Tropical fish

Sunset White Cloud Mountain Minnow

The white cloud mountain minnow is an extremely hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. The white cloud mountain minnow can be kept in an aquarium without a heater as long as the temperature does not drop below 45°F (7°C). They are peaceful and are suitable tank mates for a community tank as long as the aquarium temperature doesn’t get too high. Many keep these minnows in small desktop tanks.

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow will eat flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods.

Scientific Name : Tanichthys albonubes

Care Level : Easy, good for freshwater beginners

Life span : 3 – 5 years generally, possibly longer

Size : Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

pH : 6 – 8

Temperature : 45°F – 70°F (7°C – 21°C)

Water Hardness : 5° to 25° dH,

Origin / Habitat : China

Temperament / Behavior : Peaceful and best kept in schools of 6 or more.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow Breeding : Easy. Give them a water temperature around 68°F and they will lay their eggs on the bottom of the tank. You will have to remove the adults because they will eat the eggs.

Aquarium Size : 5 gallon or larger.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow Tank Mates : Many, given the generally peaceful nature of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease – Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment

Diet / Foods : Omnivore – will eat many food items including flakes, pellets and live foods.

Tank Region : All over the tank

Gender : Males will have more color than the females.

Texas Cichlid

Picture off the net.

Current size approx 5cm

Scientific Name: Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Common Name(s): Texas

Geo. Origin: Mexico

Habitat: Streams, Pools, Drainage Channels

Diet: Herbivore

Gender Differences: Dimorphic

Breeding: Substrate Spawner

Temperament: Aggressive

Conspecific Temperament: Highly Aggressive

Temperature: 78°F

pH: 7.8

The Texas Cichlid Herichthys cyanoguttatus (previously Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum) is the northern most occurring cichlid  and the only cichlid native to waters of the United States. It is naturally found in the waters of southern Texas ( namely the Rio Grande) and northern Mexico.

Though most commonly known as the Texas Cichlid, this fish is also named after its most famous river of origin and is thus also called the the Rio Grande Perch or Rio Grande Cichlid. Some sources also call it a Pearl Cichlid as well, but this is confusing as there is another well defined cichlid, Geophagus brasiliensis, that is more generally known as the Pearl Cichlid. Besides the nominate form there are also two subspecies with Herichthys c. carpintis being known as the Green Texas Cichlid, but currently there’s no common name for Herichthys c. temporatum.

The Texas Cichlid is one of most aggressive and belligernet of all cichlids, and reinforces the slogan “Don’t Mess with Texas.”  It’s a pretty large fish, reaching up to about 12 inches (30 cm) in length, but is no where near being the biggest of the American cichlids. Species like the Central American Wolf Cichlid Parachromis dovii and the South American Peacock Cichlid Cichla ocellaris are both more than one and a half times bigger in size than this fish. They are both pugnacious fish too, but even tdespite their massive size, they are no match for this contentious Texan.

In spite of its aggressive personality and territorial tendencies, or in some cases because of them, this fish has garnered a large and dedicated following. Many owners feel it is in fact one of the most beautifully colored cichlids and proudly display it as a show specimen in a large show tank. Its presents a very deep-body and sports shiny sparkling spots all over its brownish gray colored body. The male and female are very similar in appearance though the female is slightly smaller. Adult males also develop cranial hump on the forehead and have a more pointed dorsal fin.

This species has many of the typical habits cichlids are known for, including digging in the substrate, moving around the gravel, and shredding plants.This is an intelligent fish and very friendly with their owner, pushing up to the front of the tank at feeding time. They are also easy to breed. However, they are so extremely territorial, aggressive and intolerant of interupption they will even attack plants, decor, and aquarium equipment, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on plants and sensitive aquarium equiipment.

The Texas Cichlid is definitely not a good community fish. Being naturally accustom to the close quarters provided by rivers they defend their territory vehemently against all intruders. But they are very durable and tough enough to be kept with other large and similarly tempered cichlids like the Red Devil and the Jack Dempsey.

To keep these fish healthy and thriving, they need to have plenty of room to swim and a decor that provides places to rest and retreat. A minimum 50 gallon aquarium is suggested for one and a pair will need at least 100 gallons. They like a tank bottom of fine sand and plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. Being a most cantankerous cichlid, they will make short work of plants and rockwork by digging a great deal. They are large messy feeders and will need frequent water changes.

Tinfoil Barb
minimum size 5cm

Scientific name: Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Common name: Tinfoil barb
Max. size: 35.0 cm / 14 inches
pH range: 6.5 – 7.0
dH range: 10
Temperature range: 22 – 25°C / 72 – 77°F

The Tinfoil barb grows really large, up to 35 centimetres (14 inches) and is therefore not suitable for small aquariums. Inexperienced aquarists sometimes purchase young Tinfoil barbs without first researching how big this fish can grow and that you should keep at least 5 specimens together.

Tinfoil barbs should always be kept together in a group consisting of at least five Tinfoil barbs. The Tinfoil bar group can be housed together with peaceful fish species of similar size or bigger. If you have a really large aquarium, you can for instance keep a group of Tinfoil barbs together with large cichlids, such as the Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus). Tinfoil barbs are also frequently kept together with shy and jittery fish species, since a calm Tinfoil barb group will make less tranquil fish species feel much more relaxed in the aquarium and encourage them to spend more time out in the open instead of staying hidden. Tinfoil barbs feed are chiefly herbivores, but should not be kept with crustaceans and small fishes since they can be considered food.

Upside-Down Catfish – Synodontis nigriventris

You tube video of fish available http://youtu.be/WYm3PTQVnGI

Numbered among the Synodontis species, the upside-down catfish is aptly named for its upside down swimming posture. They are an extremely popular species that apparently have been admired for countless centuries, as their images have been found in ancient Egyptian art.

Considered a dwarf catfish, they reach an adult size of only three to four inches. Like other members of the Mochikidae family, they have large eyes, a large adipose fin, a forked tail, and three pairs of barbels. Their light brown colored body is covered with dark brown blotches of various sizes. Interestingly, the underside of the body is darker hued, which is the opposite of fish that swim with their belly downwards. This reverse coloration serves to camouflage them when they swim upside down at the surface of the water.

Although they frequently swim upside down, don’t be surprised if they swim normally for periods of time. This is particularly true when they want to graze the bottom of the tank for morsels of food. Young Upside Down Catfish do not swim upside down until they are several months old. Like other catfish, they have sharp fin spines that can cause injuries when moving them. Take care when netting or moving these fish.

Upside Down Catfish tend to be most active at dusk and during the night hours. Use of a moonlight light tube will allow owners to view their night activities.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

The white cloud mountain minnow is an extremely hardy fish that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. The white cloud mountain minnow can be kept in an aquarium without a heater as long as the temperature does not drop below 45°F (7°C). They are peaceful and are suitable tank mates for a community tank as long as the aquarium temperature doesn’t get too high. Many keep these minnows in small desktop tanks.

The White Cloud Mountain Minnow will eat flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods.

Scientific Name : Tanichthys albonubes

Care Level : Easy, good for freshwater beginners

Life span : 3 – 5 years generally, possibly longer

Size : Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

pH : 6 – 8

Temperature : 45°F – 70°F (7°C – 21°C)

Water Hardness : 5° to 25° dH,

Origin / Habitat : China

Temperament / Behavior : Peaceful and best kept in schools of 6 or more.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow Breeding : Easy. Give them a water temperature around 68°F and they will lay their eggs on the bottom of the tank. You will have to remove the adults because they will eat the eggs.

Aquarium Size : 5 gallon or larger.

White Cloud Mountain Minnow Tank Mates : Many, given the generally peaceful nature of the White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease – Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment

Diet / Foods : Omnivore – will eat many food items including flakes, pellets and live foods.

Tank Region : All over the tank

Gender : Males will have more color than the females.

Yoyo Loach

Auction for one Yoyo Loach but more available

currently approx 5cm

Scientific Name: Botia almorhae (Gray, 1831)

Common name: Yoyo Loach, Almorha Loach, Pakistani Loach, Reticulated loach

Synonyms: Botia lohachata

Distribution: India, Nepal, Bangladesh.

Sexual Dimorphism: Females generally plumper all over than males and can get extremely fat when full of eggs. Males exhibit redness around barbels and mouth.

Maximum size: 6 inches

Similar to: Botia rostrata, Botia histrionica

Care: In nature, the fish live in calmer water pool areas of highland streams. The young are usually found in more lowland waters. The tank should include lots of hiding places amongst rocks and driftwood. Excellent diggers that appreciate a sand substrate to protect the delicate barbels. Lighting should be subdued.

Feeding: Good quality flake, sinking pellets, algae wafers, chopped earthworms, thawed frozen Bloodworm, Mysis Shrimp, chopped cocktail shrimp. Avoid over-feeding as these fish are very greedy. This species is an avid consumer of snails.

Water parameters: pH:6.5-7.5 Hardness: Medium Max dh: <12

Temperature: 76ºF to 82ºF(22-27.7°C)

Breeding: Not bred in aquaria, but mature females regularly fill with spawn.

Auction is for one Zebra Loach

Scientific name: Botia striata

Tropical Fish

Its relatively small size and peaceful nature make it an excellent choice for most community settings.

Care: A peaceful, active, shoaling species that should be maintained in groups of 5 or more in the community aquarium. Keep on a fine sandy substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area, and ensure that there are plenty of hiding places in the aquarium amongst bogwood, caves, and plants. Clean, well-aerated water is a must.

Feeding: Will accept most brands of dry sinking catfish pellets, but should be offered a variety of frozen foods to supplement the diet – mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, and daphnia are usually taken with much enthusiasm. Vegetable matter such as slices of cucumber will also be appreciated. This species, as with other Botiine loaches, will eat small aquatic snails

Water parameters: Soft and slightly acidic is best. pH: 7.0 or below, dH:

Temperature: 73F to 81F (23-27C)

Scientific Name: Hypancistrus Zebra
Common Name(s): Zebra Pleco, Imperial Pleco, L46, L48
Care Level: easy to medium
Size: 3 – 4 inches (7.5 – 10 cm)
pH: 6.5 – 7.0
Temperature: 78 – 86 °F (26 – 30 °C)
Origin / Habitat: South America: Xingu River basin (fishbase).
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years or longer
Temperament / Behavior: Can become territorial with their own species, but are usually peaceful with most other tank mates.
Zebra Pleco Tank Mates: Needs to be with peaceful tank mates.
Diet: Omnivorous, will accept a wide range of foods, but frozen/live foods preferred. Supplement their diet with zucchini slices and similar veggies.
Tank Size: A minimum of 100 litres

This fish is also commonly known as the Zebra Pleco, Imperial pleco or by the L numbers; L46. The zebra pleco has bold black lateral stripes running across a white body with a black stripe running over the body from one pectoral fin to the other. The dorsal fin has a high expansion and it is possible to develop a blue twinge when in prime condition. It has a sucker mouth with 4 whiskers. Like other pleco’s it has a flat-ish stomach.These pleco’s come from the rivers of Rio Xingu, Para and Brazil. They require a pH of 6-7.5 but seem to be doing best in a water pH of 6.5 or just under 7.0. A minimum tank size of 100 litres is required and a temperature of 26 – 30 °C
Rocks and decorations should be placed in the aquarium in a way that caves and hiding places are created for them, so that they can take refuge when necessary. It is believed the more hiding places there are the more they will come out into the open, knowing they will be able to hide whenever they want. Fine sand or river gravel should be used for substrate. Rocks should be placed in the aquarium to imitate its natural environment as well as driftwood. A powerful filter is needed as they require a strong current.

Zodiac Loach

Auction for one Zodiac loach but more available

Scientific name: Mesonoemacheilus triangularis (Day, 1865)

Common name: Batik loach, Zodiacloach

Synonyms: Nemacheilus triangularis, Noemacheilus triangularis triangularis

Distribution: Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Sexual Dimorphism: Unknown

Maximum size: 2.5 inches (5.8cm)

Similar to: Mesonoemacheilus guentheri, various Nemacheilus species

Care: The tank for this fish should mimic its natural environment in the gravel bottom hillstreams of India, in other words, typical brook loach conditons. That includes clean, well oxygenated water with a good flow, gravel substrate, plenty of rocks and hiding places. Hiding places are particularly important for this territorial species.

Feeding: Bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis shrimp are preferred foods.

Water parameters: pH: 7.0-7.5 Hardness: medium Max dh: 12

Temperature: 68ºF to 79ºF (20-26°C)

Breeding: This species has been bred in captivity using a spawning mop.

Best Snail eater available

Currently approx 4-5cm

This is certainly one of the most attractive loaches found in the aquarium trade today. Its fiesty behavior can be very entertaining to watch and should be considered while choosing tank mates. It can be kept in groups (provided there are sufficient hiding places) or alone.