Blub

The Encyclopedia Aquatica is a Fish Profile Database that I started making on the 8th March 2008. I have written and researched all the profiles myself; as both a resource for other people and an entertaining project for me. Writing a profile for a fish is one of the best ways to learn about them in my opinion. Please note that some of the older profiles are not quite as high quality as the more recent ones - I am trying to improve the worst ones but with over 100 profiles it's a mammoth task!

Unfortunately, as I have never bred any fish and so don't feel I am qualified to write breeding instructions these care sheets simply provide information on the general day-to-day upkeep of the fish in question. They do however include how to tell the gender of the fish - which is almost all that is needed when breeding livebearers!

I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from posting anything in this thread unless it's a new profile we have discussed beforehand. I hate to sound like a dictator, but it does make it much easier to navigate the Encyclopedia when the only posts are profiles! If you've got any feedback don't heistate to message me via PM or on my Profile though; I really appreciate it when people have something nice to say about my work! I know I can take quite a long time to respond sometimes, but I will read it at some point!

The images I use in these profiles are either held under various licenses which allow free use of the image or given to me by Forum members. I recommend you magnify them by clicking over them for the best view, as they are often 'squished about' in the un-magnified view.


Much thanks goes out to members who have allowed me to use their images in my profiles. Thanks to Jglove276, Jwokmuba2, Mauritzruan, Brainlady, Jillofalltrades37, Aquarist48 and TreeFork for the use of their photos! I'd also like to thank Firemouthguy for getting permission from Dwarfcichlid.com to use their fantastic images.


As of February 2011, the Encyclopedia is a community project. Anyone can write a new profile! If you're interested send me a PM and I can give you some guidelines. So far Firemouthguy has added some great profiles.

To search this thread for a particular species, click 'Search this thread' at the top of this post next to 'Fish forum thread tools'. To get notifications of every new profile added, click 'Fish forum thread tools', then 'Subscribe to this thread'.

Profiled to Improve/Expand

UPDATES:

25th July 08
5 New profiles added: Peppered cory, Cherry barb, Serpae tetra, Malaysian trumpet snail and Honey gourami.

26th July 2008
Characin special! 5 new profiles added: Black neon tetra, Cardinal tetra, Golden pencilfish, Marbled hatchetfish and Black phantom tetra!

27th July 2008
10 new profiles added: Endler's livebearer, Cameroun fan shrimp, Peacock goby, Zebra danio, Siamese algae eater, Tiger barb, Glowlight tetra, Pearl gourami, White cloud mountain minnow and German blue ram.

28th July 2008
5 new profiles added: Bristlenose pleco, Fancy guppy, Harlequin rasbora, Peaceful betta and Marthae silver hatchetfish.

29th July 2008
10 new profiles added: Glowlight danio, African butterfly fish, Red cherry shrimp, Knight goby, 3 spot goruami, Bolivian ram, Cockatoo apisto, Sterba's cory, Flash pleco and Kuhli loach!

31st July 2008
5 New profiles added: Chinese algae eater, Zebra loach, Black molly, Swordtail and Angelfish!

6th August 2008
1 Typo corrected: 'Sowrdtail' to 'Swordtail' in post #1. 3 new profiles added: Dwarf gourami, Bronze/Albino cory and Pearl gourami!

15th August 2008
1 new profile added: Ember tetra!

31st August 2008
1 Latin name changed: 'Ancistrus sp. (3)' to 'Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus', on post #30 (Bristlenose Pleco). 1 Change to blurb on post #1.

1st September 2008
1 New profile added: Clown pleco!

2nd September 2008:
Cory special! 4 New profiles added: Panda cory, Leopard cory, Pygmy cory and Emerald catfish!

6th September 2008:
2 New profiles added: Bamboo shrimp and Rosy barb!

20th September 2008:
3 New profiles added: Red rainbowfish, Pikehead and American flagfish!

21st September 2008:
2 New profiles added: Threadfin rainbowfish and Upside-down catfish!

27th September 2008:
2 New profiles added: Scarlet Badis and Gold Barb! 1 Change to blurb on post #1.

8th November 2008:
3 New profiles added: Pentazona Barb, Pristella Tetra and Red Neon Goby!
1 Incorrect scientific name (Scientific name typo!) changed to correct version: Puntis sachsii (Gold Barb) to Puntius sachsii.
1 Spelling typo corrected: 'Dwarf neon rainbowfiah' to 'Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish'.

11th January 2009:
'Current Profile Count' added to post #1, 1 New profile added: kribensis!

2nd February 2009:
2 New profiles added: Merry Widow Livebearer and Humpback Limia!

3rd February 2009:
6 New profiles added: Cuban Limia, One Spot Molly, Striped Pyrrhulia, True Rummynose Tetra, Bleher's Rummynose Tetra & False Rummynose Tetra!

4th February 2009:
2 New profiles added: Spotted Headstandder & Marbled Headstander! 5 Profiles edited: Red Neon Goby, Marbled Hatchetfish, African Butterfly Fish, Tiger Barb, Bristlenose Pleco!

7th February 2009:
2 New profiles added: Boeseman's Rainbowfish & Moonlight Gourami! 3 Profiles edited: Panda Apisto, Cockatoo Apisto & Bamboo Shrimp.

9th May 2009:
Rasbora Special! 3 New profiles added: Red-tailed Rasbora, Espe's Rasbora & Rummynose Rasbora. 1 Profile edited: Black Neon Tetra.

24th May 2009:
1 New profile added: Horseface Loach!

8th August 2009:
1 New profile added: False Eight Banded Barb!

9th August 2009:
1 New profile added: Brilliant Rasbora! Image(s) added to the following 4 profiles: Cherry barb, Platy, Guppy and Betta!

10th August 2009:
3 New profiles added: Panda Garra, Rainbow Shark and Red-Tailed Black Shark!

13th August 2009:
1 New Profile added: Common Hatchetfish! Typos fixed in 3 profiles: Merry Widdow Livebearer, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish and Leopard Cory! Image(s) added to the following 9 profiles: Bleeding Heart Tetra, Pygmy Gourami, dwarf puffer, Takashi Amano Shrimp, Marthae Silver Hatchetfish, Panda Apisto, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish and Peppered Cory!

14th August 2009:
3 New profiles added: Otocinclus Catfish, Zebra Otocinclus Catfish and Peppered Otocinclus Catfish!

15th August 2009:
1 duplicate profile deleted: Pearl gourami! (There is now only one Pearl gourami profile - there was two!)

18th August 2009:
2 New profiles added: Emperor tetra and Purple emperor tetra! 'Upcoming profiles list' added to post #1.

1st November 2009:
2 New profiles added: Congo Tetra and Blind Cave Tetra!

2nd November 2009:
100th Profile Added! 2 New Profiles added: Silvertip Tetra and Buenos Aires Tetra!

28th January 2010:
1 Profile edited: Panda Garra!

19th February 2010:
2 New Profiles Added: Three-lined Pencilfish and Dwarf Pencilfish!

5th January 2011:
1 Profile edited: Angelfish!

16th January 2011:
1 New Profile Added: Nerite Snail!

19th January 2011:
1 New Profile Added: Glass Catfish! 2 Profiles edited: Platy and Malaysian Trumpet Snail. Images added to 3 profiles: Malaysian Trumpet Snail, Honey Gourami and Black Neon Tetra!

21st January 2011:
2 New Profiles Added: Gold Tetra and Spotted Hoplo! 1 Profile Edited: Cameroun Fan Shrimp! Changes to original post made.

22nd January 2011:
6 New Profiles Added: Yoyo Loach, Drape Fin Barb, Congo Barb, Golden Dwarf Barb, Snakeskin Barb and Lemon Tetra! Images added to 8 profiles: Rainbow Shark, Angelfish, Clown Pleco, Bristlenose Pleco, Kribensis, African Butterfly Fish, Peppered Cory and Three Spot Gourami! Thanks to Jglove276, TreeFork and Jillofalltrades37 for use of these images.

3rd February 2011:
Firemouthguy added 2 New Profiles: Umbrella Cichlid and Convict Cichlid!

5th February 2011:
1 New Profile added: Slender Hemiodus! Images added to 4 profiles: Bristlenose Pleco, Betta, Congo Tetra and Cardinal Tetra! Thanks to Mauritzruan, Aquarist48 and Jwokmuba2 for the use of this images.

31st August 2011:
5 New Profiles added: Western Rainbowfish, Zodiac Loach, Swallow-Tail Glass Catfish, Schwartz's Cory and Skunk Loach!

1st September 2011:
3 New Profiles added: Striped Barb, Filament Barb and Smudge Spot Cory!

2nd September 2011:
2 New Profiles added: Golden Wonder Panchax, Queen Arabesque Pleco and Spotted Talking Catfish!

4th September 2011:
4 New Profiles added: Red Rainbowfish, Giant Danio, Colombian Tetra and Keyhole Cichlid! Images added to 2 profiles: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Tiger Barb!

10th September 2011:
1 New profile added: Banjo Catfish!

15th October 2011:
1 New profile added: Leopard Bushfish!

16th October 2011:
1 New profile added: Wrestling Halfbeak! 1 Profile edited: Cherry Barb!

23rd December 2011:
1 New profile added: Black Ruby Barb!

Blub

Common names: Bleeding heart tetra,
Size: 6-8cm
pH: 5.6-7.2
Tempº: 23ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle layer
Origin: Amazon basin, Peru, Columbia
Gender: Male has an extended dorsal fin with black on it.
Notes: This tetra may get a bit larger than other tetras, but to watch a beautiful school of Bleeding heart tetras swimming around is more than worth a little extra waste. As with all schooling fish, Bleeding hearts must be kept in groups of at least 6. Like most tetras, Bleeding heart tetras enjoy a heavily Planted tank, and look best and are happier in larger numbers. Bleeding heart tetras are very peaceful, although fin-nipping will occur when not kept in a school.
Image: A healthy Bleeding Heart Tetra

Blub

Common names: Pygmy gourami, Sparkling gourami, Dwarf croaking gourami.
Size: 3cm
pH: 6.0-7.0
Tempº: 25ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle-Top layer
Origin: Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Vietnam.
Gender: Difficult to determine. Male’s anal fin is a little more pointed.
Notes: This tiny fish is very peaceful, and makes a great addition to a Nano tank or a Community of peaceful fishes not large enough to eat it. Ideal tankmates are corys, Plecos, Hatchets, Tetras, Platys and Guppys. A well planted tank does this little fish a favour – giving it plenty of spaces to hide. Their tank should be at least 45litres is capacity. It is a good idea to have ‘dither fish’ like Neon tetras to bring this fish out into the open. These fish can look a little dull to begin with, but when you look closely you will notice their ‘sparkle’!
Left Image: Pygmy Gouramis enjoy themselves in Planted Aquariums.
Right Image: This fish have beautiful neon blue eyes.

Blub

Common names: Platy, Southern platyfish.
Size: 6cm
pH: 7.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 18ºC - 26ºC
Tank region: All layers
Origin: Central America
Gender: Males have a gonopodium.
Notes: The Platy is a perfect beginner's fish because of it's small size and hardy nature. Platies are very tolerant to changes in water chemistry, but still need good water conditions to thrive. They are incredibly easy to breed; all that is required is to place the male and female fish together. Because Platies are livebearers, they do not lay eggs and the female gives birth to live young. Because these fish breed so readily, it is not recommended that both sexes be mixed in the aquarium unless you want them to breed. Contrary to popular belief, males will not fight as long as no females are present. If females are present though, a ration of 1 male to every 3 females will ensure no one female is constantly harassed. It should be noted that Platies will breed with another fish of the Xiphophorus genus - the Swordtail. Because Platies are so easy to breed, many colour varieties have appeared, allowing the aquarist to 'mix and match' their fish to create a diverse yet peaceful tank.
Left Image: A group of female Platys
Middle Image: A Platy's head
Right Image: A blue platy

Blub

Dwarf Puffer
(Carinotetraodon travancoricus)

Common names: Dwarf puffer, Malabar puffer,
Size: 3cm
pH: 7.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 22ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle/Bottom layer
Origin: India
Gender: Males have a brown stripe on their abdomen and females are rounder.
Notes: This cute little fish is by far not a community fish. They are aggressive, and capable of killing even fish larger than them with their sharp beaks, and they can be easily wolfed down by fish much larger than them. In fact, the only tankmate that stands a chance is an Otocinclus. They can be mixed, but a large tank will be required. The smallest tank you should keep a Dwarf puffer in is 10litres for a single individual. These fishes are carnivorous, and are avid eaters of snails, even ones much bigger than them. It is a good idea to start a snail farm with a small snail species like Pond or Malaysian trumpet snails to feed these fish. They will happily take live foods small enough to fit in their mouth, but commercial food presents a challenge. These fish are very intelligent and have a definite personality, and will learn to recognize their owner like a Betta might. They will often ‘beg’ for food, coming up to the glass and showing a cute little face.
Image: Dwarf Puffers are inquisitive little creatures!

Blub

Takashi amano shrimp
(Caridina japonica)

Common names: Takashi amano shrimp, Amano shrimp, Algae shrimp
Size: 5cm
pH: 7.0 – 8.5
Tempº: 18ºC - 27ºC
Tank region: Bottom layer
Origin: Korea & Southern Japan
Gender: ?
Notes: Made famous by legendary aquascaper Takashi amano in his book ‘Nature aquarium world’, this popular freshwater shrimp is the ideal addition to a planted aquarium. They are effective algae eaters, and are gregarious in nature so they should be kept in groups of 3 or more. Many fish medications contain copper which is poisonous to all invertebrates – so keep them out of your hospital tank. They’re bio-load is minimal, and you can add a few to a stocked community without overstocking quite easily. They will eat algae and bottom feeder tablets. It is beneficial to have some kind of moss for them to hide in, Java moss is excellent. Be careful not to keep them with fish large enough to eat them, loaches, puffers or other invertebrate eating fish.
Top Left Image: This species spends a lot of it's time wandering around the substrate.
Top Middle Image: This shrimp looks like it's eyeing up that algae!
Top Right Image: Far from ugly, this interestign little invertebrate can make a perfect addition to a peaceful aquarium.
Bottom Left Image: You can see the yellowish stripe that runs along the top of an Amano Shrimp's body.
Bottom Right Image: Java moss is great for shrimps - this one looks like it's just come out of it.

Blub

Betta
(Betta splendens)

Common names: Betta, Siamese fighter, Siamese fighting fish,
Fighting fish.
Size: 6cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 21ºC - 29ºC
Tank region: All layers, mainly Top
Origin: Thailand
Gender: Males have longer fins than females.
Notes: The Betta is both hardy and pretty, and only needs a 10litre tank – although bigger is better. These fish are not community fish; keeping them with most other fish will not result in success. However, Bettas all have individual personalities. One may accept tankmates and totally ignore them – another might rip them to shreds! Males will not tolerate other males – and they will fight, the weakest one sustaining injuries and often dieing shortly after. They are particularly aggressive to other Labyrinth fish. The only fish they will tolerate are Corys, Snails and Ottos – but only peaceful Bettas will.
Left Image: Plakat Dragon male
Middle Image: Bettas make excellent 'pet' fish, and many aquarists keep nothing else. Image credit goes to Aquarist48.
Right Image:Red Halfmoon male

Blub

Marthae Silver Hatchetfish
(Carnegiela Marthae)

Common names: Marthae silver hatchetfish, Black winged hatchetfish
Size: 5cm
pH: 6.4 – 6.8
Tempº: 24ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Top layer
Origin: Venezuela
Gender: ?
Notes: A great little fish to keep, these fish are great jumpers and can achieve distances of 2M – so a tight fitting cover is a must. In the wild they use this incredible jump to escape predators and catch insects that re above the surface! Hatchets are carnivorous, and need to be fed plenty of meaty foods to stay alive. These fish are totally peaceful, and are an ideal addition to the community to fill the almost always empty top layer. Hatchets must be kept in groups of at least six to minimize stress – and therefore minimize jumping. Some sources may give this fish a difficult reputation – this is almost totally because of attempts to keep them in small numbers! It is important to have some sort of guard in your filter – as this fish’s thin body is easily sucked in at night. Hatchetfish benefit from the addition of floating plants.
Image: This fish creates some really interesting reflections!

Blub

Panda Apisto
(Apistogramma nijsseni)

Common names: Panda apiso, Nijsseni’s dwarf cichlid,
Size: Female 6cm, Male 8cm
pH: 5.0 – 7.0
Tempº: 23ºC - 26ºC
Tank region: Middle-Bottom layer
Origin: Peru
Gender: Females have classic ‘Panda’ coloration, males are grey with a blue sheen. Males are bigger.
Notes: These omnivorous bottom-dwelling cichlids are peaceful to all species but other Dwarf cichlids and Bottom dwellers. As with most cichlids, great personality and fascinating behavior are features of this species. The Panda apisto prefers a heavily planted tank, and must have a complex habitat with various caves. This apisto is fairly demanding, and if it’s needs are not met properly the fishes will not fare well at all. A beautiful species for the more advanced fishkeeper.
Right Image: A male and Female Panda apisto for comparison. The top one is female, the bottom male.
Left Image: A female Panda Apisto is truly beautiful!

Blub

Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish
(Melanotaeina praecox)

Common names: Dwarf neon rainbowfish, Neon rainbowfish, Dwarf rainbowfish, Praecox rainbowfish
Size: 6cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 22ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle/Top
Origin: New Guinea
Gender: Males have red fins, Females have yellow and sometimes deep orange fins.
Notes: These are active, pretty and hardy fish. They’re amazing neon colour will brighten up any tank. Dwarf rainbows are totally peaceful – but need to be kept in a school of at least 6. They will be at their best in a Planted tank with some free swimming space and a dark substrate. These fish can be a little pricey, however. So, watch the wallet!
Image: A pair of males.

Blub

Peppered Cory
(Corydoras paleatus)

Common names: Peppered cory,
Size: 7cm
pH: 6.0-7.5
Tempº: 24ºC - 29ºC
Tank region: Bottom layer
Origin: South America
Gender: Females are larger
Notes: One of the commonest catfish available, the Peppered cory is a great addition to the community because it occupies a layer that most fish don’t, is very active and most importantly one of the single most peaceful fish available. They should be kept in groups of at least 3 – but it is far, far better to have them in schools of at least 6 because the fish will be happier and more active. They should NEVER be kept in singles because they will ‘waste away’ on the tank floor. These fish do not come to the surface for food – so the need to be fed bottom feeder pellets.
Left Image: These fish spend almost their entire lives on the bottom!
Right Image: The Peppered Corydoras is a very fun fish to own. Image credit goes to Jillofalltrades37.

Blub

Cherry Barb
(Puntius titteya)

Common names: Cherry barb, Crimson carplet
Size: 4cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 22ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle layer
Origin: Sri Lanka
Gender: Easy. Males are crimson and torpedo shaped, females are hazel and slightly larger.
Notes: Possibly the most popular small Barb in the hobby, the Cherry Barb is sadly listed as 'conservation dependant' in the wild because of overfishing. However, most aquarium specimens are now captive bred. The Cherry Barb is very popular among both seasoned and inexperienced aquarists alike because of it's good colouration, peaceful temperment, small size and hardy nature. As a schooling species it should be kept in groups of at least 6, and to minimise aggression between males and harrassment of females they should be kept in a ratio of at least 2-3 females for each male. These fish will take most commercially prepared food, and as with most similarly sized species appreciates a planted tank to provide natural retreats. The Cherry Barb is completely peaceful and thus makes a good tankmate for most similarly sized community species.
Left Image: Female Cherry Barb
Right Image: Male Cherry Barb

Blub

Serpae Tetra
(Hyphessobrycon eques)

Common names: Serpae tetra, Jewel tetra, Red minor tetra.
Size: 4cm
pH: 5.0 – 7.8
Tempº: 22ºC - 26ºC
Tank region: Middle layer
Origin: Paraguay, Brazil.
Gender: Very hard to distinguish. Females are more rounded.
Notes: This species has a reputation for being a fin nipper- but this is only so if not kept in groups of at least 6, as they are schooling fish. However, as with all tetras – the more the merrier! They are a great fish for a beginner, bringing color as well as hardiness to the community aquarium. These fish are great fish to own as they spend a great deal of time establishing their rank in the school, creating a brilliant display as they spread out their fins and dance around the tank, occasionally lunging at each other. Luckily, neither fish will leave the ‘battle’ harmed. As long as they are kept in a large group – this fish is an ideal addition to the community!
Left Image: A trio of Serpaes.
Right Image: A Long-finned Serpae Tetra.

Blub

Malaysian Trumpet Snail
(Melanoides tuberculata)

Common names: Malaysian trumpet snail, MTS, Malayan trumpet snail, Red Rimmed Melania, Malayan Livebearing Snail.
Size: 2cm
pH: Not below 7.0.
Tempº: 18ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Bottom layer
Origin: South East Asia
Gender: N/A
Notes: This useful snail is the true workhorse of the Planted aquarium. Not only do the eat algae, but they burrow in the substrate which aerates plant roots and helps stop the development of dangerous gas bubbles. Since they are livebearers, they don’t leave ugly snail eggs all over the place. However, like many snails, MTS do not need 2 snails to reproduce, so one may become two, until you have a whole army of digging snails!
Left Image: MTS snail can often be seen eating algae on the tank glass.
Right Image: These snails cause no harm to plants.

Blub

Honey Gourami
(Colisa/Trichogaster chuna)

Common names: Honey gourami,
Size: 6cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 25ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle/Top layer
Origin: Bangladesh
Gender: Males are colourful, females are drab.
Notes: The Honey gourami is a lovely little fish that does well in a peaceful community, and prefers a Planted tank. It’s best to keep in a trio of 1 male and 2 females, as the male will often chase the females, 2 females will divide his attention. They can become very colourful, and there are several colours available. Since they are very hardy, they are a great way to add variety to the beginner’s tank of Livebearers! These fish should take all commercially prepared food.
Image: This is a male Honey Gourami.

Blub

Black Neon Tetra
(Hypessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)

Common names: Black neon, Black cardinal.
Size: 4cm
pH: 5.5-7.5
Tempº: 23ºC - 27ºC
Tank region: Middle layer
Origin: Brazil
Gender: Difficult to determine, females are larger.
Notes: Despite it’s name, the Black neon tetra is in fact not related to the Neon, it’s more closely related to the Serpae or Bleeding heart tetra! However, the pattern on this fish is similar to that of the classical neon – but with different colors, the ‘Neon’ stripe being white. They may not be as stunning as their gaudy counterparts, but Black neon tetras have a subtle beauty of their own. These fish do well in a planted aquarium, and as with all tetras must be kept in groups of at least 6!
Image:The Black Neon Tetra will often seek refuge in plants.

Blub

Common names: Cardinal tetra,
Size: 5cm
pH: 7.0-8.0
Tempº: 23ºC - 27ºC
Tank region: Middle
Origin: Venezuela, Columbia, Brazil.
Gender: Females are a little larger, and plumper.
Notes: On first sight, the Cardinal tetra looks just like a Neon tetra. However, this fish has an entirely red underside, and is slightly bigger than the Neon. It is much more striking,and because they are not as inbred as most Neons have a much lower mortality rate. It is much better to keep them in a heavily planted tank similar to their environment in the wild, which greatly reduces stress levels.
The more Cardinals you have, the better they look. A large school of Cardinal tetras in a well planted tank is an awesome spectacle to behold.
Image: The Cardinal Tetra absolutely has to be kept in a school, and is a true spectacle when it is. Image credit to Jwokmuba2.

Blub

Common names: Golden pencilfish, Beckford’s pencilfish,
Size: 6.5cm
pH: 6.0-8.0
Tempº: 24ºC - 27ºC
Tank region: Middle -Top layer
Origin: Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Northern Brazil.
Gender: Males are more colorful, and sport a curved posterior edge on the anal fin.
Notes: This small characin is a colorful addition to the community aquarium, and shows of it’s colors best in a slightly acidic planted aquarium. The Golden pencilfish is very peaceful, and fast and nippy species like danios and barbs often outcompete it for food. These fish are good tankmates for Corydoras, Apistogrammas and other small characins. Some territorial disputes may break out between males, but these rarely, if ever, end in injury to either fish. Golden pencilfish do best in schools of at least 6.

Blub

Common names: Marbled hatchetfish
Size: 5-8cm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Tempº: 24ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Top layer
Origin: Peru, Guyana
Gender: Hard to determine. Females are larger.
Notes: Hatchetfish go well in most communities, as they confine themselves to the uppermost layer of the tank. They prefer a strong current – and must be kept in a shoal of at least 6 individuals. The tank must have a good cover and no escape points – as these fish are strong jumpers and once airborne they use their wing-like fins to effectively fly! They are sometimes stated as difficult to keep as they need a highly varied diet – but providing variation in a fish’s diet is part of fishkeeping anyway – and it does not only apply to hatchetfish!

These guys are a great way top add variation and activity to almost any community – they never stray from the top, never bother other fish and are generally very peaceful! However, caution must be taken when mixing with robust, lively fish (such as Platys) because Hatchets are easily thrown around by hyperactive fish at feeding time.

Blub

Black Phantom Tetra
(Megalamphodus megalopterus)

Common names: Black phantom tetra, Black phantom,
Size: 4-5cm
pH: 6.0-7.5
Tempº: 22ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle layer
Origin: Brazil
Gender: Males have long fins. Females have some red on them.
Notes: This peaceful schooling tetra is perfect for beginner’s (Or expert’s!) community tanks, as it adds beauty and activity that can stand some neglect. As with most other tetra species, it will quarrel with other Black phantoms to establish dominance. As with most schooling fish, it is best to keep them in a ratio of 1 male to every 3 females. They are best kept in groups of 6 or more; like all schooling species. Otherwise they will become stressed, nippy and won’t come out as much.

Blub

Endler’s Livebearer
(Poecilia wingei)

Common names: Endler’s Liverbearer
Size: Males 2cm, Females 4cm
pH: 6.5 – 8.0
Tempº: 18ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: All layers
Origin: Venezuela
Gender: Males have a gonopodium instead if an anal fin.
Notes: This tiny livebearer is a great addition to the aquarium, especially the Nano tank. They are a close relative of the guppy, and can easily crossbreed. Males and females should not be housed together unless breeding is intended, because they will easily overstock all but the largest of tanks. They are very peaceful and they will only fight if an all male, all female or 1 male to every 3 females ratio is not maintained.

Blub

Common names: Cameroun fan shrimp, African fan shrimp, Giant filter shrimp
Size: 15cm
pH: Not under 7.0
Tempº: 23ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Bottom layer
Origin: Cameroon
Gender: ?
Notes: Despite their size, these unusual invertebrates are completely harmless to any fish. They are filter feeders that use the ‘fans’ on the end of their forelegs to filter out microscopic animals from the water. They are passive feeders, and will sit there with their legs extended waiting for food to come to them, so a current is essential. As with all invertebrates, make sure any medications you use are invertebrate-friendly.
Sometimes, a dominant male shrimp will turn brilliant red, and on some occasions even shrimps that are kept alone turn brilliant red!

Blub

Common names: Peacock goby, Peacock gudgeon, Common gudgeon.
Size: Males 7.5cm, Females 4-5cm
pH: 6.5 - 7.5
Tempº: 22ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Bottom layer
Origin: New Guinea
Gender: Females are smaller; males have a ‘hump’ on the head.
Notes: This hardy fish owes it’s popularity to it’s small size and beautiful coloring. These fish don’t always accept commercially prepared food, so it is necessary to keep some live food handy. Peacock gobies are not in fact true gobies – but sleeper gobies, a different family of fishes. Knight and Bumblebee gobies are good examples of true gobies. This fish is peaceful, although some flaring and mock fighting may break out between individuals.

Blub

Zebra Danio
(Danio rerio)

Common names: Zebra danio, Zebrafish, Striped danio
Size: 6cm
pH: 6.5 – 8
Tempº: 18ºC - 26ºC
Tank region: Middle/top layer
Origin: India
Gender: Males have yellow stripes in-between their black stripes.
Notes: Zebra danios are perfect for the begginer’s tank. Active, pretty and hardy – these fish will go great in most communities. However, they can be a little nippy at times and it is a bad idea to keep them with Bettas, whose fins will be ripped by the danios. Keeping them with shy Gouramis is also a bad idea, as they could scare the timid fish into hiding and also damage their fins.
However, as this is a schooling fish, it is essential to keep them in groups of 6 or more.

Blub

Common names: Siamese algae eater, SAE
Size: 12-15cm
pH: 6.5-8.0
Tempº: 22ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle-bottom layer
Origin: Thailand
Gender: Mature females are more plump.
Notes: Well known among planted aquarists, this brilliant algae eating fish is often confused for the more aggressive Flying fox and False Siamese algae eaters. The difference is that the Flying fox’s stripe, unlike the true SAE’s, has straight edges and does not extend to the tail. The false Siamese on the other hand, has a gold stripe above the black one. This fish has no Swim-bladder, so it must stay swimming to keep afloat. This is why you will see your SAE resting on a rock sometimes. The Siamese algae eater is valued by fishkeepers because it is one of the only fish that will eat Hair and Thread algae, and also eats virtually indestructible Black beard algae among others. If there is no algae available, it is important to supplement it’s diet with sinking algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like you would a pleco.

Blub

Tiger Barb
(Puntius tetrazona)

Common names: Tiger barb, Sumatra barb, Albino tiger barb, Green tiger barb
Size: 8cm
pH: 6.5 – 8.0
Tempº: 20ºC - 26ºC
Tank region: Middle layer
Origin: Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo
Gender: Males are more brightly coloured.
Notes: This fish is notoriously aggressive, and for good reason. When kept in numbers under 6 – these fish will become shy and start nipping tank mate’s fins. However, this can be totally prevented by keeping more than 6 Tigers barbs. You can buy albino and green variations of this beautiful striped fish. Tiger barbs are incredibly hardy – and as long as there is a good number of barbs and some decent tank space it is a great beginner’s fish. However they should never be kept with Bettas.
Image: The Tiger Barb is somewhat similar to the Fivebanded Barb in appearance; and indeed the Fivebanded barb is usually a better choice for a community tank because of it's more peaceful nature.

Blub

Pearl Gourami
(Trichogaster leeri)

Common names: Pearl gourami, Leeri gourami, Lace gourami,
Size: 10cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 24ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle/Top
Origin: Maylasia, Sumatra, Borneo
Gender: Males have a red throat and longer fins.
Notes: These fish are somewhat more delicate than other gouramis. (Like Three-spot, Dwarf and Honey) However, it is still one of the most attractive and easy-to-keep Gouramis around. Like all other Labyrinth fish; it can breath atmospheric air – and does best in a slow current. The Pearl gourami can be freaked out by many larger fish – and simply hide away. They are more brave and active in pairs – and can quickly become the dominant fish.

Blub

Common names: White cloud mountain minnow, WCMM, Chinese danio, White cloud, Canton danio
Size: 4cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 8ºC - 25ºC
Tank region: All – but prefer surface
Origin: China
Gender: Males are more colourful.
Notes: These fish are pretty much indestructible when it comes to hardiness in the aquarium. They are ideal of beginners – but need to be in a school of at least 6 individuals. Although usually the first fish to be combined with goldfish, this is a bad choice as the Goldfish will eventually view them as ‘fast food’ – which brings us neatly onto another point about this fish. It is very active. They are very peaceful as long as they are in a school – but if not in one they can get nervous and start to nip!
Image: The White Cloud is a very peaceful community species.

Blub

German Blue Ramirezi
(Micogeophagus ramirezi)

Common names: German blue ramirezi, GBR, Blue ram, Butterfly cichlid, Ram cichlid, Dutch ram, Gold ram.
Size: 6cm
pH: 5.5-7.5
Tempº: 25ºC - 28ºC
Tank region: Middle-Bottom
Origin: Columbia, Venezuela.
Gender: Females have a pink belly, males have an elongated 2nd ray in the dorsal fin, Males dorsal and anal fins are more pointed at the back, Females tail is more rounded.
Notes: These stunning little fish are delicate! The GBR is one of the most beautiful and peaceful cichlids you’ll find. They prefer a fully planted aquarium, where the water parameters are more stable, and there is lots of cover to minimize these sensitive fish’s stress and make them feel secure. Rams and other Dwarf chichlids really need a complex habitat with as many nooks and crannies (Plants are great at making these.) and caves as possible. A great way to add a cave to the Ram’s habitat is to use a coconut cave – as it is perfectly shaped for a dark interior, and is a great medium for Java moss. They will take most foods, as they are omnivorous. It’s best to keep them over sand, as they often spend hours sifting it through their gills, looking for food particles.

Blub

Common names: Bristlenose pleco, Bristlenose, Bushynose catfish, Ancistrus,
Size: 12cm
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Tempº: 21ºC - 27ºC
Tank region: Bottom layer
Origin: Exact locality not know; somewhere in South America
Gender: Males have bristles when mature.
Notes: This is a great algae eater for the community aquarium of 75litres or larger. They are very peaceful, apart from if you have a pair of males who have spawned. They are great to watch, and their spots have a subtle beauty of their own. They should be fed on cucumber slices, Algae disks, and the occasional meaty treat like bloodworm. It is important to have some wood in their tank – as they suck nutrients from it.

This species was known as 'Ancistrus sp. (3)' to the scientific community until August 2008 when it was re-designated 'Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus'; but will likely be known to many people as 'Ancistrus sp. (3)' for a long time after.
Image: Bristlenose Plecos are peaceful additions to the aquarium, and are usually small when bought. Image credit goes to TreeFork.