Adult fish require more space and – according to their character – possibilities to retreat; in addition, they need view barriers in order to reduce stress. You can create frontiers and ambushes with the help of plenty of radix woods or stones. The number of fish you can keep in a tank strongly depends on the size of the tank – in a 1000 liter tank, you can keep some cichlids.

A perfect sozializing is possible between other robust cichlid species of Central America as well as other big fish or catfish. Night active predator catfish are not suitable as a tank companion, because they strongly disturb the Cichlids’ sleep. Peaceful Oscars or Heros species sometimes have a positive influence on the character of the Midas Cichlid – especially when they grow up together. However, Oscars and other species unfortunately lose in controversies and can easily be injured seriously.

Midas Cichlid Food

The Midas Cichlid is not very delicate regarding its various sorts of food. As it is the case in any animal’s feeding, the feed range of the Midas Cichlid should be varied. In addition to high-quality Cichlid sticks of a pet shop, these cichlids like to feed off water and other flying insects.Water insects are to be taken out of clean waters. However, red larvae are not suitable for the Amphilophus Citrinellus.

As flying insects, you can feed crickets and small locusts, that any good terraristic or pet shop offers.

Feed containing carotene has a strong intensifying effect on the cichlids’ color; this means that the yellow or orange color breed develops more strongly. This is an advantage for the outer appearance and does not have any negative consequences. Beef hearts or feed containing a lot of proteins, in contrast, affect the inner organs of the A. Citrinellus in a negative way.

Photo of and Adult

currently approx 5cm

Neon Tetra information:

Hemiancistrus guahiborum L106

Classification :Loricariidae

Distribution :Known only from the Rio Orinoco drainage, Venezuela.

Habitat :It inhabits flowing waters with rocky substrates, where it lives amongst the rocks.

Maximum Standard Length :6″ (15cm).

Aquarium Size :48″ x 12″ x 12″ (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 108 litres.

Maintenance :A stream-type setup with a gravel or sand substrate and rounded stones and rocks would simulate its natural biotope, but it’s equally at home in a planted tank. It does require well-oxygenated water, however, and live plants tend not to do so well under these conditions. It also prefers a degree of current running through the tank.

Water Conditions

Temperature:  It should be happy in the range 72-79°F (22-26°C), based on the preferences of other species from the same region.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Hardness: 3-12°H

Diet : Feeds on aufwuchs and small aquatic crustaceans in nature. In the aquarium, it proves omnivorous and will accept both sinking dried foods and live and frozen stuff such as bloodworm or daphnia.

Behaviour and Compatibility : A decent choice for the community tank. In a biotope setup, good tankmates include characins such asAnostomus, Hemiodus, Semaprochilodus and Metynnis species, reophilic cichlids such as Retroculus and other Loricariids requiring similar conditions. It can also be kept in a more general community, if you wish. If you’re keeping more than one, ensure each has it’s own refuge to call home, and expect some territorialbickering.

This species was only described to science in 2005, the species name being taken from the name of a localtribe. It’s also known as the spotted orange seam plec, due to its patterning. It’s found living alongside other Loricariid species in nature, including Peckoltia and other Hemiancistrus species. There’s ongoing discussion as to whether this species and the currently undescribed L122 are one and the same, as these two were apparently both included in the scientific description mentioned above. Based on shape, the two would appear to be distinct, as L122 has a flatter profile than H. guahiborum.

Oscar – Albino Red Tiger Oscar

Picture off the net

currently approx 7-8cm

Species name: Astronotus ocellatus

Synonym: Lobotes ocellatus

Common name: Oscar

Family: Cichlidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 35 cm / 14 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Amazon River, South America

Temperament: Peaceful Cichlid

Company: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) is best kept with other large friendly species. As small fish may be eaten.

Water parameters: Temperature 22-27°C / 72-81°F; pH 6.0 – 8.0

Aquarium setup: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) should be kept in a large aquarium decorated with large rocks. Place the rocks directly on the aquarium glass since Oscar fish are good diggers that enjoy digging. Do not keep planted plants with Oscars since they will be dug up. Best kept with fish larger than their mouth size as will eat smaller fish.

Feeding: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) accepts al kind of food as long as it suitable for their size. They love earth worms.

Breeding: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) lays their eggs on an in advanced cleaned rock. Oscars lays a large amount of eggs and it is therefore necessary to offer them one or several large flat rocks to spawn on. Oscars are usually good parent that take good care of their fry. The larvae are moved to a pit the parents dug once they hatched. Its not uncommon for two female Oscars to breed lay eggs together and even females that are kept alone sometimes lays eggs and guard them. These spawning will however naturally not result in any fry.

Oscar – Red Oscar

Picture off the net

currently approx 5cm

Species name: Astronotus ocellatus

Synonym: Lobotes ocellatus

Common name: Oscar

Family: Cichlidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 35 cm / 14 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Amazon River, South America

Temperament: Peaceful

Company: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) is best kept with other large friendly species.

Water parameters: Temperature 22-27°C / 72-81°F; pH 6.0 – 8.0

Aquarium setup: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) should be kept in a large aquarium decorated with large rocks. Place the rocks directly on the aquarium glass since Oscar fish are good diggers that enjoy digging. Do not keep planted plants with Oscars since they will be dug up.

Feeding: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) accepts al kind of food as long as it suitable for their size. They love earth worms.

Breeding: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) lays their eggs on an in advanced cleaned rock. Oscars lays a large amount of eggs and it is therefore necessary to offer them one or several large flat rocks to spawn on. Oscars are usually good parent that take good care of their fry. The larvae are moved to a pit the parents dug once they hatched. Its not uncommon for two female Oscars to breed lay eggs together and even females that are kept alone sometimes lays eggs and guard them. These spawning will however naturally not result in any fry.

32Oscar – Red Tiger Oscar

Picture off the net

currently approx 5cm

Species name: Astronotus ocellatus

Synonym: Lobotes ocellatus

Common name: Oscar

Family: Cichlidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 35 cm / 14 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Amazon River, South America

Temperament: Peaceful Cichlid

Company: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) is best kept with other large friendly species.. As small fish may be eaten.

Water parameters: Temperature 22-27°C / 72-81°F; pH 6.0 – 8.0

Aquarium setup: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) should be kept in a large aquarium decorated with large rocks. Place the rocks directly on the aquarium glass since Oscar fish are good diggers that enjoy digging. Do not keep planted plants with Oscars since they will be dug up. Best kept with fish larger than their mouth size as will eat smaller fish.

Feeding: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) accepts al kind of food as long as it suitable for their size. They love earth worms.

Breeding: Astronotus ocellatus (Oscar) lays their eggs on an in advanced cleaned rock. Oscars lays a large amount of eggs and it is therefore necessary to offer them one or several large flat rocks to spawn on. Oscars are usually good parent that take good care of their fry. The larvae are moved to a pit the parents dug once they hatched. Its not uncommon for two female Oscars to breed lay eggs together and even females that are kept alone sometimes lays eggs and guard them. These spawning will however naturally not result in any fry.27.0032

The Otocinclus Catfish is the algae-busting favorite of aquarium hobbyists. Even award-winning planted-aquarium experts like Takashi Amano will employ this tireless algae eater. The diminutive Otocinclus Catfish does a great job keeping aquarium glass and plants free of distracting green. Your aquascape and schooling fish will take center stage when the Otocinclus Catfish turns problem algae into delicious meals using its sucker-type mouth.

The Otocinclus is one of the smallest catfish in the Loricariidae family. Featuring a tan with a black peppered body, the Otocinclus Catfish is an attractive and functional addition to any freshwater aquarium. Originating from fast-moving rivers in South America, the Otocinclus Catfish should be housed in at least a 30-gallon aquarium with high filtration, good water movement, and high aeration. A planted aquarium with rocks and driftwood will provide plenty of hiding spaces to prevent the Otocinclus Catfish from becoming stressed. As a peaceful and very social fish, the Otocinclus Catfish prefers to be kept in small schools.

A planted aquarium with high vegetation and some algae will sustain the Otocinclus. However, if algae are not present, supplement with a vegetable-based flake or wafer food.

Pearl Gourami
Auction for one fish but more are available.
currently approx 7cm
Scientific Name: Trichogaster leeri
Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Social: Peaceful, suitable for community tank
Lifespan: 8 years
Tank Level: Top, Mid dweller
Diet: Omnivorous
Breeding: Egglayer, bubblenest
Care: Easy
pH: 6.5 – 8.5
Hardness: 5-30 dGH
Temperature: 74-82 F (24-28 C)

Description:
The Pearl Gourami is not only one of the most attractive, but also one of the hardiest and easiest to keep of the gouramis. The ventral fins are long and thin, having the appearance of feelers. The mouth is small and upturned. Pearl and brown flecks covering the body give it a mother of pearl appearance, from which is derives it’s name. A horizontal black line runs from the mouth to the tail, where it ends in a spot.
Habitat/Care:
Accustomed to heavy vegetation in their natural habitat, they will thrive if given similar conditions in the aquarium. Floating plants, subdued lighting, and a dark substrate are ideal. Although they prefer soft acidic water, they are adaptable to a range of water conditions. This adaptability and their peaceful nature make them well suited to community tanks. However keeping them with overly aggressive tankmates should be avoided.
Diet:
Pearl Gouramis will accept many foods, and are generally quite easy to feed. Flake, freeze dried, and frozen foods are all readily taken. For optimum health fresh vegetables such as lettuce, cooked peas, and spinach, may also be offered as part of a varied diet . Live foods such as black worms, brine shrimp, and glass worms are a good treat and conditioning food for breeding.

Pristella Tetra

The X-Ray or Pristella Tetra is an unusual member of the Characidae Family that has a near transparent body. This novel characteristic gives this tetra the appearance of a living x-ray photograph. However, unlike true clear or glass-like fish, the X-Ray Pristella Tetra has a captivating color pattern that adds another dimension of interest. The dorsal and anal fins have stylish bands of yellow, black, and white. In addition to these bands, the caudal fin has a beautiful pale red or pink coloration that offers yet another unexpected surprise to this seemingly transparent fish.

The ideal aquarium setup for the X-Ray Pristella Tetra will include live plants, rocks and driftwood to recreate natural habitat and provide hiding spaces. The X-Ray Pristella Tetra is a schooling fish and should be ideally kept in groups of six or more. Similar to other tetra species, the male X-Ray Pristella Tetra will tend to be smaller and thinner than the female.

The natural diet of the X-Ray Pristella Tetra consists primarily of small insects and planktonic animals. However, it will accept frozen or freeze-dried brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms tubifex, as well as micro pellet food and high quality flake foods.

Photo from web

Queen Arabesque Pleco Care

Red Spot Plecostomus

The fish sold as a Common Pleco in fish stores is normally no bigger than 5-10 cm but this doesn’t mean that it will stay like that forever. In the case of the common pleco, you should expect your fish to eventually reach a size of 30-60 cm

Plecos are nocturnal creatures that are quite passive during the day

Large adult specimens normally need at least 200 – 375 litres

It is important to cover the aquarium when keeping pleco because they are capable jumpers. In the wild, plecos can use this ability to escape to better conditions during dry periods. They can not really travel on land, but they are strong enough to wiggle their way from a shallow puddle to deeper puddle in a drying riverbed. To a certain extent, they are capable of absorbing oxygen directly from the air so they will last longer on land than many other fish. If you come home and find your pleco seemingly unconscious on the floor, you should put it back in the aquarium because it might not be dead yet.

Do not let the water go all the way up to the lid, because the pleco wants to be able to swim up to the surface and gulp air. The fish uses the air to control its buoyancy.

The water temperature should be kept in the 20-28 degrees C (68-82 degrees F) range and rapid changes in water temperature should be avoided.

In addition to dry prepared foods, give your  pleco some fresh fruits and vegetables. You can for instance serve cucumber, zucchini, squash and similar vegetables. Lettuce and other leafy vegetables are also highly appreciated. There is no need to boil of blanch fruits and vegetables. A practical way of feeding pleco is to get a vegetable holder for the aquarium or make one using a clothes-pin or similar.

Last but not least, an aquarium where you keep pleco should always include driftwood since the fish needs wood to chew on. Wood is an importance source of fibre for plecos.

Red Whiptail Catfish – Rineloricaria lanceolata

approx. 6-7cm

Maximum Standard Length
3.8″ (9.5cm).

Minimum Tank Size
A pair could be kept in a tank as small as 18″ x 15″ x 12″ (45cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) – 53 litres. Larger quarters would be required for a group.

Tank Setup
A biotope setup can consist, very simply, of a layer of sand over which is scattered a layer of dried leaves (oak and beech are non-toxic and work particularly well). Some twisted branches (again, beech is good) and the occasional rounded stone can be used for effect. Provide some rock or wood caves, or lengths of pvc piping to act as potential spawning sites. It’s equally at home in a well-planted tank, although in either setup it won’t appreciate very bright lighting.

Temperature
77-82°F (25-28°C).

pH Range
6.0-8.0

Hardness
5-20°H

Diet
Feeds on aufwuchs and small aquatic crustaceans in nature. In the aquarium it proves omnivorous and will accept both sinking dried foods, vegetable matter (including blanched spinach, courgette, kale etc.) and live and frozen fare such as bloodworm or daphnia.

Compatibility
One of the most peaceful catfish around, these can be combined with many other species. In a biotope setup, good tankmates include small characins, Apistogramma, Corydoras and other quiet Loricariids. However, it can be kept in most communities of peaceful fish. Don’t keep it with anything too vigorous or aggressive as it will become very retiring, and will easily be out-competed for food. It’s not territorial unless spawning and is best kept in a small group.

Red Zebra Cichlid – Maylandia estherae

currently approx 4-5cm

The estherae, like most other mbuna, is a fish that is best kept with 2-3 females for each male. While males can be territorial, and aggressive, they would be considered mid-level aggression for a mbuna at best, tending towards the lower aggression side. Having said this, it would be recommended that this fish is best kept in an aquarium that is 48″/120cm long, though experienced aquarists have been known to keep them in 36″/90cm tanks. By providing plenty of cover, in the way of rocks, or other hiding places, you can provide hiding places for females, and subdominant males to escape damage from the attentions of the dominant male.

Males usually grow to 5.5 inches /14 centimeters and females to 4.0 inches/10 centimeters.

Water specifications are the same as with other Malawi species: pH= 7.8 to 8.4; dKH = 10 to 14; dGH = 10 to 14, though domesticated strains are not as particular as many other species. This fish digs a lot, so undergravel filters are not recommended.

This fish is fairly undemanding, and easy to keep, and along with its attractive colouration, makes it a good candidate to be kept by both beginners, and experienced aquarists alike.

African Cichlids need to be kept only with other African Cichlids due to their high ph requirements and aggressive nature. They are the closest you will get to Marine colours at a much easier care aquarium.

The Redtail Shark, also known as the Redtail Black Shark is great for the semi-aggressive community aquarium, as long as they are the sole sharks and the other tankmates are of similar size. The Redtail Shark is a beautiful fish with a jet black body and a bright red tail. The dorsal fin is marked with a white tip.

It requires a large aquarium with driftwood, rocks, and spots of dense vegetation. This shark may set up territories around the aquarium. The Redtail Shark will become very aggressive towards its own species when mature.

Unfortunately, the breeding habits of the Redtail Shark have not been documented.

An omnivore, the Redtail Shark is not a particularly finicky eater. Flake food, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, as well as vegetable-based foods should be fed.

currently approx 4cm

The Royal pleco has many different common names in English, including Royal plec, Royal panaque and Royal catfish.
Currently approx 6cm
The recommended pH-value when keeping Royal pleco is 6.5-7.5. The temperature should be in the 22-30 degrees C (72-86 degrees F) range.
Since the Royal pleco can reach a length of over 40 cm (16 inches) it will eventually need quite a large aquarium. Larger specimens are fond of redecorating the aquarium so it is important that no items can fall and injure them as they scuffle around. Always include bogwood in the set up. Bogwood will function as both food and shelter from the fish.

The Royal pleco does not like to share its territory with members of its own species or similar species. It is friendly towards other types of fish and can be kept in community aquariums without problem. You should however be aware that fast and/or antagonistic fishes can cause starvation in Royal plecos since they eat all the food before the pleco gets a chance to catch any.
Pic off the web but very similar markings to the one in stock.

Royal Spotted Knife Fish

The Clown Knifefish Chitala ornata It is a very popular knifefish. This is partly because of its common availability and being relatively inexpensive. But its also a favorite because it is extremely attractive. They usually have a pattern of large spots, but this can be quite variable and it seems that no two Clown Knifefish are exactly alike.

The normal coloring of the Clown Knifefish is a silvery gray characterized by a variable pattern of large spots above the base of the anal fin. Yet sometimes they may have no spots at all, and sometimes they may have two rows of smaller spots. Other common names it is known by are Clown Featherback Fish, Spotted Knifefish, Spotted Featherback Fish, and Clown Knife. There is also an albino color form as seen in the picture above that’s called the Albino Clown Knifefish.

The Clown Knife has the typical knifefish body shape, flat and elongated with an arched back. Its anal fin and caudal fin (tail fin) are joined, giving it a long continuous fin along the underside. This fin undulates, allowing it to move either forwards or back wards, making it a very graceful swimmer.

Clown Knife Fish are suggested for an aquarist with some fish keeping experience. They can be hard to get adjusted to a new tank and this often results in death. This fish can grow to a substantial size, reaching about 3 1/2 feet (100 cm) in the wild. Specimens raised in the aquarium however, generally won’t grow much larger than 10 – 20 inches (25 to 50 cm). This is still a large fish, but since they are not particularly active they do not need as large of a tank as you might think. An adult can be comfortably housed in a 200 gallon (757 l) aquarium. Being nocturnal they need places to retreat during the day as well as open areas for swimming. Once acclimated, they are very hardy fish.

The C. ornata is It a member of the Notopteridae family which contains contains some of the more outgoing species of knifefish. They are generally peaceful and will do well with other fish that are not particularly aggressive and that are too large to fit into its mouth. Do take caution as they have poor eye sight and will some times try to eat bigger fish then they can handle. They can ultimately injury or kill a fish they are unable to eat.

The Rummy-Nose Tetra gets its name from the red blushing across its nose and face. But its beautiful coloration does not end there. Hemigrammus bleheri has a mirror-like silver body and a jet-black tail striped with white. This color pattern adds a simple, yet striking beauty to any freshwater aquarium. The Rummy-Nose Tetra is a peaceful omnivore that makes an excellent addition to community aquariums with non-aggressive tankmates.

Also known as the Banded Rummy-Nose Tetra, this fish native to South America thrives in well-planted systems. In addition to plants, decorate the aquarium with scattered rocks and driftwood to simulate its natural habitat. As with other shoaling fish, a school of six or more Rummynose Tetras creates an impressive aquarium display. For best care, offer a variety of foods, including brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and high quality flake diets.

currently approx 3cm

The  Serpae Tetra is a usually peaceful, schooling fish that comes from the regions of South America. It can be a minor fin nipper, so other species with delicate fins are best kept separate. Receiving its name from its red/orange body with black markings behind the head and on dorsal and anal fins, the hardy Serpae Tetra is great for the community aquarium.

Hiding spaces such as rocks, plants, and driftwood are recommended to give this fish a sense of security. Taller plants should be used to coincide with its mid-level swimming habits along with plenty of rock formed cave structures.

The Serpae Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.

Sissortail Rasbora – Rasbora trilineata

Currently approx 6cm
Auction per fish

Photo off the net

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 73-77° F, KH 2-5, pH 6.0-6.5
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Black, Gold, Silver
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Vietnam
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview:
The Scissortail Rasbora is a sleek, streamlined fish that energizes community life in larger aquariums. This active swimmer is named for its deeply forked tail that resembles an open pair of scissors. The distinct bar pattern on the caudal fin accentuates the scissor-like shape. With a little imagination, it’s not difficult to see a pair of scissors opening and closing as the Scissortail Rasbora cuts through the water. The Scissortail Rasbora boasts a silver iridescence that shimmer and sparkle as light reflects off this graceful fish.
The Scissortail Rasbora is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish displayed best in schools. In the wild, the Scissortail Rasbora can grow up to 6″ in length. It is important to house the Scissortail Rasbora in an established aquarium that has open areas for swimming. The Scissortail Rasbora adds activity and visual interest to the upper regions of the aquarium. Use a tight-fitting cover or glass canopy to contain these potential jumpers. Use plants, driftwood, or aquarium decorations to provide areas where the Scissortail Rasbora can feel secure. Dark substrate is a good choice to bring out best coloration.

An omnivore, the Scissortail Rasbora does well on a diet of prepared flake food, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex.