breeding. Maintenance temperature is 26- Aequidens sp. cf. rivulatus (the green terror) comes from north-west South America, where the water is harder and more alkaline than in the Amazon system. Its 27°C (78-80°F). temperament is more like that of Central American cichlids. In these regions cichlids are not the dominant predators and are many species will often "pair" in from substrate spawning through rarely found in open water (where captivity in the absence of a male. biparental mouthbrooding to they would be easy prey for other Digging and bottom sifting are advanced arena-breeding maternal fishes, birds, and reptiles) ; instead common (except in Symphysodon, mouthbrooding. They are found they occupy the margins of Pterophyllum, and Mesonauta), and throughout tropical South permanent bodies of water - lakes, plants may be disturbed. America. Most are bottom sifters rivers, and streams - where they A number of species originate and require a fine substrate. can shelter among overhanging in the harder, more alkaline waters Retroculus inhabit fast-flowing vegetation, roots, and fallen trees. of north-western South America, water. Because of the diversity of Some are found beneath floating where there is no significant the group, it will be necessary to islands of plant debris. Most prefer inundation and breeding territory research specific requirements. still or slow-moving water, and do is often at a premium. Species Heros ("severums"), Hypselecara not appreciate bright lighting. from this region are sometimes (chocolate cichlids), Mesonauta When the rains come the sur- more territorial; these are the only (festive cichlids), Hoplarchus rounding forest is flooded to a South American cichlids suitable (parrot cichlids, not to be confused depth of many metres, offering an for mixing with Central with "blood red parrots" which are immense area of additional Americans, and then only with probably of hybrid origin), and feeding and breeding territory. In caution. Uaru (triangle cichlids), are medium consequence most species breed Cichlasoma, Aequidens, to large (18-45 cm/7-18 in), rather seasonally and may require a series Bujurquina, and Krobia (the peaceful Amazonian cichlids, often of triggers (large water changes, "acaras") are small to medium- increased food supply, and raised sized (10-18 cm/4-7 in) omni- temperature) to induce breeding in vores. Bujurquina art primitive captivity. During the dry season a biparental mouthbrooders, the rest comparative shortage of habitat are substrate spawners, sometimes means that many live in shoals, so utilizing a cave. Some Aequidens terri-toriality is usually a problem come from the northwest and may only during breeding, and is then be aggressive. not excessive, as in the absence of Geophagus, Satanoperca, An unidentified member of the any need to fight for breeding Gymnogeophagus, Biotodoma, Geophagus surinamensis complex. This territory competitiveness has Acarichthys, Guianacara, and group was for a long time thought to be remained minimal. Sexual dimor- Retroculus, (the geophagines or a single species with both substrate phism is unusual, and females of spawning and mouth-brooding "eartheaters") (10-30 cm/4-12 in) populations, but is now known to are a highly variable group with include several species. breeding strategies ranging

Uaru amphiacanthoides fry, like those of Symphysodon (discus), feed on parental body mucus, but in this species the behaviour is not obligatory. Uaru fry eat anything, in quantity, and rapidly become "little bellies with fins". Adults are "gentle giants".

Astronotus ocellatus (the oscar), often purchased by beginners ignorant of its even when breeding provided the habits and eventual size, is a common cause of "multiple tank syndrome". tank is large (over 180 cm/72 in). Hews and Mesonauta are often sold "pair") so a group of fry should be discus, simply provide a well- as general community fishes, but grown on to obtain a pair. They planted Amazonian aquarium, their ultimate size (20-30 cm/8-12 are prone to become habituated to smallish peaceful tankmates, and in and 18-20 cm/7-8 in individual foods unless the diet is a varied diet including pond respectively) will mean a rethink varied, and to serious digestive foods. Discus fry initially feed - later on. Heros are partially upsets if fed an unsuitable diet (for exclusively on parental body vegetarian, and Uaru will denude a example large amounts of pellets). mucus and cannot be raised away planted aquarium overnight, as They are naturally piscivores, but from their parents. well as digging enthusiastically also relish insects and earthworms. Crenicichla (pike cichlids) is a (they are, however, great Pterophyllum (angels) are prob- highly variable genus, which is characters!). The others are ably the most popular cichlids, increasing in popularity now that omnivorous. All are open- and common members of the aquarists are realizing that pisci- brooding substrate spawners; general community. They are leaf- vorous does not necessarily mean Mesonauta spawn on the underside spawning substrate spawners, aggressive (though some species of floating vegetation/debris in the peaceful, easy to keep, and non- are). Size ranges from 7.5 to 60 wild, and, uniquely, lead their fry destructive. They may, however, cm (3 to 24 in), and habitat from from below rather than above.-All eat very small tankmates. They rapids to slow-moving forest but Uaru were formerly included in originate from the Amazon streams and still lakes. All are the genus Cichlasoma. system, as do their close relatives predators, most lurking under a Astronotus ocellatus (oscars) are Symphysodon (discus or pom- root or overhang until prey passes. large (up to 38 cm/15 in), padours), and both are commonly Juveniles and small species eat destructive, territorial, Amazonian found sympatrically. Nevertheless a invertebrates as well as fishes, but open brooders, and are extremely remarkable mythos has evolved the aquarist must be prepared to popular because of their character. regarding discus, implying that feed live fishes to wild adults, at They are best kept singly or as they are difficult fishes, something least initially. All are sexually pairs in a single-species tank in which is given the lie by their dimorphic substrate spawners. which everything but the gravel thriving in general communities THEY MUST NEVER BE has been rendered immovable. when placed there by the aquarist INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL (Minimum tank size 100 x 40 ignorant of their "special COMMUNITY or with other fishes cm/36 x 15 in for a single fish, requirements". In this one case we less than two-thirds their own size 120 x 40 cm/48 x 15 in for a pair.) suggest you avoid homework in (including each other!); they are They are totally unsexable (and the first instance, and if you want best avoided by beginners, and, females will to keep given their diversity, must be individually researched. South American Dwarfs (24 in) or 50 cm (18 in) aquaria. fishes, these peaceful non- These are small cichlids (up to 10 A "dwarf community" is possible, destructive cichlids can instead be cm/4 in) from still or slow-moving but as territorial requirements (38- housed in the general community. streams and pools in rainforests 50 cm/15-20 in diameter per pair, Males are often very competitive and savannahs east of the Andes; 25-30 cm/10-12 in per female in so one per species per tank is a their range, and consequently Apistogramma harems) would good rule. Fry of some species are general biotope conditions, restrict its population to a small tiny and may need infusorians as coincides to a large extent with number of small their first food. that of the larger species covered above. All are seasonal substrate brooders; most are strongly sexually dimorphic in size, coloration, and finnage, with the male the larger, showier fish. All are vulnerable to preda-tion on account of their size, and are nervous in captivity unless plenty of cover - plants, caves, bogwood - is provided and lighting is moderate. The use of "dither fishes" - shoals of small characins which help instil confidence that no predator is in the vicinity — is Apistogramma nijsseni, (the panda dwarf cichlid), is like most "Apistos", recommended. strongly sexually dimorphic. The male is much larger and blue. The jet black Soft, slightly acid (pH 6.5) water pelvic fins of maternal Apistogrammas are used to signal to the fry. is suitable for maintenance of all species, though some may require greater acidity for breeding. A few species have become acclimated to hard alkaline water, but high pH is best avoided. Water quality should be excellent and the temperature 25-28°C (77-82°F). A fine sub- strate should be used to permit the Each "wife" in an Apistogramma Apistogramma caves should have small minimal digging essential to harem occupies a small (30cm/12 in entrances. The male is not allowed to breeding in some species. All diameter) breeding territory, centred enter, and uses his tail to fan sperm in - species feed on invertebrates and on a cave, in the male's "super-terri- a low ceiling will ensure the eggs are "in relish pond foods when tory". Here two female A. cacatuoides range". After spawning, the female dispute an internal boundary. walls herself in until the fry are free- maintained in captivity. swimming. Apistogramma, Apisto-^zmmoides, Taeniacara, and • .innacara are cave brooders, the : rst of these often practising .;rem polygyny. Microgeophagus :.;pi/iochromis), Crenicara, ~- .jrossus, Laetacara, and '.dthracara (keyhole cichlids) e open brooders, utilizing : am The rainforests and savannahs of South Nannacara anomala is a rather neglected leaves or stones, always in America are vast, and Apistogrammas dwarf which breeds successfully in hard sheltered spot. Single mated : iirs tiny and secretive, so many species alkaline water. The colourless juveniles can be kept in 60 cm probably remain to be discovered. A. seen in dealers' tanks blossom into norberti (this is a male) is a recent attractive orange females (above) and discovery. turquoise males. East African Lake Cichlids Breeding may be continuous or The water of the East African lakes seasonal, depending on diet. For is generally hard and alkaline, reasons of space we can cover although actual conditions vary only the main groups here. from lake to lake. Lake Victoria is The best-known group of Lake only moderately hard with a Malawi cichlids is the Mbuna, neutral to slightly alkaline pH; which are found in close water clarity is poor and quality association with areas of rocky Labidochromis caeruleus is one of the unexceptional. Lake Malawi is shoreline, from which they rarely most peaceful of the Mbuna. It feeds on moderately hard (8-10 dH) and stray. The genera normally kept are invertebrates which it picks from the alkaline (pH 7.5-8); Lake Pseudotropheus, Labeotropheus, algae coating the rocks, as shown here. Tanganyika is harder (15-20 dH) Melanochromis, Labidochromis, The minimal black in the fins indicates and more alkaline (pH 8-8.5). Petrotilapia, lodotropheus, and that this is a female. The waters of these last two vast Cynotilapia (7.5-18 cm/3-7 in). "inland seas" are extremely clear They are highly competitive and and pure, and surface turnover by should be kept in a large (absolute waves produces a very high minimum 1 m/36 in) densely oxygen content. In captivity a populated community with huge temperature of 26-27°C (78-80°F) quantities of rockwork. Filtration is appropriate. and water-changing must be All three lakes contain a num- correspondingly efficient. ber of biotopes, the chief being The natural diet consists Pseudotropheus zebra occurs in several rocky shoreline, sandy shoreline largely of algae and the aquatic colour forms (morphs), some of which with Vallisneria beds, muddy river invertebrates living in it, plankton may prove to be separate species, and estuaries, and open water. Pelagic from the water column, and, in some of which are partially sex-linked. species from the last of these are some species, more bizarre items Most individuals of the white (W) generally predatory, and not such as the fins and scales of morph are female, but this is a male. normally maintained in aquaria. other cichlids. Diet and water Those from muddy bottoms are chemistry/quality require careful given a sandy substrate in the attention to avoid the condition aquarium for reasons of known as"Malawi bloat". cleanliness. Breeding is spontaneous, the Generally speaking, it is not only major problem being pre- good practice to mix cichlids mature death of females at the from different lakes unless one's hands of over-attentive males; this can largely be avoided if the set- knowledge and experience are Aulonocara sp. (sunshine peacock) from such as to permit sensible tem- up is as stipulated and two or Maleri Island, Lake Malawi. This species perament matching. Each lake more females per male are pro- lives at the interface between rocks and contains a number of discrete vided. Brooding females are best sand, using the former for shelter and groups of cichlids with morpho- removed to a brooding tank soon the latter for hunting invertebrates. logical and behavioural similarities, after spawning. plus numerous "individualists". Aulonocara (peacocks) (9-11cm/ Care'must likewise be exercised in 3V2-4V2 in) live on the periphery mixing such groups. of rocky areas and over open sand. Virtually all Lake Malawi and Males are highly coloured, but Lake Victoria cichlids are maternal females are drab olive. They have mouthbrooding haplochro-mines, enlarged sensory pores on the head which enable them to detect while Lake Tanganyika cichlids are thought to be of tilapiine ancestry, invertebrates in the substrate by a and include both substrate spawners form of sonar; they capture the Cyrtocara moorii (blue dolphin) is a popular "Malawi hap". and mouthbrooders of various types. prey by diving into the sand. Their aquarium should contain some rockwork and a rather aggressive on occasion. substrate of fine sand. They are These "haps" all require a large inoffensive cichlids whose females and fairly open set-up with some are rarely at any risk from males, rockwork. and should not be housed with the Lake Tanganyika offers a similar far more boisterous Mbuna who variety of biotopes, but here the will intimidate them. It is also chief occupants of the rocky zones unwise to mix peacocks of similar are small (4-15 cm/lV2-6 in) cave- The blotched pattern of Nimbochromis livingstonii simulates a decaying fish appearance as you will be unable spawning substrate brooders of the corpse. This predator lies on its side on to identify the different females, lamprologine genera Lamprologus, the sand, playing dead until prey and the males also seem to have Lepidio-lamprologus, approaches. difficulty - hybrids are not Neolamprologus, Altolamprologus, uncommon. Suitable tankmates Chalinochromis, Julidochromis, and are Lethrinops, which sift the Telmatochromis. They are mainly substrate for food, and members invertebrate feeders which require of the Utaka group. a rocky set-up similar to that for The latter consists of species of Mbuna, but this should not consist the genus Copadichromis (10-18 entirely of tufa, which is too rough cm/4-7 in), like many other to provide a suitable spawning Malawi cichlids formerly included substrate. Territorial requirements Julidochromis transcriptus is one of the in the genera Haplochromis and are generally fairly small, but must smaller "Julies"; like other members of Cyrtocara, both names being still be respected; for example, a 120 its genus it can (and does) swim both commonly used. (Haplochromis is cm (48 in) aquarium will house upside down and backwards, always now properly restricted to only three or four pairs of 5-7.5 with its belly towards the nearby rock Victorian cichlids, and Cyrtocara cm (2-3 in) fishes. Separate rock surface. to a single Malawian, C.moorii.) piles help to delimit territories. Utaka are relatively peaceful Alternatively, pairs can be given a zooplankton feeders and are found tank of their own (60-100 cm/24- over sandy substrates. 36 in, depending on size). One Other popular haplochro-mines cannot generalize regarding the include Cyrtocara moorii (20 cm/8 temperament and habits of these in), a rather peaceful invertebrate- fishes as one can with Mbuna, so feeder, commonly known as the any potential purchase must be blue dolphin; Dimidiochromis individually researched. It is, Altolamprologus can be shy until they compressiceps (20 cm/8 in), a however, unwise to house more have settled in, which may take months remarkable compressed cichlid than one pair of any species in a rather than days. The male A. which lurks in Vallisneria beds single tank, or to house them with compressiceps (above) is very much larger than the female, and the same is and preys mainly on small fishes look-alike congeners. true for other members of the genus. and insects, although it is said to Digging is normally minimal. eat the eyes of other fishes (hence Many species are what are termed the common name of "eye-biter". "trickle spawners" producing It rarely shows this tendency in frequent small broods. The fry captivity where rations are nor- from previous spawnings are mally good, and is in fact a rather allowed to remain in the breeding timid fish); and Nimbochromis territory until they reach (18-25 cm/7-10 in), cichlids with "competitive size" (usually just a blotched or spotted pattern over 2.5 cm/1 in), and guard their which feed on small fishes and younger siblings, often without Shown here is a Neolamprologus insects, and can be parental assistance. buescheri male guarding his fry, which have been brought out of the parental cave to forage.

In the wild Lamprologus signatus lives Tanganicodus irsacae, a goby cichlid Cyphotilapiafrontosa (and its mouth) is and breeds in tunnels which it exca- (below), with a pair of Ophthalmo- far too large for the community of vates in areas of muddy lake bottoms. tilapia ventralis (featherfins) (above). small rock-dwellers. Brooding females Luckily, it seems to be just as content "Gobies" are good fishes for the should be isolated - not because of to use shells instead in the aquarium. Tanganyikan community, but feather- harassment by the male, but because This is a male; females lack stripes and fin males rarely show their glorious he will eat the fry. are deeper-bodied. colours under such circumstances. Shell dwellers are small lam- instead of (not as well as) one of species have become extinct fol- prologines (chiefly Lamprologus the substrate-spawning species. lowing the introduction of the and Neolamprologus} which use the Ophthalmotilapia, Cyathopharynx, predatory Lates niloticus (Nile empty shells of Neoihauma snails and Cunningtonia (featherfins) are perch), and many of the survivors as shelter and breeding caves, and medium-size (15-20 cm/6-8 in) are endangered. Only a few must always be provided with maternal mouthbrooders, in which species are available to aquarists; suitable shells (for example those males have egg dummies on the some imported for the aquarium of edible snails, obtainable from tips of their much elongated pelvic trade are undescribed and often delicatessens). They are fins. They feed on small particles lack biotope data, though surplus invertebrate/zooplank-ton feeders. of anything and inhabit the stock from captive breeding Territorial requirements are margins of rocky zones where programmes (for example in zoos) normally small, and a pair (or they build crater nests of sand, is generally better documented. small group for colonial species) sometimes on rocks. They are Most of the available species are can be accommodated in a 60 cm best kept as a single-species group Haplo-criromis, with (24 in) tank or as a non- consisting of a large male, one or Astatoreochromis also represented. competing addition to the rock- more smaller males, and five or The aquarist lucky enough to dweller aquarium. Different more females, in a large (minimum obtain these cichlids has a species have different habits and 150 cm/60 in) aquarium. responsibility to try to breed should always be researched. Tropheus and Petrochromis are them, and there is some liaison Cyprichromis and Paracypri- maternal mouthbrooders and the between hobbyists and scientific chromis (7.5-10 cm/3-4 in) are Tanganyikan analogues of Mbuna, institutions to this end. Each peaceful plankton-feeding maternal with similar habits and species must be researched where mouthbrooders which live and requirements. It is best not to possible, otherwise maintenance spawn in open water near rocks. A .keep them with the substrate- and breeding are a matter of small shoal is ideal for tenanting spawners, except in small numbers careful trial and error. Because the otherwise empty upper regions in very large tanks, as their water clarity in Lake Victoria tends of the rock- or shell-dweller tank. boisterous activity can intimidate. to be poor, these cichlids can be Eretmodus, Spathodus, and Cyphotilapiafrontosa, another rock- very timid when exposed to Tanganicodus (goby cichlids) are dwelling mouth-brooder, grows aquarium conditions (clear water, small (7.5-10 cm/3-4 in), rather larger (25 cm/10 in) than bright lighting); this can biparental mouthbrooders which most aquarists realize, and, sometimes be remedied by inhabit the surf zone where waves although peaceful for its size, eats keeping them in single-species break on rocky shores. They can be smaller fishes (for example small groups so that competition scrappy among themselves, but a rock dwellers) given the between males counters shyness. pair can be kept in the rock- opportunity. This may, however, be impossible dweller tank Many Lake Victoria cichlid with highly territorial species. African Cichlids Dwarf species of the genera v^.-icachromis, Nanochromis, manochromis, Limbochromis, cave brooders), Anomalo-mis (open brooder), and -ochromis (cave or open) are West African forest analogues ^outh American dwarfs, and require similar living conditions (and can share a tank), although in the wild Nanochromis is found in rocky habitats. Strong sexual dimorphism is again the norm, with females generally the smaller and more colourful, and often responsible for initiating courtship. Like their transatlantic cousins they are excellent community Pelvicachromis taeniatus "Nigeria" is one of several known geographical fishes, although they require populations (possibly distinct species). Like its close relative P. pulcher, this slightly more territory per pair. species is strongly sexually dimorphic: shown here is a male. Single pairs can be kept alone in 60 or 80 cm (24 or 30 in) tanks, except in the case of Nanochromis, where males are rather aggressive towards females except when breeding, so that two or three females per male and a 1 m (36 in) tank per group LS desirable. Chromidotilapia are sexually dimorphic pair-bonding mouth- A male Nanochromis nudiceps, a Teleogramma brichardi is easily sexed by brooders, with either or both recently imported species. A very sim- the broad white upper edge to the parents incubating depending on ilar, but quite obviously different, female's tail. At breeding time her secies. Although they can grow species, N. parilus, has been available bands disappear and her belly becomes 5 cm (6 in) they are rather r - v for some years under this name. a beautiful salmon-red. Despite its bottom-dwelling habits, this species is and peaceful and excellent munity Females of both species are much deeper-bodied, and, when ripe with an accomplished jumper and requires fishes despite their _ They eggs, look as if they have swallowed a an aquarium with a tight-ftting cover. require the same con-: ns as glass marble. conspecifics, and males hostile dwarfs. the fast-flowing water. Because of Steatocranus, Lamprologus (not :o towards females, this aggression the nature of the habitat, little is be confused with Lake Eanganyika seems to abate naturally once they known of natural behaviour; species), and Tdeo--Tirnma (rapids have become used to each other. If stomach contents indicate a diet cichlids) are . cichlids (7.5-15 necessary, use a clear divider of aquatic invertebrates. All are cm/3-6 ound in rapids in the Zaire during their first months in cave-brooding substrate spawn- :go) River and its tributaries. ~ captivity. Tank-bred specimens are ers. Water should be fairly soft and swim-bladders have atro-d. and the more amenable to company from slightly acid to neutral, with a resulting lack of ancy enables the outset. Several species, notably temperature of 26-27°C (78- S. casuarius, have proved suitable them to rest in 80°F). A high oxygen content is -eddies and behind rocks : for the general community. They desirable, but not strong currents - do not harm plants, rarely dig, are .tad of being swept away by remember these fishes prefer the peaceful towards non-cichlids, and calm spots in the torrent. Although breed readily even in hard alkaline wild individuals may be territorial water. towards Other African Cichlids Hemichromis (jewel cichlids) are monomorphic open-brooding substrate spawners, highly terri- torial, and with piscivorous ten- dencies. In the wild they occur in a variety of biotopes from western forests to Egyptian oases, and do well in fairly neutral water in captivity. A single pair per tank (minimum 1 m/36 in, well- planted) is the rule, and even then they may fight. The "tilapias" consist of four genera: Tilapia, Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Danakilia (the last not yet imported). They are found throughout Africa and into the Middle East, occurring in various water chemistries, including brackish, and are noted for their tolerance regarding water Hemichromis guttatus (the jewel cichlid) has diminished in popularity since chemistry and quality. They are the advent of equally colourful and less troublesome species. Like other medium to large fishes (20-35 Hemichromis it is a solitary predator by nature, and thus not a community species, although often sold as such. cm/8-14 in) with strongly herbivorous habits and prodigious digging abilities, and a tendency to medium to large, and most closely precocious breeding and the related to Tilapia. All five genera - production of huge broods. Thus, Paratilapia, Paretroplus, Oxylapia, while they are ideal for fish Ptychochromis, and farming for food, they have limited Ptychochromoides - are endemic to popularity in the aquarium. Madagascar and all are substrate Tilapia are substrate brooders; spawners. All are endangered in large males of some species can be the wild, but fortunately interest extremely belligerent, including Sarotherodon melanotheron is a recently in the aquarium hobby has led to towards females. Oreochromis are the collection of stock for captive arena-brooding maternal imported mouthbrooding "tilapia". The fish in the background is an breeding, and at least one species mouthbrooders. Males, however, unidentified substrate-spawning is now available in the aquarium represent no threat to females and Tilapia species. trade. It must be stressed that they are normally kept in pairs. anyone lucky enough to obtain Sarotherodon are mouth-brooders are maternal mouthbrooders, fairly any of these cichlids has a which pair and hold a breeding peaceful, and undemanding responsibility to provide optimal territory, and depending on species regarding diet, water chemistry and conditions and make every effort either or both parents may brood. quality, providing a low pH (<6.5) to breed them. They come from a Fluviatile haplochromines is avoided. Pseudocrenilabrus can variety of biotopes so research include Astatotilapia burtoni, be kept in a general community — into specific requirements is Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor they will chase each other but not essential. (Egyptian mouthbrooder) and P other fishes. A. burtoni can be kept philander, which are the only three with similar-sized lacustrine hap- Note: Members of the Asian cichlid species widely available. All lochromines (but not Mbuna). genus Etroplus (chromides) are Madagascar cichlids are dealt with in the chapter on brackish water fishes. Catfishes

Garfishes are arguably the most diverse of all fishes, in body form, lifestyle, size, and distribution. There are over 2000 different species, principally from tropical freshwaters, but also from temperate climes and marine Panaque nigrolineatus (royal plec) is a clumsy swimmer. It has three rows of bone waters. Indeed, catfishes are to be plates either side of its body which make the body fairly inflexible and therefore found in every continent and ocean swimming difficult. with the exception of the poles. With such diversity, only debris, leading to infection and will unlock it. The pectoral spines generalizations can be given in this possible death, therefore no cat- on many species are even more brief introduction, but this same fishes have scales. Instead, they complex, with the fin spine variety can also be the catalyst for are covered either in thick skin articulating on a ball joint which is a deeper interest on the part of with a copious covering of mucus, so close fitting that by twisting the the aquarist in this group of or with bony plates. spine the ball seizes in its fishes. Catfishes invariably have stout surrounding socket. Often catfishes are seen as pectoral and dorsal fin spines. In Those species whose bodies are quirky or a little unusual, more many species these fin spines can covered in bony plates do not have often than not due to their strange be locked. A characteristic that the flexibility of movement body shape, and are frequently provides several advantages: it required to permit prolonged accused of being poorly coloured. offers stability as the catfish rests swimming. Their actions when Mother Nature did not design her its pectoral fins on the substrate; seen in the aquarium seem catfishes as ostentatious locked spines enable the catfish to ungainly and laboured. This is commercial items. They were wedge itself into a crevice or most apparent in many of the designed to survive, and in that hollow; and with the fin spines South American loricariid cat- she was successful. fully erect it presents a predator fishes, for example Farlowella sp. Most catfishes are benthic, that with a bigger and more protected (twig catfishes, aptly named for is, they are found principally at the prey. The spines can also spell their resemblance to twigs). These bottom of the water column. Here problems for an unwary aquarist, herbivores spend most of their the water flow is at its slowest (the creating a hazard both to a net, as time grazing on algae, and their fastest currents are usually at the they become entangled, and to a body form allows them to blend water's surface) but turbulence is handler's hands. Do not under- into their natural forest creek greater. This is due to the drag of estimate the sharpness of many biotope, away from the eyes of the water over the substrate, catfish spines. Not only can the lurking predators. compounded by sunken debris tip be sharp, but the edges are such as fallen trees and rocks. often serrated, compounding any While this environment may seem wound inflicted. a little inhospitable, it does offer a The mechanisms used to lock variety of foods, and fewer these spines are ingenious, highly predators are to be found. engineered structures. The dorsal In these murky turbulent aters spine has a small locking bone just the catfish has to protect ".self in front of its base. Once the spine from environmental factors. Scales is erect and this locking pin is in would easily be dislodged 33 a fish place, only voluntary action by the The pungent fin spines of Astrodoras is buffeted against catfish asterifrons (star-gazing dorad) act as a deterrent to predators. Catfishes in the Aquarium All catfishes have barbels: whisker-like filaments surrounding the mouth. It is this feature, resembling feline whiskers, that has given the Siluriformes the common name of catfishes. There are great variations in the form and number of barbels, dependent on species. Most species have two Sorubim lima (shovel-nose catfish) uses Although Chaca sp. (the frogmouthed to four pairs of barbels, usually its long, sensitive barbels to detect catfish) has a placid nature, it is a fish filamentous, but sometimes prey. The maxillary barbels are used to to be wary of as it is a fearsome fringed with smaller branches as triangulate on its target, usually a live predator. It can be spotted lurking in the African Synodontis fish, before it lunges. This species amongst dense vegetation, patiently nigriventris (upside-down catfish), should be kept with fishes too large for waiting for any unsuspecting prey to it to eat. or built into large sucker-like lips. pass within reach. Irrespective of their form, the any circumstances, use builders' wide gape, enough to capture a barbels are highly sensitive taste sand as it has sharp particles and fish more than half its own size. organs, used in the search for compacts easily. With over 2000 species of food. Because some species sift As a general rule, long barbels, catfishes from which to choose, the substrate, careful selection of such as those found on Sorubim there is something for all tastes. gravel or sand must be considered, lima (shovel-nose catfish) are an Sizes can range from little more otherwise these delicate organs indication that these species may than 2 cm (3A in) to in excess of 2 may become abraded or cut. Fine prey on smaller fishes. A similar metres (6l/2 feet). While some sand, as used in filtration plants in assumption can be made regarding species are unsuited to the con- swimming pools, is ideal as it catfishes with large mouths. Chaca fines of all but the largest public does not affect the water bankanensis (frogmouthed catfish) aquarium, there are many that chemistry. Do not, under has very small barbels but an will flourish and breed in the extremely aquarist's tanks. All species of catfishes, even the few that swim in mid-water, require areas of seclusion where they can retreat to hide or rest. These can be provided by the use of bogwood or water-logged vine roots, as well as rockwork and dense planting. With any heavy aquarium structure, such as rocks, make sure it will not be demolished by the catfish under- mining the substrate as it sifts the gravel. Some early aquatic literature suggested that catfishes were mere scavengers, and so were ideal substitutes for a filter. However, nothing is further from the truth. Although catfishes forage for any food they can find, they do, like Although Synodontis sp. are commonly referred to as upside-down catfishes, all fishes, require proper relatively few species actually swim upside-down. Synodontis nigriventris nourishment. Without this they (upside-down catfish), however, is one that does. will languish and die. Corydoras, Brochis and Aspidoras These small, armoured catfishes are ideal inmates for the commu- nity tank, where they will swim in small groups in search of food. Corydoras, with over 100 different species from which to choose, are often the first cat-fishes to be kept. Dianema lon-gibarbis (porthole catfish) and Dianema urostriata (flagtailed cat) belong to the same family as the Corydoras, but grow to 14 cm (5l/2 in). They are placid fishes, and again are well suited to life in a furnished aquarium. Very One of the most beautiful species of Corydoras is C. barbatus. A mature male similar, though smaller than most has more vivid coloration, thickened fin spines, and cheek bristles. Corydoras, are the Aspidoras with only a dozen or so species. the catfish eats, giving it a taste mean low levels of dissolved oxy- Brochis, on the other hand, with of what is about to be ingested, gen in the tank: it seems to be a three species, are generally larger and allowing it to identify items reflex action irrespective of than Corydoras, about twice the to be discarded. necessity. A good indication of the size, but like the latter are peace- Corydoras and its relatives are condition of any of this group is ful. These catfishes are found often observed dashing to the the presence of a body sheen, throughout most regions of trop- water surface and back to the which is visible on all healthy ical South America, and are regu- bottom of the aquarium. The specimens. larly imported for the aquarium. reason is that this group is able to Brochis are larger than They have two rows of dermal survive in poorly oxygenated Corydoras, and distinguished by bone plates on each side of the waters by supplementing the dis- their longer-based dorsal fin: body, almost completely encasing solved oxygen extracted by the Corydoras have only 6 to 8 dorsal the fish. Two pairs of short barbels gills with atmospheric air. This is fin rays, whilst Brochis have from are well suited to sifting the gulped in as the fishes break the 10 to 17. The only species of the substrate for food; longer, more surface and stored in the hind gut, three to have been bred in small slender or more complex barbels which is highly vascularized. Here numbers is Brochis splendens would be quickly damaged or direct oxygen exchange into the (emerald catfish), the smallest abraded. These barbels form a bloodstream is undertaken. member of this genus, and the funnel into the mouth as Corydoras surfacing in this way in one most often offered for sale. the aquarium does not necessarily All these species are best kept

Dianema urostriata (flagtailed catfish) Corydoras sterbai (Sterba's Corydoras) It is essential to have mature and is easily distinguished from its near is a highly desirable and much sought- well-oxygenated water if you wish to relative D. longibarbis (porthole catfish) after fish. If you intend to breed them, maintain Corydoras in tiptop by its black- and white-striped caudal you must keep two males and one condition. Shown here is Corydoras fin. It likes a quiet aquarium with female. loxozonus. plenty of shelter. I in small groups of four to eight flat surface that has been cleaned specimens. They benefit from prior to spawning. This may be being one of the few catfishes on the plant leaves, or more active in the daytime, whereas often than not, on the side of the many other groups are nocturnal. aquarium. Whatever the anchor- Ideal foods for these catfishes are age point is, it will be in the small aquatic invertebrates such upper part of the water column, as Cyclops, Tubijex, and Daphnia, not on rocks or the substrate. Coydoras paleatus (the peppered cat- supplemented with commercial fish) is a popular catfish with begin- At this point it is recommend- flake or pelleted foods. Such a ners. If fed correctly, it is also one of ed that either the adult fishes or diet is recommended for condi- the easier Corydoras to breed. eggs be removed. The eggs can tioning the fishes for breeding. be removed using a razor blade or something similar, taking great Breeding Corydoras care to avoid damaging them, Sexing Corydoras is fairly easy. In and placed in a plastic sieve of adult specimens, the female has the type available from most

a fuller, more robust body com- aquarium shops. The sieve is pared to the more slender male. then suspended just below the This is more apparent when water surface. The water in the viewed from above. Many, Corydoras are shoaling fishes, and as sieve is constantly replenished by though not all, Corydoras show C. kaden (shown here) is no exception means of an air-operated sponge dimorphism in the ventral fin you should keep several specimens of filter, in order to ensure that the shape, with females exhibiting Corydoras, not necessarily, but prefer- eggs are always in well- fan-like finnage, and males with ably, of the same species in your tank. oxygenated water. They hatch spear-shaped ventral fins. The inducement to spawn, but if they within about 48 hours. easiest species with which to seem reluctant, gradually lower After absorbing their yolk sac start a breeding programme is the water level of the tank by 30 the young fry can be transferred Corydoras paleatus (peppered cat- to 40 per cent over five days. On to a small, unoccupied aquarium, fish). This species is also the the sixth day replace what has and fed newly hatched Anemia variety most commonly found in been removed with fresh water of (brine shrimp), and as they grow, a local aquarium dealer's tanks. a marginally lower temperature. offered Daphma and crumbled In order to breed Corydoras, it This is to imitate the natural flake foods. is recommended that they be environmental conditions of Once you have mastered one removed from the community Corydoras, who spawn at the of the commoner easy species tank into a small tank away from onset of the rainy season. such as Corydoras paleatus (the other species. Whilst Corydoras Often the males will excitedly peppered Corydoras) you can will spawn in the community follow the female around the tank move on to one of the more diffi- tank, there is always the proba- as she looks for a suitable cult species like Corydoras panda. bility of the eggs being eaten by spawning site; this is a good This fish was named on account other inmates. The breeding tank indication that spawning is to of its coloration: it looks a lot need be no larger than 10 litres commence shortly. One of the like a panda, with black eye (2'/2 gallons) capacity, with a males will then position himself patches on a light body. fine sandy base, and sparsely directly in front of the female in To breed this lovely creature decorated with one or two the classic T-formation. The two you will need to use a similar broad-leaved plants. Filtration of fishes will shudder while the set-up to that used for the pep- some kind is essential. Introduce female releases a small number of pered Corydoras, but include a the Corydoras at a ratio of two eggs which are clasped in her number of artificial mops on the males to each female. A trio is ventral fins (hence her expanded bottom and hanging from the preferable to six specimens in ventral finnage). The male simul- top. More often than not this size of aquarium. taneously releases sperm to fer- Corydoras panda will spawn into Often, if in breeding condi-I tilize the eggs. The female then one of these, rather than out in tion, they will require no places the adhesive eggs onto a the open. It is then an easy job to carefully pull the eggs off the Breeding Aspidoras has proven mop and hatch them in the same a little more difficult than breeding way as before. This species is not the commoner species of so prolific with only 20 or so eggs Corydoras, but it is on a par with produced each spawning, instead many of the wild-caught of up to 100 for the common Corydoras. The aquarium should species. It also tends to be be set up with soft water and a seasonal in its spawning habits, so mop suspended from a corner of no matter how carefully the fishes the tank. This should be posi- are conditioned no spawning tioned so that its top is just Brochis splendens (emerald catfish) is activity will take place until the beneath the water's surface. an impressive and attractive fish to correct time of the year - the onset Additional mops can be positioned keep. Healthy specimens will have a of the rainy season. on the bottom of the aquarium to greenish sheen over the body and the provide cover for the adults. It is barbels will show no signs of abrasion. Breeding Aspidoras best not to use a substrate in the Aspidoras are generally smaller than breeding tank. Corydoras, and although similar, Sexing Aspidoras can be differ from the latter in minor achieved in the same way as for anatomical characteristics of the Corydoras, but the differences in skull that are not superficially the finnage may be a little more apparent. Aquarium care is similar difficult to identify. When select- to that for Corydoras. ing potential breeders choose a female which has a nice plump body and a male which is active and showing good coloration. In Brochis britskii (Britski's Brochis) is a this case use only a single pair more recent import and can be hard to acclimatize to aquarium conditions. It is instead of the trio suggested for a fish for an experienced aquarist Corydoras. The breeding pair rather than a beginner. should be placed in the breeding aquarium and conditioned on A good spawning will produce plenty of live foods. in excess of 100 eggs. These hatch Aspidoras usually spawn during on the fourth day and the fry will Once you have successfully bred some the early hours of the morning be free-swimming a day or two of the Corydoras, Aspidoras before sunrise, so you are most after that. The fry will eat newly pauciradiatus could provide you with likely to find the eggs first thing in hatched brine shrimp as a first another challenge. Use a pair rather the morning. They are amber food, followed by other live and than a trio when attempting to spawn coloured and will most likely be them. commercial foods. If well fed the laid in the mop just under the babies will reach 3 cm (1V4 in) water's surface. The adult pair can long in only 10 weeks. now be removed to another The newborn fry look rather aquarium, together with the mops like small tadpoles, because their from the bottom of the breeding finnage has not yet developed tank. While the eggs will hatch if properly. The dorsal, adipose, anal, left in the mop, they will be more and caudal fins are joined together prone to fungus because of the into one long fin, which surrounds lack of water movement. It is far the rear half of the body. As they better to carefully remove the eggs grow this "super-fin" splits into from the mop and spread them four separate parts with the anal fin Juvenile Brochis splendens look so out on the aquarium bottom. different from the adults that, to the differentiating first, followed by untrained eye, they might be mistaken Using this method virtually 100 the dorsal and then the tiny for Corydoras and have often been sold per cent of the eggs will hatch. adipose fin. in the trade as sailfin Corydoras. Loricariids: the Sucker- mouthed Catfishes The loricariids, from South America, are a most disparate family of catfishes, in both shape and size. All exhibit an under- slung sucker mouth and most are herbivorous. The mouth is used to attach themselves to solid objects to avoid being carried away in the current, as they are particularly poor swimmers. The body is encased in body plates that develop from skin folds in the early fry stage, which in later life make swimming a difficult and laborious chore. Smaller varieties of loricariid make excellent show fishes in the Several small loricariids, such as the Otocinclus paulinus shown here, are community aquarium. The particularly well suited to the smaller community aquarium. This species likes soft, graceful, slender Farlowella (twig slightly acid water that is not too warm and has a high oxygen content. The fishes catfish) and Rindoricaria (whip- will often be seen resting near the return from a power filter. tailed cats) are particular Many species of Hypostomus can favourites, and always readily grow to in excess of 30 cm (12 in). available. Ancistrus, too, are fine Although these peaceful herbivores additions and prosper well in the are too large and cumbersome to be planted aquarium. Also highly housed in the planted community recommended are the Otocinclus aquarium, they are ideal catfishes for and Parotocindus catfishes which keeping with larger Central and T rarely exceed 3 cm (l /4 in). South American cichlids. Some of the larger Hypostomus are known to aestivate (a form of "hibernation") in For the larger aquarium, Hypostomus the absence of water; as their natural sp. (plecs) are popular and often sold water supplies evaporate in the dry as an alternative to Gyrinocheilus season, they burrow into holes in a aymonieri (algae eater). What most riverbank, cocooned in damp mud, people fail to realize, however, is just how quickly a small specimen can awaiting the return of the rains. outgrow its accommodation. Intermediate between these two size ranges are Panaque and Sturisoma, the former being too boisterous for the community tank, and the latter, although growing to around 20 cm (8 in), having the elegance to grace any planted aquarium. Panaque can also be a little quarrelsome j , , f • The prime requisites for keeping towards other members ol its _ . , ,. , « The eyes of Rineloricaria sp. have Parotocindus macuhcauda are a well- adapted to bright conditions. An own species, and even territorial, matured) furnished aquarium, an effi- omega-shaped lobe, which can be patrolling what it considers its cient filtration system, regular water raised or lowered at will, reduces the own area of the tank. changes, and plenty of green foods. amount of light entering the eye to prevent burning of the delicate retina.

Feeding Loricariids in the hand to break down the Care for all loricariids, particularly cellulose, prior to placing in the the smaller and intermediate size aquarium. Plant the leaves in the species, is similar. The majority substrate or weigh them down are herbivorous, and are useful in with a small rock attached with a ridding the tank of green algae. In rubber band, otherwise they will return for removing the algae they float out of reach of the sucker- replace it with abundant excreta, mouthed catfishes. Lettuce will which can in turn be beneficial to also distract the sucker-mouths plant growth. The amount of algae from broad-leaved plants, which Rineloricaria sp. (whiptails) can be growth in most aquaria will not, can be damaged by their constant sexed: males have thicker pectoral fin however, be enough to supply all rasping. When feeding lettuce, spines. Eggs may be laid on the glass make sure you are not feeding and it is possible to see the fry devel- their dietary needs, and will oping. When the eggs are ready to require supplementing with varieties that have been treated hatch the parents may mouth them prior commercially produced, vegetable- with chemicals. Spinach can also to the event. based flake foods. An alternative, be offered, but we have found that and one much appreciated, is to it breaks down fairly rapidly in feed them peas and lettuce. water, leading to filter blockage Frozen garden peas should be and water pollution. first placed in water hot enough to The addition of wood to the defrost them. Take each individual aquarium is most beneficial to pea and pinch it between thumb this group of catfishes. Some and forefinger so that the two species rasp the wood, creating inner halves are separated from their own hollows into which to the outer skin. The inner parts are retreat, therefore any wood used used and are quite a delicacy, must be unvarnished to avoid Of all the loricariids, Sturisoma relished by other species of fishes poisoning the fishes. Wood is panamense (regal whiptail) is possibly as well. almost essential if keeping one of the most popular. Their Another delicacy for loricariid Farlowdla, Sturisoma, and flamboyant finnage and size make them catfishes is lettuce, particularly the Rineloricaria, all of whom spend particularly suited to the large, well- most of the day resting on it in the planted community aquarium. The fish outer leaves, which should first be shown here is a juvenile. As they washed and gently crushed mid-water level. mature the finnage and coloration improves.

It is not unusual for aquarists to keep and breed Rineloricaria sp. (whiptails) without identifying the species. Breeding Loricariids amongst themselves, and the A number of the smaller species number kept, especially for can be bred in captivity. A good breeding purposes, should be starting point is the Ancistrus. The restricted to one pair. Breeding aptly named bristlenosed catfishes can be undertaken in the com- can be readily sexed as adults: munity tank, which is certainly males have a display of tentacle- easier than isolating them in spe- like growths on top of and around cially prepared conditions. They the snout, hence their common will determine the spawning site, name. Females also have similar usually a hollow in the base of a Ancistrus temminckii (bristlenose) -the but smaller growths confined to piece of bogwood. If the hollow is fish above is a male - is often purchased the edge of the snout. Ancistrus not the right size it will be en- to rid a tank of algae. But when this is also have interopercular spines on larged by rasping. depleted feed your bristlenose plenty of the side of the head, near the base The amber-coloured eggs are vegetable foods or it will eat your plants. of the pectoral fin spine. These are attached to the walls of the hollow particularly large in males and are and guarded by the parents from erectile. They are used in territorial predation by other fishes. After disputes between adults. Adults can about three days the fry emerge. be mildly territorial Their bright amber yolk sacs make them conspicuous to other fishes, so parental care is continued until the sac disappears and the fry have developed a mottled colour pattern to aid concealment. When they are ten days old the fry will Some loricariids have very ornate venture into the wider world and barbels such as those seen on this the parents relinquish their Pseudohemiodon laticeps. One of the protection. Often the first sign of largest whiptails, they are quite difficult any breeding activity is when the to keep, being very particular about Ancistrus temminckii (bristlenose) breed ten-day-old fry emerge into the water quality. They need a fine sand substrate so that their delicate barbels with little help from the aquar-ist, tank. are not damaged. provided you have a pair. The first Lettuce leaves, as described indication that they have bred will be the above, make ideal fry food. One Some whiptail catfishes, such as emergence of their fry. These 10 day-old fry are quite gregarious. lettuce leaf can support about two the male of another giant species, dozen juveniles for a day. Loricariichthys, cany their eggs in a Rindoricaria and related genera mass attached to their lips. (whiptailed catfishes) are also These last two species are only fairly straightforward to both keep rarely imported; most of the and breed. They have slender species available grow to less than bodies and are often found 15 cm (6 in) in length, and are well attached to wood, rocks, and suited to life in the planted broad-leaved plants. The mouth aquarium. In many ways their structure and barbels on these habits, requirements, and breeding catfishes vary from species to are similar to those of Sturisoma A brood of young Ancistrus temminckii species, but essentially they all (regal whiptails) and Farlowella. In (bristlenose) will strip a large lettuce have large sucker mouths with all cases, clean water with a leaf down to the ribs in half a day, so be patches of fine rasping teeth, moderately fast flow is essential sure you have a constant supply of fresh usually with simple (unbranch-ed) and can be provided by a power leaves. At three weeks old the fry are barbels. Some species, such as filter. Feeding is the same as for beginning to be more independent. Pseudohemiodon laticeps, a veritable Ancistrus, that is, a principally giant of a whiptail, have a delicate vegetable diet. array of branched barbels. Sex can be determined as males of dirt, are constantly removed by a certain species, particularly parent to avoid contamination of Sturisoma, but also some species the healthy eggs. They also fan the of Rindoricaria and Farlowella, eggs with their ventral fins, and develop cheek bristles. In several this gentle current of water helps Rindoricaria species sex can be wash away debris as well as determined by studying the pec- oxygenating the eggs. When they toral fins: those with fins that have hatched, the fry, which look incline downward along the back like miniature replicas of their edge are female; while the male's parents, should be fed a vegetable- pectoral fin slopes upward. based diet, especially soft lettuce They select their own mates, leaves. often for life. Spawning activity Despite their small size, which starts with the male cleaning a makes them well suited to life in suitable flat surface. This will the furnished community tank, often be the aquarium glass, usu- particularly one well planted, ally at the back of the tank where Otodndus and the similar Scientists have reclassified this species, there is less activity. Once the site Parotodndus are rarely, if ever, bred formerly Peckoltia (clown plec) as is cleaned to the satisfaction of the in captivity. As with the previous Panaaue maccus. This territorial species male he entices the female to it. species, moderate water needs space. She lays the adhesive eggs in a movement, with reasonably high spawnings of these, but surely mass on the clean breeding site, levels of dissolved oxygen, is success will come with time. It is and the male follows over the eggs recommended. mainly a matter of discovering the in order to fertilize them. Other species of loricariid to trigger. Some species of Peckoltia Generally it is the male who look for are those of the genus exhibit particularly striking colours. remains to guard the eggs, but in Peckoltia, of similar shape to Similar to Peckoltia is some species both parents may Andstrus, except that they lack the Hypancistrus zebra. Only recently undertake the task. Infertile eggs, bristles on the snout. There are no discovered, this catfish is very and eggs that accumulate reports of aquarium vivid in its livery of ivory white body with wide black bands. Unfortunately, the law of supply and demand often makes these fishes a little expensive, though usually as demand drops after the initial introduction in the trade, so too does the price. Many new species of loricari-ids have been discovered in recent years, so many in fact that ichthyologists (scientists who study fishes) have a back-log of species to name and describe. These newly discovered fishes are given code numbers initially, just as a point of reference. For instance, Hypancistrus zebra was at first known simply as L46 before it was given its scientific description - a pretty ignoble name for such an attractive and impressive fish. If you have a healthy bank balance then this fish is for you. Hypancistrus zebra still commands a high price, which is unfortunate as few aquarists can afford to purchase several specimens in order to try and breed them. The Banjos Feeding Banjos enough to be eaten without any Dysichthys (banjo cats) belong to Feeding is straightforward, as effort expended in chasing. Only a the South American family anything is accepted, particularly few, vague reports exist of Aspredinidae. They live in the thoroughly washed Tubifex worms. breeding in captivity. Most of leaf litter found in shallow forest They are not aggressive, and eat these suggest that a depression is waters, where their resemblance only very small fry, and then only made in the substrate in which the to dead leaves helps to conceal if one passes close eggs are laid and protected. them. These small fishes (less than 12 cm/43A in) are often available to the aquarist, and are at home in the furnished aquari- um, where they burrow into the substrate leaving just their eyes showing. Although rarely active, the sight of a few of them rising from the sandy substrate when food is offered is appealing.

Right: Dysichthys sp. (banjos) are inoffensive and reclusive. Mainly active at twilight, they venture out to feed on worms and other small invertebrates.

Below: A substrate with wood and leaf litter allows them to hide and forage.

Doradids: the Talking Catfishes Doradids are usually called talking catfishes due to the noise they can make, but they are not the only catfishes to employ noise as a form of communication. Doradids achieve this in two main ways. One method is to stridulate the pectoral fin joint by partially locking it while moving the fin spine. This movement need not be great to make a lot of noise. Another is the so-called "elastic Amblydoras hancocki (Hancock's talking catfish) is a small, inoffensive dorad. It spring mechanism", a muscle that is quite at home in a community of medium-sized fishes. links the anterior of the swim- bladder to the rear of the skull. hand, but even this is not without have been bred in captivity. This muscle is rapidly contracted problems, the main one being the Possibly the most common and relaxed causing the air-filled serrated pectoral spine, which can species encountered is Amblydoras swim-bladder to resonate. The easily trap unwary fingers between hancocki (Hancock's talking sounds are used in a variety of it and the thorned plates on the catfish), a relatively small (about ways. They are often heard as the body — a lesson once learnt, 10 cm/4 in) doradid that is fish is being caught at the dealers, never forgotten. The trick is to peaceful, though it should not be and again as it is transferred to grasp the caudal peduncle in one trusted with fry-sized fishes. It is your tank. Noise is also used to hand while supporting the body principally an insectivore, with a locate conspecifics in the vastness with the flattened palm of the preference for chironomid larvae of their South American waters. other (ensuring stray fingers are (bloodworm) and Tubifex, but Sound travels further in water than well away from the "pinch zone"). accepts commercially produced in air. This method works well with the pelleted foods. A particular characteristic of larger doradids (some, for instance They are best kept in small the doradids is the single row of Megalodoras irwini, reach more groups of three or four, and spend plates down each side, each sup- than 60 cm (24 in)), as well as the most of the daytime hours porting at least one backward- smaller species. hidden, so provide wood or projecting thorn. These are used There are about 80 different rockwork, preferably the former, for protection, and make handling doradids of various sizes, some with lots of nooks and crannies in a little difficult. The use of nets is too big for all but large display which they can hide. Another not recommended as the fish aquaria. There are, however, a good addition to the tank is becomes entangled, and the net selection of small doradids suitable waterlogged dead beech and oak then has to be carefully cut free. for some home aquaria. Few leaves. With this litter overlying They are best moved by the substrate Amblydoras will be

Newly imported specimens of Astrodoras asterifrons (stargazing Agamyxis pectinifrons is a greedy fiatydoras costatus (humbug catfish) dorad) is a rare import. This placid, feeder and it is not unusual for it to require small, regular feeds to settle thorny little character adapts well to gorge itself until it looks as though it them in and build up their strength. aquarium life. has swallowed a golf ball. seen more often during the day, burrowing under the leaves in search of food. None of the doradids are active predators, but many grow large and may eat smaller tank-mates. The relatively small Platydoras costatus (white-lined dorad) can grow to 15 cm (6 in) and will eat small fishes if given the opportunity. Agamyxis pectinifrons Although it has the potential to grow into a large fish, Megalodoras irwini (spotted dorad), if allowed to, will causes few or no problems once it has settled in an aquarium. gorge itself to such an extent that it appears to have swallowed a golf ball. Both these species are rarely seen during daylight hours. Megalodoras irwini and Pseudodoras niger are both giants, and are usually expensive, even as juveniles. As they grow large, a correspondingly large aquarium should be planned. Megalodoras irwini is often slow-growing, and can be slow to acclimatize. It may Opsodoras stubeli uses its fimbriated barbels to sweep the substrate in search of not eat for a week or so after being food. It is especially fond of small worms and crustaceans. introduced to the tank, but seems Pseudodoras niger can grow to in the same tank as 50 cm (20 in) none the worst for wear after 70 cm (28 inches) or longer, but specimens with impunity. They fasting. Young specimens are even at this size they are "gentle are best kept in twos or threes reputed to eat snails, but pelleted giants". Obviously they are rather than in isolation. They will food is accepted. Beware, M. unsuited to the community tank, happily accept pelleted foods. irwini can grow to over 60 cm (24 mainly because of the damage Although they take quite a long in), and at this size demands on they would wreak on plants as time to grow, the wait is more filtration can be high. they moved around. Small live- than compensated for by their bearers (mollies) have been kept longevity.

Although this fish will grow in excess of 70 cm (28 in), even in an aquarium, Pseudodoras niger is really a "gentle giant". The Glass Catfish Upside-down Catfishes Kryptopterus bicirrhus (Asian glass Some species of the family catfish), is unusual in a number of Mochokidae are often referred to ways. As its name implies, it is as "upside-down cats" because transparent and some internal they swim inverted. While many organs and the skeleton can be of the mochokids can swim in this seen. It is also one of the few way, less than half a dozen of the catfishes that is not benthic hundred or more species do so Synodontis multipunctatus (cuckoo (bottom-dwelling), remaining in regularly. The advantage of catfish) lays its eggs near oral- mid-water. The body is com- swimming inverted is the ability incubating cichlids which then look pressed, similar to most other to catch insects on the water surface, after them - hence "cuckoo catfish". pelagic fishes, rather than as the mouth is on the underside of depressed. They are shoaling cat- the head, and one species, fishes that must be kept in small Synodontis nigriventris, also takes in groups, not individually, otherwise atmospheric oxygen. they will not feed. At rest, One of the species that stays Kryptopterus remain in mid-water upside-down on a long-term basis at a slight angle, head uppermost, is Synodontis nigriventris. One of but when swimming the body is the smallest members of this horizontal. Water conditions are the family, growing to around 5 cm (2 key to their viability. The water in), it is peaceful enough for the Hemisynodontis membranaceous should be crystal clear, well community tank, but is best kept (moustache catfish) uses its membra- oxygenated, moderately fast in small groups. Provide an nous barbels to search for food. flowing, and not too alkaline. Most overhang such as a rocky cavern, furnished with rocks providing planted aquaria are ideal for or better still a piece of wood with many hiding places is required. keeping glass catfishes. Flake foods the overhang near the water Two adults in a confined tank may are acceptable, but should be surface. Here they will rest indulge in territorial battles, but in supplemented with Daphnia, inverted, and be visible during the the larger aquarium this does not Cyclops, and/or freshly hatched day. Most of their feeding activity normally happen. mosquito larvae. occurs at dusk. Small surface- For those who wish to include a dwelling invertebrates such as catfish in their Tanganyikan or mosquito larvae and pupae are Malawian cichlid collection, a recommended, though flake food good choice would be Synodontis is also accepted. They have not multipunctatus (cuckoo catfish). been bred in captivity. The common name is derived Most of the other mochokids from their breeding strategy: the grow larger, to over 20 cm (8 in), eggs are released near oral-

and can be too boisterous for incubating cichlids such as Kryptopterus bicirrhus (Asian glass most planted community tanks. Tropheus duboisi when they are catfish) should be kept in small shoals as There are, however, some species breeding, and the eggs of both they often refuse to feed and become worthy of consideration. One of reclusive if kept alone. species are picked up and cared these is Synodontis angelicus for by the cichlid. Even as newly (angelic catfish). Its distinctive hatched fry, the Synodontis are coloration and markings make it a cared for in the mouths of the much sought-after species. Rarely cichlids. Water conditions need to do two specimens have similar be similar to those for markings. Some are spotted, others Tanganyikan/Malawian cichlids show light, reticulated bands, with (alkaline), and the tank furnished all kinds of patterns in between. with rockwork. Many Synodontis, Synodontis angelicus (angelic catfish) They can grow up to 20 cm (8 in). including this one, are sexable. can be quarrelsome, so keep two of An aquarium Males have a short genital papilla them only if space permits. near the vent. Other Catfishes of General difficult to handle owing to their For those with an appetite for Interest sharply pointed dorsal and pec- adventure, how about With over 2000 species from toral fin spines. If these puncture Malapterurus electricus (African which to choose, only a very small your skin the mucus of the fish electric catfish). Adult specimens, selection can be described here. can cause mild blood poisoning, which grow to 40 cm (16 in), can Other species to look out for are which can be quite painful for an generate a discharge of up to 200 Pimelodus pictus (angelic pirn), hour or two. volts. The electricity is developed often sold as a community The family Pimelodidae, of in a biological battery composed aquarium catfish, with a striking which P. pictus is an example, of modified muscle which silvery body and black markings. includes large carnivorous cat- surrounds the body, from just This South American naked catfish fishes such as Sorubim lima behind the head to the base of the grows to about 14 cm (5V2 in), (shovel-nose), a sleek fish with a tail. The fish uses this discharge to and is fairly active during the day. flattened snout, wide mouth and stun prey and for defence. Adult specimens may eat very long barbels. As an adult can grow Afterwards it takes about 10 to 15 small fishes, but juveniles are to 50 cm (20 in), only juvenile minutes to recharge. It is a usually harmless. They can, like specimens are suited to the sedentary fish, rarely moving from many catfishes, be extremely domestic aquarium. An even its chosen lair. Needless to say, it bigger species is Phractocephalus is unwise to keep it with other hemioHopterus (red-tailed catfish), fishes, and special handling is growing to 1 metre (3 feet). In required. recent years small (5 cm/2 in) From the above examples it specimens have been offered for would seem that catfishes need to sale, a practice that has led to be avoided, but this is far from public aquaria being swamped the truth. There are many other with offers of sub-adults as the species that offer grace or fishes outgrow their owners' tanks. curiosity, and are well suited to To keep any large animal, be it a life in the community aquarium. A midwater swimming, shoaling fish, dog, horse, or whatever, is a Eutropiellus debauwi (African catfish, many people make the mistake commitment that cannot be shirked. debauwi cat) is very much at of buying only one or two specimens of Always, no matter what fish you home in this kind of habitat. With Eutropiellus buffei (African debauwi cat) are buying, make yourself familiar an undemanding diet and best with the result that they quickly pine with its demands and satisfy them. kept in shoals, they make away. excellent additions to the tank.

Although it is a beautifully coloured fish, consider keeping Phractocephalus hemioHopterus (red-tailed catfish) only if you can provide it with suitably large accommodation and life-support systems. Cypriniformes

The Cypriniformes are a large cold water aquaria. In general, the "?UD and include some of the -. - easiest way of dealing with the - - :^ular aquarium fishes 5uch as Cypriniformes is to divide them barbs, rasboras, danios, loaches, into tropical and cold water the freshwater sharks (for want of vareties. The ever-popular Barbus titteya (cherry a better term), and the goldfish. barb) is now rare in the wild and Ichthyologists have TROPICAL CYPRINIFORMES virtually all aquarium stocks are • rfified over 2000 or so .-r-.^-.es. Barbs supplied from fish farms. Males are a but this has to be an African and Asian barbs have been deep cherry red when in breeding condition whereas females are .approximation because they are exploited by the aquarium trade red/brown. Males do not bicker with considered a taxonomic mine-.' for many years. Wild stocks of each other so keep a group of both Cypriniformes are native :r.:: some species such as Barbus sexes to see them at their best. ughout Africa, Europe, Asia, and titteya (cherry barb) from Sri Lanka the southern part of North are very low, but the species is still America, and have been intro- widely available in the hobby, due duced as sport and/or food fishes to captive breeding. The majority throughout the world. of the small barbs are bred by the Cypriniformes have a series of thousand in fish farms in the Far Sones linking the swim-bladder East, South Africa, eastern Europe, .._ :r.e inner ear, which gives them and Florida. Captive-bred fishes extremely sensitive hearing. This are easier to transport and not as assemblage is known as r^f sensitive to changes in water

Weberian Apparatus, and is :: conditions as wild fishes, and so resent in the characins . raciformes) are easier to acclimatize. Some fishes are bred commercially to and catfishes -ries). Cypriniformes Barbs are found in all bodies of enhance certain features as is the case water, from streams and rivers to with this Brachydanio frankei (leopard ...so develop tubercules on .... danio) which has been selectively bred neads and some parts of "-:"." lakes, and are shoaling fishes. to elongate its finnage. 3odies. This is especially :T species which live in • -•. lowing waters. These tuber-. - nave a hydrodynamic . \on, reducing the drag of water flowing over the During the breeding sea- 30G, mature males of some ^-ip- ries also develop tubercules r.eads and these may :: sexual function, perhaps :~v.":ating the female. Some «_»priiuiGrmes also make migrat-mj spawning runs and develop mbeicules at this time, so in the ": these fishes either reason " ~ 'v. or even a combina-_ _- -j:di. Many of the smaller :>axs are ideal for tropical or Although a large fish, Cydocheilichthys apogon is quite peaceful and may be kept with other, similar-natured fishes in a large community aquarium. Barbus tetrazona (tiger barb) has a When trying to breed Barbus "odessa" Keep Barbus cumingi (Cuming's barb) reputation for aggression. Keep a shoal (Odessa barb) make sure you have a in small shoals, because they will react of at least eight to prevent them compatible pair: males should be at with each other and form a focal point chivvying tankmates. least 18, females 12, months old. in the aquarium.

Applying this to the aquarium, If you wish to try something a Adults are silvery with a pink when purchasing fishes you little more delicate, then perhaps sheen over the body and a black should get a group of six to ten, Barbus barilioides (blue-barred spot just in front of the caudal more if you have room. A sparsely barb) is for you. Reaching 5 cm (2 peduncle. As some compensation planted aquarium is ideal as this in) at most, it is more demanding for this, male B. arulius and B. allows plenty of swimming space than most barbs as regards water filamentosus develop extensions to in the mid to lower levels. With conditions, requiring mature, soft, the dorsal fin rays as they mature. the exception of Barbus tetrazona slightly acid water but if you can For aquaria longer than a metre (tiger barb), most small barbs are provide this in your community (36 in) the choice has to be Barbus compatible with equal-sized fishes aquarium, and the other inmates schwanenfeldi (tinfoil barb). This in the community aquarium. Tiger are small and very peaceful, it is elegant fish grows to over 30 cm barbs are noted for their well worth trying six or seven of (12 in) long, but, unless you are quarrelsome nature, but even this these fishes. If kept in lower prepared to give it plenty of space, can be overcome provided they are numbers they are not happy, they is really only suited to public kept as a shoal of eight or more in cease feeding and hide away. aquaria. a large aquarium, when, as they For larger tanks (up to 1m/ Feeding barbs is simplicity are so busy chasing each other, 36in) some favourites are B. itself. They are true omnivores, they leave the other fishes alone. arulius (arulius barb), B. everetti but, given the choice, they do Only if kept in smaller numbers (clown barb), B. filamentosus prefer green foods and may nibble do they really cause any trouble. (black-spot or filament barb), and at your plants. They have a pair of With some of the medium- B. orphoides. Young specimens of barbels at the corner of their sized species, keep the aquarium these fishes are more colourful mouths which they use to help well covered as they may jump, than adults, for example, young B. detect food in the substrate. They especially if chasing around at filamentosus are coppery with dark do not have teeth in their mouths, feeding time. vertical bars, brilliant red on the but use pharyngeal teeth (situated For small aquaria (up to 60 dorsal and bright red tips to the in their throats) to crush food. cm/24 in) we recommend B. caudal fin. titteya (cherry barb), B. gelius (golden dwarf barb), B. cumingi (Cuming's barb), B. oligolepis (checker barb), B. conchonius (rosy barb), B.fasciatus (striped barb), B. "odessa" (Odessa barb), B. schuberti (golden barb), and B. ticto stoliczkae (Stoliczka's barb) which are all less than 7.5 cm (3 in) when fully grown and will live happily with small tetras, danios, and the smaller livebearers. Juvenile Barbus arulius (arulius barb) are often overlooked in dealers' tanks as they do not show their true colours and extended fins until later in life. Breeding Barbs to fend for themselves. In the In some species, for example B. community aquarium such a oligolepis, telling the sexes apart is bounty of food sends the other easy: in general, the males are occupants scurrying about in more highly coloured and slimmer search of eggs and the parents than females, but in others, for will even eat their own spawn. example B. schwanenfeldi, it takes Successful breeding can be one to know one because there are achieved in a specially prepared no external sexual characteristics. breeding aquarium so the eggs For movement in a large aquarium, Barbs are egg scatterers and are can be scattered over marbles, nothing is more impressive than a shoal of Barbus schwanenfeldi (tinfoil barb). among the easiest fishes to breed. through mesh, or in plants, and They make excellent companions for For the novice aquarist B. the parents removed before they large, sedentary catfishes. conchonius, B. oligolepis, and B. can consume the fry. schuberti are excellent fishes to try You will need plenty of live and spawn. Some deposit their food and a lot of space to raise eggs over gravel, others shed them the fry, as a single pair of B. con- through plants. A pair will break chonius, for example, will produce from the shoal and shimmy several hundred eggs. together in mid-water, shedding clouds of eggs and milt, or go Below top: Barbus oligolepis (checker barb) is one of the best barbs for the through the same procedure Purchase young Barbus filamentosus community aquarium. among thickets of fine-leaved (black-spot or filament barb) and grow them on yourself. Feed them on a plants. There is no parental care, Below bottom: Barbus schuberti (golden varied diet of live, frozen, and green the eggs being left barb) is a peaceful fish that will settle foods to get good specimens. in well in a community tank.

Male Barbus nigrofasciatus (ruby barb) are larger and more intensely coloured than females, especially when ready to spawn. Provide them with a well- planted aquarium and incude some floating plants to reduce the light level.

A timid fish, Barbus eugrammus (striped barb) likes soft, slightly acid warm water; it can be kept with other peaceful fishes. Danios Breeding Danios Danios are very similar to barbs Danios are prolific and very easy but are much slimmer-bodied. to breed. Males are slimmer and They are Asian fishes and are have more intense coloration than found in large shoals in fast- females, and often you can flowing waters. In the aquarium separate just a pair to do the job, they prefer the upper layers of the but, as the male drives the female water and may be seen cruising very hard, some people prefer to Brachydanio rerio (zebra danio) needs around all day. Most people buy to be kept in a shoal, with particular shoal spawn them. Set up your just a couple, but with only two attention being paid-to water quality if breeding aquarium with either much of the beauty is lost as the kept for any length of time. marbles over the bottom or some fishes have no others to display to. Java moss, so that the fishes can They are peaceful, ideal scatter their eggs, but cannot eat community fishes. them. No parental care is They are insectivores and their practised. As with the barbs, upturned mouth is ideally suited ensure that you have good to taking insects from the water supplies of small live foods, surface. Fortunately for us, they starting with infusoria and newly are not fussy about food and will hatched brine shrimp, ready for take flake and frozen foods Fed on a variety of small live and frozen the fry. Make sure the breeding without any hesitation. Bred by foods, Brachydanio albolineatus (pearl tank is well covered as the fishes the thousand in commercial fish danio) will display its best colours and can be so active that they leap may even breed. farms, albino and long-finned from the water. strains of Brachy-danio rerio (zebra danio) and Brachydanio albolineatus White Clouds (pearl danio) have been developed. A small fish that is often kept with These strains are not quite as danios, and has the same hardy as the wild type and require maintenance and feeding slightly higher temperatures. Both requirements, is Tanichthys zebra and pearl danios are small albonubes (white cloud mountain fishes, the pearl not exceeding 6 Danio aequipinnatus (giant danio), minnow), which is found in cm (2V4 in) and the zebra 5 cm (2 formerly known as Danio mala-baricus, streams in the White Cloud in). is an active shoaling fish which requires Mountains of China. A most Danio aequipinnatus (giant a spacious aquarium. accommodating little fish, it can danio) is larger, growing up to 10 be kept in cool conditions, (as low cm (4 in), and a truly magnificent as f 6°C/60°F), and some people fish for the larger community keep them outside in pools during aquarium. When they are well fed the summer. Fishes that have been with plenty of live foods such as kept outside have more colour mosquito larvae and bloodworm, than those kept in aquaria, and the blue/green background colour this may be due to the abundance on the body is overlaid with of natural foods, from insect golden yellow spots and bars. Tanichthys albonubes (white cloud larvae to algae. mountain minnow) is easy to keep and Tanichthys albonubes breeds in Right: Brachydanio rerio var./rankei breed, even in a small aquarium. the same way as the danios but (spotted or leopard danio) was formerly known as B. frankei and ignores its eggs, so, left mostly to thought to be a species in its own right their own devices in a well-planted but is how considered a variety of B. species aquarium or pool, they will rerio. There is also a long-finned form multiply rapidly. The white cloud of this fish. mountain minnow is probably one of the best egg-laying fishes a novice could try.

Rasboras rasbora, spotted rasbora), and R. takes about 30 hours for the eggs This group of fishes is one that is, trilineata (scissortail). to hatch and the tiny fry hang by and large, overlooked by most The majority of the rasboras from the water plants. Only when aquarists, and yet there are a fair can be kept in the community they are free-swimming should number of them in the trade. aquarium, but a few require a very small foods be offered. Inhabiting both still and running little more attention to water Both R. heteromorpha and R. water, large shoals can be seen conditions and are really suited hengeli place their eggs on the near the surface. They are found only to a species aquarium. One undersides of broad plant leaves - in southeast Asia and the Indo- such is the tiny R. maculata which Cryptocorynes are favourites. Australian archipelago. In the grows to 2.5 cm (1 in) at most. These eggs also take up to 30 main they are insectivores, but These little fishes require soft, hours to hatch and the fry can then will take flake foods. Give them a acid water and copious amounts be raised on very fine live foods. varied diet, especially if you are of small live foods if you are to Pair compatibility may be a going to attempt to breed them, maintain them for any length of problem in some species. If your and include small live foods or time, and even more so if you fishes fail to spawn, try giving frozen Daphnia, and similar-sized hope to breed them. them different partners. It is worth items. Others more particular about noting that some pairs will not Rasboras can be divided into water quality, especially when it breed until they have been together two groups by body shape; those comes to breeding, are R. for a few days, R. maculata being a which are long and slim, almost vaterifloris, R. pauciperforata, and classic case. torpedo-shaped, and those which R. heteromorpha, which all require are deeper-bodied. Among the soft, acid conditions. deeper-bodied group of rasboras are some of the best known: R. Breeding Rasboras heteromorpha (harlequin), R. With the exception of R. hetero- hengeli, and R. vateri-jloris (pearly morpha and R. hengeli, pairs make rasbora); while the slim-bodied spawning runs through fine- species include R. borapetensis (red- leaved plants until they have tailed rasbora), R. pauciperforata produced all their eggs, which Rasbora hengeli makes an excellent (red-striped rasbora), R. maculata stick tightly to the plants. The community fish if kept with other small (pygmy parents can then be removed. It peaceful fishes. To see them at their best feed live foods.

Rasbora vaterifloris (pearly rasbora), from Sri Lanka, requires warm, soft, slightly acid water.

Above: Rasbora heteromorpha Right: Provide Rasbora trilineata (harlequin) have a novel method of (scissortail) with plenty of swimming spawning: upside down on the under- space - and a tight cover, else they side of leaves. may jump out of the tank. "Sharks" and Flying Foxes Both "sharks" and flying foxes are popular in the aquarium hobby. The best known are Epalzeorhynchus bicolor (still, incorrectly, known as Labeo bicolor) (red-tailed black shark), whose striking coloration -velvety black body and scarlet caudal fin - is all that is needed to sell it; and Epalzeorhynchus (formerly Labeo) frenatus (red-finned shark, ruby shark) which has, as one of its common names suggests, red fins and a dark brown body. The "shark" part of their common Epalzeoryhnchus bicolor (red-tailed black shark) are the villains of the community name derives from their shape and aquarium. Many aquarists fail to appreciate the damage they can cause. the manner in which they swim, (14 in), Labeobarbusfestivus (dia- do not have many plants in the cruising the aquarium in a shark- mond shark, festive Apollo shark) tank or if the fishes are grazing too like manner, and not from their at 20 cm (8 in), and Osteochilus heavily on them, lettuce leaves eating habits! Although popular, hasselti at 30 cm (12 in). Although make a good alternative. The they are not ideal community these are large fishes, they are fishes tend to ignore them if they fishes. Both can be quite peaceful. Many people often keep are left to float but, if planted they belligerent and will pick on other juvenile specimens in their are classed as fair game and eaten. fishes, as well as each other, community tanks, acquiring Do ensure that you have a good shredding fins and generally larger accommodation for them as cover on the aquarium as these bullying them. When fully grown 3 they grow. Given plenty of space, fishes will jump, especially if at about 12 cm (4 A in) they can growth is steady. They like clean, frightened. really cause a lot of damage, so clear water with a reasonable Members of the genus Labeo keep them only with other fishes flow, such as that from a power are generally referred to in the large enough to take care of filter. Feeding is no problem: they trade as sharks. For those of you themselves, such as the medium- are omnivores but do have a who like big fishes, Labeo sized barbs and cat-fishes. True liking for green foods and will chrysophekadeon (black shark) may omnivores, they will eat anything. graze on algae or nibble at plants. be worth considering keeping. Far less trouble, though larger, Osteochilus hasselti is particularly Growing to 60 cm (24 in), this are Balantiocheilus melanopterus fond of Java moss and will keep deep-bodied shark is a very (silver or Bala Shark) at 35 cm the rampant growth of this in powerful, active creature that can check. If you be quarrelsome, so is best kept

Balantiocheilus melanopterus (silver or Epalzeorhynchus frenatus (red-finned Captive breeding has produced an Bala shark) is a fish that is prone to shark) is less of a nuisance than E. albino strain of Epalzeorhynchus leaping from the water so ensure that bicolor (red-tailed black shark), but frenatus (albino red-finned shark) but you have a tight-fitting cover glass to should nevertheless be housed with unfortunately has done nothing to keep them in. Floating plants will help similar-sized fishes, and given a improve its disposition towards other discourage jumping. varied diet. fishes. The Algae Eater Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is sold under various names: Indian algae eater, Chinese algae eater, and sucking loach. To the newcomer it seems to be the answer to all his problems - a fish that will eat algae. Small specimens are fine in the community aquarium, but it is potentially a large fish (25 cm/10 in plus) and it grows quickly, becoming more and more Consider keeping Labeo chryso- Very active fishes, Epalzeorhynchus boisterous, digging out phekadeon (black shark) only if you kallopterus (flying fox) need space. Give depressions in the gravel, and are willing to provide a very large them a well-planted aquarium in which even sticking itself on to the sides aquarium. The growth rate of these each individual fish can establish a of larger fishes much to their creatures is phenomenal. territory. annoyance. Damage to the alone. Even at half this size it Epalzeorhynchos kallopterus victim's protective mucus (some requires a 100 x 50 x 50 cm (36 x (flying fox) is an ideal fish for the sucking loaches even develop a 18 x 18 in) aquarium and a fil- larger, well-planted community taste for this "food") may result, tration system to match. Unless aquarium. Although loners, several creating a potential site for infec- you feel you can cope with this, it specimens can be kept in the same tion. Youngsters hang from the is best left to public aquaria to aquarium without fights breaking sides of the aquarium using their maintain. It is omnivorous but out, provided they can define their sucker mouths, looking like rows likes a predominance of vegetable territories. Flying foxes are almost of little thermometers. To permit matter in its diet. In southeast too good to be true: they are them to breathe while holding Asia the flesh is considered to be tolerant of other fishes, graze station, there is a small spiracle on very good eating, and it is an algae but do not chew at the the head that allows water to pass important food fish. There is a plants, and are tolerant of most into the mouth and out over the small African Labeo that is highly water conditions as long as gills yet still allows enough prized among aquarists, L extremes are avoided. Their suction for the fish to hold on. As variegatus (harlequin shark, occasional tendency to dash well as eating algae. G. aymonieri variegated shark). Growing to only around may, however, be will eat small invertebrates, flake, 30 cm (12 in) at most, it is much unsettling for some timid species. and frozen foods. more manageable and much more attractive as a juvenile. Youngsters are mottled dark brown over a light cream to beige background and there are traces of orange/red in their fins, but as the fishes mature they lose this colouring and turn grey. Small specimens tolerate other fishes but they can become aggressive when mature. It is one of those fishes that are best grown up along with their tankmates rather than trying to introduce medium- to large-sized fishes into the adult shark's ter- ritory. An omnivore, it is no Young specimens of Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (algae eater, sucking loach) are trouble to keep or feed. often kept to rid a tank of algae. Unfortunately as they grow they become far too large and boisterous and harrass other fishes. Loaches Being bottom-dwelling species, the loaches are either eel-like or have a triangular body cross- section, their flat bellies being in contact with the substrate. Loaches may have very small scales covering all the body; be partially scaled, in which case the B. macracantha (clown loach) is a firm The colour patterning on Botia scales are missing from the favourite among hobbyists. Aquarists lohachata (Pakistani loach) can vary underside; or naked. When you often fail with this fish because of poor considerably. In captivity these water conditions and low temperatures, creatures can be quite argumentative, think about it, the absence of and are rarely aware of its potential and if keeping several provide plenty some or all of the scales is a very size. of hiding places. sensible arrangement, because if scales were present on the belly of Nemacheilus species, loaches have diet consists primarily of small the fish, they would be dislodged a bifid (two-pronged) spine worms and insect larvae, but in as the fish moved over rocks and beneath the eye, which they can captivity they will take flake and sharp gravel, leaving it open to erect and lower at will. These tablet foods as well as small infection. spines are quite sharp and can frozen and live foods and algae. Their distribution ranges across inflict damage on other fishes as They are also very fond of fish Europe and Asia down to, and well as becoming entangled in eggs and will try and steal these including, the Malay archipelago, nets. Loaches will often erect the even if the parents are guarding and also includes the extreme spines when frightened and many the eggs. north of Africa (Morocco). The a transportation bag has been Many loaches are able to use main genera encountered by punctured in this way. To reduce their intestine to take oxygen from aquarists are: Acanthopsis, the chances of the fishes being the atmosphere, and so can Acanthophthalmus, Botia, Cobitis, able to puncture the bags make survive in waters that are low in Lepidocephalus, Misgurnus, and sure that the corners are taped up. oxygen. They are also very sensi- Nemacheilus. With such a wide A loach will also use its spines to tive to barometric pressure and range, from the temperate zones defend its territory: in the this may cause them to dash about down to the tropics, some genera, aquarium they like to hide away the aquarium at times. Misgurnus for example Misgurnus, contain in caves which they defend against (weatherloaches) are probably best species that are suited to tropical other fishes. known for this (hence their aquaria (for example M. The mouth is surrounded by common name). anguillicaudatus - Chinese three or four (depending on In the aquarium, provide your weatherloach) and others species) pairs of barbels which are loaches with a soft substrate. (M.fossilis - European covered with taste receptors, Some, such as Acanthopsis weatherloach) which should be which aid the fishes when they choiorhynchus (horse-faced or long- kept in a coldwater aquarium. are searching through the substrate nosed loach) like to burrow under With the exception of some for food. In the wild, their the sand until only their eyes are visible. Caves among rocks and plant roots are also desirable, so that each fish can have a small territory. Most loaches will live in harmony with other fishes, but some, notably Botia berdmorei and B. lohachata (Pakistani loach), quarrel amongst themselves and, Acanthopsis choiorhynchus (horse- Botia modesta (orange-finned loach) is just to be different, B. modesta faced loach) likes to bury itself in the a nocturnal fish. Feed after "lights (orange-finned loach) picks fights substrate, which therefore needs to out" while the room light is still on. with other fishes, preferring to be fine-grained. shoal with its own kind. During these disputes, clicking noises can be heard. It is thought that these may be caused by rapid jerking of the bifid spine in its socket. The Eotia genus is well repre- sented in the aquarium by species ranging in size from the small B. sidthimunki (dwarf loach, pygmy chain loach) which grows to only about 5 cm (2 in), up to the very impressive 30 cm (12 in) long B. macracantha (clown or tiger loach). These two species are popular among aquarists, B. Acanthophihalmus sp. (kuhli loaches) need a fine substrate in which to burrow, sidthimunki because its size and and may infiltrate filters - don't throw them away during maintenance! gentle manner makes it ideal for the community aquarium, even keeping these fishes healthy. specimens are not so bold. They with very small species, and B. Botia macrancantha (clown do come out to forage for food or macracantha because of its loach) is a much more difficult rest among the plants, but, outstanding coloration. fish to maintain. Because of its because of their burrowing habits, Botia sidthimunki (pygmy chain gregarious nature, the keeping of are probably one of the worst loach) is relatively easy to keep several individuals, as opposed to fishes to catch. They take live, and feed in a mature aquarium. one or two, is a good start. Their flake, and frozen foods and growth They are shoaling fishes and size makes them suited to the from a skinny boot-lace into a several should be kept together. large aquarium, but if you can rounded worm-like fish is rapid - Unlike the other members of the grow them to 15 cm (6 in) or 20 an 8-10 cm (3-4 in) fish is a good- genus, B. sidthimunki will spend cm (8 in) in captivity you are sized specimen. These fishes have time resting on plant leaves or doing well. If stressed they are been bred in captivity: they twigs just above the substrate, or susceptible to white spot and any produce bright green eggs which swimming in a shoal in the mid- treatments should be used with are stuck to plants near the water waters of the tank during the day. caution - do not, under any surface. At feeding time they will greedily circumstances, exceed the manu- The weather loaches are more take small live foods such as facturer's dosage instructions or seasonal imports and are among Daphnia and bloodworm as well as the "cure" may prove fatal to your the larger loaches. Misgurnus flake and tablet foods. A variety of clown loach. B. macracantha is anguillicaudatus can attain 50 cm foods and maintenance of good happy with a temperature in the (20 in) although 20-25 cm (8-10 water conditions seem to be the 25-28°C (77-82°F) range. in) is more usual in the aquarium. key to Of the slim-bodied species, It is found from the Amur region Acanthophthalmus species (kuhli of Siberia down through China, loaches) are very popular. The Korea, Hainan, and even Japan, trouble is, once you put them into and seems to prefer colder the aquarium they disappear into conditions, although it will tolerate the gravel, under the under-gravel temperatures up to 25°C, (77°F) filter plates, even up the intake for a short time in summer. pipe of external power filters if you Typical loaches, much of their forget to replace the strainer. They time is spent buried in the No community aquarium should be are, however, ideal for the substrate. Breeding occurs in late without a small shoal of Botia community aquarium as they spring or early summer. The eggs sidthimunki (chain loach) swimming cause no problems, but you do are laid on plants or fibrous roots about or resting on wood and plants. need to keep three or four of them and left to fend for themselves. if at all possible as single COLDWATER The Goldfish (10-15°C/50-59°F; thus they will CYPRINIFORMES Kept by man for many, many not overwinter in an outdoor Continuing with the loaches, years, Carassius auratus (the pond) in an aquarium, where their Nemachdlus barbatulus (stone goldfish) is probably the best fine body shapes and finnage loach), Misgurnusfossilis (European known of all aquarium/pond forms can be better appreciated. weatherloach), and Cobitis taenia fishes. The wild form of this fish is Goldfishes are tolerant of most (spined loach, spotted a dull green to brown animal with water conditions but a large weatherloach) are ideal for little to recommend it as a aquarium is required if you are to coldwater aquaria. Maintenance is potential aquarium fish, but a keep them well. The old-fashioned the same as for their tropical mutation occurred which devel- goldfish bowl is not suitable: it cousins except that the oped lovely gold patches on the has limited surface area for the temperature should be kept below body which eventually turned the uptake of oxygen into the water, no 20°C (68°F). whole fish gold. The goldfish had room for a filtration system, and been born. Its first recorded insufficient swimming space An breeding in Europe took place in aquarium is far better to keep a Holland in 1728. In its native goldfish happy, and there are China it has been domesticated companies which produce a even longer (since around 800 package which contains AD), and many fancy strains have everything including the tank and been developed. The standard filtration system -you just add Nemacheilus barbatulus (stone loach) is goldfish is the ideal pond fish, fishes, plants, and water. often fished for by children and, along developed from the wild Goldfishes are noted for being with Gasterosteus aculeatus green/grey specimens into the messy, greedy feeders that produce (stickleback), is one of the first fishes reds and golds we see today. a lot of waste. Needless to say they they are likely to try and keep. Man has developed a multitude require a very efficient filtration of variants with both single and system to cope with this. There is double tails and various colours. a good range of goldfish foods Generally speaking, the single- available but don't forget to include tailed types, including the some vegetable matter as well as common goldfish, comets, and live or frozen foods in their diet. shubunkins, are excellent pond Do not try and overcrowd your fishes as this places a great deal of fishes. Small specimens of these types also make good hardy stress on them. If conditions Cobitis taenia (spined loach) is another aquarium fishes which may live in become too warm and the "first fish". Both of these loaches require cool, clean, clear, well- excess of twenty years. The dissolved oxygen level falls, the oxygenated water to survive in captivity. double-tailed varieties are much fishes will gasp at the surface, their more delicate and are best kept at fins will become clamped to their warmer temperatures bodies, and signs of fin congestion (bloodshot bases to the finnage) will appear. A partial water change to lower the temperature, and a check on the filtration system, will usually counteract the problem, which could, however, also be indicative that your fishes are overcrowded.

Carassius auratus (the goldfish) comes in many man-made varieties such as this long-tailed form. Colour, shape, and fins many vary. Breeding Goldfishes Breeding goldfishes is relatively easy. In the garden pond it should occur naturally and some of the fry may survive to maturity. To breed under controlled conditions, condition your chosen pair well on live foods. When ready to spawn the male will develop tubercules on his head, operculum, and pectoral fins; the female will be noticeably rounder. Use a 100 x 30 x 30 cm (36 x 12 x 12 in) tank with spawning mops suspended in it so that the pair can swim through them, depositing and fertilizing the eggs as they do so. Once spawning is complete the pair can be removed and the eggs left to hatch. Feed the fry copious amounts of small live foods. Allow plenty of space Some Carassius auratus (goldfish) varieties are bred not only for body shape but for growing on, and cull the also for colour as in this "black moor". These highly line-bred fishes are more numbers rather than crowding if delicate than the standard goldfish or comet and are best kept under more only limited space is available. controlled conditions in an aquarium rather than in a garden pond. Captive breeding has resulted in some, to our way of thinking, horrendous strains being pro- duced. Some have enlarged, bul- bous eyes (celestials and bubble- eyes) and these require special care, ensuring there are no sharp objects on which the fishes can damage themselves. Yet others have been bred to enhance can- cerous growths on their heads (lionheads). The choice is yours as to whether or not you wish to keep these types.

Koi Carp Some of you may be tempted to keep Cyprinus carpio (koi carp) in an aquarium and we would like to advise against this. Koi are potentially large fishes best housed in large purpose-built ponds with powerful filtration A twin-tailed goldfish is, again, a fish for the aquarium. Hobbyists, especially in systems. the Far East, have selectively bred these fishes to such an extent that many can no longer swim properly because of the excess drag produced by their over- elongated finnage.

Bitterling Recent importations The various subspecies of Rhodeus Over the last couple of years some sericeus (bitterling) are available unusual fishes have been arriving during the summer months and are from the Far East. One of these, ideal for the aquarium as they are Myxocyprinus asiaticus, is a large easy to keep, and feed on just cyprinid (family Catostomidae) about any small foods. They also from China. Sold under the name have an unusual method of Chinese sailfin, small specimens breeding, and need a swan mussel are highly coloured and very This North American fish, Notropis lutrensis (shiner), requires cooler to spawn in. This alone makes attractive; they are marbled with temperatures in winter than in them worth the effort. brown on a lighter cream or beige summer. When ready to breed, males are background, and the high dorsal almost olive green along the top of fin makes them most appealing. the head and the back, with The problem is that these small, iridescent shades of blue, pink, endearing, 15-20 cm (6-8 in) and violet along the flanks. fishes grow to more than 60 cm Females are yellower and show an (24 in), so unless you can cope ovipositor. Breeding is stimulated with this, leave them to public by a rise in water temperature to aquaria. about 22°C (72°F). If you are going to try your Use a tank with a sand substrate hand, it is important to keep these Phoxinus phoxinus (minnows) are and thickets of plants, and several fishes on the cool side and ensure common in unpolluted European live swan mussels (Anodonta sp.). that they have a very good streams. Given clean, cool, well-oxy- The male keeps nudging the filtration system to maintain water genated water they can be a welcome mussel with his mouth to quality. Feeding does not seem to addition to the aquarium. stimulate it to remain open, while be fraught with any difficulties as The males of N. lutrensis are far the female places her ovipositor in the fishes accept flake, frozen, and more colourful than the silvery the mussel's outlet valve and live foods. females. During the breeding deposits her eggs. The male North America has also been season, the male develops follows, swiftly shedding his milt the source of some unusual tubercules around his snout. The over the mussel and thereby species such as Notropis lutrensis fishes breed over sand, the pair fertilizing the eggs. Some 30 days (shiner) and Phoxinus erythrogaster depositing their eggs and then later the fry leave the mussel and (southern red-bellied dace). Both leaving them to fend for have to be raised on very fine live are stream fishes that adapt well to themselves. foods. aquarium conditions provided the Phoxinus erythrogaster is a very tank is not overcrowded. They like colourful fish that displays best if high levels of oxygen and a good kept in a shoal. The males are flow of water, so it is essential to much more highly coloured than maintain your filtration system the females, with their sides and well as any deterioration in water bellies becoming deep red or quality will lead to the demise of sometimes yellow. These fishes these fishes. The aquarium should spawn in the spring over open sand have a sand or gravel substrate areas. with pebbles and thickets of plants In order to encourage both these to provide cover. They are species to breed it is essential to omnivorous, and flake, live, and keep them at cooler temperatures frozen foods will all be taken, but This Far Eastern bitterling, Rhodeus over the winter, say 10°C (50°F) for ensure that you do not over-feed P erythrogaster and 14-15°C (57- ocellatus (Hong Kong bitterling), is to the extent that uneaten food popular with coldwater fishkeepers. It 59°F) for N. lutrensis, as warming requires similar conditions to its pollutes the water. of the waters seems to be one of European counterpart. the triggers for spawning. Cyprinodonts

The cyprinodonts are a large group LIVEBEARING of relatively small fresh-and TOOTHCARPS brackish water fishes. Because These livebearers will probably be Poecilia sp. (sailfin molly) such as this they have teeth in their jaws they the first fishes encountered by the male are large fishes which can reach 10 are often referred to as toothcarps. novice aquarist, although they are cm (4 in ). Needless to say they need a Aquarists tend to divide them into not necessarily the best fishes for spacious aquarium. two groups, those which produce the new fishkeeper. Yet some will live fry (livebearers) and those survive and breed in a newly set which lay eggs (killifishes). up tank - "cultivated" platies are Most of the livebearers in the probably the best for this, aquarium trade belong to the followed by guppies and cultivated family Poeciliidae, but other, not swordtails. necessarily closely related, families are also livebearers, including the The Poeciliidae Anablepidae, Goodeidae, and Most of the livebearing fishes Hemirhamphidae. encountered by the hobbyist The ever popular Poecilia reticulata In this section we will be belong to this "American" family. (guppy) has become a nuisance in some dealing with only those fishes We use the term "American" areas as escapees have populated local waterways. which are Cyprinodonts, so half- because representatives are native beaks will be found in the to the southern states of the USA, Miscellaneous chapter. One other Central America, and South Israel, and Europe. Accidental livebearer you will have to look for America as far south as Argentina. escapes from these fish farms have elsewhere is Anableps anableps They are also native to many of the allowed the guppy to extend its (four-eyed fish); these require very Caribbean islands. This is not, range in recent times, but in the specialized brackish conditions, so however, the limit of their days of the British Empire guppies full details regarding their lifestyle distribution. were introduced all over the tropics and captive requirements may be Originally, the guppy hails from to eat mosquito larvae and help found in the brackish chapter. northern South America, reduce the risk of Malaria. Later Although you will find killi- Barbados, and Trinidad. It is now Gambusia holbrooki were found to fishes in this chapter, you may bred commercially in many be more efficient for this purpose find it a little more difficult to countries, from the fish farms of and were introduced to many parts locate the real thing! Despite their the USA to those of the Far East, of often stunning beauty, their (largely undeserved) reputation for being "difficult", specialist fishes has led to few dealers stocking them. Do not be deterred - locating unusual fishes often adds to the fun of our hobby.

Gambusia holbrooki (mosquito fish) have been used in biological pest control, being introduced to eat mosquito larvae and hence curb the spread of Malaria. the world. Indeed the common name of Gambusia holbrooki is mosquito fish because of this connection. In recent times the resulting damage to native species of fish has become apparent, with dozens in decline or close to extinction because of these introduced fishes. Nowadays the The tiny Heterandria formosa (mosquito mosquito fish is also dubbed "fish r u:> maculatus (platy) is an fish), on the other hand, is best kept in accommodating fish suited to the a planted species aquarium with killer" and sometimes even alkaline water. referred to as "biological community aquarium. Several varieties are available. pollution" because of the damage it is doing to native faunas. Since all livebearers use internal fertilization of the eggs as part of their reproductive strategy, they have had to evolve a method of transferring sperm from the male to the female. In Poeciliids the anal fin of the male is developed into a gonopodium, a sexual organ formed by the fusion of the third, Xiphophorus helleri (swordtail) will breed without any assistance from the aquarist. Ensure your aquarium does not become over-populated. fourth, and fifth rays of the fin. At its tip there are various spines and hooks which are often called "holdfasts", and which are used by the male to hold on to the female during mating. At this time the gonopodium is directed forwards and a groove formed down which the sperm is chan- nelled to the cloaca of the female. In all livebearers, the young Xiphophorus variatus (platy) is quite prolific. They like a varied diet that fishes develop in the body cavity includes some green foods. of the female and are born fully formed and able to fend for themselves. Since they are so well advanced at birth it is not necessary for them to produce hundreds of young at a time; broods vary but 20 to 40 seems to be the average. Large female swordtails, however, have been known to produce over 250 fry at one time. Interestingly enough, Xiphophorus variatus has been bred to females of most, if not all, species many successive broods can be produced from a single mating. produce not only different colour of the Poeciliidae are capable of forms but also different finnage storing sperm, so In this family the best known shapes. This fish is a pin-tail form. genera are Poecilia, which Xiphophorus varieties will readily includes the guppy, and interbreed, but careful line-breeding is Xiphophorus, which includes the required to maintain these fancy 48 platies and swordtails. strains. Guppies A side effect of this is to make Wild guppies are small fishes; the them sterile. males have splashes of colour on In the aquarium, the commer- their bodies and the females are a cially bred guppy requires a well- dull grey/brown with a dark planted aquarium with compan- triangular "gravid spot" near their ions that will not bully it or nip at vent. These wild forms bear little its flowing fins. Several males kept resemblance to the man-made together may tear at each others' guppies with which we are fins, so try to keep both sexes - it familiar today. Indeed, one could gives them something else to be forgiven for thinking that the think about! They are not too latter are an entirely different fish. fussy about water conditions Their fecundity and swift provided it is not too soft, and as maturation has made them ideal for their dietary requirements, candidates for the breeder, anything they can fit in their especially the commercial mouths will do. Guppies are true breeder, and many colour forms omnivores which are capable of have been produced. Not content eating anything which comes their with line breeding for colour, the way. They have a long gut and no males have also been bred to discernible stomach which means enhance body size and finnage they can eat only small amounts shape and size. More recently at one sitting, but will be looking Male and female Poecilia reticulata attention has been paid to the for their next meal within the next (guppy) are easy to tell apart. Males females, and these formerly half hour. To appease this almost have a gonopodium and more flam- somewhat drab creatures are now continuous hunger they are often boyant finnage (top two fishes); the available with colourful tails, and seen "nipping" at plants but, females are dull in comparison. even with colour starting to although this can be annoying, often help solve the problem, as spread onto the body. they rarely do any real damage, will a multitude of small feeds Unfortunately, a problem which is preferring to take algae off the throughout the day. Various live encountered from time to time leaves rather than tear the actual foods are also avidly consumed, with some of these highly leaves. Even so, tender new shoots including their own young. coloured females is that the colour sometimes disappear. Feeding In the aquarium females will has been artificially induced by some lettuce or peas will drop their young at monthly the use of hormones. intervals and provided there is shelter in the form of plenty of fine-leaved plants that reach up to the surface, or a layer of Riccia, some of the fry will sur- vive. Alternatively, females can be moved into special breeding traps or tanks to give birth. If you want to maintain the colour strains or finnage forms you will need to set up special breeding aquaria where you can monitor the fishes and check which ones you wish to breed with which. If all forms are kept together you will end up with a horrible mish-mash of fin shape To maintain colour and finnage forms of P. reticulata you must separate young and colour, because they will males and females as soon as possible so as to control who breeds with whom. readily interbreed. Platies and Swordtails Platies and swordtails are almost as fecund as guppies. As in the guppy, a female can produce sev- eral broods from a single impreg- nation, and again, like the guppy, they have been manipulated by commercial breeders to produce variations in colour and finnage. Platies like harder water and they will cope with the conditions of a newly set up aquarium, so they can be one of the first fishes that are used to mature the system after the nitrite peak has been Being easy to breed and swift to mature, Xiphophorus helleri (swordtail) is passed. They like plants, both as cultivated by fish farmers to develop different colour forms such as these cover and as food, but prefer to black individuals. graze on soft green algae. This fondness for algae can be used to our advantage as they will help overcome the algal bloom that often occurs in a new aquarium. Despite this fondness for plant matter, these fishes too are true omnivores and require regular feeds of a good quality flake food as the basis of their diet, plus live or frozen foods if they are to achieve their full potential. There are a number of different wild species of platy but only two are generally found in retail outlets. These have been exten- Green swordtails such as these are considered closest to the wild stock. Here we sively hybridized together, and see the characteristic well-developed sword on the smaller male. with the common swordtail, to produce a number of colour forms and fin types. Once a fish has been hybridized with another species, the scientific name ceases to apply to the descendants no matter what they look like. Aquarists, however, still use the scientific names of the fishes that these cultivated forms resemble. The most common types available are listed below. In the Xiphophorus maculatus type we get such varieties as red, blue, comet, and wagtail (this last has to be a hybrid because it Fish breeders have also developed The red swordtail is still the most requires the combination of the lyre-tailed forms of the swordtail, as popular form but it is very hard to seen here. obtain quality stock.

comet gene from this species of platy with a swordtail gene from the common swordtail); and from Xiphophorus variatus come the sunset, marigold, tiger, and tuxedo varieties, among others. All these varieties cross easily so you often find that you have a colour that doesn't really conform to any named type, but if you like it, that's fine. Xiphophorus hdleri (cultivated swordtails) are like large versions of platies. The males may be identified by their gonopodia and also, as they mature, by their sword, an extension of the lower rays of the caudal fin. It is a common myth that swordtails undergo a sex reversal in later life, with females developing a gonopodium and sword. This myth stems from the fact that many swordtail males take much longer to "sex out" than others of the same size, and thus appear to be females - until the sword and gonopodium eventually develop. Occasionally old females will cease to breed and develop a gonopodium and sword just like a male. These fishes, however, are unable to father fry and still do Check the dealer's tanks carefully when purchasing your fishes and ensure that not truly change sex. they are healthy. They should show no signs of ill health such as clamped fins, Xiphophorus helleri has, like the rapid breathing, or scratching. platy and guppy, been exploited by the trade, and several fancy fin forms are commonly available. These include :r.e Ivretail (sometimes called aouble-sword) and the high-fin valso called Simpson and topsail). These come in a multitude • . •. ?ur varieties, including red, black, tuxedo, albino, and red-eyed red. They need a fairly large aquarium as they are very active fishes, especially if several males arc kept together, because they will be continually posturing to each other and displaying to water the fishes often seem not to females. Thickets of plants are develop properly. Other than that, useful, not only to provide sanc- they are very easy to keep and tuary for the female who wishes to breed. One word of warning on give birth or retreat from the the breeding side: a fully grown attention of a male, but also for female can be 10 cm (4 in) or the other fishes in the aquarium more in length and is much too to get out of the way if they want large for the plastic breeding traps to. During these bouts of frantic sold for livebear-ing fishes. If activity the fishes may jump, so confined to one of these do ensure that you have a tight contraptions she may become so cover on the aquarium. stressed that she damages herself Hard water is a must to trying to jump out, or may fret and maintain these creatures for any even die. Far better to use a length of time, but do not add salt specially converted aquarium to it (this also applies to guppies using the same principle. and platies). In soft Mollies after which she can be removed. temperature turns out to be Now to one of the more spectacular Poecilia salvatoris (liberty molly) correct, then a partial water members of this family, the sailfin (for many years thought to be a change will usually rectify the molly. There are three species of form of Poecilia sphenops), occurs problem. sailfin molly of which two are in Guatemala and Belize. Not Like other Poeciliids, mollies common in the hobby, Poecilia often seen, it is a beautiful fish are true omnivores, eating just latipinna and Poecilia veli-fera. As with red, black, and white dorsal about anything which comes with the cultivated platies and and caudal fins. It is hardier than along. It is often recommended to sword tails, they have been the sailfin types and will tolerate add plenty of green food to their hybridized over the years to soft water without the addition of diet, and some people even develop more colour varieties. salt. suggest that it is difficult to They like hard, alkaline water: The black molly is the result of maintain them in really good but failing this a little salt can be crossing a black form of P latipinna health without it. This, however, is added. About a level 5 ml spoonful with P. sphenops. This popular simply not the case. Many spe- (1 level tsp) per 4.5 litres (1 hybrid comes in several varieties cialist molly breeders feed no gallon) is sufficient, though they including the lyretail and the additional vegetable matter but will tolerate a lot more. Indeed, balloon. nevertheless successfully breed sailfins are at their best in brackish and raise thousands to adult size. to marine conditions, and marine Maintaining Mollies Mollies will browse on lettuce, aquarists often use mollies to Mollies are easy to keep provided peas, algae, and soft-leaved mature new systems. Before you maintain good conditions. If aquarium plants when nothing adding salt to your community it is water quality deteriorates, the better is available, but this is vital to ensure that the other fishes temperature is too low, or there is because they are hungry all the and plants will tolerate it. If not, a combination of these factors, time. Live foods such as Daphnia, then set up a special tank for your mollies are often the first to show bloodworm, and mosquito larvae mollies. signs of distress, for example fins are consumed with relish, as are Poecilia latipinna is native to the clamped to their bodies while they minced fish and frozen foods. southern USA and down into move listlessly or even rest on the Feed as often as possible to obtain Mexico, and tolerates lower tem- bottom or "shimmy" on the spot. the best growth rates. peratures than are considered If the normal for "tropical" fishes (20- 24°C/ 68-77°F). It is best to keep the cultivated forms at the upper end of this range. There are several colour varieties, for example, gold, black, and albino. The wild form is greenish with iridescent spangles on its flanks, but specimens with black speckling are also found, and it was from these that the black molly forms were developed. Males are clearly distinguishable by their gonopodium and majestic dorsal fin. When courting a female, the male flashes his fin up and down to attract her attention. Fry are produced every four to five weeks. Move the female to a special aquarium, with thickets of fine-leaved and floating plants, to A hybrid fish, the outcome of a cross between P. latipinnia and P. sphenops, the black molly is easy to keep provided you keep it warm and pay careful

give birth, attention to maintaining good quality water. The Mosquito Fish Heterandria formosa is one of the smallest of livebearers: males reach only 2 cm (3A in), and females 3.5 cm (P/8 in). It is native to North America from Florida to North Carolina. Provide a well planted species aquarium and hard alkaline water at a temperature of 20-24°C (68- 77°F). They can be kept outside Belonesox belizanus (pike livebearer) is highly predatory and best kept in a during the summer and this species aquarium. It prefers live foods. enhances their brown colouring, perhaps due to the constant supply Other Poeciliids The Pike Livebearer of live food. Amongst the Poeciliids there are The pike livebearer is a different Fry are produced on a "con- four other species which bear fish altogether. Males grow to veyer belt system", with embryos special mention: Alfaro cultratus about 10 cm (4 in) and females to at every stage of development at (knife livebearer), Belonesox about 18 cm (7 in). They are out- any given time, so that fry are belizanus (pike livebearer), and-out carnivores, taking born one or two at a time on a Heterandriaformosa (mosquito anything that moves, from insect continuous basis. They are very fish), and Limia melanogaster larvae to small fishes and even large in relation .to the mother and (black-bellied or blue limia). their own kind. The jaws literally able to take small live foods. This bristle with very fine teeth. It is method of reproduction The Knife Livebearer possible to wean them on to dead (superfoetation) gives them a The knife livebearer has two rows foods but this takes time and much better chance of survival. of scales along the lower edge of patience. the caudal peduncle which look Their very nature dictates that The Black-bellied Limia like the blade of a knife. Pale in they should be kept in a species Mature females of Limia colour, the iridescent sheen on the aquarium. Typical ambush pred- melanogaster have a blue-black bodies of healthy fishes makes ators, they like to lurk in the patch covering half the belly near them well worth keeping. Males seclusion of plants and lunge out the anal fin, and numerous black grow to about 5 cm (2 in) and to take their prey. Their potential vertical bars on the flanks. The females 7.5 cm (3 in). They can size dictates a roomy aquarium. dorsal has several black crescent be successfully kept in a The water should be warm (26- markings. In males the lower half community tank with peaceful 28°C/79-82°F) and kept clean by of the body, from the gonopodium fishes of similar size. means of good filtration and to the tail, is deep bluish black. Females produce up to 100 regular partial water changes. His flanks and dorsal fin markings young every month or so. The Females should be allowed to are as in females and the dorsal parents are cannibalistic but give birth in a nursery tank and and caudal fins are yellow to floating plants will help cut down then returned to the main aquar- orange. on fry losses. Remove the fry to a ium. As many as 250 fry may be Black-bellied limias like a well- rearing tank as soon as you see produced by a large female. planted aquarium with efficient them. Because of their nervous Getting sufficient small live foods filtration and regular partial water disposition, it is unwise to move a for the youngsters can be a changes. The temperature should heavily pregnant female. problem as they will eat day-old be between 22-26°C (72-79°F), These fishes do best when fed guppies as well as Daphnia right and the diet varied. live foods but will also take flake from the start, and if they do not From 10 to 50 fry are produced foods. Feed the fry on newly get enough, they will eat each monthly, and they will feed on retched brine shrimp. other. To minimize cannibalism, small commercial foods and newly plant the rearing tank heavily. hatched brine shrimp within an hour of being born. KILLIFISHES fishes. Feeding is very important if The egglaying cyprinodonts have you are to achieve any success in always been regarded as difficult breeding them, and this applies because they are believed to not only to getting the adults into require special conditions, namely condition but also to growing on soft acid water, but while this is the fry. It is frequently a lack of true for some species it certainly attention to correct diet rather J isn't the rule for all of them. Many than water quality that brings are exceptionally colourful and about the demise of many Cynolebias nigripinnis (Argentine this alone makes them good killifishes (and so deters the pearl fish) should be kept in a species aquarium. Males are more aquarium fishes, but to see them amateur aquarist from continuing at their best requires dedication with these fishes). Another factor on the part of the aquarist. It takes in their demise can be a poor a lot of time and patience to choice of companion fishes. For maintain banks of small species example, the trailing finnage of the aquaria, remove eggs from males is far too great a temptation spawning mops, or dry out peat for some of the barbs which will and then raise the fry. For those of harass the killifishes, damaging us who have kept killifishes the their fins. This can lead to a fatal work involved is worth it. If you infection or to the killifishes being Pterolebias sp. are South American haven't very much space, then try bullied to the point where they are substrate spawners. Males are larger and have longer finnage than females. with a single species tank. prevented from feeding. Needless In nature, killifishes are found to say, most species are best kept throughout the tropics with one in a single-species aquarium. exception, Australia, and some have even entered the temperate Substrate Spawners zones. Most are small fishes, but a Sometimes referred to as "annual larger one that is becoming a fishes", these killies inhabit ponds fairly regular import is that evaporate during the dry Lamprichthys tanganicanus, from season so that the adult fishes Lake Tanganyika, which can grow perish. To ensure the survival of Aphyosemion sjoestedti (blue gularis) } to 13 cm (5 /2 in). This is a really the species, the fishes spawn in should be kept in soft, slightly acid beautiful fish, with a pale the substrate and the developing water. They spawn in the substrate. yellowish body overlaid by brilliant eggs remain in the dried-out mud highly coloured than females. blue spots in the male, or silver until the next rains. Not all the spots in the female. This is a eggs hatch at the first wetting. This hardwater killifish which will fit in is because if the first downpour well with other fishes of a similar turned out to be a freak shower size, although it is best kept in a and the pond then dried up again, school of 6 to 10 individuals. the fishes would die out. Some of Killifishes are predominantly the eggs, therefore, need a second insectivores, and a supply of live or even third wetting before they foods is very important as some will hatch, thus securing the Aphyosemion deltaense can be aggres- will refuse to take anything that survival of the species. sive. Ensure the female is ready to doesn't move. Daphnia, Cyclops, breed before putting a pair together. and mosquito larvae are the usual Aphyosemion oeseri deposits its eggs on fine-leaved plants. Alternatively use standbys, but you can also hatch mops and pick off the eggs, ready for brine shrimp eggs, or culture hatching in another tank, which should whiteworm and microworms, to be filled with water from the breeding feed to your aquarium. In the aquarium, some Condition the parents well substrate spawners ("annual" with plenty of live foods such as fishes) can live for longer than a Daphnia and insect larvae. When year because their water source the females are full of roe place does not dry out. them in the breeding tank and Examples of this method of allow them to settle before adding reproduction are the South the male. His courtship display to American genera Cynokbias and the female consists of displaying Nothobranchius rachovi (Rachow's Pterolebias, and the African genus his fins and posturing. If she is Nothobranchius) is an African annual. Nothobranchius. Each species has ready to spawn, the pair will dive Feed them plenty of live foods. its individual requirements, for into the substrate, the male example water temperatures and clasping the female with his fins. a temperature of about 22—24°C exact storage time for the eggs, so In some species the pair disappear (72-75°F); the bottom of the airing you will need to check up on beneath the surface of the cupboard is usually ideal but make these, but we will give you some substrate, but in others the fishes sure by leaving a general guidelines for breeding seem just to push the eggs down maximum/minimum thermometer these fishes. into the peat. Once spawning is in there for a while, and checking complete, the female will appear it each day to see what the average Breeding Substrate Spawners very thin and rest on the bottom. is. The males are larger than the Remove her to another tank to After the requisite period of females with intense coloration recover and feed her well. The storage the eggs can be hatched. and extended finnage; in total male should be placed in another But before you start hatching contrast, the females are normally aquarium until the female is ready them, prepare your fry food by a pale grey/brown and much to mate again. setting up a brine shrimp culture smaller, so it is easy to tell whether Now you can drain the water so that the eggs hatch to coincide or not you have a pair. It is normal and peat from the spawning with fry needing to be fed -many to have to buy them in pairs, but aquarium through a net. An old fry have been lost because fry if you are trying to breed from pair of tights is useful for this but foods were not ready at the right them, it is best to have one male make sure there are no holes or time. and two females. This is because ladders in the bit you are using, Place the peat/egg mix in an the male will drive the females and don't forget to check with the aquarium and add rain water very hard when spawning, and by owner first to make sure you can which has been warmed to about introducing two females into the have them! Squeeze the water out 22°C (72°F). With any luck, within aquarium he has to divide his of the peat so that it is damp and 24 hours you will see fry attentions between them. crumbly, then check it for eggs. emerging. If you don't, then add Prepare the breeding aquarium Depending on the species, these some live food, e.g. Daphnia, to with a peat substrate 4-5 cm will be small brown or white the aquarium; these will decrease (1V2-2 in) deep and add a couple spheres about 1 mm G/32 in) in the oxygen content of the water of clumps of fine-leaved plants diameter. Assuming that you find and this should trigger hatching. such as Elodea or Myriophyllum as some, you can then store the peat The fry of most species are large cover for the females. The water and eggs in a plastic bag for the enough to take newly hatched should be mature, soft, slightly recommended time for that brine shrimp as their first food. acid (the peat will do this), and species. This is usually 3-4 Don't forget to dry the peat out about 25 cm (10 in) deep. months. LABEL THE BAG WITH again and store it for another Sometimes it is r.ecessary to boil THE SPECIES NAME, AND DATE month before re-wetting as there the peat before r ..:;.:-.g it in the IT. There is nothing more annoying may still be some dormant eggs in aquarium so that it will sink. than taking a guess at what's in the it. Boiling also sterilizes the peat, so bag and how long it has been in Popular species of this type of the eggs are less likely to suffer the bottom of the airing cupboard. killifish include Nothobranchius from any bacterial or fungal Eggs should be stored at guentheri, Nothobranchius rachovi, infections. Cynolebias bdlotti, Cynolebias whitei, and Cynolebias nigripinnis. Breeding Plant Spawners The killifishes which lay (or, more correctly, hang) their eggs from plants are considered easier to breed. Again set up a breeding aquarium, but this time use a gravel substrate and either fine- leaved plants or spawning mops. Most people use spawning mops Procatopus similis (Nigerian lampeye) A timid fish, Epiplatys singa (spotted as they are more convenient than is a shoaling fish which must be kept Epiplatys) needs a quiet planted plants and can be removed every in well-maintained water. They are not aquarium. Use aged water for water easy to keep and a diet of live foods is changes as they are sensitive to too couple of days to harvest the beneficial. much new water. eggs- Spawning mops are made of tubs are ideal) with water from the for breeding. Hard water species yarn attached to a cork or poly- breeding tank to hatch. The which breed in the same way styrene float so that the yarn hangs containers can be kept on top of include Cyprinodon macularius, down into the water. Alternatively, the aquarium or floated in it - Cubanichihys pengellei, Fundulus they can be attached to a stone so either way they should not get too chrysotus, and Profundulus labialis. that the yarn floats upwards. You hot or too cold. On hatching, feed will need to check where the the fry on newly hatched brine Other Spawning Methods fishes spawn - up in the plants or shrimp, but be sure to keep the As with all groups of fishes there near the substrate - so that you fish-hatching containers clean and are exceptions to the rule. This is can position your mops free from debris by regular, small, certainly true of killifish repro- accordingly. If you don't know, partial water changes. Once large duction, and there are many provide both types. enough the fry can be moved to species which do not fit into the Again, condition the parents an aquarium to grow on. two neat groups described above. well on live foods before placing This method of reproduction is Xenopoecilus species, for example, them in the breeding tank. The practised by many members of the use internal fertilization of the male will chase the female through genus Aphyosemion and these eggs which are then expelled by the plants/mops and some eggs highly coloured fishes are much the female and hang from her vent will be deposited at each pass. prized amongst hobbyists. Popular like a bunch of grapes. They Check the mops every couple of species which are sometimes remain attached for the full 15 to days and pick off the eggs. Some found in retail outlets include 20 days it takes the embryos to species lay them close to the knot Aphyosemion australe, A. gardneri, develop before they hatch. Fishes at the densest part of the mop, and A. striatum. Other that reproduce in this way are others lower down the strands. recommended species include sometimes known as "egglaying Place the eggs in shallow Epiplatys dageti, Epiplatys sexfasc- livebearers". containers (small ice cream iatus, and Rivulus cylindraceus. All Another species which bucks containers or margarine require soft slightly acid water the trend isjordanellafloridae Unlike Epiplatys annulatus (clown (American flagfish). In this species the pair lay their eggs at the base of a clump of plants or in a fanned-out depression in the substrate (sand is the best sub- strate for this). Spawning continues for several days after which the female should be removed. The The beautiful Aphyosemion australe male continues to look after the (Cape Lopez lyretail) is available in killifish), E. dageti (above) are ideal eggs and young until they are two different colour forms. This is killifishes for beginners as they are large enough to fend for the orange form. easy to keep and breed. themselves. Killifishes for the Community Aquarium Despite their reputation for being difficult, it is possible to keep some killifishes in a community aquarium, and here three species spring readily to mind: Aplocheilus lineatus (sparkling panchax) Pachypanchax playfairi (Playfair's panchax), and Oryzias latipes (rice fish or medaka). These are surface- dwelling species, so they make a useful addition to the aquarium in Rivulus milesi (yellowtail panchax) will Cyprinodon variegatus (sheepshead that they occupy an area of the proliferate in a well-planted species minnow) is found along the eastern tank that is usually ignored when aquarium. This fish is a male; females seaboard of the USA in brackish water. buying fishes. are plainer. provide a spawning site. They Aplocheilus lineatus (sparkling breed them, feed live foods, tend to leap when feeding or if panchax) really live up to their especially mosquito larvae which chased by other fishes, but the name: the iridescent yellow spots they love. Fortunately for the plants give them a retreat where on the scales shimmer in sunlight. aquarist, if you do not have a they can hide instead of leaping These are true surface dwellers; good supply of live foods, they about. they have long, straight backs with will also take flake and frozen Although they will spawn on the dorsal fin set well back. Males foods which they catch as the plants in the community aquari- are larger and more colourful than food sinks. They don't, however, um, you can also put spawning females, but the chief distinction like to feed from the substrate. mops in the tank and the fishes between them is the six to eight Being predatory, they will eat will usually lay some of their eggs vertical bars on the posterior half small fry so don't expect to find on these. The mops can then be of the female's body. Predatory by many young guppies or sword- transferred to shallow containers nature, they feed almost tails surviving in your aquarium if for the eggs to hatch. If you are exclusively on insect larvae and you choose to keep sparkling using Indian fern (Ceratopteris insects that fall on the water's panchax. thalictroides} or water lettuce surface. Whenever possible, and A layer of floating plants will (Pistia stratiotes) as floating cover, especially if trying to help discourage the sparkling the fishes will spawn amongst the panchax from jumping and will dangling plant roots. In this case, the plant can be removed but do replace it with another one. If you have the time, you can pick the eggs off the mops or plant roots. Hatching takes about two weeks, and when the fry hatch they are quite large and will accept such foods as newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered flake. A more natural alternative is to float rafts of mosquito eggs in the hatching containers; as the tiny mosquitoes hatch, the young fishes feed on them. Do not keep the fry in their Aplocheilus lineatus (sparkling panchax) is an easy to keep surface dweller. They hatching containers too long or thrive on a diet of mosquito larvae. Be sure to keep the aquarium tightly cowered — these fishes jump when frightened. they will become stunted. Prepare lively shoaling fishes that need to When the female finally produces a a growing-on tank with water be kept as a small shoal otherwise bunch of eggs, they remain from the main aquarium and use a they will pine away. Small, 4 cm attached to her by a thin thread filtration system that will give a (1V2 in) at most, they make ideal until such time as she brushes gentle flow. The water should be community fishes as long as there against a plant, to which they then shallow but can be deepened as are no larger fishes to bully them. adhere. She actually looks as if the fishes grow. You should see Ensure that the tank is well she has a cluster of eggs stuck to the young fishes in a small shoal, planted and that you have a tight- her vent, and may carry them for a swimming in the water flow, and fitting cover glass as rice fishes couple of days before finally if you add some small floating may jump. Feeding them is no attaching them to a plant. The plants such as Riccia these will problem as they take fishes spawn regularly, with a give them somewhere to hide. commercially prepared flake and bunch of eggs being produced on a Pachypanchax playfairi (Playfair's frozen foods, although they do weekly basis, but if the panchax) is found in the islands of seem to benefit from live foods, opportunity arises, they will eat Madagascar, Zanzibar, and the developing a really bright sheen them. So if you wish to raise them Seychelles. It is a pretty fish, all over the body. in any number they should be whose dark body has bright Males are larger than females, spawned in a separate aquarium iridescent spots. They are with a metallic blue sheen on the and the eggs carefully removed territorial and can be aggressive body and larger dorsal and anal from the female's vent as soon as but, provided they are kept with fins. Their anal fin may have you see them. They are then similar-sized fishes (say 5-7.5 slightly extended rays giving the placed in one of the small cm/2-3 in) in a well-planted edge a ragged appearance. There is containers mentioned above. aquarium they usually do no a gold form of this species as well Once the eggs hatch the fry can harm. They occupy the upper as the normal wild form. Other be reared in the same way as other levels of the tank and like to lurk species include Oryzias killifishes. amongst the plants. Keep the melanostigma and Oryzias cdebensis. Sometimes the eggs fail to aquarium tightly covered because These creatures have an inter- hatch or the fry stop feeding. they do jump. esting way of reproducing. First of There is no obvious reason why If happy in the aquarium, they all they internally fertilize the eggs this should be, as other aquarists will breed. The eggs are laid on a few hours before the latter are have great success with them in a plants and the adults are can- expelled by the mother (another wide range of conditions from soft nibalistic towards both their eggs "livebearing egglayer"). acid to hard alkaline water. and the resulting fry (they will eat smaller fishes of any kind), but with plenty of plant cover a few fry will survive. Alternatively, the fishes can be maintained in the community aquarium but then transferred to a specially set up tank, containing plenty of plants for breeding, should you wish to raise a lot more fry. When spawning is complete (5-7 days), remove the parents and leave the eggs to hatch. A good pair may produce up to 200 eggs which hatch in about 12-14 days. The fry will feed avidly on live foods so ensure you have the brine shrimp ready. Pachypanchax playfairi (Playfair's panchax) is a large killifish which can grow to 10 cm (4 in). Females are slightly smaller than males and are more uniformly Oryzias latipes (rice fishes) are coloured. They spawn on plants, producing large numbers of eggs, so ensure you have sufficient space for the resulting fry. Characins

The characins are a large group of freshwater fishes found in South and Central America and Africa. They are characterized by the Weberian Apparatus (the linkage of bones between the swim- bladder and the inner ear) that allows them to hear high frequency sounds. Although most characins have an adipose fin (a small fin on the back between the dorsal and caudal fins, the function of which is unknown) there are a few genera in which it Larger, shoaling species require plenty of open water in the aquarium. Always check on their dietary requirements: some are herbivores and require supple- is lacking, and just to confuse the mentary feeds of lettuce, spinach, or prepared vegetable diets to deter them from issue even more, in one or two eating plants. species, for example, some pencilfishes, some individuals have an adipose fin and others do not. Characins are divided into 11 families, according to Eschmeyer (1990). Other authors recognize 14 to 15, but for our purposes it makes little difference, and there is no doubt that ichthyologists will go on debating the numbers of families for years to come. There are at present about 30 genera with some 200 or so Not often available, Hemigrammus Ever popular, Nematobrycon palmeri species in Africa, and 250 genera ulreyi (Ulrey's tetra) is simple to keep (emperor tetra) is well suited to the provided you have soft, slightly acid densely planted aquarium. Being an with over 1000 species in Central water. If fed live or frozen mosquito insectivore it does not harm plants and and South America. larvae, they will develop an intense provided you have some Vesicularia Their methods of feeding and golden yellow line along the flanks and dubayana (Java moss) or fine-leaved diet vary greatly; there are the out- a sheen on the body. plants they may spawn. and-out predators such as however, can cause a bit of a tail-biters, and this is precisely Hydrocynus goliath (African tiger moral dilemma as some of them how they feed, by taking chunks fish, wolf tetra), and Phago sp. will accept only live fishes. So; do out of the fins of other fishes. (fin- or tail-biters); herbivores such you feed them live fishes or do Generally, characins are shoal- as Prochilodus and Distichodus; you starve the predator? The ing fishes (with a few exceptions) and'insectivores, which include the decision has to be yours. The rule that live in clean, clear, running majority of the species. Most of is, if you can't feed it, don't try waters. In the aquarium they are the characins we keep in our and keep it. Probably the most sensitive to any deterioration in tanks are insectivores, which will difficult characins to keep in water quality. They also require feed quite readily on live, frozen, captivity are members of the water that has a high oxygen and flake foods. The predators, genus Phago. These are usually content and, again, will suffer if referred to as fin-biters or this requirement is not met. African Tetras Two delicate fishes that are also Some of the genera we are con- suitable for a community cerned with here are Alestes, aquarium, provided the other Brydnus, Micralestes, Phenaco- inmates are small and the water is grammus, Arnoldichthys, Ladigesia, soft and slightly acid, are Ladigesia roloffi (Sierra Leone dwarf characin and Lepidarchus. All require similar conditions in captivity and most or jelly bean tetra) and Lepidarchus make excellent community fishes Young Phenacogramtnus interruptus adonis (Adonis characin or jelly (Congo tetra) should be well fed on for the larger aquarium. Always on frozen and live insect larvae. bean tetra - common names can the move, they need space to be confusing). Both are small swim, so a long, well-planted Another popular species is fishes, L. roloffi attaining 4 cm aquarium is ideal. Create a current Phenacogrammus interruptus (Congo (l]/2 in) at most and L adonis only with a power filter to give the tetra). Fully grown males are a truly 2 cm (3A in). The main criterion fishes something to swim against, magnificent sight with their for keeping these fishes is water but don't make it so strong that extended finnage and delicate hues; quality: the water must be mature they are flattened against the by contrast females have short fins. but without nitrates. A plentiful opposite side of the aquarium. When young they cannot be sexed supply of small live foods is also Arnoldichthys spilopterus (African as all have similar coloration and beneficial, but not essential. Make red-eyed tetra) grows to about 8 similarly-shaped fins. It is best to sure the aquarium is well covered as cm (3V4 in). A shoal should purchase a shoal of youngsters and L. roloffi jumps, especially when include both males and females. grow them on, providing copious frightened. Some floating plants Males have more colour and are amounts of live foods, especially are beneficial as they seem to give slimmer fishes; their anal fin is mosquito larvae and bloodworm. If the fishes a sense of security, convex and has red, yellow, and you cannot get live foods then making them less likely to jump. black stripes. Females are deeper- frozen are a good substitute. This Both species can be bred given bodied and their anal fin is way you get good quality fishes at a the soft acid conditions required virtually straight with a black tip. more reasonable price than by for spawning. Lepidarchus adonis They require a large aquarium with buying adults that may be too old (Adonis characin) places its eggs plenty of open swimming space. to breed anyway. Congo tetras are amongst fine-leaved plants and Regular partial water changes, egg-scatterers, so if they spawn in they hatch in about 36 hours. along with plenty of meaty foods the community aquarium most of Lepidarchus roloffi (Sierra Leone such as mosquito larvae and the eggs will be eaten. They can, dwarf characin) spawns just above bloodworm (live or frozen), will however, be spawned successfully a peat substrate. Neither fish is help to bring mature specimens using mesh and Java moss. prolific, and the fry of both are into breeding condition . A good Other fishes you may like to very small and therefore require pair of these tropical egg-scatterers consider, and which require the extremely fine, almost powder- can produce in excess of a same sort of conditions are fine, foods. Infusoria are good as a thousand eggs. The fry grow Brydnus longipinnis (long-finned first food, followed by newly rapidly if well fed and can be 5 cm characin), Alestes nurse (nurse hatched brine shrimp. (2 in) long at about two months tetra), and Micralestes acutidens. old.

Brydnus longipinnis (long-finned Adult Congo tetras require soft acid Arnoldichthys spilopterus (African red- characin) looks its best in sunlight. conditions and some vegetable eye) is a must for the larger community Be warned - they may jump! matter in their diet. aquarium. The Distichodus Distichodus species are well known as plant eaters, but this should not deter you from trying to keep them at one time or another. All seem happy in water conditions of about 10-20 dH, neutral to slightly acid, and a temperature of 23-2 7°C (73-81°F) is suitable. Feed them heavily with plant material, such as lettuce, peas, chickpeas, spinach, watercress, and courgette, and also flake and tablet foods. It is not unheard of for them to take live foods such as bloodworm, put in the tank to feed other occupants. Several species are available to the hobbyist, two of them small. Distichodus decemmaculatus (dwarf You may be tempted to buy a young, highly coloured specimen of Distichodus sexfasciatus, but think ahead. Although it will retain much of its colour, this fish Distichodus) from the Central Zaire can grow to 25 cm (10 in) and at that size it is a powerful creature that needs a basin grows only to 6 cm (2V4 in) spacious aquarium and good filtration. It can also take fright very easily, so make at most, but, unfortunately, is sure you have a tight-fitting hood or cover glass or you may find your fish on the rarely imported. This is a great floor. pity as it makes an excellent fish for a community aquarium, being small, peaceful, and quite attractive with its moss-green body and vertical black stripes. The other species available is D. affinis, which grows to 12 cm (4J/2 in) and is found in the lower Zaire basin. It is ideally suited as a companion fish for catfishes and some of the peaceful cichlids. There are three species which are very similar, all with red fins Distichodus affinis attains only 7.5 cm Young Distichodus lusosso are attrac- with spots at the base of the dor- (3 in), and may be kept with other tively coloured. As they grow these medium-sized robust fishes such as herbivores require larger accommoda- sal: D. affinis (12 cm/4V2 in), D. Thorichthys meeki (firemouth cichlid). tion and may be housed with some of noboli (8 cm/3V4 in), and D. Feed plenty of vegetable matter the larger peaceful catfishes such as notospilus (15 cm/6 in). D. affinis otherwise any plants in the aquarium Pseudodoras niger, with whom they will has rounded lobes to the caudal will be decimated. not compete for food. fin and the base of the anal fin is pointed. Their ranges also differ: large aquarium: 150cm (60 in) or longer than the base of the dorsal D. affinis is found in the lower more long and wide enough for fin. D. noboli also has rounded Zai're basin, D. noboli in the upper the fishes to turn round with ease. lobes to the caudal fin, but the Zaire, and D. notospilus from They also require very efficient anal fin has a shorter base than the Camerun to Angola. filtration. These fishes make dorsal. D. notospilus is very similar The larger members of the excellent companions for the to D. noboli, but the tips of the genus include D. lusosso (40 cm/ larger peaceful catfishes such as caudal fin are 16 in), D. sexfasciatus (25 cm/ 10 Auchenoglanis occidentalis (giraffe in), and D.fasciolatus (30cm/ 12 catfish), large barbs, and/ or other in). These three require a large, peaceful characins. South American Tetras them to a new set-up. The tank Breeding Tetras This is the largest group of needs to have been in operation Of the small tetras, neons have the characins encountered by aquar- for several months before adding reputation of being horrend-ously ists, and includes all the well- even the more hardy species such difficult to breed, and yet the truth known species such as as H. eryihrozona. Six months to a is they can be spawned with Paracheirodon innesi (neon tetra), year's maturation is best for the almost the same ease as many of Hasemania nana (silver-tip tetra), more delicate species such as the barbs. The key to success lies Hemigrammus, erythrozonus (glow- cardinals. They are shoaling in your choice of potential light tetra), Paracheirodon axelrodi fishes, which like the company of breeding stock and in how you (cardinal tetra), Hemigrammus their own kind, so rather than set up the breeding aquarium. bleheri (rummy-nose tetra, red- buying one or two of this species, In healthy well-fed fishes sexing nose tetra), Hemigrammus rhodo- one of that, and two or three each is quite easy. Females tend to be stomus (also known as the red- of several others, purchase eight larger and generally more rounded nose, or worm-nosed, tetra), or ten of your favourite and maybe than males. As they fill up with Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma six or eight of another. By doing roe this will become even more (bleeding heart tetra), this you will see more of the noticeable. The blue longitudinal Nematobrycon palmeri (emperor fishes, as given company they will stripe will also appear curved on tetra), Moenkhausia pittieri (dia- not hide away in the plants. the female, but straighter in the mond tetra, Pittier's tetra); and so Feeding is very simple. They male. It may be a little difficult to the list goes on. will take commercial flake foods as see this difference, but body The South American tetras are, a basic diet, but, in order to shape should be enough to in the main, small fishes which maintain some of the hues on the separate the sexes without too are well suited to life in the body, it is essential to feed either many problems. community aquarium. They live or frozen foods. By varying Take care in selecting the cor- require soft, slightly acid condi- the diet you will also be able to get rect sizes of neon tetras to try to tions such as usually prevail in a the fishes into breeding condition spawn. Big is not beautiful in this mature furnished aquarium. Many should you wish to attempt to case. You need to look for fishes people fail with them because they spawn them. which are just over half grown. are too eager to add The 2-3 cm (3A-11/! in) range Hemigrammus erythrozonus (glow-light) seems best. If you only have a choice between extra large or very small fishes then take a group of small ones and grow them up. It is better to wait a few months than to try to breed fishes which are too old and will never spawn for you. is also mass-produced. Before buying In preparation for the spawning Paracheirodon innesi (neon tetra) is check for any resulting abnormalities attempt you need to condition commercially produced by the thou- such as deformed gill covers. sand for the aquatic trade so there is your potential breeders with plenty of live foods, such as Excellent water quality is essential Daphnia and newly hatched brine for Hemigrammus bleheri (rummy- nosed tetra) as they are sensitive to shrimp. It is also important to any build up of nitrates. lower the pH and hardness of the water in which your fishes are living, to prevent them from going into shock when they are transferred to the breeding tank; over the few weeks it will take to little fear of decimating wild stocks. Male Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma condition your breeders with live (bleeding heart tetra) are recognised by their elongated finnage. Keep in soft, slightly acid water. food you should therefore slowly artificial spawning mops made of add rain water or demineralized nylon wool. Ideally these should water to the tank to soften the be new ones or have been carefully water and lower the pH. cleaned before use. Your breeding tank does not The breeding tank is now ready need to be particularly large for its intended occupants, which

(about 50 x 25 x 25 cm (18 x 10 x are best introduced in the evening, 10 in) will do), but it does need to just before "lights out". Hopefully Young Moenkhausia pittieri (diamond the next morning you should see tetra) look nothing like this beautiful be clean, so make sure it is male, but given good conditions, they thoroughly cleaned out, before your pair embracing off and on for will mature into quality fishes. use, with either a chemical disin- a couple of hours. During these fectant or very strong salt solution. embraces the female turns to an Whichever you use, make sure all almost vertical position with the traces are thoroughly washed male wrapped around her. Each away. time a few eggs are expelled and The aquarium can then be since they are only semi-adhesive filled with demineralized water or some of them may fall through the pure rain water. Depending on nylon mops and drop to the This is the original form of how you collect the rain water, the bottom of the aquarium. During a Gymnocorymbus ternetzi (black widow): hardness reading will be zero or good spawning up to 150 eggs fish breeders have developed albino maybe slightly above. If it is above may be laid. As soon as the pair and long-finned varieties. 10 ppm then it has probably been have finished mating they should collected from a roof which is be removed to another aquarium made of something which has (with matching water chemistry). dissolved in the rain water Sometimes a pair will not be running off it. In this case, collect ready to spawn as soon as you again, making sure only pure rain place them in the breeding tank. water is collected. In this case leave them for a few Once the aquarium is filled days to see if they will spawn. If, Thayeria boehlkei (penguin) are usually with rain or demineralized water, after this time, they have still not seen "hovering" at an angle in mid- add a few handfuls of peat. At first bred, then remove them and try water. A shoaling fish, they like the company of their own kind. this will float on the surface, but another pair, or wait for a week after a few days it will sink to the and try with the originals again. bottom and in the process stain Under no circumstances should the water brown. Now check the you risk pollution by feeding the pH. Ideally it should read adults in the breeding aquarium. between 5.5 and 6.5. If it is too Once the adults have been high, then you will need to boil removed cover the tank with dark some more peat in a pan of rain brown paper to exclude some of A mature aquarium is essential for water or demineralized water for the light. The next day the eggs Paracheirodon axelrodi (cardinal tetra). half an hour and then, once should hatch; and on the fourth Most failures are caused by unsuitable cooled, add this to the aquarium. day after spawning the fry will water. Alternatively, you can add one of become free-swimming and will the chemicals available from your need to be fed the very smallest of local aquarium shop to lower the foods such as infusoria or a liquid pH, following the manufacturer's fry food, followed after a week or instructions to the letter. so by newly hatched brine shrimp. Once the water chemistry has Once feeding on brine shrimp, the been dealt with, set the tempera- fry grow quickly and will be ture at between 24-26°C 1.75— sexable after about 12 weeks. Here we see the pigmented epigean 79°F) and add several version of Asyanax mexicanus (blind cave fish). Pencilfishes These fishes belong to the family Lebiasinidae and several species are available in the trade at one time or another. They may be kept in a community aquarium, but if the water conditions are less than ideal, or they are prevented from feeding by more boisterous fishes, it is better to house them in species tanks. Pencilfishes are small and timid surface dwellers, and much of the day is spent motionless just below the surface so that they look like Nannobrycon eques (hockey-stick or three-striped pencilfish) requires soft acid pieces of twig. Only at dusk do conditions and peaceful companions, and has a preference for live foods. they come to life, when they start to feed on insects that have fallen thalictroides} to keep down the everything goes to plan, the eggs on the surface or on small aquatic light and also provide hiding will be released and fall through invertebrates. Some species will places among its trailing roots. the mesh before the parents can also search the substrate for food, The temperature should be in the devour them, but sometimes the sifting the mud and silt in search range 23-28°C (73-82°F). fishes will not spawn. This is of small worms and so on. In the The colour patterns on their usually because they have not aquarium, they accept flake, brine bodies change from day to night; been fed the right foods so that the shrimp, and small frozen foods but what appear as faint vertical black diet has been lacking in amino prefer live Daphnia and other pond patches during the day become acids. Feeding mosquito larvae foods. As they are most active in predominantly black markings at and Drosophila (fruit flies) will the evening, this is the time to night, while those which were usually rectify this. Of the two feed them. prominent during the day fade genera, Nannobrycon and Ideally the water in the aquar- away. Nannostomus, the latter is the ium should be soft, slightly acid, Breeding, these fishes is difficult easier to breed. and free from nitrates. Mainten- but not impossible. The main We suggest you try ance of good quality water is requirements are a breeding tank Nannobrycon eques (hockey stick or essential if you wish to succeed with mesh that the eggs can fall three-striped pencilfish), with these fishes. The pH may through, a clump or two of Java Nannobrycon unifasciatus (one- vary between 5.5 and 7.0 provided moss or synthetic substitute on top striped pencilfish), Nannostomus any changes are gradual. Use a of the mesh, very soft (2 dH or beckfordi (golden pencilfish), dark substrate, and plant with less) slightly acid water (about Nannostomus harrisoni (Harrison's clumps of Cryptocoryne with some pH 6.0), dim light, a dark bottom pencilfish), Nannostomus mar- floating plants such as Indian fern (black paper beneath the tank ginatus (dwarf pencilfish), and/or (Ceratopteris works well), and a pair of willing Nannostomus trifasciatus (three- fishes. If lined pencilfish).

The anal fin of male Nannostomus There are several colour forms of The body colour of Nannostomus tri- harrisoni (Harrison's pencilfish) is Nannostomus beckfordi (golden pen- fasciatus (three-striped pencilfish) will more colourful than the female's. cilfish), one of the easiest "pencils". intensify once they have settled in. Splash Tetras Breeding Splash Tetras The splash tetras belong to the Place a pair in a small breeding same family as the pencilfishes. tank (this need be only about 50 Unfortunately the majority are cm (18 in) long), using water rarely deliberately imported for the from the main aquarium, and aquarium trade but do turn up make sure that you have some occasionally in shipments of other broad-leaved plants such as fishes. The only one seen on a Echinodorus sp. (Amazon sword fairly regular basis is Copdla plants) whose leaves reach just Copella arnoldi (splash tetra, jumping characin) is famed for its method of arnoldi (splash tetra, jumping above the water surface. Place a reproduction, in which the pair jump, characin), the fish that gives the tight cover glass over the aquarium turn, and press their eggs onto the group its common name. A fairly and make sure the water level underside of a leaf. As they like to jump, unassuming fish to look at, males allows a small gap between the be sure to cover the aquarium tightly are larger, growing to 8 cm (3V4 water surface and the cover glass. and use some floating plants to in), and have more colour in their When ready, the pair will swim discourage this activity. finnage than females, 6 cm (2]/4 together and then jump. Pressing to absorb their yolk sacs, after in). their bodies close together and which they require small foods Copdla arnoldi (splash tetra) is turning belly-up, they deposit a such as newly hatched brine a good community fish which few eggs on the underside of a shrimp. inhabits the mid- to upper layers leaf or on the cover glass. This all Other members of the genus of the aquarium. If possible, keep happens in a split second and is may also be kept in the community a group, or if not, a pair, as their repeated many times, with eight aquarium, but their method of main attraction is their unusual to ten eggs being deposited on the breeding is "normal". After method of reproduction. Water chosen site at each jump. By the conditioning, the pair spawn on a conditions are not critical: keep end of spawning there will be a pre-cleaned leaf and the male the hardness below 12 dH and the clutch of up to 200 eggs. As these tends the eggs, which hatch in pH around neutral (so most are above the water, the male about 30-36 hours. The fry community aquaria with plenty of tends them, splashing water over require fine foods such as infusoria plants will suit this fish). Regular them every 30 seconds or so, followed by newly hatched brine partial water changes are essential hence the common name. If shrimp. to keep them healthy. If they unfertilized eggs fall off the Copdla guttata (red-spotted become listless or hide all the leaf/cover glass the male ignores characin), a much larger fish time this usually indicates a slight them. The eggs hatch after about (growing to 15 cm (6 in)), places deterioration in water quality. A 60 hours and the fry drop into the its eggs in a depression in the partial water change will rectify water. It takes another 36-48 substrate. Again, the male guards the situation. hours for the fry the eggs. On hatching, they should C. arnoldi (splash tetras) will be raised in the same way as the jump to catch food and also when other species. breeding. The addition of floating plants such as Indian fern (Ccratopteris thalictroides'), and the provision of a good cover glass, will ensure that they do not leap to their deaths. Feeding is not a problem as they accept flake, frozen, and live foods, but to condition them for spawning, offer plenty of live and frozen invertebrates such as Daphnia, bloodworm, and mos- Usually found near the surface, Pyrrhulina brevis (short-lined Pyrrhulina) make quito larvae; preferably live. ideal companions for Corydoras catfishes and some dwarf cichlids. They can be quarrelsome when breeding - and they jump! Hatchetfishes There are two sub-species of C. When you think about surface- strigata, from different localities; dwelling fishes for the community C. strigata strigata is found around aquarium, usually the first ones Iquitos in Peru, and C. strigata that spring to mind are the fasciata in Guyana. Of the two, the hatchetfishes of the family Guyanan fishes are the easier to Gasteropelecidae. The two genera keep. usually encountered by the Hatchets like a very good flow aquarist are Gasteropekcus and of highly oxygenated water and Carnegiella. These are easily dif- will hold station in a current ferentiated as Gasteropekcus is strong enough to start breaking up larger (up to 9 cm (3l/2 in) in the the softer plants, so try to achieve case of G. maculatus) and has an a happy medium that satisfies the adipose fin, whereas Carnegiella is fishes but does not damage the smaller (4 cm (ll /2 in) in the case plants. Always keep them in a A surface dweller that likes a powerful of C. strigata) and lacks an shoal of at least five fishes: their flow from an external power filter, adipose fin. reputation for being difficult to Carnegiella strigata (marbled hatchet- These fishes are characterized acclimatize to aquarium conditions fish) is regarded as "difficult", not only by their straight dorsal profile, is largely due to people trying to because of the need to provide it with a deeply keeled bodies, and pectoral to keep single or at most two very varied diet but also because it is fins set high on the body, looking specimens - a recipe for disaster. prone to white spot. like wings. "Hatchets" jump, not Carnegiella strigata (marbled and it is necessary to take a little only to catch insects but also to hatchetfish), in particular, is prone time and effort to provide them escape predators. They also "fly": to white spot. If at all possible, with live and frozen alternatives. a strong set of muscles attached to quarantine the fishes for a They love fruit flies and mosqui- the hypoco-racoid bones (the deep minimum of two weeks before toes, including mosquito larvae, so "breastbone") enables them to flap putting them in the community try and offer a varied diet of this their pectorals at great speed when aquarium. Check the fishes in type. Their mouths are upturned, they leave the water. your dealer's tank; a reputable indicating that they are surface The two species most commonly trader will have quarantined his or feeders; although they will take available are G. maculatus (spotted her fishes and offer you only food as it sinks, they will not forage hatchetfish) and C. strigata healthy stock. on the bottom. (marbled hatchetfish). Unfortunately flake foods are C. strigata (marbled hatchetfish) not enough for hatchetfishes, has been bred in captivity. This requires very soft, acid water. The eggs are deposited on the roots of floating plants but some will fall to the bottom. They hatch in 24-36 hours and the fry require very small live foods. Just keeping the parents healthy can be a challenge, so breeding them is even more so. Two other species are occa- sionally available, but these are far more delicate than C. strigata and G. maculatus. They are C. marthae (black-winged hatchetfish), from Venezuela, where it is found in small woodland streams, and C. myersi, from the Peruvian Amazon Gasteropelecus sternida (common hatchetfish) is more suited to a community aquarium although it too requires a very varied diet. Floating plants will provide and Bolivia. security, but leave adequate feeding space. Anostomids as mosquito larvae and blood- You could be forgiven for thinking worms are also relished, and that these fishes are surface young fishes will take flake foods, dwellers, because they have long, especially vegetable flake. streamlined bodies and small Anostomus anostomus (striped upturned mouths. But nothing headstander) is the species most could be further from the truth. often offered for sale. They are The anostomids, sometimes stunningly coloured, with dark referred to as "headstanders", gold and black stripes running the inhabit very fast-flowing waters in length of the body and bright rocky stretches of rivers. They are scarlet patches at the base of the found, head down, in narrow, caudal fin. They adapt readily to Leporinus fasciatus (black-banded vertical, rocky fissures. In the aquarium life and will mark out Leporinus) may quarrel among them- aquarium provide vertical territories in the tank. Provide selves, but are peaceful towards other fishes. Largely herbivorous, they may crevices, which can be constructed them with strong filtration - ide- nibble plants. from either actual rocks or plastic ally the water should be turned substitutes to lessen the weight. over twice an hour. They are Keep anostomids either as a reported to have been bred, but no single individual in the community details are as yet available. aquarium, or in a group of seven Two other species are occa- or more. For reasons best known sionally obtainable. Anostomus to themselves, they become very ternetzi is similarly coloured to A. aggressive if kept in small groups - anostomus, but is slightly smaller a similar situation to that and lacks the red coloration in the encountered with Barbus tetrazona caudal fin. It is a more peaceable (tiger barbs) (see Cypriniformes species than A. anostomus and can chapter). They are predominantly be kept under similar conditions. herbivores and will graze on algae Anostomus taeniatus also appears Often mistaken for an anostomid because of its "head-down" method of and plants. In the furnished now and again, and is likewise a swimming, Chilodus punctatus (spotted aquarium offer lettuce leaves peaceful shoaling fish requiring headstander) actually belongs to the "planted" in the substrate and the the same aquarium conditions. It family Curimatidae. fishes will take these in has a single black stripe along the preference to the aquarium plants. body, with gold above and cream Peas are another suitable below. At night it changes its substitute food. Small aquatic colouring to brown with faint invertebrates such cream markings.

Anostomus anostomus (striped head- stander) needs to be fed copious amounts of lettuce or peas to dis- courage it from decimating the aquarium plants. Abramites hypselonotus (high-backed headstander) is a deeper bodied anostomid. Youngsters will tolerate one another, but when they get to about 10 cm (4 in) plus they can't stand the sight of each other. Big Beasts No piece about the characoids would be complete without mentioning some of the larger, more specialized fishes. Of these, the piranhas have a worldwide reputation. They belong to the family Serrasalmidae, which includes not only the carnivorous piranhas but also some large, peaceful herbivores. Serrasalmus nattereri (red piranha) is a fine example of these fishes. It is the dream of many hobbyists to keep one or more, The villain of the aquarium, Serrasalmus nattereri (red piranha) has a reputation but few achieve this. Indeed, in to live up to. Whatever you do, do not take chances with these fishes; they have a some countries, for example the sturdy set of teeth, and if cornered will not hesitate to lunge at your hand, the net, USA, they cannot be imported for or anything else that they consider a threat. fear of escapes, and/or release by again, one fish per container. Juvenile S. nattereri are silver- irresponsible aquarists, into the Another word of warning: do not bodied with numerous black wild, because of the danger of put your hands in the aquarium if spots, while the pectoral and anal feral populations becoming you have any open wounds on fins are reddish. As the fishes established. This would decimate them - it is not worth the risk. mature they lose their spots, indigenous fish populations. In captivity they require a large becoming silvery with a more They are a fish that needs to be aquarium with very efficient golden back, and with red on the handled confidently but with filtration and a good flow of throat and belly. If you wish to extreme care - this cannot be water. Water chemistry is not keep a group, it is best to over-stressed. If alarmed, their critical: soft to medium hard water purchase a shoal of youngsters first reaction is to attack and bite, with a neutral or slightly acid pH and grow them up together; you and as they are armed with a is fine. As they are carnivores they will find that a hierarchy develops fearful set of teeth they can inflict produce a lot of high protein within the shoal. Provided you serious wounds. Many a native waste, so the efficiency of the don't upset the status quo by fisherman has lost a toe to a filtration system is critical. Any adding more later, the shoal will piranha, but not when swimming deterioration in water quality will flourish. in the water; more usually when stress the fishes. Plant the Serrasalmus nattereri has been he has caught the fish and it is aquarium with Echinodorus sp. bred in large aquaria. They spawn flapping about in the bottom of the (Amazon sword plants) and at first light and produce up to canoe. Even small specimens will decorate with large pieces of wood 1000 eggs. The male and female bite. that look like tree roots, to give guard the nest for the first 24 When transporting them home the fishes some shelter. hours, but the female is then they should be double-bagged, Feeding piranhas is simple - chased away and only the male with a thick layer of newspaper they eat anything meaty, alive or remains on guard. The young are between each of the polythene dead - pieces of meat or fish are relatively easy to rear on brine bags, so that if the fish bites best. For young specimens use shrimp, but ensure that you have through the inner bag, its teeth small pieces of food, and keep up sufficient space to raise them. will not go through the soggy a steady supply without over- After about four weeks, they need newspaper and puncture the outer feeding. Remember a hungry to be graded by size otherwise the one. Pack them one fish to a bag. piranha is dangerous and will larger fishes will eat the smaller Alternatively, transport them in reduce a prey item to shreds. In ones. Copious amounts of live rigid containers such as buckets the wild, piranhas are thought to foods, in ever-increasing sizes, are with lids, and feed on the fins of other fishes as needed to raise them successfully. well as whole ones. In the same family, the as Microsorium pteropus (Java. fern) Serrasalmidae, we also find some attached to wood and rocks, and harmless herbivores, one of the large Echinodorus sp. (Amazon largest being Piaractus brachy- sword plants) and Cryptocoryne pomus (Pacu). Large fishes that sp. planted in the substrate. grow to well over a metre (40 in), Ensure that the plants are well they are suited to public aquaria established and growing rather than the home aquarium. vigorously before introducing the Small specimens are sometimes fishes to the aquarium. Provided available, but do give due con- you feed them well on a variety of sideration to their potential size A very large fish (1 metre/40 in) best vegetable foods (they are par- before purchasing one. If you can suited to a public aquaria, Piaractus ticularly fond of lettuce) the plants brachypomus (Pacu) is related to the provide an aquarium of 200 x 60 x piranha but is a harmless herbivore. will not be harmed to any great 60 cm (84 x 24 x 24 in), with a extent. filtration system to match, you are Metynnis can be sexed by the partway there, but be prepared to anal fin, which in males is longer move the fishes on to larger and more highly coloured than in accommodation. females. They are shoal spawners Pacu are vegetarians. In the and relatively simple to breed. The wild their diet consists of fruit and water needs to be soft, (less than seeds, while in captivity they will 6 dH), acid (pH 6.0-7.0) and eat just about anything warm (26-28°C/79-82°F). These "vegetable": bananas, figs, cherry fishes like to spawn among tomatoes, courgette, lettuce, pond floating plants, and a single female weed; their philosophy seems to may produce up to 2000 eggs be, "If it's vegetable we'll give it a Another herbivore, Metynnis argenteus which fall to the bottom and are (silver dollar), should be kept in a shoal try!" They have very inefficient in a large aquarium with subdued ignored. The fry are easily raised disgestive systems and produce lighting. Buy youngsters to grow on, on small live foods, but many are waste that forms food for other offering vegetable foods. lost because the average aquarist fishes. The large doradid catfish has insufficient space to cope with Pseudodoras niger makes an ideal such large numbers of fry, both in companion for a pacu and will sift terms of space and the quantities through the detritus when feeding. of food required. On a more manageable level, Myleus rubripinnis is another there are other peaceful herbivores matter entirely. These fishes are in this family, such as Metynnis not readily sexable and so far have argenteus (silver dollar), M. not been bred. They are more hypsauchen, and Myleus rubripinnis. difficult to maintain than Metynnis Under aquarium conditions all because they do not tolerate any reach a reasonable size (10-15 A peaceful characin that rarely exceeds build-up of nitrates in the water, cm/4-6 in). Being shoaling fishes, 10 cm (4 in) in captivity but may reach and they require higher levels of they make ideal companions for 35 cm (10 in) in the wild, Myleus oxygenation. catfishes and loaches. They require rubripinnis rubripinnis requires highly Sometimes M. rubripinnis is plenty of space: an aquarium of a oxygenated, clear water. seen with small spots on its body, metre (36 in) or longer is required and warm, up to 28°C (82°F). looking like little tiny blisters for youngsters, and 120 cm (48 Make sure the filtration system is about the size of a pinhead. At in) or more for a shoal of six to efficient and, especially for M. first they give the impression that eight semi-adult fishes. Water rubripinnis, that the water is well the fish is covered with air conditions are not too critical as oxygenated. bubbles but this is not so, they are long as they are soft and slightly Provide a planted aquarium but the sign of a so far unidentified acid use artificial plants or very robust disease. species of live plants such Anabantids

The anabantids are a large group some species live. Some construct of fishes found in the tropical bubblenests to keep the eggs at waters of Africa and Asia. They are the surface, others have floating Trichopsis pumilus (dwarf croaking best known for their ability to eggs, and yet others hold their gourami) is one of the smallest breathe atmospheric air. The eggs in their mouths in a similar gouramis. Quite delicate, it is best kept organ that they use for this is fashion to the mouthbrooding in a species aquarium. known as the labyrinth (hence the cichlids. Each method seeks to common name labyrinth fishes) give the eggs the optimum and is situated on either side of conditions for development by the head in the gill cavity directly keeping them in areas which are above the gills. The fish takes in higher in oxygen or which will air from above the water surface give them the greatest possible and passes it into two chambers, degree of protection. each of which has a rosette-like The labyrinths are generally structure which looks not unlike a divided into two groups by the Pseudosphronemus cupanus (spike- sponge. This has a very good hobby: gouramis and climbing tailed paradise fish) prefers a well- supply of blood vessels close to perches. The only problem with planted tank and small live foods. the surface of the structure, and this arbitrary division is that therefore the fish is able to absorb gouramis can range in size from Scientists, however, divide, oxygen from the air. the 2.5 cm (1 in) Trichopsis labyrinths into four families: Not only does this air breathing pumilus (dwarf croaking gourami) Anabantidae, containing the capability allow labyrinths to to the huge Osphronemus goramy genera Anabas, Ctenopoma, and survive in waters that are oxygen (giant gourami) which can attain Sandelia; Belontiidae, containing deficient, it allows some of them lengths greater than 70 cm (28 Belontia, Betta, Colisa, Ctenops, to travel across land. The most in). This division also fails to take Trichogaster, Malpulluta, Par- notable of these is Anabas account of the various osphronemus, Pseudosphronemus, testudineus (climbing perch). Macropodus (paradise fishes) and Sphaerichthys, Trichopterus, and Labyrinth fish breeding strate- Betta (fighting fishes) species of Trichopsis; Helostomatidae, with gies also reflect the low oxygen which there are a growing number the single genus Helostoma; and content of the water in which in the hobby. Osphronemidae, also containing a single genus, Osphronemus.

One of the least demanding anabantids is Macropodus Ever popular, Betta splendens (Siamese fighter) has been opercularis (paradise fish); it is suitable for the novice line-bred to enhance both the finnage and coloration of aquarist. the males. Wild males are less splendid. Gouramis created out of rocks or bogwood. By far and away the most popular Colisa lalia (dwarf gourami). is group of fishes among the another very popular gourami. anabantids are the gouramis They are ideal for the smaller belonging to the family community aquarium since they Belontiidae. Of these, members of grow to a maximum of about 5 cm the genus Trichogaster, such as I (2 in). They are normally sold trichopterus sumatranus (blue only in pairs, mainly because the gourami), I microlepis (moonlight female is an uninteresting silvery Trichogaster trichopterus sumatranus colour with pale vertical bars, (blue gourami) may sometimes bully gourami), and T. leeri (pearl other, smaller fishes. Make sure their gourami), are probably the easiest whereas the male's bars are a companions are large enough to look fishes to keep because they are brilliant red alternating with blue. after themselves. tolerant of most water conditions. The temptation for the novice They are medium-sized fishes aquarist is to purchase the highly (10-15 cm/4-6 in) and are well coloured fish: indeed, he or she suited to a community aquarium may not even realize that the as long as their companions are silvery creature is the female. not too small. Occasionally, Other members of the genus however, large adults will bully Colisa are also suited to the other fishes and may have to be smaller aquarium. The one you are moved to an aquarium in which most likely to come across is Trichogaster microlepis (moonlight they are the smallest fishes. The Colisa sola (honey gourami). Again gourami) can be very timid. This can be only other problem which may females are rather drab, being a overcome by providing thickets of plants occur is the gouramis having their pale brown on the back and silver and some floating plants for privacy and ventral fins nipped by their on the belly with a dark stripe security. tankmates. running from the eye to the caudal When purchasing them from peduncle. Males exhibit a similar an aquarium shop, try to buy coloration when they feel them in pairs. Some species are insecure, which they do in a shop virtually impossible to sex as tank, but once settled in your juveniles, but as adults it should aquarium they will soon show their full colour. This consists of a be obvious. The easiest way to sex them is to look at the dorsal fin; lemon yellow dorsal fin and dark in males this is slightly longer blue-black head, throat, and front Male 1 richogaster leeri (pearl gourami), such as the one shown here, are even than in females and may portion of the anal fin. The rest of more colourful when in breeding dress. culminate in a point. In the body and fins is a lovely Keep these fishes as pairs and, provided Trichogaster leeri (pearl gourami) copper colour. These fishes are there are no boisterous tankmates, they males, not only is the dorsal fin delicate, so be patient, and wait may spawn. longer and pointed, but the anal until you have more experience fin has extensions to the fin rays, and your aquarium is mature and the throat is a beautiful blood before you try to keep them. red when the fish is in good We suggest you try Trichogaster condition. trichopterus (three spot or blue The larger gouramis do not gourami), T leeri (pearl gourami), need any special conditions, T microlepis (moonlight gourami), although they do prefer the water T pectoralis (snakeskin gourami), to be on the warm side. Colisa lalia (dwarf gourami), Colisa You may wish to keep the west African Anywhere between 25-28°C (77- fasciata (giant gourami), and Ctenopoma kingsleyae (Kingsley's 82°F) seems to suit them. The Colisa labiosa (thick-lipped Ctenopoma) in your community aquarium should be heavily gourami). aquarium. Beware: C. kingsleyae is far planted towards the back and more predatory than the other fishes sides, and a few caves can be shown here, and small tankmates may disappear. Despite being a large fish (it can grow to Male Colisa lalia (dwarf gourami) are Colisa sola (honey gourami; is easy to more than 20 cm/8 in), Trichogaster far more colourful than the plain silver keep in a quiet community aquarium, pectoralis (snakeskin gourami) is very females. They will sometimes breed in or a species aquarium if you wish to peaceful and thus a popular aquarium the aquarium but don't expect many breed them. Condition them on small inmate. fry to survive, especially if there are live and frozen foods and, when ready, other fishes around. they will build a bubblenest.

Breeding Gouramis The distance between the water breeding set up and try again with To breed these bubblenest and the cover glass should be another female, or return the builders, you will need an aquar- about 5-10 cm (2-4 in). original one a week later when she ium at least 100 cm (36 in) long Condition the prospective may have reached spawning for the larger species and 60 cm parents well on live or frozen condition. (24 in) for the smaller ones. foods. When they are ready to Once spawning is under way Provide some thickets of plants breed, the male will show interest you are in for a real treat. The pair which reach to the surface, and in the female, seeming to be embrace, with the male wrapping use only minimal filtration to stimulated by the more rounded himself around the female and create a very gentle water move- appearance of her belly. At this then turning her over on to her ment. The plants have a dual time, he will pick a quiet area of back as the eggs and milt are purpose: firstly they provide the aquarium, usually in a corner expelled. The eggs are lighter than shelter for the female when the or very close to a clump of plants, water and float up to the surface. male becomes a little too pushy, and start to build a bubblenest, Once the male has recovered from and secondly, some species add taking air into his mouth from the the embrace he collects the eggs plant matter to the bubblenest to water surface and expelling it together towards the centre of the help bind the bubbles together. It through his gills. The mucus- nest and carefully encases each is also important to have a tight- covered bubbles float upwards and one in a bubble of mucus-coated fitting cover glass over the are kept in a small area by the air. When the female has aquarium so that the air space just floating plant leaves. If there is a recovered from the embrace she above the water surface is warm strong current in the aquarium, helps collect the eggs. Once this and humid at all times. the delicate nest will be swept task is complete the pair embrace away. again. During spawning up to Every so often the male will 1000 eggs may be laid by the break off from building his larger gouramis, but a more bubblenest and court the female. average spawning will contain This will usually take the form of about 250 eggs. much fin-spreading and wagging When spawning is complete, his body to and fro. This shows the male chases the female away what a splendid male he is and and sets about tidying up the nest. helps excite the female. By the First of all he searches round for time the nest is complete she will any missed eggs and places them be so worked up that she will in the nest, then he blows more Colisa sola builds its nest tucked away spawn straight away. If she is not bubbles and builds up the nest in a quiet area and usually near some ready to spawn, however, they will even more. Once satisfied all is plants. During construction the male fight, and the male may tear her well, he settles down to wait for will interrupt his work to display to the the fry to female. fins. In this case you will have to move her out of the hatch. This takes about 48 hours after which the fry can be seen with their tails hanging down rfrom the nest. The male now has his work cut out making sure that any which fall out of the nest are caught up and pushed back in. On the fifth day the fry become free-swimming and capable of looking after themselves. Soon afterwards the male starts to think of them as food rather than family, eating any he finds. Obviously he must be removed before this happens. The fry of the larger species are easy to raise so long as you have a good supply of small live foods. Infusoria are necessary as a first food, and can be cultured in a separate container using banana skins or other vegetable matter. Alternatively use commercially Male Colisa sola (honey gourami) are more colourful than females, but youngsters produced liquid fry food which rarely show any colour, so buy a group to grow on. can be fed directly to the fry and will also create an infusorial the nest, honey gouramis tend to trichopterus (three spot or blue bloom in the aquarium. These use little or none at all. The nest is gourami) for the first time, used foods are needed only for the first also much more untidy, but the an aquarium with very gentle week, after which they can be eggs are kept in a single very tight undergravel filtration. Everything phased out and newly hatched clump right at the centre of the was fine while the eggs and fry brine shrimp used instead. A wide construction. Courtship is also a were in the bubblenest, and even variety of small live foods, such as little different, with the male for the first few days when they micro-worm and sifted Daphnia, standing on his tail, so to speak, were free swimming there did not need to be included in the diet to with his nose pointing towards the seem to be anything amiss. Then, produce good, healthy youngsters. surface. His colours are one morning, a glance into the Fine-powdered fry food can be heightened even more at this time, aquarium revealed a lot of fry fed as a supplement but if fed to and he spreads all his fins to their trapped in the gravel. They had the exclusion of live foods will utmost and wags his body to and been resting on the bottom and, produce poorer results. The fry fro. even with what appeared to be a will grow fairly swiftly and, as In these small species the fry very gentle water flow, had been broods can be large, ensure you are also smaller, looking like little sucked into the substrate with have enough space to grow them slivers of glass when they first disastrous results - their spines on. hatch. Really small fry foods are had been damaged. The best part Colisa lalia (dwarf gourami) needed and regular, small feeds of the brood was lost and a hard spawn in a similar manner to the throughout the day are better than lesson was learned. For future larger species, but the courtship one or two large meals. Be sure to spawnings an air-operated sponge and nest of C. sola (honey keep the aquarium clean when filter was used and proved gourami) are slightly different. feeding heavily, as uneaten food extremely successful. Not only did Whereas the other species use will cause a deterioration in water it filter the tank, but the young quite a lot of vegetable matter in quality. fishes were often to be found A word of warning: one of us, pecking away at the micro- when breeding Trichogaster organisms on the sponge. Combtails Paradise Fishes can still find the "original" species Bdontia signata (combtails) are not The first exotic aquarium fish to in shops, but there are also a usually recommended for arrive in Europe was Carassius number of different species of community tanks because as they auratus (the goldfish), followed in paradise fish which are seen from get older they become somewhat the 1860s by Macropodus oper- time to time. Most of these are belligerent, especially if they cularis (paradise fish). One of the smaller and more peaceful, but attempt to breed. At this time main reasons this fish survived the lack the lovely blue and red quarrels may break out between journey so far from its native vertical stripes of the original. males as they tussle for the haunts of southeast China and This coloration makes it even now dominant female. In a species Korea was that it is so hardy. They a worthy addition to the larger aquarium, the shoal develops a can comfortably tolerate community aquarium where the pecking order. Smaller fishes may temperatures down to 15°C smallest inmate is about 10 cm (4 be harassed to such an extent that (59°F) and have even been known in) long. As adults your paradise they remain hidden all day. These to survive temperatures as low as fishes will achieve a maximum medium- to large-sized fishes may 5°C (41°F). Unfortunately they are size of 12.5 cm (5 in). be kept with others that are able to somewhat aggressive towards Spawning usually takes place stand up for themselves. smaller fishes and adult males will under a large leaf at the water's Combtails will breed in the fight as aggressively as Siamese surface. It follows the typical community aquarium. If several fighting fishes. At one time they gourami procedure, with the male are kept together and they are well were considered "king" of the building a bubblenest, but the cared for, they will pair naturally, aquarium world, but that was long female is often badly mauled by find themselves a prospective ago before the more beautiful, but the male if she is not ready to breeding site, and herd the other more delicate, truly tropical spawn, so provide plenty of cover fishes out of the way. The eggs are species were available. Today you for her to hide in. laid in clumps under a plant leaf, usually in a single layer of bubbles. Once free swimming, the fry are very easy to raise as they will take flake and newly hatched brine shrimp. The problems arise as they grow, because the larger ones tend to bully their smaller siblings and it is not unusual to get a large number of runts in the brood.

Belontia signata (combtail) can be belligerent; keep them either with fishes of a similar size and disposition or in a species aquarium. When raising fry remove the larger, more aggressive Macropodus opercularis (paradise fish) has been available to the hobby since the late fishes to allow the smaller ones to grow 19th century. Its tolerance of poor water quality and low temperatures meant that it on. could be transported to Europe by ship from its native southeastern China and Korea. The Delicate Bunch of the aquarium, for example a Several of the smaller species are 50x25x25 cm (18 x 10 x 10 surrounded by myths and noted in) will accommodate 6 to 8 for being "difficult". That may be Trichopsis vittatus (croaking so, but with a little careful plan- gourami), and a 60 x 30 x 30 cm ning and preparation it is possible (24 x 12 x 12 in) a shoal of 10 to to keep and breed them - 12 Sphaerichthys osphronemoides homework again! You will, how- (chocolate gourami). Although this ever, need a little more experience may seem very few fishes for before you attempt to keep and tanks of this size, it is easy to breed any of these. They are maintain water quality, and Make sure you keep a careful check on included here as a challenge for should the fishes become picky water quality when keeping Sphaerichthys osphronemoides (chocolate the future! towards each other, they have gourami), because any deterioration Sphaerichthys osphronemoides enough space to get out of each can leave these fishes open to bacterial (chocolate gourami) is a fish that other's way. It is preferable to and fungal infections and to skin one of us cannot resist. They purchase young fishes and allow parasites. require soft, acid conditions and them to grow on and pair excellent water quality. It is the themselves, rather than trying to maintenance of good water quality determine pairs of older fishes. that seems to be the key to One of the keys to success with success with these fishes and with these creatures is in the feeding: the other small species such as they prefer small live foods such as Trichopsis vittatus (croaking Daphnia, Cyclops, mosquito gourami), so pay attention to the larvae, whiteworm, and so on. If filtration system and remember to you cannot provide these then carry out regular partial water frozen foods are excellent changes. substitutes. Most of the fishes will It is best to prepare an aquarium accept flake foods which can be Trichopsis vittatus (croaking gourami) specifically for these creatures, used as well as the frozen/live derives its common name from its ensuring that it is both well foods. ability to produce croaking sounds. planted and that the water is Some controversy surrounds They can be difficult to acclimatize and matured before attempting to just how S. osphronemoides should be housed in an understocked introduce the fishes. Wood is (chocolate gourami) breeds. This aquarium and fed with live or frozen good for decor as the tannins may have something to do with foods at first. leaching from it are beneficial to the fact that there are possibly large yellow eggs into her mouth the fishes. In real terms, an four different types of chocolate and incubated them and the aquarium that has been up-and- gourami, and that each may have resulting fry for about 18 days. running for six to nine months is a different spawning procedure. Of When released, the fry were brown ideal. One of us tends to use a the two forms which have been and yellow and took newly tank previously used for growing observed, Sphaerichthys hatched brine shrimp. The male on small tetras and once they have osphromenoides selatanensis is a Trichopsis vittatus (croaking been moved on to other mouthbrooder in which the male gourami) constructs a nest close to accommodation, a shoal of young carries the eggs, while the other, the substrate in a cave or hollow gouramis can be housed in the Sphaerichthys osphromenoides beneath a large leaf or in a tangle mature aquarium thus vacated. osphromenoides, has been noted as of plant roots. He collects the eggs The only adjustment made to being both a mouthbrooder, in after spawning and spits them into the tank is the water temperature, which the female carries the eggs, the nest. He alone cares for the which should be a little higher for and a bubblenest builder. nest and fry. Up to 300 fry may the gouramis, around 26-28°C The chocolate gouramis we result and they are quite tiny, so (79-82°F). The size of the shoal worked with were mouthbrood- prepare plenty of infusoria and, will depend on the size ers, in which the female took the later, newly hatched brine shrimp. Fighting Fishes Everyone tries their hand at keeping Betta spkndens (Siamese fighter) at some time in their aquatic career. Although they are often kept in community aquaria, this is not the right place for them, particularly not for the males. The trailing finnage is a great temptation to other fishes who will often harass the slower-moving fighter and nip or tear his fins. This puts him under stress; often he will refuse to feed and may even develop bacterial or fungal infections on the damaged fins. In the worst eventuality he may hide away and eventually die. Females, on the other hand, seem to be able to fend for themselves in the average community aquarium of non-aggressive fishes. The male Betta splendens (Siamese fighter) diligently guards his bubblenest, adding bubbles as required and retrieving any eggs that fall out. In retail outlets male fighters are displayed individually, usually breathers they are able to cope floating in the breeding tank. The in small compartments within a with the situation. male will start to construct the larger tank. Although at first For anyone who is serious bubblenest and from time to time glance this system may seem cruel, about keeping and breeding display to the female, spreading it is designed specifically for their fighters, special tanks should be his fins and shaking. After a hour safety and well-being, allowing the used. These are divided into or so the nest will be quite large fishes to display to each other compartments using sheets of and the female will be excited while preventing them from perforated mesh or glass dividers enough to try to follow the male causing actual bodily harm to which leave a slight gap at the top under it. This is the time to try to either party. If kept together they and bottom, large enough to introduce her to him. If all goes will actually fight to the death. allow a flow of water through the well, the pair will go back to the The water in the system is warm whole aquarium yet small enough nest where the-male will wrap and clean, the fishes are properly for the fishes not to be able to get himself around the female, so that fed and, even though they have no into the next compartment. Using his vent is in close proximity to aeration system, being air such a set-up, it is possible to hers and then, as the fishes roll provide well filtered water to slowly in the water, the eggs and maintain the creatures in the sperm will be released. The eggs optimum conditions. are heavier than water and will When breeding Betta spkndens, sink towards the bottom. The male set up a special tank, which need will now break off the embrace not be too deep but should and catch the falling eggs in his contain thickets of plants to give mouth, gently blowing them into the female cover and also to the nest; once the female recovers provide anchorage for the she will join in this task. A large bubblenest builder, Betta bubblenest. Make sure that the The spawning takes several bellica (slender Betta) grows to about female is well fed and full of roe hours to complete, during which 10 cm (4 in). Keep them in pairs. before attempting to put her with time up to 250 eggs will be laid. the male. Initially it is best to Once the pair have finished isolate the female in a j a r spawning remove the female as The Kissing Gourami They are very adaptable, tolerating quickly as possible, taking care Helostoma temminckii (kissing most water conditions, but they not to disturb the nest. If she is gourami) are usually kept because do like to be warm, in the 26- left in the tank, the male may kill of their novel way of testing each 28°C (79-82°F) range. As they are her while protecting the nest. For other's strength. The kissing not quarrelsome they may be kept the next couple of days he will action is not, as we might suppose, safely with other similarly-sized dedicate his life to looking after a sign of affection between male fishes. the eggs. Since they are heavier and female, but a trial of strength Although they can be bred in than water every so often one or between two males, and forms the aquarium, do this only if you more will fall out of the nest. The part of the courtship ritual as they have plenty of space — a pair will male will carefully catch these in try to impress a suitable female. produce up to 10,000 eggs! In his mouth and push them back These creatures are very useful in their native lands they are bred into the nest. the aquarium because they will commercially as food fishes. On the third day the eggs will pick away at algae, taking it off hatch but the fry will not become plant leaves without damaging free swimming until late on the them. Their preferred food is fifth or even sixth day after plankton but it is impossible to spawning. The fry are quite small provide sufficient of this in the and require newly hatched brine aquarium; they will accept small shrimp as their first food. Once live foods as well as flake instead. they are free swimming, the male There are two colour forms of must be removed before he eats the kissing gourami, the green and his offspring. the pink. The green fish is Recently several other species considered the wild form and the of Betta have been available to the pink the aquarium form, the latter The wild form of Helostoma temminckii hobbyist. Not all are suited to the being the most commonly (green kissing gourami) (above) and the community aquarium, and not all available to the aquarist. They pink form shown below are plankton build the well-known bubblenest grow quite large, some 10-15 cm feeders, but fortunately for aquarists when breeding, but instead (4-6 in), in captivity, so be they will accept small prepared foods. They will also clean algae from plant fnouthbrood the eggs: so ensure prepared to give them space. leaves. you do your homework before you purchase them. One of those more likely to be encountered is Betta pugnax, a mouthbrooder. A pair will live quite happily in a soft water community aquarium provided the other occupants are peaceable. Although relatively drab, they have an interesting method of reproduction. The female produces a batch of 10 to 20 eggs which are held in a "cup" formed by the male's anal fin. She then picks up these eggs in her mouth and spits them into the male's. The sequence is repeated until the clutch of up to 100 eggs is complete, and they are then brooded by the male. The fry are easily raised on infusoria and brine A courtship ritual or just a harmless trial of strength? H. temminckii are difficult to sex. Females are generally more round in the body and their anal fin is also shrimp nauplii. rounded. The Giant Gourami people try to give the fish away migrating across land. So Anabas Osphronemus goramy (giant when it has outgrown its home has acquired a common name gourami) is another fish that is aquarium, and you find that which has nothing to do with predominantly a food fish as it public aquaria are inundated with how it gets up into trees! grows to a large size - 40 cm (16 offers of these creatures. So, the When migrating from pond to in) being a good-sized aquarium message is: "think before you pond, it not only uses its fins to fish. The largest specimen buy". If you won't be able to help propel itself across the recorded, however, measured 1 house it when it grows bigger, ground but also spreads each gill metre (36 in). They are long-lived leave it in the dealer's tank. cover in turn so that the sharp and you can expect a well-cared- spines on the latter anchor it to for aquarium specimen to be Climbing Perch the ground while the fins push the around for 10-15 years or even Anabas testudineus is probably the fish forward, allowing it to move longer. Taking this into account, it best-known species of this group, in a jerky side to side motion. This is important to be prepared to but is probably the least solves the problem of surviving make this sort of commitment frequently kept. when the pools dry up, and before you purchase one of the There is a legend in the East should the fish be unable to find "dear little things" in the dealer's that Anabas climbs palm trees and another water source, it can bury tank. Those "little things" grow drinks the sap. This was first itself in damp mud to survive. into "big things", and quickly. recorded in 1787 by a Lieutenant This remarkable creature can live If it wasn't for their size, they Daldorf of the Danish East India for up to 48 hours out of water would make ideal fishes for Company based at Tranquebar. He provided the conditions are damp. beginners since they are tolerant had found a climbing perch Being so hardy, they were able to of most water conditions, eat just lodged in a crack in the bark of a withstand transportation by about anything in the vegetable palm tree growing beside a pond. sailing ship and in around 1870 line (peas, banana, mango, cooked It took an Indian naturalist to were put on display at the rice, and so on, as well as dispel this notion. Dr Das put London Zoo Aquarium. commercial foods) and don't fight. forward the alternative In the aquarium, they are very This is probably why we see them explanation that these fishes are easy to keep, being tolerant of in large community tanks in often found in trees, having been most water conditions. The one public aquaria. Couple that with placed there by predatory birds thing they do need is warmth, so a the fact that many who had captured them while they temperature averaging 26°C (79°F) were is beneficial. Provide plenty of plant cover and some pieces of wood for shelter. This also helps create territories in the aquarium and should reduce the amount of squabbling. Feeding the climbing perch couldn't be easier - if it's edible, they eat it. True omnivores, they consume pellets, rice, vegetable matter, live foods, flake, and so on. They are best kept with their own kind, in a fairly large aquarium, and under such conditions they will pair and may even breed. The floating eggs hatch in some 24 to 36 hours, but the fry are small, so be prepared to provide large quantities of infusoria in the first A true omnivore, Osphronemus goramy (giant gourami) feasts on just about instance. anything you care to offer in the way of nourishment from peas and banana to flakes and pelleted foods. The African Connection The African anabantids belong to the genus Ctenopoma and although they are usually referred to by their generic name, they are also known as bush fishes or even climbing perch. To avoid such confusion here, we'll stick to Ctenopoma (bush fish). At first glance, you might be forgiven for thinking that these chunky fishes with protrusile mouths look more like cichlids than anabantids. In their natural habitat they may be found in weedy areas of forest streams, as well as quiet stretches of rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps, and irriga- tion ditches. Being carnivores, they hunt for live foods and will take anything from insect larvae to Ctenopoma acutirostre is one of the more accommodating members of the genus. other fishes as the opportunity It can be kept with smaller fishes provided they are not small enough to be arises. This makes a normal regarded as food. Feed meaty foods, and especially small live shrimps such as My community tank a no-go area as sis. It prefers a quiet tank with plenty of privacy. far as keeping them is concerned, but some may be housed with other fishes of similar size and temperament. Take care when handling bush fishes, they have serrated edges to their gill covers and when intimidated may flare the latter. If this takes place when the fishes are sparring with each other there are no problems, the trouble starts if you are trying to catch them, as the serrations easily entangle in the net. If this happens, do not try to pull the fish from the net; put net and fish in the aquarium and the fish will usually release itself. If it doesn't then cut the net rather than risking injury to the fish. Most of the smaller species we or set up a new tank for the bush tised by Ctenopoma kingsleyae. come across in the hobby, such as keeping them with other fishes, it Ctenopoma ansorgii (ornate other fishes too large to be eaten. is important to make sure they are Ctenopoma), Ctenopoma fasciola- They like a well-planted aquarium getting a chance to feed. If they tum (banded Ctenopoma), and with soft, slightly acid water are being kept away from the Ctenopoma oxyrhynchus (mottled which must be warm: anything food, try feeding at both ends of Ctenopoma), may be kept with less than 24°C (75°F) is considered cold! Their method of the aquarium at the same time so feeding is to drift close to the prey that the more voracious feeders and then lunge at it, so if you are don't know which way to turn and the bush fishes have a chance. If the problem persists, then remove name it is a beautiful grey fish. the bullies Each scale on the body is clearly fishes. defined and the fins are almost The most common species in clear with white edges. These the trade is Ctenopoma kingsleyae. fishes grow quite large (to about Some scientists now consider this 20 cm/8 in) so they are not suited to be a colour morph of to the average community Ctenopoma petherici so you may see aquarium, which is a pity, as they it for sale under this name as well. are easy to keep. Whatever its scientific If you wish to try and breed bush fishes you will need to check on the individual species' breeding strategy. Some, for . example Ctenopoma fasciolatum, build bubblenests while others are termed non-brooders, producing large numbers of eggs that float to the surface. This is the reproductive method prac- The eggs of such species may be scooped out and hatched else- where. If hatching fry separately, use water from the main aquarium and keep the hatching aquarium clean. The fry are quite large and will take brine shrimp nauplii from day one. Miscellaneous Freshwater Fishes

This chapter includes popular between 3-15 cm (1V4-6 in) as Telmatherina ladigesi (Celebes rain- aquarium fishes that do not fit adults and are peaceful, lively bowfish) need hard, alkaline water and into any of the preceding fresh fishes which fit in well in most regular partial water changes. water groups. communities. They also have very attractive colours and a hardy water (up to say 10-15° dH) but Rainbowfishes disposition, which all adds up to are sensitive to poor water quality Rainbowfishes have been known the perfect aquarium fish. and will remain near the bottom in the aquarium trade for many From the scientific point of with their fins clamped to their years but until recently only a few view the group of fishes we bodies if water conditions are not species have been commonly aquarists call rainbowfishes are to their liking. Regular partial water available. Of these only split into three families:- changes and a good filtration Telmatherina ladigesi (Celebes Atherinidae (silversides), system will avoid this. Many like rainbowfish), Bedotia geayi Melanotaeniidae (rainbowfishes), alkaline conditions: we suggest C. (Madagascar rainbowfish), and and Pseudomugilidae (blue-eyes) . bleheri (Bleher's rainbowfish), C. Melanotaenia splendida (eastern They are found in all sorts of campsi (highlands rainbow-fish), G. rainbowfish) have made any real habitats, from mountain streams wanamensis (Lake Wanam impression. The last species is to lowland rivers as well as lakes, rainbowfish), M. boese-mani often referred to as Melanotaenia ponds, ditches, and swampy (Boeseman's rainbowfish), M. nigrans but the latter was probably regions. We recommend that the herbertaxelrodi (Lake Tebera not in the hobby until the end of new aquarist starts with members rainbowfish), and M. trifasciata the 1970s. of the Melanotaeniidae, such as (banded rainbowfish). Recently this neglected group Melanotaenia, Glossolepis, and Another species worth men- has aroused much more interest, Chilatherina, which tend to be the tioning is Iriatherina werneri with more species available in the easiest to maintain. (filament or threadfin rainbow-fish). shops and still more through the Provide them with a well- The males are eye-catching because specialist societies which are planted aquarium of 100 cm (36 of their long trailing fin filaments springing up worldwide. The in) or more in length: rainbows and their flag-like dorsal fins. reasons for their popularity are are very active fishes and some of Females are less gaudy. These small obvious when you consider the these species can grow to in "rainbows" grow to at most 3.5 cm type of fishes we are dealing with excess of 10 cm (4 in). They do (IVz in) and the females are here. Most species measure well in soft to medium-hard usually smaller at 3 cm (1V4 in). When first available in the trade only males were sold, but females are now available. They should be kept in a planted aquarium with soft, slightly acid water and a temperature of 24-28°C (75-82°F). They have been bred using either groups or pairs of fishes. The eggs are deposited in clumps of Java moss and hatch in 12 days. The fry require tiny foods such as rotifers and will even take

There are several subspecies of Melanotaenia splendida (eastern rambowlish). Bedotia geayi (Madagascan rainbow- Melanotaenia splendida fluviatilis To help maintain the red colour of fish) requires plenty of live foods to (crimson-spotted rainbowfish) is Chilatherina bleheri (Bleher's rainbow- maintain its colour and condition. found in clear, slow-moving streams. fish) it is important to vary the diet. some fine commercially prepared The family Pseudomugilidae with just a hint of yellow in the foods or powdered egg yolk. If includes a group of smaller rain- fins, but males have the most using powdered foods of any kind bowfishes which are only just spectacular golden yellow take extra care not to overfeed and beginning to make an impact in coloration which suffuses much of pollute the water. the aquarium trade. There are the body and fins. The base of the One member of the family about ten species in the family but posterior dorsal fin and the anal Atherinidae commonly found in only two have been seen with any fin are black, edged with yellow, aquarium shops is Bedotia geayi regularity in aquarium shops. and the tail has about six black (Madagascan rainbowfish). This is Pseudomugil signifer (Pacific blue- central rays bounded by six yellow a hard water species which needs eye), comes from hard, slightly rays above and below. The top and to be kept in a school of six or alkaline biotopes and is also found bottom lobes are edged in black. more to feel really secure. Regular in brackish habitats. They adapt This is a peaceful hardy species partial water changes and a clean well to most aquarium conditions which does well in the aquarium. environment are a must to keep but do not like acid water. Females It grows to only about 4 cm (1V2 this species in tiptop condition. are rather drab, having a plain in) and makes an ideal inmate for This is a larger species which can brownish body and clear fins, but a community of small species. It attain 15 cm (6 in) in the males have bright yellow to likes hard alkaline water, and aquarium. orange fins with black leading regular partial water changes are a The other most commonly edges. In some strains the anal and must to keep it in good condition. encountered member of this dorsal fins are elongated. To get both colour and size on family is Telmatherina ladigesi Maximum size is about 5 cm (2 your rainbows you will need to (Celebes rainbowfish). Once again in) and they will fit in well in a feed them on plenty of live or it is a schooling species which community aquarium with similar- frozen foods. They are particularly prefers to be in a group of six or sized fishes. fond of mosquito larvae, Mysis more and can be sensitive to water The other species which can shrimp, bloodworm, and Daphnia. quality. Both are hard water sometimes be found is one of the These foods will also help to bring species, but will adapt to most most beautiful of all the small them into breeding condition. water conditions provided the rainbows, Pseudomugil furcatus. change is made slowly and acid Females are rather plain conditions are avoided.

Melanotaenia boesemani (Boeseman's A truly beautiful fish, there are several Iriatherina werneri (threadfin or fila- rainbowfish) loses some colour with colour forms of Melanotaenia tri- ment rainbowfish) is quite easy to each captive-bred generation. fasciata (banded rainbowfish). keep in soft, slightly acid conditions. Breeding Rainbowfishes hatching times of fishes and foods Rainbows spawn by placing their to coincide, growth of the fry is eggs among fine-leaved plants. steady - under no circumstances Most spawn over a period of sev- can it be termed fast. Regular eral days and partial water small feeds four to six times a day changes, coupled with early work best, and during this time morning sunlight falling on the the rearing tank needs to be kept aquarium, will often act as a scrupulously clean. Sponge filters trigger. Maybe 20 or so eggs are are very useful but it is also produced daily over a period of necessary to siphon out any dead several days (egg numbers vary brine shrimp before it decays. from species to species and on the Partial water changes also help to size of the parents), and are hung maintain water quality. by threads from the plants. The Although many people like to problem arises when the fry hatch mix rainbow species in the Rainbowfishes will spawn on mops in a similar manner to killifishes. Here we as they do so at the same intervals community aquarium, this is not can see an "eyed-up" egg of as the eggs were laid, thus you a wise practice if you are intending Chilatherina bleheri (Bleher's rain- find you have very tiny, newly to breed these fishes, as one bowfish). The eggs are quite tough and hatched fry mixed with those that female can look very like another can be picked from the mop with your are a week old. Many hobbyists and they may interbreed, pro- fingers and transferred to hatching trays. overcome this by spawning ducing unsaleable hybrids. rainbows on mops such as those used for killifishes. It is then easy to pick off the eggs and raise the fry separately in batches. If you have only a community tank in which to keep your rainbows, a mop can be provided for the fishes to spawn on and removed every day or two to pick off eggs. Raising the fry can be very hard work. In some species they are minute and require infusoria (Paramecium is very useful if you can get a culture going) and very fine brine shrimp nauplii, but once you have found the right foods and managed to get the A shoal ol adult rainbows such as Melanotaenia trijasciata and M. boesemani is ideal for larger furnished aquaria.

Chilatherina sentaniensis (Lake The males of Glossolepis incisus (red Male Melanotaenia lacustris (Lake Sentani rainbowfish) benefits from rainbowfish) live up to their common Kutubu rainbowfish) have a gold regular partial water changes and a name; females are plain silver stripe down the centre of their heads varied diet which includes aquatic coloured fishes. when in breeding dress. insect larvae. Electric Fishes If you have read through the cat- fishes chapter you will already be aware of Malapterurus electricus (electric catfish). There are, how- ever, several other fishes that are able to produce electricity. Some use it to find their way around and others for defence and stunning Electrophorus electricus (electric eel) is a very large and potentially dangerous prey, and all are aided by the fact fish. Think hard before buying - it can deliver a shock that can stun a horse. that water is a good conductor. The electric organs are modified their electrical pulses increase offering flake, frozen, and live muscle cells; those fishes that stun from the normal 800 per minute foods. They are particularly fond their prey have large, powerful this indicates a deterioration in the of frozen bloodworm. They use electric organs (Electrophorus water purity. their soft "snout" to detect food electricus (electric eel) is a good In the aquarium the most in the substrate, and this organ example of this), whereas those commonly kept species is can easily be damaged by sharp which use electricity for navigation Gnathonemus petersi (Peter's gravel, so fine sand is more have much smaller and less elephant nose). If your aquarium suitable. powerful organs. Interestingly has been established for a year or As we have already stated, they electric fishes have very small more, everything is going well, and are sensitive to poor water eyes and inhabit silty waters it is not overstocked, you could conditions. In the aquarium with poor visibility where electro- try to keep one or two elephant regular partial water changes (with navigation is an asset. noses. They are quite peaceful but aged or conditioned water) are A word of caution: THESE if you are intending to keep more advantageous. FISHES ARE NOT FOR BEGIN- than one, make sure they are of Another species of weakly NERS. Electric eels can deliver a similar size, as large specimens electric fish, this time from South shock of more than 500 volts and will sometimes bully smaller, America, is Apteronotus albifrons that is powerful enough to stun a weaker ones. (ghost knife fish) whose common horse. Even though you may Elephant noses are nocturnal name stems from tribespeople in fancy keeping one for its novelty so ensure that there are caves or Guyana who believe it to be value, please give the matter very other suitable places for them to inhabited by a ghost or evil spirit. careful consideration before hide in during the day. If you are This fish grows large, up to 50 proceeding. They are powerful keeping more than one specimen cm (20 in), much too big for a creatures that require specialist it is important that the fishes can community aquarium. It is handling, and if you have young hide away in separate areas of the mentioned here because it too has children who may put their hands aquarium so that their electric a weak electric organ near the in the aquarium, do not even fields are not permanently caudal peduncle which it uses to think about it. interacting with each other. locate food. Should you wish to Members of the African genus Feed them in the evening, keep it, do remember they can Mormyridae (elephant noses) use sometimes be aggressive. They electric pulses to find their way need a furnished aquarium with around, communicate with each plenty of hiding places and will other, and passively defend terri- even tolerate larger peaceful tory. The electric organ is small, companions once they have weak, and situated near the caudal become used to aquarium life. peduncle. These fishes are so Feeding these fishes poses little sensitive to water quality that in difficulty as they are omnivores,

Germany they have been intro- taking everything from pieces of duced into a water supply to Gnathonemus petersi (Peter's elephant nose) requires a fine substrate so that its meat to tablet foods. monitor drinking water purity; if delicate snout is not damaged when searching for food. Sun Bass and Darters There are some wonderful alter- natives to goldfishes for the cold- water aquarium, such as the sun bass and darters. Both groups could be kept in a garden pool in the summer months, but because of their colour and/or lifestyle you would not see them very often. Sun bass, or sunfishes as they are sometimes called, are North American fishes of the family Centrarchidae. Some very large members of this family are held in high regard by anglers. Aquarists, however, are mostly interested in the smaller species which can easily be accommodated in an aquarium. Sunfishes are very attractive, with numerous coloured spots and spangles on their flanks, and, when seen in sunlight, it is not surprising that they are sought after for the cool water aquarium. Enneacanthus chaetodon (black-banded sunfish) is often overlooked in dealer's One of the smaller species, tanks. Although suitable for garden pools provided their companions are of a Elassoma evergladei (pygmy sun- similar size and disposition, they are best kept in a cool water aquarium. fish, Everglades pygmy sunfish, Florida pygmy sunfish), is found in the eastern USA from North Carolina to Florida. As may be expected from its distribution, this fish has a wide temperature range (10-30°C /50-86°F) and is often kept in the tropical aquarium. It is small, reaching only 3.5 cm (l]/2 in). The three species of Enneacanthus are slightly larger fishes ranging from 8-10 cm (3V4-4 in) in length and are not recommended for inclusion in the tropical tank: they like the water temperature to rise to about 22°C (71-72°F) in the summer and cool to 10°C (50°F) or so during the winter months. Enneacanthus chaetodon (the black-banded sunfish) is found in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Maryland; E. gloriosus Enneacanthus gloriosus (blue-spotted sunfish) can be kept and bred in an aquarium, but pay special attention to their temperature requirements if you are attempting to breed them.

(the blue-spotted sunfish) is more naturally) provided ideal condi- Recently, one of the North wide-ranging, occurring from New tions for the fishes to breed. American darters, Etheostoma York State down the eastern In Enneacanthus it is hard to caeruleum (rainbow darter), a seaboard to Florida; and E. obesus differentiate the sexes: females are native of central North America (diamond sunfish, little sunfish) heavier-bodied and their colours but with some population pockets from New England to Florida. may be slightly more intense. One in New York State, has been All prefer a planted aquarium way to tell takes a little practice; made available to hobbyists. A with a sand or fine gravel sub- observation of their behaviour. small bottom-dwelling fish, it strate, and all are sensitive to poor The males stake out territories and needs cool conditions (4-18°C/ water conditions and rapid, defend them; this is more obvious 39-64°F), and suffers consider- frequent temperature fluctuations. when they are about to breed but ably if the temperature rises Care is needed when making can also be detected at other above this. Some aquarists even water changes to ensure that the times. Spawning is preceded by use cooling systems to keep the pH is not raised -E. obesus in courtship and nest building. The water temperature down during particular will suffer - and even male digs a pit in a sheltered area the summer months. It inhabits healthy fishes will become of the tank and defends it fast-flowing streams with very susceptible to fungal infections if, vigorously. He courts his chosen clean, highly oxygenated water for example, they are suddenly female and eventually the sticky and something approaching these switched from slightly acid water eggs are deposited in the nest. conditions should be aimed for in to anything more than slightly After spawning the female can be the aquarium. It is very sensitive alkaline conditions (above 7.5 is removed, leaving the male to to silty and polluted conditions. likely to prove harmful). At worst guard the nest and fry. Once these Reaching 7.5 cm (3 in), it is an the fishes will die. are free swimming, the male can ideal aquarium fish and may Feeding is simple as they also be removed. The fry are breed. In the wild it spawns in readily take frozen foods such as raised on small live foods. gravel beds during spring and bloodworm and mosquito larvae. early summer. Live foods are preferred, but they will accept flake. To condition them for breeding it is essential to give them as varied a diet as possible.

Breeding Sunfishes Sunfishes are more likely to breed if they have been kept in cooler water during the winter. We have found that keeping E. chaetodon in an unheated greenhouse in a 50-70 litre (10-15 gallon) vat with external power filtration, sand substrate, a few plants, and a diet of frozen and live foods (much of which fell in

A stream fish, Etheostoma caeruleum (rainbow darter) adapts well to the aquarium provided it has cool condi- tions and well-oxygenated, clear water, as rising temperatures in spring and summer are a natural "trigger" for breeding. Gobies Many gobies are brackish water fishes but there are some that are at home in fresh water. Most are bottom-dwellers, lurking among stones and roots, and scuttling from place to place in search of food. They are carnivores and require live foods and/or dead meaty foods (frozen bloodworm for small species and pieces of fish or meat for larger ones). Aquarists use the term "goby" to cover two families of fishes, the Gobiidae, or true gobies, and the Eleotridae, or sleeper gobies. The Eleotridae have long slender bodies and their Hypseleotris cyprinoides is quite at home in a community aquarium. It will cat ventral fins are separate whereas flake, but prefers live foods such as Daphnia, failing which use frozen foods. the Gobiidae have a similar body shape but the ventral fins are appetite, consuming the equivalent native to New Guinea, where it is fused to form a sucker that helps of its own body weight in a day - found in lowland rivers and pools. the fish to maintain position in your neons wouldn't stand a Their colour alone makes them an fast-flowing waters. Members of chance. instant success among aquarists, both families adapt well to Of the sleeper gobies, and that you can breed them is a aquarium life, but do check to see Hypseleotris cyprinoides is a peaceful bonus. how big they grow before putting addition to the general community Peacock gobies need a well- them into a community aquarium. aquarium, where it will coexist furnished, softwater aquarium. If Oxyeleotris marmora-tus, for with other fishes without any kept with other fishes, these example, can grow to 50 cm (20 problems. Far more colourful is should be equally peaceful other- in) and has a voracious Tatcurndina ocellicauda (peacock or wise you will not see an awful lot eye-spot sleeper) of your gobies — they will retire to the quieter, darker regions. Males, although slightly larger, are slimmer than females. The females have more yellow on the belly region and brighter yellow on the outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins. These small fishes, 7.5 cm (3 in) at most, breed in small cracks and crevices or caves. Half a coconut shell makes an acceptable spawning site. The male courts the female by shaking and shimmering his body and fins in front of her. The pair then retire to the spawning site where the eggs are deposited on a flat surface; the female is then chased away by the male, who remains on guard to A native of New Guinea, Tateurndina ocellicauda (peacock or eye-spot goby) has b'een bred in captivity. Fortunately the new generation retains the wonderful tend the eggs and brood. The fry coloration of the parents. are easy to raise because they will

Gobiodes broussonnetii (dragon or eel goby) is a predator Mogurnda mogurnda is attractive when young, but grows and definitely not for the community aquarium! to 17cm (7 in) and likes eating fish! accept brine shrimp nauplii as a best. At this time the water fin. The male, however, is a lovely first food. temperature needs to be at the lemon-yellow colour on the body, Of the true gobies, upper end of their range (about which contrasts spectacularly with Stigmatogobius sadanundio is a very 24-28°C/75-82°F), and the the blue fins edged in yellow or popular, if infrequently imported, addition of salt as detailed above white. goby. In complete contrast to the certainly helps to induce spawn- This is another hardwater peacock goby, this fish requires ing. A sand or fine gravel substrate species which prefers a pH above hard alkaline water and under no with rocks and caves is required. 7.5 and a hardness in excess of 12 circumstances should you try to Flowerpots laid on their sides, or dH. The temperature should be acclimatize it to acid conditions. completely inverted with a small maintained at 24-26°C (75-79°F). Although these little gobies are triangular piece cut out as an The tank should have a white (or territorial bottom-dwellers, they entrance, are ideal. The gobies lay other pale colour) sand substrate do not bother mid-water fishes, so their eggs on the ceilings of caves and plenty of rocks and caves. they may safely be kept with so an inverted pot makes a good The males are very quarrelsome swordtails or sailfin mollies in a substitute. A pair may produce towards each other but peaceful planted aquarium that has rocks 1000 or so eggs each of which is towards other species. and caves to provide seclusion attached to the cave ceiling by a It is supposedly a cave spawn- and help territorial boundaries to fine thread. Both parents tend the er which lays its eggs on the ceiling be defined. brood and the fry are relatively of a cave, but it will also spawn in These fishes benefit from a easily reared on newly hatched the open on a rock. Whichever fluctuation in water temperature brine shrimp. method is used, the male will over each 24-hour period (with a One of the most beautiful of guard the eggs and young until lower temperature at night). They all the gobies, which turns up they are free swimming. Up to 50 will tolerate temperatures between from time to time in retail outlets, eggs are laid in a clutch. These 20-26°C (68-79°F). You can also is Chlamydogobius eremius (desert take up to seven days to hatch and add 1-2 level teaspoons of goby). It is very a small species the fry will require newly hatched aquarium salt per 11 litres (2.5 which will grow to about 6 cm brine shrimp as their first food. gallons) - if your plants and other (2V4 in) in the aquarium, The fry grow quickly and are fishes will tolerate it - but this is although the female tends to sexable after only three months, not essential. remain a little smaller. She is a and are sexually mature at about If, however, you wish to try and rather plain silvery-grey fish with six months of age. breed them, a species tank is a black spot in the second dorsal Spiny Eels without realizing just how big Bichirs and Reedfishes At some time or other you may they can grow: 50 cm (20 in) is In the tropical waters of Africa we wish to try your hand at keeping not unusual in captivity and their find a very interesting family of spiny eels, members of the family potential is 1 metre (36 in). At fishes, the Polypteridae (bichirs, Mastacembelidae. Despite their these sizes they are predatory and reedfishes, or lobe-finned pike). common name they are not will eat small fishes when they They have elongated, snake-like related to the true eels, but just come out to feed at night. bodies which are covered with have a similar long thin shape. Although youngsters are enamelled, diamond-shaped They are found in brackish and gregarious, as they grow they (ganoid) scales. Their swim- fresh waters in Africa and south- become intolerant of their own bladder is modified to allow them east Asia. These long, sinuous kind but may be kept with other to breath from the atmosphere and fishes are excellent burrowers and large, mid-water fishes or some of thus survive in oxygen-deficient will undermine rocks and plants the larger armoured catfishes. waters. In the aquarium they will in the aquarium. They have long, Water with a hardness of up to 15 surface at regular intervals to take prehensile noses which they use degrees and a pH on the acid side in gulps of air, regardless of to sift through mud and sand in of neutral seems to suit these whether the water is well search of worms and other buried fishes. Ensure that the substrate is oxygenated or not. If they are food. As these fishes grow they soft and has no sharp pieces of prevented from reaching the become more predatory. Captive sand or gravel that may cut the surface they will die. specimens are not very fond of fishes as they burrow. They are carnivores and prey on flake and tablet foods, so be The fire eel is one of the most anything that will fit into their prepared to feed them on frozen delicate species of the genus and mouths, from fishes to worms, foods with the occasional meal of very particular attention should be insect larvae, and frogs. In the aquatic invertebrates such as paid to maintaining the water aquarium they will take dead Tubifex for small specimens. Larger quality. They are also excellent foods such as pieces of fish or fishes are particularly fond of jumpers and escape artists, which meat. Shrimps or prawns can be earthworms. will wriggle through the smallest broken up and fed with some of Mastacembdus erythrotaenia (fire of openings, so ensure you cover the shell on. eel) is an aquarium favourite, the tank tightly. There are two genera: probably because they look so Two other species that are Erpetoichthys (reedfishes or sweet in dealers' tanks. Young sometimes available are M. snakefishes), which has a single specimens bury themselves circumcinctus, a small fish growing species E. calabaricus, and beneath wood or rocks with only to only 16 cm (6XA in) and M. Polypterus (bichirs) with several their heads sticking out. Large armatus (spiny eel) which grows species. Both may be kept with numbers are available in the trade to 75 cm (30 in). Both require other fishes provided their com- and many people buy them very similar conditions to the fire panions are large enough not to be eel. considered prey. They are excellent escape artists, especially the reedfish, which will wriggle out of the smallest gaps, even those where external filter pipes enter the tank. They can be deterred by trapping a piece of net curtain between the cover glass and the tank so that it covers this small gap and the pipe. If necessary, tape the net to the outside of the aquarium to hold it in place. Should your fish be found on the carpet in a semi- Mastacembdus erythrotaenia (fire eel) requires a diet of meaty foods such as desiccated condition, do not give worms, shrimps, and chopped mussels. up hope. One of us found her reedfish covered with dog hairs and rather stiff on the floor one morning. With nothing to lose she returned it to the aquarium. Four hours later the fish was swimming about - still covered in dog hairs and its finnage looking somewhat ragged - but it was alive. What's more important, it recovered completely from its little outing. Erpetoichthys calabaricus (reed- fish) is a peaceful fish, even with Polypterus senegalensis (Senegal or Cuvier's bichir), like the other species, are its own kind, but it should not be great escape artists. Be sure to cover the aquarium tightly. kept with anything small enough to be considered food. It grows quite long and slim, reaching a maximum of 40 cm (16 in). These fishes prefer their water to be soft and slightly acid and a normal community aquarium of appropriate-sized fishes is ideal for them. The bichirs can be quarrelsome when kept together, especially if there are not enough hiding places in the aquarium, but their When Polypterus palmas (marbled bichir) breed, the eggs are left to fall to the aggression is not usually directed bottom of the aquarium. towards other species. They are bichir) 35 cm (14 in), and P. expelled into the cupped fin. tolerant of most water conditions senegalensis (Senegal or Cuvier's Some species, for example P provided extremes of pH and bichir) and P palmas (marbled ornatipinnis, lay their eggs among hardness are avoided. Some bichir) both 30 cm (12 in). plants, while others, such as P species seen regularly in the hobby Some species have been bred in palmas, let them fall to the bottom. are Polypterus ornatipinnis (ornate captivity. During spawning the Hatching takes four to five days bichir) which can grow to 45 cm male spreads out his anal fin so but the fry are not free swimming (18 in), P. delhezi (armoured that it is slightly cupped and until a few days later. They will places it beneath the vent of the take newly hatched brine shrimp. female. The eggs and sperm are

This contrasts with the breeding strategy of Polypterus ornatipinnis (ornate bichir) which deposits its eggs amongst plants. The Butterfly Fishes They like to lurk beneath rafts There has been some success For anyone looking for something a of floating plants; cork bark breeding these creatures. Males little out of the ordinary, nothing floating on the surface provides a have a convex anal fin with the could be better than the butterfly natural looking alternative and a central rays forming a tube, while fish. Known scientifically as place to put a dish of maggots to that of females is straight. Correct Pantodon buchholzi, it is a surface- hatch into flies for the fishes to feeding is crucial to bring them dwelling predator. The mouth is eat. "Butterflies" love to jump for into spawning condition: they like a drawbridge and they will flies - butterflies love to jump, need a varied diet including take any insect or even fish that period! The floating cork/plant plenty of live food. fits into it. Apart from this, they layer helps to discourage this, but, The fishes spawn over a long make excellent companions for better safe than sorry, make sure period each day, and the eggs, medium-sized (over 8 cm (3 in)) the aquarium is tightly covered. which are lighter than water, float mid- or bottom-dwelling peaceful Other foods relished are any to the surface. They can be easily fishes. surface-dwelling insects, be they scooped out to be hatched in The aquarium need not be larvae or adults; meal worms, another tank using water from the deep, 15-20 cm (6-8 in) is spiders, woodlice, maggots (buy parents' aquarium. The eggs are acceptable, but you can, of uncoloured maggots from a transparent at first but over the course, house them in deeper fishing tackle shop and store them next nine hours or so turn dark aquaria when they are kept with in a plastic box, with ventilation brown, almost black; they hatch other fishes. For preference the holes, in a cool place), large flakes, in about 36 hours. Raising the fry water should be soft, acid, and and sometimes floating pellets. is exceedingly difficult. Try well filtered. Any deterioration in Frozen foods are eaten as they fall Artemia nauplii as a first food and water quality may lead to fin through the water but anything make regular, small, partial water degeneration and loss of appetite. that reaches the bottom is usually changes, and you may have some ignored. success.

Pantudon LiucMiolzi (butterfly fish) will jump to catch insects - keep the aquarium tightly covered. Glass/ishes The diet needs to include small As suggested by the common invertebrates as well as frozen name, the Chandidae (glass- foods. Sometimes it can be diffi- fishes) have transparent bodies cult to find the right dietary which allow you to see the skele- combination to succeed with ton and many of their internal these creatures. One of us based organs. Two species crop up every her feeding regime on live now and again in the trade: Daphnia and bloodworm every Chanda ranga (Indian glassfish) day, with frozen and flake foods and Chanda wolffii. The larger of used to supplement this, and Chanda ranga (Indian glassfish) is the two is C. wolffii at 20 cm (8 in) achieved reasonable success in difficult to feed because it requires live foods and will not survive on although it is most unusual for keeping these fishes. flake foods alone. them to reach this size in captivity Indian glassfishes spawn quite even if they are fed correctly. readily provided they have been Although a great talking point well conditioned on a wide variety in public aquaria, glassfishes are of foods. Rather than using a shrouded in mystery when it single pair, use several pairs in the comes to keeping them in the same aquarium. Spawning can be aquarium. They are regarded as triggered by sunlight falling on the "difficult" and to a degree this is aquarium, raising the temperature true. Although they are peaceful slightly, the addition of some fresh enough, they do not benefit from water and, if all this fails, separate being kept in the teeming the males and females for a few Although larger than C. ranga, Chanda metropolis of the average com- days. The former have a blue edge wolffii is a shy fish, which benefits from munity, preferring the quiet of a to the dorsal and anal fins. The being kept in a species aquarium rather than the hurly-burly of the community species aquarium. female is more yellowish and, if tank. Use a 75 cm (30 in) aquarium we look closely at their (conve- with a dark substrate of lava chips niently visible) internal organs, the about, helps, but feeding them on or very dark gravel; not peat, as front of her swim-bladder is a single food is not adequate; just this will acidify the water; rounded (pointed in the male). as the adults need variety, so do glassfishes like medium-hard and Each spawning pass produces the fry. It is a case of try anything slightly alkaline water. Before they about half a dozen sticky eggs that small enough, feed little and often, are introduced the system needs to adhere to the plants (Java moss is and then just hope you have got it be mature with the plants growing very good for this purpose) ; right. well; use those that will tolerate spawning continues until the pair A word of warning. Glass-fishes salt in the water as these fishes have laid 200 or so eggs. Although have been imported with arcs of benefit from 1-2 level teaspoons the parents ignore both eggs and fluorescent colour in their bodies, of aquarium salt per 11 litres (2.5 fry, it is wise to remove them just and sold to unsuspecting hobbyists gallons) of water. Being somewhat in case they feel peckish. The eggs as "disco fishes". These fishes have timid, when first introduced they hatch in 24 hours and the larvae been injected with a coloured dye. may hide, but once they feel are tiny. This action causes distress and secure you will see them more and The larvae festoon the plants damage to the fishes and is a more often. They are territorial until they become free swimming potential cause of infection. This and take a little time to sort out some three days later. Now the practice is frowned upon by most their own space, but once they problems really start. Although hobbyists and reputable traders have established this there are no they will take brine shrimp and should be discouraged by not further problems. nauplii, they do not actively hunt buying such specimens. Not only Both species will accept flake for it but merely snap at it as it species of Chanda have been foods, but flake alone is not passes by. The addition of an air- treated this way, but the glass enough for the fishes to survive. operated sponge filter, which will catfish, Kryptopterus bicirrhus, has keep the food moving also suffered. Leaf Fishes If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary you may like to consider the leaf fishes. These members of the family Nandidae occur in South America, Africa, and Asia. Monocirrhus polyacanthus (South American leaf fish) and Polycentrus schomburgki (South American leaf fish or Schomburgk's leaf fish) are found in north-eastern South America; Polycentropsis abbreviata (African leaf fish) occurs in west Africa; and Nandus nandus (nan-dus) in Asia, from India to Thailand. Breeding strategies vary: M. polyacanthus lays its eggs on a leaf, P. schomburgki spawns in a cave, P abbreviata uses a bubblenest, and As can be seen here, Monocirrhus polyacanthus (South American leaf fish) can virtually nothing is known about vary greatly in colour. A single specimen can be brown but half an hour later have changed to cream. what Nandus nandus does. All are rarely seen in the trade but we dead foods at all, so if you are For much of the day they will have chosen one to illustrate some contemplating keeping them, float motionless, head down in the of their needs. think hard before buying. water, looking to all intents and Monocirrhus polyacanthus Primarily brown in colour, they purposes like floating leaves. To inhabits still and slow-moving look just like dead leaves. They make the illusion complete, they waters in the Peruvian Amazon. can vary their body colour: one have a small fleshy barbel on the We include it here so that you day they may be dark brown, tip of the lower lip which looks don't inadvertently buy one and another golden, and a third just like a leaf stalk. Put some live place it in your community "cloudy". At night they take on food (fishes) in and the leaves aquarium with disastrous results. what can only be described as a come to life, fluttering their fins These fishes are out-and-out cloud pattern -brown patches on so that they drift towards the predators and will not accept a lighter beige/brown prey; when close enough, the background. jaws open and the prey is Monocirrhus polyacanthus needs engulfed. They should be kept to be kept in a species aquarium. only if a continuous supply of The tank should include small live fishes can be provided as bogwood, be well planted with their food. large Echinodorus sp. (Amazon They breed in a similar manner sword plants), and have very to some of the cichlids. The pair gentle filtration so there is little clean a leaf and the female water movement. The fishes are deposits the eggs thereon. These timid and difficult to acclimatize, and the resulting fry are guarded so once they have settled in do by the male. Rearing the fry is You must be prepared to feed live fish not add any other fishes. The set- easy if, and only if, you can pro- to M. polyacanthus; otherwise do not up needs to be mature with vide enough live foods. The fry attempt to keep them. Remember they slightly acid soft water. If the will consume their own body will regard small tankmates as snacks. water is not right -perhaps too weight in food each day, and when high in nitrates -the fishes will you have 300 hungry mouths to stop feeding and rest with their feed, this is an awful lot of live fins clamped. food. The Halfbeaks small spiders, float a small piece species may be offered for sale The halfbeaks occur in southeast of cork bark on the water and set under the name of Celebes half- Asia and are found in both fresh the bugs adrift on this "raft". As beak; all grow to about 10 cm (4 and brackish environments. Most they near the edge, the fishes see in) and will eat anything small of those available in aquatic outlets them and leap to catch them. enough to fit into their mouths, have been acclimatized to Alternatively, use floating plants. even a small neon tetra, so make freshwater conditions (with Being surface dwellers, they sure you keep them only with maybe a level teaspoonful of salt can be accommodated in a shal- fishes of a similar size. per 4.5 litres/1 gallon), so you low aquarium. The water should The males of this genus have should have no problems with be hard with a little salt added if the front rays of the anal fin them. They are shoaling fishes the tap water in your area is soft. shortened to form the copulatory which live at the water surface, If necessary use buffers to main- organ. Mating usually takes place and if you look at the position of tain the pH at about 7.0. just after sunrise when the male the dorsal fin you will see that it Three genera are regularly will be seen courting the female. is set well back on the body so imported via the trade: About six weeks later up to 20 that it does not break-up the Dermogenys, Nomorhamphus, and young will be born. Although dorsal profile and stick out of the Hemirhamphodon. All three produce these are very large at birth (up to water, betraying the presence of live young. 2 cm (3A in)), the parents will still the fish to any predator. The halfbeaks most often eat them if given the chance, so The lower jaw of these fishes is imported nowadays are members remove them to another aquarium extended and fixed, and as they of the Nomorhamphus genus.They for rearing. They will eat newly cruise just beneath the surface this tend to have much thicker bodies hatched brine shrimp as their first allows them to feed on surface- than the other genera and the food, but grow quickly and soon dwelling insects or any that fall lower jaw is shorter, barely pro- require the same foods as their onto it. In captivity these truding beyond the upper. Often parents. insectivores require live foods: the lower lip is black-pigmented. Members of the Dermogenys they will take Tubifex (from a Any one of several different genus turn up from time to time. feeder), fruit flies, indeed, any small flies will be avidly consumed. The problem for the aquarist is to get enough of the right foods. In summer the garden provides plenty of insects such as aphids - but don't use any that have been sprayed with insecticide; mosquito larvae, pupae, and adults are also relished. Alternatively you can use a hand net (for example an aquarium net) to sweep long grass and you will be amazed at the number of bugs that you catch. To feed the fishes, first of all ensure that you have a tight-fitting cover glass or all your insects will escape. (This also helps to keep the fishes in the aquarium as they are very good jumpers.) Release the bugs into the space between the water and the cover glass. If using some Dermogenys pusillus sumatranus (wrestling halfbeak) is the easiest of the creepy-crawlies such as halfbeaks to breed. They produce a brood about once a month. As with other halfbeaks, the lower jaw is vulnerable to damage during shipment, so check carefully before buying.

Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus (thread-jawed or long-snout halfbeak) is very difficult to maintain in captivity. Firstly you must ensure that the fishes have suffered no damage to their snouts in transit, and secondly you must provide an almost constant supply of live foods.

These are often called "wrestling the front part of the anal fin round supply of live foods. It will halfbeaks", the common name is extended instead of shortened. take live foods such as Daphnia derived from the males' habit of Again this fin is used as a copu- and bloodworms from the upper wrestling with each other to latory organ during mating. part of the aquarium but, unlike determine which is strongest and This species is by far and away the other halfbeaks, will not establish a pecking order. The the most difficult of the group to follow these foods down to the most commonly available species establish in captivity. They have a lower strata. is Dermogenys pusillus. They have a very long and thin lower jaw The fry are produced over a much longer beak than the which is often broken when the period of several weeks with a Celebes halfbeak and this is vul- fish is being shipped, and such an couple being born every day. nerable to damage during ship- injury will almost always lead to Eventually a brood will number 30 ment. Such damage is often fol- death. to 40. If well fed the adults should lowed by infection and death, so They are also more choosy not eat them but it is . wise to make sure you purchase only about their diet. All halfbeaks are remove them for rearing in specimens with a complete lower insectivores but most can be another aquarium, just to be on jaw. These are the easiest of the weaned on to floating flake foods. the safe side. The fry will eat all group to breed in captivity, with While this will not be enough to small live foods offered provided broods of up to 30 being born keep them in tip-top shape, it will these are near or on the surface of every month or so. tide them over lean times when the water. Newly hatched brine The other genus of halfbeaks to live foods are unavailable. The shrimp can be offered, but regularly appear in retail outlets is thread-jawed halfbeak, however, is position a strong light above the Hemirhamphodon. H. very reluctant to take this aquarium to draw the shrimps to pogonognathus (thread-jawed or alternative regardless of how the surface where the halfbeaks long-snout halfbeak) is somewhat hungry it is, so do not buy one will eat them. Any dead shrimps different from the other members unless you are confident of must be siphoned out before they of this group in having maintaining a year decay. Snakeheads If you like large predators then these are the fishes for you. Depending on species they range in size from about 15 cm (6 in) to well over 1 metre (36 in) when full grown. All are predators which feed on live fishes and other live foods, but in the aquarium they can be weaned on to dead fishes such as whitebait, and pieces of fish and meat as well as large earthworms. As with all large predators, feed them only when they are hungry. In young fishes this tends to be almost every day but in adults it may be only once a Channa micropeltes (red snakehead) is bought from unscrupulous dealers by week - when they will gorge unsuspecting aquarists, not realizing just how big these fishes grow. themselves. Snakeheads have an accessory width at least equal to its adult better species to try is Channa breathing organ which allows length, then it will be happy. orientalis, which grows to only 30 them to live in water with a low They are not fussy when it cm (12 in) and, while a drab fish oxygen content, and, like some of comes to decor, and although as a youngster, develops a lovely the labyrinths, they often go bogwood and plants can be blue sheen to the body and fins as "walkabout" in the wild, moving included to create a more natural it matures. The fins are edged with from pond to pond in search of effect, they adapt well to a bare bands of black and yellow. food. Obviously a tight-fitting tank with a gravel substrate. Snakeheads tend to be loners cover glass is important, held in Filtration can be by internal power and are usually maintained one to place by a heavy weight if your filter, and while not light-sensitive an aquarium. If you have the space fish is big. they do seem to prefer subdued you might like to try breeding In general snakeheads are tol- lighting. Temperature can be them. In all species the male cares erant of poor water conditions, but anywhere between 22-26°C (72- for the eggs, but some are this does not mean you can 79°F). mouthbrooders, while others neglect the filtration. They are Of those species generally guard the eggs which float at the large predators which produce available, the one most often surface under thick plant cover. In high protein waste, necessitating a offered for sale is also one of the the larger species the eggs may filtration system capable of pre- most unsuitable. Channa micro- number up to 3000, but in the venting any build-up of toxins peltes has the common name of smaller mouthbrooders only about such as ammonia, and regular red snakehead because of its col- 40 are produced. water changes to minimize oration when young. Babies (and nitrates. Snakeheads make long- we do mean babies') of about 15 lived hardy pets which will feed cm (6 in) body length have two from your fingers once they black stripes running the full become accustomed to you. The length of their reddish body. The only limiting factor is size, but this red is strongest below the first is not as much of a problem as stripe and is very striking. you might think. If well fed, they Unfortunately it fades as the fish tend to sit around doing nothing, grows — as do the black stripes - C. micropeltes is no small fish; at 1m (40 in) it has lost not only its charm but also so a large aquarium is wasted on until you are left with a not them. Provided the tank is at least its colour. This will make finding it a new particularly attractive, metre-long home difficult if you can no longer cope. twice the length of the adult (36 in), grey and black mottled snakehead and the fish. A much Sticklebacks Remarkably few European native fishes are kept by aquarists and yet some meet all the criteria of a good aquarium fish, that is, small size, pretty colours, and interesting behaviour. The stick- lebacks meet all these criteria in full and yet are very rarely even thought of when choosing aquar- ium fishes. The sticklebacks are a small family of fishes which live in fresh, brackish, and marine waters of the northern temperate zones. Two species make good inhabitants of When in breeding condition the male Gasterosteus aculeatus (three-spined the cool water aquarium. These are stickleback) developes a vibrant red coloration. At this time he is ready to Pungitius pungitius (ten-spined entice a willing female into his nest. stickleback) and Gasterosteus aculeatus (three-spined stickleback). In general it is best to house these species separately from each other in a single species aquarium about 60 cm (24 in) in length. Although they are schooling species, males become territorial during the^breeding season and will fight and badly injure each other if the aquarium G. aculeatus is often overlooked as an Pungitius pungitius (ten-spined stick- is too small. It is wise, therefore, aquarium fish by hobbyists but is a leback) is similarly overlooked, yet to keep only one male and a group firm favourite with school children, both are very interesting and breed- of females. who like to catch them. able aquarium fishes. The tank should have a fine need to be live foods such as on the bottom of the aquarium in gravel substrate, plenty of plants, bloodworms, Daphnia, and the case of the three-spined and lots of caves and pots to whiteworms. It is a rare wild fish stickleback and a few inches provide hiding places. The water which can be weaned on to flake above the bottom in the other will need to be soft unless you can foods, but most will eventually species. It is made of pieces of find a wild population which is accept frozen foods and small plants stuck together with a living in hard water conditions. pieces of fish or meat. "glue" produced by the male. Aeration is needed to maintain the During spring and summer the Once it is complete the male will oxygen level during warm weather, male will come into breeding entice a ripe female into the nest and ideally the aquarium should be condition and it is then that you and spawning will take place. As sited where the temperature will see the real beauty of these other females become ready to fall as low as possible (without species. Ten-spined stickleback spawn they too will be invited into freezing) during winter. This helps males turn a velvety black and the nest to spawn. In between the stimulate the fishes to spawn in have bright orange pectoral fins. male will look after the eggs and the spring. Three-spined stickleback males later guard the fry. The fry will eat Once settled in they will spend develop the most beautiful red newly hatched brine shrimp, and much of their time out in the open coloration over much of the body, as soon as they are large enough looking for food. For fishes caught particularly on the throat. to handle should be removed to in the wild this will The male will select a suitable another aquarium for rearing. site and build a nest. This will be In this chapter we have introduced you to some of the more unusual fishes available in the hobby but it doesn't end there. On this page we will give you just a taste of what else in the way of "oddballs" is out there if you are prepared to look. Some of these unusual species have bizarre habits and very specific environmental and dietary requirements, so don't forget: NEVER purchase them on impulse, but always check on their size, behaviour, and needs first.

Above: Gastromyzon punctulatus inhabits fast-flowing streams. Cool, well-oxygenated water is essential, so do not keep this fish in an over- populated community aquarium as the oxygen levels will be too low for it to survive.

Right: Xenomystus nigri (African knifefish) grows to 30 cm (12 in). It can be quarrelsome. Do not keep with small fishes as it has a large mouth and will eat anything that fits in it! It prefers calm water, and, because it is nocturnal in the wild, muted lighting, or at least shady areas to which to retire.

Scleropages formosus (Asian arawana, dragonfish) is a protected species, but it is now being bred on fish farms in the Far East and limited numbers of youngsters are being made available to There are two subspecies of this fish: Badis badis badis and Badis badis the hobby. The maintenance of these burmanicus. The former is blue and the latter predominantly red. Both are large mouthbrooding fishes should not small, carnivorous fishes that look rather like some South American dwarf be undertaken lightly. cichlids. Sometimes known as chameleonfishes, they come from still waters in India, and are more peaceful than other members of the Nandiae.

Brackish Water

Fishes

Retail outlets tend to stock only a Four-eyed Fishes The eye of Anableps anableps is divided few brackish water fishes because There are three species of to allow the fish to see both above and people usually want either Anableps (four-eyed fish) found in below water. marines because of their fresh and brackish waters of flamboyant colours or freshwater Central and South America. On fish is usually found in marine as they are easiest. The main the Pacific coast of Mexico, habitats and only rarely enters brackish water fishes available are Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa brackish water. It has two or three scats, monos, archers, Arius Rica Anableps dowi (the Pacific rather poorly defined brown catfishes, mudskippers, Anableps, four-eyes) can be found. This stripes along the sides. and Brachygobius, plus, if you species is only rarely imported, Anableps anableps (striped four- want to see them at their best, which is a pity since it is the most eyes) has the same range as the sailfin mollies (Poecilia sp.). This attractive member of the genus. It fine-scale four-eyes but lives last group has been dealt with in has a greenish brown body with a primarily in brackish water and the Cyprinodonts chapter. bright yellow stripe running along rarely enters fresh or marine Just because these fishes all its full length. It is usually found habitats. It has five horizontal come from slightly saline waters in brackish water but one stripes along the body which can doesn't mean that they can be population in Mexico lives in fresh be more or less distinct depending kept in the same aquarium, so we water. upon the fish's mood. This is the will look at each type separately Anableps microlepis (fine-scale species most commonly imported and, where appropriate, make four-eyes) occurs on the Atlantic by the trade, but some some suggestions as to which may shoreline of South America from consignments contain a few fine- be kept together. the Orinoco to the Amazon. This scale four-eyes as well.

Anableps anableps (striped four-eyes) is a real oddity. A predator, it will take insects from the surface as well as small fishes that stray into its vicinity. Make sure you do not use any sharp-edged decor on which this fish could damage its eyes. >8 This warning applies equally to equipment, such as filter pipes. All four-eyes are large (25 cm in captivity is relatively simple, as Mudskippers (10 in)), surface-dwelling live- they will take frozen bloodworm as Mudskippers are notoriously bearers which get their common well as small pieces of mussel, difficult to maintain in captivity name from their eyes, which are shrimp, meat, and fish. If they because of the demands they divided into two segments, turn up their noses at one of place on the aquarist. Species enabling them to see both above these, try something else, but do imported include Periophthalmus and below the water's surface at vary the diet, and if you can offer barbarus, P catonensis, and P the same time. This is a very useful live foods, do so. Most specimens kaelreukeri, but these names are ability which helps them to spot will also feed on flake and often confused-and identification food or danger as they cruise sometimes tablet foods. is uncertain. All have similar around the shallow lagoons and habits and can be found along the river mouths which are their usual Breeding Four-eyed Fishes east African coast from the Red habitats. Breeding these fishes is problem- Sea to Madagascar and on into Anableps have very specific atical from the outset in that more southeast Asia and Australia. In requirements. The aquarium females than males occur in the nature they are found in estuarine should have shallow, warm (25- trade, and it is often just luck that conditions such as those in 28°C (77-82°F)), brackish water you find a male among the mangrove swamps, a favourite and the air space above it should females in a dealer's tank. But this habitat. Here, in the tidal zone, be kept very humid. This can be is only half the problem: the they dart about on the mud and achieved by a tight-fitting cover copulatory organ (modified anal clamber up onto the mangrove glass which also serves to keep the fin) of the male is left- or right- roots using the pectoral fins as fishes in the aquarium - they are handed, that is, it curves either to "legs" and sinuous movements of excellent jumpers and frequently the left or the right, and the the rear part of the body to push leap when catching flies. A sand or genital opening in females is also themselves forward. They often go gravel "beach" is also welcome, biased to the left or right. This undetected until they begin and the fishes will come partly out means that a right-handed male flicking their colourful dorsal fins of the water to rest on this. can mate only with a left-handed up and down to signal to each A good filtration system is female and vice versa. To other. If danger threatens, each essential. Anableps are large fishes overcome this, it is necessary to fish will leap from its basking site which feed on high protein foods keep groups of four-eyed fishes back to the safety of the water so the system must be able to and let them pair themselves. with one flick of its tail end. As cope with their waste products. Indeed, these fishes seem far the waters recede the fishes dig External power filters are ideal, happier if kept as a small shoal of pits in the mud. Bearing all this in and their return pipes can be six to eight individuals. mind, we have to try and create positioned so that they create a Four-eyed fishes are by no something similar to a mangrove feature in the aquarium, for means prolific. Under good swamp in the aquarium if we are example a waterfall over rocks on a conditions they produce four going to stand even a remote beach. broods a year, and each time the chance of keeping these creatures Avoid anysliarp objects in the female gives birth to only about alive and healthy for any length of tank, to prevent damage to the eight fry. These are large, up to 5 time. fishes' eyes. If you want rocks, use cm (2 in) but more usually 2.5 cm rounded pebbles, and if using (1 in) and this gives them a better wood, again select rounded pieces chance of survival than smaller (or do it yourself with sandpaper). fry. From the outset they can take Salt-tolerant plants may be used to insect larvae, and growth is steady decorate the aquarium, but ensure provided they are well fed and that there is plenty of open regular partial water changes are swimming space at the surface. carried out. It is a good idea to Although they are principally raise the fry apart from the insectivores in the wild, feeding parents so that you can make sure Periophthalmus papilio (mudskipper) they are getting sufficient food. requires rocks and roots so it can climb out of the water. Public aquaria have managed air temperature here should equal this quite well, using large the water temperature 25-30°C enclosures and employing wave (77-86°F) otherwise the fishes machines so that water gently laps may become chilled, so the cover the shore. Tree roots are bedded glass must fit very well. The one into a soft sand substrate that drawback with this is that if the slopes down into and continues room is cold, condensation tends below the water. A few pebbles to form on the glass and it scattered around help to give becomes difficult to view the everything a natural appearance. interior of the tank. Some salt-tolerant plants may be When buying your mudskip- grown in the substrate, and mosses Periophthalmus papilio (mudskipper) is pers take the time to find good, and Java fern attached to the tree a predator with a fearsome set of teeth. healthy stock and make sure that roots. Or they may even cheat and The eyes, set well on top of the head, they are feeding. As these fishes give it excellent vision when hunting. use plastic plants, both terrestrial They can sometimes be seen resting in are territorial, they sometimes and aquatic. For most of us wave shallow water with just their eyes above quarrel in the dealer's tanks, so machines occur only in our the surface. check your purchases for damage. dreams. So we will ignore this The stress of being caught, little luxury and see what else we transported, and perhaps chilled can do. slightly is enough for them to The aquarium needs to be have to cope with, without the wide, and long, because it is easier possible infections that may occur to create a long shallow slope on nipped fins. Because of their along the length of the tank rather territoriality, it is better to keep than from front to back (this can just three or four well rather than be achieved but your substrate a lot that are constantly fighting. will have a much steeper Also bear in mind that the little gradient). The sand can be held in The colourful dorsal fin of juveniles of 5-6 cm (2-2 V4 place by a series of terraces made Periophthalmus species is used for in)'grow into large adults of 12.5-15 signalling. When basking on mud flats from rounded pebbles. If you don't or defending territories they flick the cm (5-6 in). use these, the sand will just even fin up and down in order to These fishes can become very itself out and defeat the object. communicate with each other. tame and will even feed from your Add some vine roots sited below hand - but beware of the teeth. It the water but projecting out of it is better, if you value your fingers, so you can attach terrestrial plants If there is no other to use a pair tweezers if you wish and the fishes can clamber out. resting place out of to "hand" feed. They will take just Some people like to float a small the water, about anything meaty, but, piece of cork bark on the water so Periophthalmus especially when first imported, species will try to the fishes can clamber out onto attach themselves to prefer live foods. Worms of all this as well. If there are no places the aquarium glass. kinds are preferred, and crickets for them to crawl out of the water, make mealtimes fun because you they will, in desperation, stick on to create a feature can watch the fishes stalk them. to the glass. in the above-water Flake and frozen foods can also be Partially fill the aquarium with part of the tank, for example water given. Take care not to overfeed as brackish water to a depth of about cascading over roots or rocks. decaying flake and frozen foods 15 cm (6 in) and use an external One of the most important can quickly pollute the substrate, power filter to help maintain good points when keeping mudskip-pers especially in the above-water quality water. As with the aquarium is to maintain humidity and section. Likewise, do not overdo for Anableps, the filter return pipe warmth in the section of the live worms or you may find can be used aquarium above the water. The yourself with a worm colony in the aquarium. Monos and Scats Monodactylus argenteus (monos) and Scatophagus argus (scats) have been grouped together as they are both shoaling fishes which will live in harmony in a large brackish-water aquarium. Although they are usually sold as small specimens, the potential for Scatophagus argus is 30 cm (12 in) and for Monodactylus argenteus 25 cm (10 in). Both fishes have been recorded from fresh, brackish, and marine waters, so it is important to see what conditions your stock are being kept in at the time of purchase. Monos are found along the African coast and into Indonesia. Scats are found along Young Scatophagus argus (scats) are attractively marked. We suggest plastic plants the coasts of the Indian and and/or wood for decor as these omnivores have a great liking for plants. Remember Pacific Oceans, with Tahiti the to include vegetable matter in their diet. easternmost limit of their range. In captivity, these fishes need to be kept in groups and do very well in brackish aquaria provided they are given plenty of space. They love to swim so do not try to keep them in cramped conditions. Water quality is very important so ensure that your filtration system is working efficiently and, to supplement it, add a protein skimmer. It is important to keep nitrate levels to a minimum Adult S. argus have different markings Monodactylus argenteus (monos) are otherwise the scats in particular on the body. To grow your fishes to large shoaling fishes that may be kept adulthood ensure that you maintain with scats. Feed a varied diet to ensure will suffer. Regular water changes, good quality water and avoid any build good coloration, although this will fade not just topping up to compensate up of nitrate. as they grow. for evaporation, are essential. foods, flake, lettuce, peas, oatmeal, black bars on the silvery body, but Scats love to eat plants, which frozen shrimps, bloodworm, and unfortunately this intense * rules out real greenery. Tank decor so on. The more varied the diet, colouring fades as the fishes mature may consist of wood and rocks the better the colour of the fishes. and they become a rather dull with some artificial plants for A word of caution here: in his greyish/silver with only a few traces added colour. Bear in mind their book Aquarium Fishes (Volume 1), of the yellow and black. Scats also love of plants when feeding the Hans Baensch notes that scats vary in coloration from juvenile to fishes. Monos are not as fond of feeding on Java fern (often used adult. The juveniles have a yellow plants but do benefit from some for herbivores to feed on) died background colour with distinct vegetable matter in their diet. Both after eating it, whereas fishes that black spots. As they mature, the species are omnivorous so provide did not survived. body becomes silvery-bronze, still a varied diet that includes items Young fishes are quite highly with some black spots, and traces of such as live coloured. Monos show a lot of red appear along the dorsal surface. yellow in the dorsal, and distinct Archer Fishes scats and monos grow too large Feeding Archer Fishes No one can fail to be intrigued by and become too active for the Feeding archers is simple. They a fish that shoots down its prey, archers' liking. like to take their food from the and in public aquaria there is surface and will consume flake as almost always a small crowd of well as live insects. Once accli- people around the archer fish matized to aquarium life they will tank, all hoping that the fishes also accept frozen bloodworm and will perform. the like. However, the purpose of The "archer" usually offered for keeping these fishes is usually to sale is Toxotes jaculator, a observe their novel method of widespread species found from the catching their prey. First you need Gulf of Aden, all around the a supply of prey items. Small Indian coast, into southeast Asia In order to observe the feeding habits crickets can be purchased at shops and even in northern Australia. It of Toxotes jaculator (archer fish) it is that deal in reptiles. Alternatively, is yet another fish that will tolerate necessary to house them in a pallu- you can use flies: purchase some fresh, brackish, and marine darium so that terrestrial plants may uncoloured maggots from your conditions. The one thing they be grown overhanging the water, and local fishing tackle shop and won't tolerate is cold: they like a to provide insects as prey. water temperature of 25-28°C (77-82°F), and many captive specimens are lost because they are kept too cool. Archers are ideally suited to a paludarium (an aquarium that has both underwater life and above- water plants). The tank should be large enough to accommodate four to six fishes (they can reach 20 cm/8 in or so) and can be planted with Sagittaria and Java fern and decorated with wood, which can extend above the water's surface. Out of the water, above and to the back of the tank, grow some terrestrial plants which overhang the water, because it is on their foliage that insects will land and from which the fishes will attempt to shoot them down. Keep fishes of approximately the same size together as it is quite common for larger specimens to intimidate smaller ones, preventing them from feeding or nipping at their fins. Injured fishes are vulnerable to fungal or bacterial infections and this situ- ation needs to be avoided. Some people like to keep young scats and monos with their archers, but In such an environment it is possible to witness T. jaculator "shooting" down the problems start when the prey items such as flies or spiders with jets of water, or leaping to snatch them from the plant leaves. place a few in a small straight- Shark Catfishes survival rate. Then research by sided dish (use ajar lid or similar) Most people regard catfishes as aquarists revealed that they were and place it among the plants. The purely freshwater fishes but there probably brackish, if not marine, maggots will pupate and are marine and brackish water and that they were also migratory. subsequently hatch into flies, species as well. Imported under They proved to be no trouble ready for your archer fishes to the names Arms seemani when kept in brackish water other shoot down. (Store maggots in a andAriusjordani, they are collec- than that their growth rate was bait box in the fridge to keep tively known in the trade as the rapid and they required large them for any length of time.) Add shark catfishes, and have been a aquaria. more maggots to the dish as the regular, if somewhat seasonal, Shark "cats" are found along old ones hatch, to maintain a good import over the last twelve years the western seaboard of the supply of flies. The trouble is that or so. Their common name prob- Americas, from California down to the archer's aim is not that good, ably derives from their vague Colombia. Young specimens are so it can take several attempts resemblance to sharks when they imported at about 5-10 cm (2-4 before it gets its fly. Remember to are swimming. in) in length, and these will live ensure that your paludarium is When they originally appeared for a while in fresh water, but as properly covered otherwise you on the market it was believed that they grow they require more will have a house full of they, like all the other catfishes in saline conditions so in this respect bluebottles! the trade -with exception of they are ideal for a brackish The furthest an archer can spit Plotosus linea-tus (marine catfish) - aquarium. They are gregarious and is about 150 cm (60 in), which were freshwater fishes. Many were very active. Don't be tempted to means that the fishes can easily lost, but it was noted that those keep young shark catfishes in hit a fly anywhere in the kept in harder water showed a your community aquarium, even paludarium. It also means that better on a temporary they could just as easily hit the lights - cold water on hot lights can mean that the lights "blow", so ensure that you protect them behind a sheet of glass. There is another species of archer fish sometimes seen in the trade, Toxotes chatareus. It requires similar conditions and foods to T.jaculator, but doesn't spit at its prey, instead taking it from the water surface. It differs too in body depth and colour: T.jaculator is silvery-white with dark blotches and the body is fairly deep, whereas T chatareus is more coppery-coloured with black bars and a black blotch, and has a slimmer body.

The fishes shown here are Arms see- mam (shark catfish), a juvenile (above) and a semi-adult (below). Small speci- mens grow rapidly but fortunately they do not fight so it is possible to keep more than one in the aquarium. They are likewise peaceful towards other fishes - unless they are small enough to eat! basis, while you prepare a suitable tank for them. Although they will love it, you will find that your other fish stocks become seriously depleted and the shark "cats" will have a smile from whisker to whisker. They can be kept with other fishes such as Scatophagus argus (scats) and Monodactylus argen-teus (monos), but we have found that it is best to keep them from the outset as a group of four to six in brackish conditions in a species aquarium. The colour on the fishes becomes more intense if they are Female Arms seemani (shark catfish) develop fleshy pads on the ventral fins when in a group and they are more they come into breeding condition. Unfortunately few home aquaria are large enough for a pair of breeding-sized specimens. active. Indeed, they are one of the few catfishes that are not consume large quantities of has been suggested that the eggs nocturnal. Provide a sandy pelleted foods, flake (for small are held by this pad so that the substrate and some rounded specimens), pieces of meat, fish, male can then take them into his pieces of bogwood to decorate the and prawn, in fact just about mouth. This pad has also been aquarium, rather than rocks on anything. The temptation is to observed on aquarium specimens which these "naked" catfishes overfeed them and you must resist but, so far, that's as far as captive (they have thick skin and no this. Feed on alternate days and breeding has got. scales) may damage themselves. only then if the fish does not still Take care when handling these They are active and sometimes have a bloated appearance after fishes. They have stout spines on take fright, so they might dash gorging itself on its previous meal. the dorsal and pectoral fins and themselves against sharp rocks and As the fishes grow, the colour these spines can easily become any scratches or grazes would changes slightly. Youngsters are entangled in nets. The sharp show up clearly on their bodies. silvery with velvety black fins, but points of the spines can also Lighting can be quite dim as as they begin to mature they inflict a nasty wound to the hand plants are unnecessary in this become silvery grey, and if well of the unwary aquarist who is aquarium. The fishes like to spend maintained, develop a delightful cleaning out an aquarium, and some time resting in the shelter of coppery sheen. The black in the although at first it doesn't hurt, it the wood or cruising just above finnage diminishes until only a usually swells and becomes rather the substrate. Provide external trace remains at the base. painful. Bathing in hot water has power filtration to create not only A word of warning: shark cats been found to relieve the pain. good quality water, but also a grow very large. In the aquarium As a total aside, ariids are also good current against which the they quickly reach 30 cm (12 in), known as crucifix fishes. This fishes can swim. They become but at this size they are only one- came about because native very listless if water quality third grown. The likelihood of fishermen found that they could deteriorates or water flow breeding them in captivity in decorate the catfish's skull. The diminishes, and, if conditions home aquaria is remote. From underside is usually painted with become too bad, their barbels will field observations and captured a scene of Christ on the cross start to degenerate as will their fin specimens we know that they while the dorsal surface (top) is membranes. Regular partial water practice oral incubation, with the decorated so that it looks like a changes and maintenance of the male brooding both the eggs and monk in flowing robes. These filtration system will prevent this. fry. We also know that in some artefacts are then sold to tourists - Feeding is not a problem. They species the female grows a fleshy a great way to earn a living from like a varied diet and will pad on her ventral fins, and it old fish skulls. Bumblebee Gobies provide a cave or two, which can Although they will live in hard Now for something a lot smaller. be half flowerpots either left just (above 15° dH) fresh water, they Brachygobius (bumblebee gobies) as they are or camouflaged with really seem to prefer warm, are suitable for those of you who stones - the choice is yours, but brackish conditions. Make sure cannot keep a large brackish water make sure there are plenty of that you have an efficient filtration aquarium, because they will be other hiding places because system as any deterioration in quite happy in a 60 x 30 x 30 cm bumblebees are territorial, so it is water conditions can cause stress (24 x 12 x 12 in) tank. Although important to have sufficient and they may suffer from bacterial these fishes are small, we do not rocks, wood, and so on, so that or fungal infections. This doesn't recommend using anything each fish can stake a claim to its mean that there has to be a torrent smaller than this because it is own patch. Then, provided you of water flowing through the tank more difficult to maintain good don't add more gobies or move - flow rate does not equate with water conditions in a small body the rocks around, there will be no efficiency -just a gentle turnover of water. real battles, just the fishes of the water is fine; the fishes There are two species available, shaping up to each other if one won't enjoy being washed away. Brachygobius xanthozona inadvertently enters the territory (bumblebee goby) and of another. Breeding Bumblebee Gobies Brachygobius nunus (golden-banded Feeding bumblebees can be A water change with fresh water goby), but because they look very quite a problem, as only rarely (that is, a reduction in salinity) similar, both are usually labelled will they accept flake foods. If you will often provide the trigger for "bumblebee gobies" in dealers' are lucky, they will take frozen the fishes to spawn. Males are tanks. Both are small, 4-4.5 cm bloodworm and Daphnia, if not, more colourful than females but at (IVz-PA in) in length at most, then you must be prepared to spawning time the females are and both have broad yellow and provide live foods of all kinds. easy to spot because they are black vertical bands on the body, They are particularly fond of much fuller in the body and, about but in B. xanthozona these bands whiteworm and Tubifex, and will 48 hours prior to spawning, will are more clearly defined. Both are also take most other aquatic show an ovipositor. The pair will found in fresh and brackish waters invertebrates. If you have limited spawn either beneath a rock or in a in Asia, but B. xanthozona has the supplies of these available, it is cave, laying up to 200 eggs. At more restricted range. suggested that you also culture about 28°C (82°F), the eggs will Like all gobies, these fishes brine shrimps and let these grow hatch in four days and the male spend much of their time darting on a little before feeding them to guards the fry. At about among rocks and pebbles, or your fishes. resting on wood or leaves in the mid to lower regions of the aquarium, so design your decor with this in mind. Fine gravel makes a good base for a scattering of pebbles and rocks together with a piece of bogwood. Attach some Java fern to the wood, and plant other salt-tolerant plants in thickets to the rear and sides of the aquarium. If possible

People often fail to keep Brachygobius xanthozona (bumblebee goby) because they do not realize that these fishes require a diet of predominantly live foods. Although they can be weaned onto frozen substitutes it is rare for them to accept flake. this time he will defend his brood The Asian Chromides seasonally; the orange, on the against all comers, including the Two species of cichlid are found other hand, is an opportunistic female, so she must have a almost exclusively in brackish feeder, eating, inter alia, parasites hideaway to retreat to. For the first water: Etroplus suratensis (green and necrotic skin which it cleans few days after the fry become free chromide, 45 cm (18 in)) and E. from its larger relative, and the swimming, the shoal moves about maculatus (orange chromide, 10 latter's spawn! The relationship is, the lower levels of the aquarium, cm (4 in)). Both occur in coastal nevertheless, symbiotic as both but it isn't long before they, like regions of southern India and Sri benefit from it. E. maculatus will their parents, adopt a bottom- Lanka, chiefly in brackish estuaries also cannibalize the eggs and fry dwelling lifestyle. One of the and lagoons. The salinity of both of its own kind, but only those of problems is providing sufficient types of habitat is variable, other pairs - they are excellent live foods. It is critical that the depending on the state of the tide parents, guarding their fry for timing of brine shrimp hatching and the fresh water input, which weeks, even months. The orange coincides with the fry needing it. varies with the seasons. chromide will breed continuously Growth is steady provided you Both species are found in close if its food supply is adequate. In can supply enough live foods and association with each other and nature it lives colonially; it plenty of space, so you will with beds of Halophila (sea-grass) requires a territory of at least 180 probably need to set up another , which provides them with shelter cm2 (24 sq in) per pair if this is to tank in which to grow on the fry. and spawning sites. E. maculatus be tried in captivity. Most losses seem to occur because lays its eggs on the narrow leaves E. suratensis must have highly the fry starve. of the plants, no easy task when oxygenated brackish water and be Keeping these little gobies in a the latter are waving to and fro in housed in a large aquarium species aquarium is all very well the current, so to ensure accuracy (120x45x45 cm (48 x 18 x 18 and good, but it does seem an it uses its pelvic fins as guides, in) is the minimum for a pair). Far awful waste of the top layers of the one each side of the leaf. The too many of these lovely fishes die aquarium. A pair of sailfin mollies larger E. suratensis prefers to dig in captivity as a result of (Poecilia sp.) make excellent pits, exposing the roots of the sea- ignorance of these basic companions for the gobies and in grass and sometimes using them requirements, and the reason this brackish waters they really show as a spawning substrate. species is rarely bred is probably their true colours and tend not to The green chromide is a because few individuals survive to suffer from the bacterial or fungal peaceful herbivore which breeds adult size. Plastic plants are ideal infections that sometimes break shelter - real out on those kept in fresh water. Being opportunists, they will take the live foods put in for the gobies, but you will soon learn how much will keep both species happy. A word of warning here: don't let the aquarium become over- populated with young mollies or they may overload the filtration and the resulting deterioration in water quality will lead to the demise of your gobies. It will be far better to grow the young mol- lies on in another tank.

Non-breeding Etroplus maculatus (orange chromides) are difficult to sex, so grow on half a dozen youngsters and allow them to pair naturally. )6

Etroplus maculatus (orange chromides) are excellent parents, protecting their fry for some time. The fry feed initially on the parents' body mucus. ones are likely to be eaten, and E. maculatus is, by contrast, an mollies, though it must be said few of those available will with- out-and-out carnivore, and should that livebearer fry are relished as stand the salinity necessary for be given suitably sized live foods, snacks! If the aquarium is suffi- the fishes. cod roe, chopped shrimp/prawn, ciently spacious, both chromides E. maculatus can be kept in and suitable dried foods. can be kept together, and the similar conditions, but will also Although adult female E. mac- green can be housed with other thrive in hard alkaline fresh water; ulatus develop white markings on brackish species such as scats and do remember that individuals that the upper and lower edges of the monos, but preferably in a deep have been accustomed to brackish tail when breeding (or thinking (60 cm (24 in)) aquarium so as to water must be acclimated slowly to about it), juveniles and unpaired allow vertical habitat segregation. different conditions. Like many adults exhibit no visible sexual Personally, however, we would cichlids they will utilize flowerpots dimorphism. No reliable way of prefer to "coddle" the greens a for shelter, but plants (real or sexing green chromides is known. little, and allow them the privacy plastic), ideally those with long, It is thus best to purchase half a of their own tank. A "seasonal" straight narrow leaves (such as dozen juveniles, growing them on increase in temperature and Vallisneria), should be provided as together and letting them pair salinity may trigger breeding, as spawning substrates. A temperature naturally. they spawn in the dry season in of 2 7-28°C (80-82°F) will suit both Orange chromides are easy to nature. species. breed, either in a species aquarium As in some South American The green chromide must be or in a community of small to cichlids (Sympkysodon sp. and offered predominantly vegetable medium hard or brackish water Uaru sp.), the fry of both species foods, such as scalded lettuce and fishes. Although "scrappy" among feed on parental body mucus as spinach, as well as vegetarian flake themselves, and territorial towards well as micro-organisms. Failure and pellets. Like most nominally other similarly-sized cichlids, they of the first few broods in young vegetarian cichlids, it also enjoys will not normally harass non- adults may be due to failure to live fare such as pond foods and competitors such as synchronize mucus production earthworms. with hatching. Barbus cummgi (Cuming's barb), 36 Cifhlasoma, 12, 13 Barbus eugrammus (striped barb ), 37 Cichlids, 8-20, 1 06-107 Barbus everetti (clown barb), 36 Cleithracara, 15 Index Barbusfasdatus (striped barb), 36 Climbing p erch anabantids, 78 Abramites hypselonotus (high-backed headstander), 67 Barbus filamentosus (black-spot or filament barb), 36,37 Cobitis, 42 Abudefdufassimilis, 108 Barbus gelius (golden dwarf barb) 36 Cobitis taenia (spined loach), 44 Abudefdujcyaneus (blue damsel), 109 Barbus nigrojasdatus (ruby barb), 37 Colisa, 70, 71 Abudefdujsaxatilis (sergeant major), 109 Barbus "odessa" (Odessa barb), 36 Co/isa/asdata (giant gourami), 71 Acanthopsis choiorhynchus (horse-faced loach), 42 Barbus oligolepis (ch ecker barb), 36, 37 Coiisa labiosa (thick-lipped gourami), 71 Acanthopthalmus (kuhli loach), 42, 43 Barbus orphoides, 36 Colisa lalia (dwarf gourami), 71-73 Acanthurus leucosternon (powder blue surgeon), 113 Barbus schuberti (golden barb). 36, 37 Colisasota (honeygourami), 171, 72, 73 Acarichthys, 13 Barbus schwanenfeldi (tinfoil barb ), 36, 37 Combtails, 74 Aequidens sp. cl. rivukttm (Green terror), 13 Barbus tetrazona (tiger ba rb), 36 Copadichromis, 17 Agamyxispectini/ rons, 31, 32 Barbus ticto stoliczhae, 36 Copella arnoldi (splash tetra, jumping char acin), 65 Alestes nurse, 60 Barbus titteya (cherry barb), 35, 36 Copella guttata (red-spotted characin), 65 Alfaro cultmtus (knife livebearer), 53 Bedotia geayi (Madagascar rainbowfish), 80, 81 Coris gaimarJi (clown wrasse or r ed labrid), 115 Altolamprologus compressiceps, 17 Eelonesox belizanus (pike livebearer), 53 Corisjulis (rainbow wrasse), 115 Amblydoras hancocki (Hancock's talking catfish), 31 Bdontia, 70 Copora nicamguensis, 12 Amphi/ophus, 12 Belontia signa ta (combtail), 74 Corydoras, 23, 24, 25 , 65 Amphilophus dtrindlus (Midas cichlid), 10 Betta, 70, 77 Corydoras baderi, 24 Amphiprion akallopisos (skunk clown), 110 Betta be//ica (slen der Betta), 76 Corydoras barbatus, 23 Amphiprion bicin ctus (two-banded anemonefish or banded Betta pugnax, 77 Corydoras loxozonus, 23 clown), 100 Betta splenden s (Siamese fighter), 70, 76 Corydoras paleatus (p eppered catfish), 24 Amphiprion clarkii (Clark's/yellow-tail anemonefish), 109, 110 Biotodoma, 13 Corydoras panda, 24 Amphiprion ephippium (tomato, red saddle-back or fire Bitterling, 46 Corydoras ster bai (Sterba's Corydoras), 23 clown), 110 Blennies, 123 Crenicara, 15 Amphiprionfrenatus (tomato/fire/bridled clown), 109, 110 Bodianus hirsutus, 114 Crenidchla (pike cichlids), 14 Amphiprion mdanopus (red and black anemonefish), 110 Bodianus ru/us (Spa nish hogfish), 114 Ctt'nops, 70 Amphiprion ocdlaris (percula clown or clownfish), 109, 110 Botia berdmord, 42 Ctcnopoma (bush fish), 70, 79 Amphiprion rubridnctus (Fijian clown), 4 Amphiprion pofymnus Botia lohachata (Pakistani loach), 42 Ctenopoma acutirostre, 79 (saddleback clown or anemonefish), 110 Anabantids, 70-79 Botia macracantha (clown loach), 5, 42, 4 3 Cf^nopoma ansorgii (ornate Ctenopoma), 79 Anabas testudineus, 70, 78 Anableps 98, 99, 100 Botia modesta (orange-finned loach) , 42 Ctenopoma/ascio/arum (banded Ctenopoma), 79 Anableps anableps (striped four-eyes), 47, 98 Botia sidthimun ki (chain loach), 43 Ctenopoma kingsleyae (Kingsley's Ctenopoma), 71, 79 Anableps dowi (Pacific four-eyes), 98 Anableps Boxfishes, 128 Ctenopoma oxyrhynchus (mottled Ctenopoma), 79 microlepis (fine-scale four-eyes), 98 Ancistras, 26, Brachydanio albolineatus (pearl danio), 38 Ctenopoma petherid, 79 28, 29 Andstrus temminckii (bristlenose), 28 Brachydanio rerio (zebra danio), 38 Cubanichthyspengelld, 56 Anemone fishes, 109, 110 Angels: freshwater, Brachydanio rerio var.frankei (leopard danio), 35, 38 Cunningtonia, 18 14; marine, 111 Anomalochromis, 19 Brachygobius (bumblebee gobies), 98, 105, 106 Cyathopharynx, 18 Anostomus anostomus (striped headstander), 67 Anostomus Brachygobius nunus, 105 Cyclocheilichthysapogon, 35 taeniatus, 67 Anostomus ternetzi, 67 Anthias squamipinnis Brachygobius xanthozona, 105 Cynoiebias bellotti, 55 (anthias, orange sea-perch, lyre-tailed Brachyplatystomajuruense, 132 Cynolebias nigripinni s (Argentine pearl fish), 54, 55 coralfish, wreckfish), 130 Aphyosemion Brochis, 23 Cynolebias whitei , 55 austmle (Cape Lopez lyretail), 56 Aphyosemion Brochis britskii (Britski's Brochis), 25 Cynotiiapia, 16 deltaense, 54 Aphyosemion gardneri, 54 Brochis splendens (emerald catfish), 25 Cyphoti/apia/rontosa, 18 Aphyosemion oeseri, 54 Aphyosemion sjoestedti Bujurquina, 13 Cypriniformes, 35-46 (blue gularis), 54 Aphyosemion striatum, 54 Butterflyfishes; freshwater, 90; marine, 112 Cyprinodon macularius, 56 Apistogramma 11, 15 Cyprinodon variegatus (sheepshead minnow), 57 Apistogramma nijsseni (panda dwarf cichlid), 15 Callopksiops altivelis (marine betta or comet Cyprinodonts, 47-58 Apistogramma norberti, 15 Apistogrammoides, 15 grouper), 130 Cyrtocara moorii (blue dolphin), 17 Aplochdlus lineatus (sparkling panchax), 57 Callopksiops argus, 130 Danio aequipinnatus (giant danio), 38 Apogon maculatus (flamefish), 123 Apteronotus Canthigaster valentini (valentine or black-saddled puffer), 120 Dascyllus aruanus (humbug or white-tailed damsel), 108-1 albifrons (ghost knife fish), 83 Archer fishes, 102, Carossius auratus (goldfish), 44, 45, 75 Cardinalfishes, 123 Dascyllus melanurus (black-tailedhumbug), 108 103 Archocentrus cenrrarchus, 12, Archocentrus Camegie/Ia marthae (black-winged hatchetfish), 66 Dascyllus trimticulatus (domino or three-spot damsel), 109 nigrofasdatus (convict cichlid), 12 Arius, 98 Carnegiefia myersi, 66 Dendrochirus brac/rypter us (turke^ish, short-fin lionfish), 1 Ariusjordani, 104 Camegidla strigata (marbled hatchetfish), 66 Dermogenys pusil/us, 94 Arius seemani (shark catfish), 103, 104 Arnoldichthys Catfishes, 21-34 Dermogenys pusillus sumatranus (wrestling ha lf beak), 93 spilopterus (African red-eyed tetra), 60 Arothron hispidus Centropygeacanthops (African pygmy or fireball angel), 111 Dianema Jongibarbis (porthole catfish), 23 (stars and stripes puffer, white-spotted Centropygeargi (pygmy angel, purple fireball, cherub), 111 Dianema urostriata (flagtailed catfish), 23 blow-fish), 120 Centropyge bicolor (bicolor cherub or oriole angel), 111 Dicrossus, 15 Arothron meleagris (golden, spotted), 120 Arothron Centropyge bispinosus (coral beauty), 111 Centropyge dbli (Eibl's Dimidiochromis compressiceps (Malawian eyebiter), 117 nigropunctatus (black-spotted puffer), 120 Aspidontus angelfish), 111 Centropygejlavissimus Qemonpeel angelfish), 111 Diodon ho!acanfhus (longspined porcupine, balloonfish), 1. taeniatus (false cleanerfish), 115, 123 Aspidoras, 23, 25 Centropyge loriculus (flame angel), 114 Choca bankanensis Diodon hystrix (porcupine p uffer), 120 Aspidoras paudradiatus, 25 Astatoreochromis, 18 (frogmouthed catfish), 122 Chaetodermis pendlligerus (tassel Discus - see Symphy sodon Astatotilapia burtoni, 20 filefish), 122 Chaetodon capistratus (four-eyed butterflyfish), 112 Distichodus, 59, 61 Astrodoras asterifrons (stargazing dorad), 21, 31 Chaetodon kldni (sunburst or Klein's butterflyfish), 112 Distichodus affinis, 61 Astronotus ocellatus (oscar), 1, 14 Astyanax Chaetodon lunula (racoon butterfly-fish), 112 Chaetodon Distichodus decemmaadatus (dwarf Distichodus), 61 mexicanus (blind cave characin), 63 Auchenoglanis melanotus (black-banded butterflyfish), 112 Chaetodon Disticbodus lusosso, 61 ocddentalis (giraffe catfish), 61 Aulonocara,l6, 17 trifasdalis (chevroned butterflyfish), 12 Oiah'nochromis, 18 Distichodus noboli, 61 Badis badis, 97 Chanda ranga (Indian glassfish), 91 Chanda wolfii,9l Distichodus notospilus, 61 Ealantiochdlus melanopterus (silver or Bala shark), 40 Balistes Channa micropeltes (red snakehead), 95 Distichodus sex/asc iatus, 61 vetula (queen triggerfish), 121 Balistoides conspidllum (clown or Channa orientalis, 95 Characins, 59-69 Doradids, 31,32 big-spotted trigger), 121 Banjo catfish, 30 Barbs,35-37 Chelmon rostratus (copper-band butterflyfish), 112 Doryhamphus excisus (bluestripe pipefish), 119 Barbus arulius (arulius barb), 36 Barbus Chilatherina bleheri (Bleher's rainbowfish), 81, 82 Dottybacks, 11 7 barilioides, 36 Barbus callipterus (clipper Chilatherina campsi (highlands rainbowfish), 80 Dysichthys, 30 barb), 133 Barbus conchonius (rosy Chi/atherina sentaniensis (Lake Sentani rainbowfish), 82 barb), 36, 37 Chifoduspunctatus (spotted headstander), 67 £csenius bicolor (bicolour blenny), 12 3 Chi/omycterus schoepfi (spiny boxfish, striped Ecsenius midas (Midas blenny), 123 burrnsh), 120 Elassoma evergladei (pygmy sunfish), 84 Ch/amydogobius eremius (desert goby), 87 Elecatinus oceanop s (neon goby), 125 Chromidoti/apia, 19 Chromileptes altivelis Electric fishes, 83 (panther or polka-d ot Hectrophorus electricus (electric eel), 83 grouper), 130 Enneacanthus chaetodon (black-banded sunfish), 8 4 Chromis caerulea (green chromis), 108 Chromis Enneacanthus g/oriosus (blue-spotted sunfish), 84 xanthurus (yellow-tailed damsel), 109 Chuco, 12 Enneacanthus obesus (diamond or little sunfi sh), 85 Epalzeorhynchus hallopterus (flying fox), 141 Epabeorhynchus bicolor (red-tailed black shark), 40 Epafeorhynchus/renatu s (red-finnedshark), 40 Epiplatys annulatus, 56 Epiplatys dageti, 56 Epiplatys sexfasciatus, 56 Epiplatys singa (spotted Epiplatys}, 56 Eretmodus, 18 Labidochromis caeruleus, 16 Erpetoichthys (reedfishes orsnakefishes), 88, 89 Labroides dimid iatus (cleaner wrasse), 114, 115 Odonus niger (black triggofrJi), 121 Erpetoichthys calabaricus (reedfish), 89 Etheostoma Labyrinths, 70 Opistognathus auri/rons (yellow-headed Jawfefa), 12.7 caeruleum (rainbow darter), 85 Etroplus maculatus Lactoria cornuta (long-homed cowfish), 128 Ophthalmotilapia ventrahs, 18 (orange chromide), 106, 107 Etroplus suratensis (green Ladigesia roloffi (jelly bean or Sierra Leone characin), 60 Opsodoros sfuiieli , 32 chromide), 106, 107 Eutropiellus buffei (African Laetacara, 15 Oreochromis, 20 debauwi cat), 34 Lamprichthys tanganicanus, 54 Oreochromis mossamb icus, (Mozambique moutfabioocki;. u Lamprologus, 17, 18, 19 Oryeias celebensis, 58 Farlowefla (twig catfishes), 21, 26, 27, 28 Lamprologus ocellatus, 8 Oryzias latipes (rice fish o r medaka), 57, 58 Fighting fishes, 76 Lamproiogus signatus, 18 Ory^ias melanostigma, 58 Filefishes, 122 Lepidarchus adonis (Adonis characin or jelly bean tetra), 60 Osphronemus goramy ( giant gouramO, 70, 78 Flying foxes, 41 Lepidiolamprologus, 17 Osteochiius hasselti, 40 Four-eyed fishes, 98, 9 9 Lepidocephalus, 42 Ostradon (enfiginosus (blue-spotted boxfish), 128 Fundulus chrysotus, 56 Leporinus/asdatus (black-banded Leporinus), 67 Ostracion meieagris (spotted or Pacific boxfish), 128 Lienardella/asdata (harlequin tuskfish), 116 Otocincius, 26, 29 Gambusia holbrooki (mosquito fish), 47, 48 Limbochromis, 19 Otocincluspaulinus, 26 Gasteropdecus maculatus (spotted hatchetfish), 56 Limia mefanogaster (black-bellied or blue limia) 53 Oxycirrhites typus Gongnosed hawkfish), 24 Gasteropdecus stemicla (common hatchetfish), 56 Livebearers, 47-53, 93-4, 98-9 Oxyeleotris marmoratus, 86 Gasterosteus aculeatus (three-spined stickleback), Lovulpinus (fox-f ace, badgerfish, fox-fish), 129 Oxymonacanthus longirostris Oong-nosed filefish), 122 96 Loaches, 42, 43 Gastomyzonpunctulatus, 97 Loricariichthys, 28 Pachypanchax play/airi (Playfair's pa nchax), 57, 58 Geopliagus, 13 Loricariids, (suckermouth catfishes), 26-29 Palludarium, 98, 99-100, 102-103 Geophagus surinamensis complex, 13 Glossolepis indsus (red Lythrypnus dalli (blue-banded or Catalina goby), 125 Panaque, 26 rainbowfish), 82 Glossolepis wanamensis (Lake Wanam Panaque maccus (clown plec), 29 rainbowfish), 80 Gnathonemus petersi (Peter's elephant Macropodus opercularis (paradise fish), 70, 74 Pcmaque nigrolineatus (royal plec), 21 nose), 83 Gobies: freshwater, 86-7, marine, 125 Gobiodes Malapterurus electr icus (electric catfish), 34, 83 Pantodon buchholzi (butterfly fish), 90 broussonnetii (dragon or eel goby), 87 Gobiodon citrinus Malawi bloat, 1 16 Papiliochromis, 15 (lemon goby), 125 Gobiodon okinawae (yellow goby), 125 Mafpulluta, 70 Paracanthurus hepatus (regal tang), 113 Gramma, 116 Gouramis, 71-73 Mandarins, 122 Paracheirodon axelrodi (cardinal tetra), 62, 63 Gramma loreto (royal gramma), 116, Gramma Mastocembelus armatus (spiny eel), 88 Parachetrodon innesi (neon tetra), 162 melacara (black-cap gramma), 116 Guinacara, 13 Mastacembelus circumcintus, 88 Paradise Fishes, 74 Guppy see Poecilia reticulata Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Mastacembelus erythrotaenia (fire eel), 88 Parananochromis, 1 9 (black widow), 43 Gymnogeophagus, 13 Gyrinocheilus Mbuna16 Paraneetroplus, 12 aymonieri (sucking loach or Chinese Megalodoras irwim", 31, 32 Paratheraps/enestratus, 12 algae eater), 26, 41 Melanochromis, 16 Paratilapia, 20 Halfbeaks, 93, 94 Mdanotaenia (rainbowfishes), 80-82 Parorotocinclus, 26, 29 Halichoeres chrysus (banana wrasse), 115 Mdanotaenia boesemani (Boeseman's rainbowfish), 80, 81. Parotocinclus maculicauda, 26 Haplochromis,18 Haplochromis sauvagd, 6 Mdanotaenia herbertoxeirodi (Lake Tebera rainbowfish) , 80 Peckoltia, 29 Hasemania nana (silver-tip tetra), 62 Mdanotaenia lacustris (La ke Kutubu rainbowfish), 82 Peivicachromis pulcher (krib), 8 Hatchetfishes, 66 Hawkfishes, 124 Mdanotaenia nigrans, 80 Pelvicachromis ta eniatus "Nigeria", 19 Helostoma temminckii (kissing gourami), 77 Mdanotaenia splendida (Australian rainbowfish), 80, 81 Pencilfishes, 64 Hemichromis guttatus (jewel cichlid), 20 Hemigrammus Mdanotaenia trifastiata (banded rainbowfish), 80, 81, 82 Periophthalmus barbarus, 99 bleheri (rummy- or red-nose tetra), 62 Hemigrammus Mesonauta (festive cichlids), 13-4 Periophthalmuscatonensis, 99 erythrozonus (glow-light tetra), 62 Hemigrammus Metynnis argenteus (silver dollar), 89 Periophthafmus kadreukeri, 99 rhodostomus (red-nose tetra), 62 Hemigrammus ulreyi Metynnis hypsauchen, 89 Periophthalmus papilio (mudskipper), 99, 100 (Ulrey's tetra), 59 Hemirhamphodon, 93, 94 Micralestes acutidens , 80 Petrotilapia, 16 Hemirhamphodon pogonognat hus (thread-jawed or Microgeophagus, 15 Petrochromis, 18 long-snout haifbeak), 94 Misgurnus, 42 Phago (fin or tailfishes), 59 Hemisynodontis membranaceous (moustache cat), 33 Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Chinese weatherloach ), 42, 43 Phenacogrammus interruptus (Congo tetra), 60, Heniochus acuminatus (wimplefish, pennant fish), 112 Misgurnus/ossilis (European weatherloach), 42, 44 Phoxinus erythrogaster (southern red-bellied dace), 46 Herichthys, 12 Heros, 13, 14 Herotilapia, 12 Moenfehausia pittieri (diamond tetra, Pittier's tetra), 62, 63 Phoxinus phoxinus (minnow), 46 Heterandria/ormosa (mosquito fish), 48, 53 Hippocampus Mollies, 52, 98, 106 Phractocepfiafus hemioiiopterus (red-tailed catfish), 5 erectus (Florida or northern seahorse), 119 Hippocampus Monocirrhus poiyacanthus (South American leaf fish) 92 Piaroctus brachypomus (pacu), 69 kuda (yellow or Pacific seahorse), 119 Hofocanthus tricolor Monodactylus argenteus (mono), 1 01, 104 Pimelodus pictus (angelic pirn), 34 (rockbeauty), 111 Holocentrus diadema (common Mormyrids (elephant n oses), 83 Piranhas, 68 squirrelfish), 126 Hopfarchus, 13 Mudskippers, 99-100 Piatydoras costatus (humbug catfish), 31, 32 Hydrocynus goliath (African tigerfish, wolf tetra), 59 Myleus rubripinms, 69 Platies, 48, 51 Hypcmcistrus Zebra, 29 Myripristis murdjan (big-eye squirrelfish, blotch ey e), 126 Plotosus iineatus (marine or saltwater catfisb), 103, 117 Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma (bleeding heart tetra), 62 Myxocyprinus asia£icus (Chinese sailfin), 46, 136 Poecilia, 47, 48, 98, 106 Hypostomus (plecs), 26 Hypselecara, 13 Hypseleotris Poecilia latipinna (sailfin molly), 47, 52, 106 cyprinoides, 86 NandidsGeaffishes),92 Poecilia reticulata (guppy), 47, 149 Nandopsis, 12 Poecilia salvatoris (liberty molly), 52 lodotropheus, 16 Nandopsis octo/asciatus (jack Dempsey), 10 Poecilia sphenops, 52 Iriatherma wemeri (filament or threadfm rainbow), 80, 81 Nandopsis dovii, 8 Poecilia velifera (sailfin molly), 52, 106 Nandus nandus (nandus) , 92 Pofycentropsis abbreviate (African leaf fish), 92 Jawfishes, 127 Nannacara anomala, 15 Polycentrus schomburgki (South American leaf fish), 92 Jordanellajloridae (American flagf ish), 56 Nannobrycon eaues (hockey-stick or 3-striped pencilfish), 64 Pofypterus (bichirs), 88 Julidochromis transcriptus, 17 Nannobrycon unif asciatus (one-striped pencilfish), 64 Polypterus ddhezi (annoured bichir), 89 Nannostomus, 64 Polypterus ornatipinnis (ornate bichir), 8 9 Killifishes, 54-58 Nannostomus beci?/ordi (golden pencilfish), 64 Pofypterus palmas (marbled bichir), 89 Koi carp, 45 Nannostomus harrisoni (Harrison's pencilfish), 64 Polypterus senegalensis (Senegal or Cuvier's bichir) , 89 Krobia, 13 Nannostomus marginatus (dwarf pencilfish), 64 Pomacantfius imperator (emperor angelfish). 111 Kryptopterus bicirrhus (Asian glass catfish), 33, 91 Nannostomus tn/asciatus (three-striped pencilfish), 64 Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Koran angelfish), 111 Nanochromis nudiceps, 19 Pomacentrus melanocm'r (blue-finned damsel), 108 Labeo chrysophekadeon (black shark), 40, 41 Labeo Nanochromis parilus, 19 Premnas biaculeatus (maroon clown), 110 variegatus (harlequin variegated shark), 41 Neetroplus, 12, 1 9 Procatopus simil is (Nigerian lampeye), 56 Labeobarbus/estivus (diamond or festive Apollo shark), 40 Nemadieilus, 42 Prochilodus, 59 Labeotropheus, 16 Labeotropheus/uelfeborni, 9 Nemacheilus barbatuius (stone loach), 44 Prq/undulus labialis, 56 Nemateleotris decora (purpl e firefish), 126 Pro/undulus similis, 56 Nemateieotris hel/richi, 126 Promicrops lanceolatus (Australian Jewfish), 130 Nemateleotris magni/ica (firefish), 126, 127 Pseudochromis diadema (flash-back gramma), 11 7 Nematobrycon palmeri (emperor tetra), 59, 62 Pseudochromis paccagndlae (false gramma), 117 Neocirrfiites armatus (sc arlet hawkfish), 124 Pseudochromis porpfiyreus (strawberry gramma) ,117 Neolamprologus, 17-18 Pseudodoros niger, 32, 69 Neo/amprologus buescheri, 17 Pseudohemiodon laticeps, 28 Nimbochromis living stonn, 17 Pseudomugil/urcatus, 81 Nomorhampfius, 93 Pseudomugil signifer (Pacific blue-eye), 81 Nothobrancm'us, 56 Pseudosphronemus cupanus (spike-tailed paradise fish), 70 Nothobranchius guentheri, 55 Pseudotropheus, 16 Nothobranchius rachovi (Rachow's Notfiobranchius), 55 Pseudotropheus ^ebra, 16 Notropis lutrensis (shiner), 46 Ptereleotris evides (spot-tailed gudgeon), 126, 127 Picture Acknowledgements

The Publishers gratefully acknowledge the following photographers for permission to '^produce their work in this^ook.

Key: A: Above, B: Bottom, C: Centre, L: Left, R: Right, T: Top.

David Allison: 95, 117 (L), 123 (T), 124 (BL, BR).

Mary Bailey: 4, 6 (T), 8, 10 (AR, BR), 131, 12 (2nd from T, 3rd from T, B), 113, 114 (TL), 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 (B).

Brace Coleman: Jon and Des Bartlett: 119 (R). Jane Burton: 1, 5, 10 (T), 14 (TR), 43 (T), 49 (T), 50, 51, 54 (2nd from T), 59 (T), 67 (L), 96 (T), 111 (T), 113 (T), 114 (B), 116 (T), 122 (R), 129 (T). Alain Compost: 100 (C). Jeff Foott: 47 (B). Udo Hirsch: 12 (T). Charles and Sandra Hood: 117 (R), 124 (T). A juvenile Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Korean angelfish). Allan Power: 115 (B). AndrewJ. Purcell: 96 (AL, AR). Hans Reinhard: 44 (T, C), 49 (B), 52, 64 (T), 70 (BL), 73, 83 (T), 90. Hector Pterdeotris tricolor, 127 Tanganicodus irsacae, 18 Pterois antennata Cscorpionfish, spot-tin lionfish), 118 Tangs, 113 Rivarola: 54 (T). Carl Roessler: 118 (T). Pterois lunulata, 118 Tanichthys albonubes (white cloud mountain minnow), 38 Kim Taylor: 46 (B), 102 (B). John Visser: Prerois radiata (white-fin or tail-bar lionfish), 118 Tateumaina ocdlicauda (peacock or eye-spot goby), 86 100 (B). Pterois volitans (lion or dragon fish), 118 Tdeogramma, 19 Ptemkbias, 54, 55 Tdeogramma brichardi, 8, 19 Pungitius pungttius (ten-spined stickleback), 96 Tdmatherina ladigesi (Celebes rainbowfish), 80, 81 Mike Sandford: 2, 6 (B), 7, 9, 21, 22, 23, Pyrrhulina brevis (short-lined Pyrrhulina'), 65 Tetraodon (puffers), 120 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, Tetraodon palembangensis, 82 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 (TL, TR, BL), 43 Rainbowfishes, 80-82 Tetras, 59-60, 62-63, 65 (B), 44 (B), 45, 46, 47 (T, C), 48, 53, 54 (C, Rasbora borapetensi s (red-tailed rasbora), 39 Thalassoma lutescens, 116 2nd from B, B), 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 (BL, R), 60, Rasbora hengefi, 39 Thayeria bo dilhei (penguin), 63 Rasbora heteromorpha (harlequin), 39 Theraps, 12 61, 62, 63, 64 (BL, C, R), 65, 66, 67 (TR, CR, Rasbora maculata (pygmy or spotted rasbora), 39 Thorichthys, 12 BR), 68, 69, 70 (T, C, BR), 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, Rasbora trilineata (scissortail), 39 Thoricfithysposionis, 12 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83 (B), 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, Rasbora pautiperforata, 39 Tilapia, 20 91, 92, 93, 94, 97, 98,99, 100 (T), 101, 102 Rasbora reticulata (reticulated rasbora), 7 Tomocichla, 12 Rasbora vaterijloris (pearly rasbora), 39 Toxoles chatareus, 103 (T), 103, 104, 105,106, 107,108, 109, 110, Rhinecanthus acukatus (Picasso trigger), 121 Toxotesjaculator (arc her fish), 102, 103 111 (BL, BR), 112, 113 (BL, BR), 114 (T), Rhodeus ocdlatus (Hong Kong bitterling), 46 Trichogaster, 70, 71 115 T), 116 (BL, BR), 118 (B), 119 (L), 120, Rhodeus sericeus (bitterling), 46 Trichogaster leeri (pearl gourami), 71 121, 122 (TL, BL), 123 (BL, BR). Rindoricaria (whiptails), 26, 27, 28, 29 Irichogaster microkpis (moonlight gourami), 71 Rivulus cylindraceus, 56 Trichogaster pectoralis (snakeski n gourami), 71, 72 Rivulus milesi (yellowtail panchax), 57 Trichogaster trichopterus, 71, 73 Rocky shoreline, 16-18 Trichopsis pumilus (dwarf croaking gourami), 70 Author Acknowledgements Trichopsis vittatus (croaking gourami), 75 Sanddia, 70 Trichopterus, 70 Sarotherodon mdanotheron, 20 Triggerfishes, 121 The authors would like to thank the following Scatophagus argus (scat), 101, 104 Tropheus, 18 for advice and assistance: Mike Sandford and Scieropages/ormosus (Asian arawana, dragonfish), 97 Tropheus duboisi, 9, 33 Nick Fletcher, who cast a critical eye over Seahorses, 119 Serrasalmus nattereri (red piranha) 68 Tufa rock, 17 both content and grammar; Dr Keith Banister Sharks, 40, 41 for scientific and taxonomic advice: Jeff Siganus virgatus (silver badgerfish), 129 Varu amphiacanthoides, 14 Challands who used his computer and expert Snakeheads, 95 knowledge to allow our otherwise Vieja, 12 Sorubim lima (shovel-nose catfish), 22, 34 incompatible computers to communicate by Spathodus, 18 Spawning mops, 18, 56 White clouds, 38 floppy disc, thus avoiding the need for much Sphaeramia nema topterus (spotted or pyjama cardinal), 123 Wormfishes, 126 re-typing; and Ad Konings for educating Sphaerichthys, 70 Wrasses, 114, 115 two insular Brits on the subject of metric tank Sphaerichrhys osphronemoides (chocolate gourami), 75 sizes. Spiny eels, 88 Xenomysrus nigri (African knifefish), 97 Splash tetras, 65 Xenopoecilus, 56 Xiphophorus (platy), 48 Also both our households for their tolerance Squirrelfishes, 126 Xiphophorus (swordtail), 48 Xiphophorus hdleri and understanding during the disruption to Sticklebacks, 96 (swordtail), 48, 50, 51 Xiphophorus maculatus domestic bliss occasioned by the writing of (platy), 48, 50 Xiphophorus vdriatus (platy), 48, 51 Stigmatogobius sadanundio, 87 this book; and Dorothy and John Baker for Sturisoma, 26, 27, 28, 29 Sturisoma panamens£ (regal whiptail), 27 Zebrasoma flavescens (yellow tang), 113 their help in looking after* MB's horse. Sun bass (sunfi shes), 84, 85 Zebrasoma vdiferum (striped sailfin tang), 113 Finally, our particular thanks to British Surgeons, 113 Telecom for taking only a week to restore Swordtails, 48, 50, 51 viable communication between us at a critical Sympbysodon 14 Synchiropus, 119, 122 stage of the enterprise.... Synchiropus picturatus (psychedelic fish), 122 Synchiropus splendidus (mandarin fish), 122 Synodontis angdicus (angelic catfish), 33 Synodontis multipunctatus (cuckoo catfish), 33 Synodontis nigr iventris (upside-down catfish), 22, 33 Taeniacara, 15 Tandanus tandanus (catfish ordewfish), 117