Plantanimalia Treasure

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-07-11T02:13:00.000-07:00

continue upload about Freshwater Fish....

130. STARLIGHT BRISTLENOSE PLECO "L183" (Ancistrus dolichopterus)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Brazil, South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: have been commercially bred eventhough still considered rare in the local market, males have head tentacles, females do not

>>>before transformation
>>>halfway process
>>>after transformation
129. RUBBER PLECO (Parancistrus aurantiacus)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 8.7" (approx. 22cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Ucuyali, Peru (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: Capable of changing from a dull grey brown colouration into striking golden form, eats most vegetarian foods, tablets and pellets, frozen meaty foods and woods

128. DULL EYED ROYAL PLECO "L191" (Panaque sp.)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 10" (approx. 25cm)
ORIGIN: Colombia, South America
DIET: Omnivorous, tends to be more herbivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: oftenly referred as "Green Royal", has got grey eye colour instead red / orange like most royal pleco

127. "L236" (Hypancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 4.7" (approx. 12cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Iriri, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: a very beautiful species rarely seen on stocklists, if you ever come by some, you should jump at the chance without any hesitation!

126. RED LIZARD "L10a" (Rineloricaria sp.)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 4.4" (approx. 11cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: Aqualog introduced this fish with an l-number of L010a, it is very different from L010, will eat most foods from cucumber or zucchini slices to frozen bloodworm or dry flake foods, have been commercially bred

Arapaima- The World's Megafishes

2009-07-11T02:05:00.001-07:00

A diver shares a tank with an adult arapaima fish at an aquarium in Manaus, Brazil. Known as the pirarucu in Brazil and the paiche in Peru, this South America giant is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Some reach lengths of more than 10 feet (3 meters) and weigh upward of 400 pounds (180 kilograms). Wow....Awsome fish.

Large megafish like these have become rare worldwide due to heavy fishing. The arapaima is the focus of several conservation projects in South America, including no-fishing reserves and fishing quotas.

You gonna fishing this fish? haha

New Salamander Found -- One of World's Smallest

2009-07-11T01:58:00.000-07:00

July 8, 2009—The newly named patch-nosed salamander—the second smallest salamander in the United States—had been living right under our noses.

Scientists found the 2-inch-long (5.1-centimeter-long) amphibian (pictured above) in 2007, in a creek near a well-traveled road in northern Georgia. (See a regional map.)

The new species, named for its lighter hued snout, is so different from other salamanders in the amphibian-rich region that it was placed in a new genus. (Read more on the NatGeo News Watch blog.)

It is the first new genus of a four-footed creature found in the U.S. in 50 years, scientists say.

(See a photo of an "ugly" new salamander found in Ecuador.)

Of the approximately 560 salamanders in the world, 10 percent are found in Georgia's Appalachian Mountains.

Finding a new animal living so close to humans shows that "there are still things out there to discover," team member John Maerz, of the University of Georgia, said in a statement.

"It makes you wonder, what else is out there?"

Research appears in a new issue of the Journal of Zoology.

—Christine Dell'Amore

Photograph courtesy the University of Georgia

Komodo National Park Part II

2009-06-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

LOCATION :
Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the border of the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTP) provinces. It includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2.

HISTORY :
Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn. Since then conservation goals have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial. The majority of the people in and around the Park are fishermen originally from Bima (Sumbawa), Manggarai, South Flores, and South Sulawesi. Those from South Sulawesi are from the Suku Bajau or Bugis ethnic groups. The Suku Bajau were originally nomadic and moved from location to location in the region of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku, to make their livelihoods. Descendents of the original people of Komodo, the Ata Modo, still live in Komodo, but there are no pure blood people left and their culture and language is slowly being integrated with the recent migrants. Little is known of the early history of the Komodo islanders. They were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, although the island’s remoteness from Bima meant its affairs were probably little troubled by the Sultanate other than by occasional demand for tribute.

TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS :
The terrestrial ecosystems are strongly affected by the climate: a lengthy dry season with high temperatures and low rainfall, and seasonal monsoon rains. The Park is situated in a transition zone between Australian and Asian flora and fauna. Terrestrial ecosystems include open grass-woodland savanna, tropical deciduous (monsoon) forest, and quasi cloud forest. Due to the dry climate, terrestrial plant species richness is relatively low. The majority of terrestrial species are xerophytic and have specific adaptations to help them obtain and retain water. Past fires have selected for species that are fire-adapted, such as some grass species and shrubs. Terrestrial plants found in Komodo National Park include grasses, shrubs, orchids, and trees. Important food tree species for the local fauna include Jatropha curkas, Zizyphus sp., Opuntia sp., Tamarindus indicus, Borassus flabellifer, Sterculia foetida, Ficus sp., Cicus sp., ‘Kedongdong hutan’ (Saruga floribunda), and ‘Kesambi’ (Schleichera oleosa).

TERRESTRIAL FAUNA :
The terrestrial fauna is of rather poor diversity in comparison to the marine fauna. The number of terrestrial animal species found in the Park is not high, but the area is important from a conservation perspective as some species are endemic.. Many of the mammals are Asiatic in origin (e.g., deer, pig, macaques, civet). Several of the reptiles and birds are Australian in origin. These include the orange-footed scrubfowl, the lesser sulpher-crested cockatoo and the nosy friarbird. Reptiles: The most famous of Komodo National Park's reptiles is the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis). It is among the world's largest reptiles and can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. To find out more about this fascinating creature click here. Other than the Komodo Dragon twelve terrestrial snake species are found on the island. including the cobra (Naja naja sputatrix), Russel’s pit viper (Vipera russeli), and the green tree vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris). Lizards include 9 skink species (Scinidae), geckos (Gekkonidae), limbless lizards (Dibamidae), and, of course, the monitor lizards (Varanidae). Frogs include the Asian Bullfrog (Kaloula baleata), Oreophyne jeffersoniana and Oreophyne darewskyi. They are typically found at higher, moister altitudes. Mammals: Mammals include the Timor deer (Cervus timorensis), the main prey of the Komodo dragon, horses (Equus sp.), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus lehmanni), the endemic Rinca rat (Rattus rintjanus), and fruit bats. One can also find goats, dogs and domestic cats.
Birds: One of the main bird species is the orange-footed scrub fowl (Megapodius reinwardti), a ground dwelling bird. In areas of savanna, 27 species were observed. Geopelia striata and Streptopelia chinensis were the most common species. In mixed deciduous habitat, 28 bird species were observed, and Philemon buceroides, Ducula aenea, and Zosterops chloris were the most common.

MARINE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT :
The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The open waters in the Park are between 100 and 200 m deep. The straits between Rinca and Flores and between Padar and Rinca, are relatively shallow (30 to 70 m deep), with strong tidal currents. The combination of strong currents, coral reefs and islets make navigation around the islands in Komodo National Park difficult and dangerous. Sheltered deep anchorage is available at the bay of Loh Liang on Komodo’s east coast, the South East coast of Padar, and the bays of Loh Kima and Loh Dasami on Rinca. In the North of the Park water temperature ranges between 25 – 29°C. In the middle, the temperature ranges between 24 and 28°C. The temperatures are lowest in the South, ranging from 22 – 28°C. Water salinity is about 34 ppt and the water is quite clear, although the waters closer to the islands are relatively more turbid.

MARINE ECOSYSTEMS :
Indonesia is the only equatorial region in the world where there is an exchange of marine flora and fauna between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Passages in Nusa Tenggara (formerly the Lesser Sunda Islands) between the Sunda and Sahul shelves allow movement between the Pacific and Indian oceans. The three main ecosystems in Komodo National Park are seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The Park is probably a regular cetacean migration route.

MARINE FLORA :
The three major coastal marine plants are algae, seagrasses and mangrove trees. Algae are primitive plants, which do not have true roots, leaves or stems. An important reef-building algae is the red coralline algae, which actually secretes a hard limestone skeleton that can encrust and cement dead coral together. Seagrasses are modern plants that produce flowers, fruits and seeds for reproduction. As their name suggests, they generally look like large blades of grass growing underwater in sand near the shore. Thallasia sp. and Zastera spp. are the common species found in the Park. Mangroves trees can live in salty soil or water, and are found throughout the Park. An assessment of mangrove resources identified at least 19 species of true mangroves and several more species of mangrove associates within the Park's borders.

MARINE FAUNA :
Komodo National Park includes one of the world's richest marine environments. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), marine reptiles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers.

With this information, people can know how that komodo national park is interesting because the park can save many of knowledge of the world.

Save our heritage,
Vote Komodo National Park to become the New 7 Wonders of Nature by voting through the following the URL:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

Komodo National Park

2009-06-29T01:05:00.000-07:00

Komodo National Park is most amazing animals park in the world, which is living fossil. The name of living fossil is Komodo as " The Dragon" where living in Komodo National Park. Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the border of the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTP) provinces. It includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2.

Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn. Since then conservation goals have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial.

Komodo National Park is currently among three destination in Indonesia that has been qualified in the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign held by the New 7 Wonders Foundation (two other candidates is Lake Toaba and Krakatau Island). You may support Komodo National Park to become the New 7 Wonders of Nature by voting through the following the URL:

http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

Komodo National Park Rank is 6 ( 29/06/2009)

Vote Komodo National Park to become the New 7 Wonders of Nature

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

125. VOLKSWAGEN PLECO "LDA65" (Panaque sp.)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 20" (approx. 50cm)
ORIGIN: Peru, South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the biggest panaque, wood eater

124. CHOCOLATE ZEBRA PLECO "L270" (Hypancistrus debilittera)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Xingu, Rio Tapajos, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful

MISC: main diet should consist of meaty foods, often also accept accepts vegetable matter such as algae/spirulina disks and fresh vegetables

123. CACHORRO (Acestrorhynchus falcatus)
FAMILY: Acestrorhynchidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 10" (approx. 25cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: oftenly referred as "FRESHWATER BARRACUDA", will eat smaller fish, a schooling fish that should be either keep singly or in groups of 6 or more, if kept in groups of 2-5 fish, fighting will occur

122. AFRICAN PIKE (Hepsetus odoe)
FAMILY: Hepsetidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 28" (approx. 70cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: relatively short-lived and may only live about five years, occurs in most coastal rivers, lakes and swamps throughout Africa

121. BOWFIN FISH (Amia Calva)
FAMILY: Amiidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 30" (approx. 75cm)
ORIGIN: North America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: colder water is essential, requires a large tank with a good filtration system to keep the water clean, just like their natural environment,

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

120. LIME PIKE / NORTHERN PIKE (Esox lucius)
FAMILY: Esocidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 25" (approx. 150cm)
ORIGIN: North America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: prefer colder water, put lots of hiding caves and plants so it can hide and ambush on the prey, solitary and highly territorial

119. FIREWOOD CATFISH (Sorubimichthys planiceps)
FAMILY: Pimelodidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 64" (approx. 160cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: considered ''Vulnerable'' to extinction due to overfishing by commercial fisheries, under Colombian law, specimens under 95 cm may not be retained

118. WELS CATFISH (Silurus glanis)
FAMILY: Siluriidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 193" (approx. 490cm)
ORIGIN: Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and Central Asia
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: not to be trusted with any other fish, best kept in a pond, it uses its sharp pectoral fins to capture prey

117. PIRAYA PIRANHA (Pygocentrus piraya)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 24" (approx. 60cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: very good water quality is required to achieve maximum growth rate and good health, the biggest of all piranhas, oftenly referred as "king piranha"

116. POLKA DOT STINGRAY (Potamotrygon leopoldi)
FAMILY: Potamotrygonidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 16" (approx. 40cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Semi Aggressive

MISC: water has to be kept very clean and regular water changes and good filtration is a must, sensetive to many chemicals including many common fish medicines

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

115. GIANT MEKONG CATFISH (Pangasianodon gigas)
FAMILY: Pangasiidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 120" (approx. 300cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: one of the worlds largest freshwater fish, become rare due to overexploitation, international trade banned (CITES I, since 1.7.1975; CMS Appendix I).

114. WOLF FISH (Hoplias malabaricus)
FAMILY: Erythrinidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 20" (approx. 50cm)
ORIGIN: South and Central America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: make sure the tank has a strong tight-fitting cover, as this powerful fish may jump, oftenly referred as "Piranha eater", are due to its aggressive nature most suitable to be kept alone

113. AUSTRALIAN LUNGFISH (Neoceratodus forsteri)
FAMILY: Ceratodontidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 60" (approx. 150cm)
ORIGIN: Queensland, Australia
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: protected species and may not be captured without a special permit, it is also listed in Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

112. SOUTH AMERICAN LUNGFISH (Lepidosiren paradoxus)
FAMILY: Lepidosirenidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 50" (approx. 125cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: is the single species of lungfish found in swamps and slow-moving waters in South America, juveniles feed on larval insects and snails, while adults are omnivorous and feed on aquatic vertebrates, invertebrates such as snails, clams and shrimp, and algae

111. SLENDER LUNGFISH (Protopterus dolloi)
FAMILY: Protopteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 52" (approx. 130cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: best to keep these fish in their own tank, as they are fearless and will attack almost anything that moves, including human hands, prefer warm water

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

110. MARBLED LUNGFISH (Protopterus aethiopicus aethiopicus)
FAMILY: Protopteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 80" (approx. 200cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: consists of mollusks,small fishes and insects, young individuals feed almost wholly on insects

109. WEST AFRICAN LUNGFISH (Protopterus annectens annectens)
FAMILY: Protopteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 40" (approx. 100cm)
ORIGIN: West Africa
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: during the dry season, it secretes a thin slime around itself which dries into a fragile cocoon; it can exist in this state for over a year

108. PAYARA / SABRETOOTH CHARACINS (Hydrolycus scomberoides)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 30" (approx. 75cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: a predatory that can only be kept with other equally large species, Prefers live fish and will eat anything that smaller then half it size, might eat even bigger fishes

107. GENGIS KHAN / CHAO PHRAYA GIANT CATFISH (Pangasius sanitwongsei)
FAMILY: Pangasiidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 100" (approx. 250cm)
ORIGIN: Vietnam, Thailand (Southeast Asia)
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: oftenly mistaken as Pangasius sutchii especially at juvenile stage, oftenly referred as "Freshwater shark", the second biggest fish in the Mekong basins

106. ABA ABA KNIFEFISH (Gymnopterus niloticus)
FAMILY: Gymnarchidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 56" (approx. 140cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive, extremely territorial

MISC: will bite anything that moves and ask questions later, almost resemble Electric Eels, and can produce the same type of electric shocks, but not as powerful

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

105. ELECTRIC EEL (Electrophorus electricus)
FAMILY: Gymnotidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 100" (approx. 250cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: capable of generating powerful electric shocks, which it uses for both hunting and self-defense, their scientific classification is closer to carp and catfish

104. ARAPAIMA (Arapaima gigas)
FAMILY: Osteoglossidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: more than 200" (approx. 500cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive

MISC: perhaps the biggest freshwater fish, has the ability to breathe air from the surface due to a lung-like lining of its throat, the tongue of this fish is thought to have medicinal qualities in South America. It is dried and combined with guarana bark, which is grated and mixed into water

103. CLOWN PLECO "L104", "L162", and "LDA22" (Panaqolus maccus)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 3.6" (approx. 9cm)
ORIGIN: Venezuela and Colombia (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: wood eater, has been commercially bred

102. BIG SPOTTED BARYANCISTRUS "L142" and "LDA33" (Baryancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 10" (approx. 25cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Tapajos, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful

MISC: shows a fondness for sweet potato and algae wafers, feed a varied diet to keep this fish healthy, become increasingly territorial to other bottom dwellers (especially Loricariids) as it matures

101. KING TIGER PLECO "L66" (Hypancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 5" (approx. 12cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Tocantins, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful

MISC: a distinctive L number that is only confused with a few other similarly patterned species, youngsters however are quite different from the adults

plantanimalia

2009-06-28T03:53:00.000-07:00

this my first blog about animals and plants
i think, share this information is very useful for peoples in entire world
for june and july, my blog theme is fresh water fish

plantanimalia is combining from plant and animal word. i think this word is unique and simple
thank you for visiting my blog and enjoy this blog

Best regard
aris rinaldi

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

100. YELLOW / GREEN PHANTOM PLECO "L200" (Hemiancistrus sp.) and "L200a" (Baryancistrus demantoides)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 7" (approx. 18cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Orinocco, Venezuela (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: basically L200a has higher dorsal fin than L200

99. BLUE PHANTOM PLECO "L128" (Hemiancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 7" (approx. 18cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Orinocco, Venezuela (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: although and effective algae eater, it should be given a varied diet of prepared foods

98. BLUE EYED PLECO (Panaque cochliodon)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 12" (approx. 30cm)
ORIGIN: Colombia, South America
DIET: Omnivorous, tends to be more herbivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: generally identified as Panaque suttoni, one of the rarest pleco in the market

97. ROYAL PLECO "L27", "L190", "LDA63" (Panaque nigrolineatus)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 16" (approx. 40cm) for L27 variants, 13" (approx. 34cm) for L190
ORIGIN: Rio Xingu, Rio Tocantins, Rio Tapajos, Brazil (L27) and Venezuela (L190) (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous, tends to be more herbivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: wood eater, they have the ability to digest wood for their fibre diet, L190 is the "text book" royal pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus), while the brazil variants are listed under the name "Panaque cf. nigrolineatus"

96. TIGER PLECO "L02" (Panaqolus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 5" (approx. 12.5cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Tocantins, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: this species belongs to the group of small sized typically wood eating plecos that has been proposed to belong to a new genus, Panaqolus (mini panaque)

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

95. SAILFIN PLECO "L83" (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: " (approx. cm)
ORIGIN: Peru and Brazil, South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: require heavy filtration, not because they are fussy about water quality, but because of the high volumes of waste they produce

94. QUEEN ARABESQUE "L260" (Hypancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Tapajos, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the males are slightly bigger, longer interopercular, seems to have a belly that is marble, females however have all white bellies

93. MAGNUM PLECO "L47" (Baryancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 11" (approx. 28cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Xingu, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: rocks and driftwood help to accent a natural habitat and provide hiding spaces to cut down on stress for most plecos

92. BRISTLENOSE PLECO (Ancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 6" (approx. 15cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the males have more bristle than the female, has been commercially bred

91. LEOPARD FROG PLECO "L134" (Peckoltia sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Tapajos, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: have been commercially bred, total omnivore who will sometimes eats on algae

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:50:00.000-07:00

90. TITANICUS PLECO "L273" (Pseudacanthicus sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 12" (approx. 30cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Tapajos, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: peaceful but territorial from a young age, some large specimens are aggressively territorial and may cause problems if housed with other large nocturnal fish

89. FLASH PLECO "L204" (Panaque sp.)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 5.2" (approx. 13cm)
ORIGIN: Peru, South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: The most popular pleco from Peru

88. SUNSHINE PLECO "L14" (Scobinancistrus aureatus)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 17" (approx. 40cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Xingu, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: one of the most popular loricariidae in the market, not as shy and timid as most plecos

87. POLKA DOT LYRE / ADONIS PLECO (Acanthicus adonis)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 40" (approx. 100cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Tocantins, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the spots will eventually faded when reaching adult size, probably the biggest loricariidae

86. SCARLET PLECO "L25" (Pseudacanthicus sp.)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 17" (approx. 40cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Xingu, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: although a carnivore, some vegetable should also be provided and thus balances diet, Water quality is important for this fish, clear, well-oxygenated especially because of the warmer water this fish prefers

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:43:00.000-07:00

85. GOLD NUGGET PLECO "L18", "L81", "L85" and "L177" (Baryancistrus sp.)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 14" (approx. 35cm) (L18 & L85), 7.1" (approx. 18cm) (L81), 8" (approx. 20cm) (L177)
ORIGIN: Rio Xingu, Brazil (South America)
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: 3 similar forms from the same river which are separated by the size of the spots and collection locality. The fish with the largest spots come from higher up the river and the smaller spots come from further down the river while the L018 is from in between them. The L085 is the juvenile form of L018, thus they are the same fish

84. COMMON PLECO "L21" or "L23" (Pterygoplichthys pardalis)
FAMILY: Loricariidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 24" (approx. 60cm)
ORIGIN: Amazon, South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: formerly known as "Hypostomus plecostomus", recently became available in the albino form

83. IRIDESCENT CORY (Corydoras rabauti)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.2" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the fry possess a radically different colouration from the adults

82. SPOTTED CORY (Corydoras ambiacus)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.5" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: has a a short snout but elongated upwards towards the end of its snout as in the above picture

81. SCHWARTZ'S CORY (Corydoras schwatrzi)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.8" (approx. 7cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: named for Mr. Schwartz.

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:39:00.000-07:00

80. DAINTY CORY (Corydoras habrosus)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 1.2" (approx. 3cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the smallest corydoras in the family, along with corydoras hastatus and corydoras pygmaeus

79. GUAPORE CORY (Corydoras guapore)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: one of the most active Corydoras species

78. AMANDA JANE CORY (Corydoras amandajanea)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: named to honour Mrs. Amanda Jane Sands

77. BLACK SAIL CORY (Corydoras melanistius)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.2" (approx. 5.6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: always try to maintain Corydoras in groups as they're far more confident and active in the presence of conspecifics, group of at least six is best

76. EMERALD CATFISH (BROCHIS SPLENDENS)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 8" (approx. 3.2cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: Can be kept with most fish. More suitable for keeping with loaches than Corydoras as their larger size helps them compete better for food

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:36:00.001-07:00

75. BLACKFIN CORY (Corydoras leucomelas)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.2" (approx. 5.5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: C. leucomelas is known amongst collectors in the Amazon as ''Maldito'' (the little damned Cory) because it is so common that it brings a very low price, as many thousand can be captured in a few hours since it is always found in very large schools

74. BEARDED CORY (Scleromystax barbatus)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 3.7" (approx. 9.5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: used to be known as Corydoras barbatus, not thrive in a warm aquarium where the water temperature exceeds 23-24 degrees C

73. DWARF CORY (Corydoras pygmaeus)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 1.2" (approx. 3cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the smallest member of the genus, sometimes they like to swim in the middle part of the tank

72. SKUNK CORY (Corydoras arcuatus)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: more timid than the most corydoras, so make sure to give them plenty of food when keeping them in community tank

71. ADOLFO CORY (Corydoras adolfoi)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the striking orange cap on the head is what makes this species one of all time favourite

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

70. JULII CORY (Corydoras julii)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: these are peaceful shoaling fish. While they have been implicated in the deaths of tank mates, it has been said that if a Cory is seen snacking on a tank mate, one can rest assured that the Cories didn't kill it

69. SMUDGE SPOT CORY (Corydoras similis)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: always try to maintain Corydoras in groups as they're far more confident and active in the presence of conspecifics, group of at least six is best

68. BANDIT CORY (Corydoras metae)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: oftenly mistaken as panda cory, It is plant safe and will clean up any flake or other food that the other fish do not eat

67. STERBA'S CORY (Corydoras sterbai)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: more active by day when kept as a small group

66. PANDA CORY (Corydoras panda)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: keep in shoals, minimum of 3 is recommended

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:26:00.000-07:00

65. PEPPERED CORY (Corydoras paleatus)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: recently available in long fin and albino form variants

64. BRONZE CORY (Corydoras aeneus)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: one of the hardiest cory in the family, males are usually smaller and more slender than the females, particularly when viewed from the top

63. ARROWHEAD PUFFER (Tetraodon suvattii)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 6" (approx. 15cm)
ORIGIN: Mekong, Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: requires a deep layer of sand that should be as deep as the fish is long to allow the fish to hide themselves in the sand

62. SPOTTED CONGO PUFFER (Tetraodon schoutedeni)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 3.5" (approx. 9cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: often confused with T. fluviatilis, and T. nigroviridis, more peaceful of its genus

61. CROSS RIVER PUFFER (Tetraodon pustulatus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 14" (approx. 35cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: lives in fresh and slightly brackish water

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

60. SAMURAI PUFFER (Tetraodon erythrotaenia)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 3.5" (approx. 9cm)
ORIGIN: Indonesia, Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Semi Aggressive
MISC: can be kept in freshwater when young, but should be adapted to brackish water as it grows, for its long term health

59. STANLEY POOL PUFFER (Tetraodon duboisi)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 3.5" (approx. 9cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: best kept alone, good circulation and regular water changes (up to 50% a week) are required since they, like all puffers, are messy eaters, sensitive to ammonia and nitrites

58. THAI PUFFER (Tetraodon barbatus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 5" (approx. 12cm)
ORIGIN: Thailand, Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Semi Aggressive
MISC: even though considered one of the peaceful member of the genus, still mixing them with smaller fish is not recommended

57. HAIRY PUFFER (Tetraodon baileyi)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 5" (approx. 12cm)
ORIGIN: East Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: like most puffers, best kept in a single species to avoid further territorial issue

56. ABE'S PUFFER (Tetraodon abei)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: it has the ability to change the colours of its body and markings quite dramatically depending upon mood, activity level varies from one day to another from extremely active to very inactive. A tank with plenty of decor (plants, rocks, bogwood) is recommended for this species with either a sand or gravel substrate

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:17:00.000-07:00

55. GIANT PUFFER (Tetraodon mbu)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 28" (approx. 70cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: the largest of the freshwater puffer fish, good filtration and large space is essential when keeping this species

54. FAHAKA PUFFER (Tetraodon lineatus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 18" (approx. 45cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: Like other puffers, these fish have formidable teeth, which can do a lot of damage to tankmates. Snails and shellfish should be included in the diet to help keep their teeth in check, as they grow constantly

53. CONGO PUFFER (Tetraodon miurus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 6" (approx. 15cm)
ORIGIN: Congo, Central Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: capable of wide color changes (possibly to adapt to the color of the aquatic floor) ranging from dark browns to greenish-brown to an almost yellow or orange hue

52. BANDED PUFFER (Colomesus psittacus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 12" (approx. 30cm), often much smaller in aquaria
ORIGIN: Amazon, South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: Solitary or in groups of 2 or 3 individuals but never in schools

51. "GLOBO" / SOUTH AMERICAN PUFFER (Colomesus asellus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 6" (approx. 15cm), often much smaller in aquaria
ORIGIN: Amazon, South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: more tolerant of its own kind than many puffers, so more than one can be housed in a tank together

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:12:00.000-07:00

50. DWARF PUFFER (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 1" (approx. 2.5cm)
ORIGIN: India, Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the smallest of the pufferfish species, despite their small size, they may nip the fins of other fish

49. RED-TAILED RED EYE PUFFER (Carinotetraodon irrubesco)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: Indonesia, Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Semi Aggressive
MISC: pair can be kept in a species tank as long as some cover is provided as a retreat, fin nipper, avoid mixing with slow-swimming species with long finnage

48. HUMPBACK PUFFER (Tetraodon Palembangensis)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 8" (approx. 20cm)
ORIGIN: Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: territorial with their own kind, but several can be kept in a spacious tank with plenty of decor, which should only result in occasional sparring rather than serious aggression

47. GREEN PUFFER (Tetraodon fluviatilis)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 8" (approx. 20cm)
ORIGIN: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka (Asia)
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: can be kept in freshwater when young, but should be adapted to brackish water as it grows, for its long term health

46. BRONZE PUFFER (Auriglobus modestus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Semi Aggressive
MISC: not overly aggressive, but still recommended to keep in a species tank to avoid further issues

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:06:00.000-07:00

45. FIGURE 8 PUFFER (Tetraodon biocellatus)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 3" (approx. 7cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Semi Aggressive (fin nipper)
MISC: although this species is caught in both freshwater and brackish water in the wild, it appears to be much hardier and long-lived when kept in brackish aquaria, unlike many other puffers, the attractive markings of this species do not fade with age

44. GREEN SPOTTED PUFFER (Tetraodon nigrovindis)
FAMILY: Tetraodontoidae
TYPE: Miscellanious (Pufferfish)
MAX SIZE: 6" (approx. 15cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: requires brackish water for its long term health, keep in a species tank or with larger brackish fish, such as monos and archerfish

43. GAR CHARACINS (Ctenolucius hujeta)
FAMILY: Ctenoluciidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 28" (approx. 70cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: sometimes referred as "freshwater barracuda", best kept in schools

42. GREEN TERROR FACTOIDS / GOLD SAUM (Aequidens rivulatus)
FAMILY: Cichlidae
TYPE: Cichlids
MAX SIZE: 12" (approx. 30cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: keep with fish of a similar size and temperament, or with robust shoaling fish, such as larger barbs

41. PAPUA TIGERFISH (Datnioides campbelli)
FAMILY: Datnioididae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 18" (approx. 45cm)
ORIGIN: Indonesia, particularly Borneo and Sumatra
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: all tiger fish will turn unstable and blackish when stressed, this can be due to water condition, space constraints or bullying by other fish (even of the same species).

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

40. INDONESIAN TIGERFISH (Datnuoides microlepis)
FAMILY: Datnioididae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 18" (approx. 45cm)
ORIGIN: Indonesia, particularly Borneo and Sumatra
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: Either keep it as a single specimen, or in a group of 3 or more

39. CLOWN KNIFEFISH (Chitala chitala)
FAMILY: Notopteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 40" (approx. 100cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: One of the more striking knifefish, their bodies have a series of black spots, which vary in pattern between fish, companions could include large catfish, Bichirs, Siamese Tigerfish

38. HAMPALA BARB (Hampala macrolepidota)
FAMILY: Cyprinidae
TYPE: Cyprinids
MAX SIZE: 24" (approx. 60cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Semi Aggressive
MISC: considered carnivorous, as most of their diet consists of small fish and insects, so they shouldn't be trusted with anything small enough to fit into their mouths, powerful jumpers

37. PEACOCK BASS (Cichla ocellaris)
FAMILY: Cichlidae
TYPE: Cichlids
ORIGIN: Amazon River, South America
MAX. SIZE: 40" (approx. 100cm)
DIET: Carnivorous
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: will eat anything that fits in its mouth

36. HELLICOPTER CATFISH / TAPAH (Wallago leeri)
FAMILY: Siluridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 80" (approx. 200cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: need a fish only diet the older it gets

Freshwater Fish Species

2009-06-24T01:56:00.000-07:00

35. OSCAR (Astronotus ocellatus)
FAMILY: Cichlidae
TYPE: Cichlids
MAX SIZE: 18" (approx. 45cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: popular as pets, and are regarded as intelligent by aquarists, this is in part as they learn to associate their owners and food and are purported to be able to distinguish their owner from strangers

34. GIANT SNAKEHEAD (Channa micropeltes)
FAMILY: Channidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 80" (approx. 200cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: as the giant snakehead matures, they lose their stripes and instead develop a bluish black and white pattern on their upper body, giant snakehead is also a good food fish although some people dislike the muddy taste

33. SADDLED BICHIR (Polypterus endlicheri)
FAMILY: Polypteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 32" (approx. 80cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: what distinct this species from other in the genus is the prominent lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw and have 11-15 dorsal finlets

32. ORNATE BICHIR (Polypterus ornatipinnis)
FAMILY: Polypteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 32" (approx. 80cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: One of the most strikingly patterned of the bichirs, water chemistry is not critical as long as the quality is good

31. ARMOURED BICHIR (Polypterus delhezi)
FAMILY: Polypteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 14" (approx. 35cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: powerful jumper, predatory and may eat anything which will fit into its mouth

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

26. RED BELLY PIRANHA (Pygocentrus nattereri)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 12" (approx. 30cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: the most common piranha of its group, keep in school of at least 6, strong filtration and high oxygen level in the water are essential to keep this species

27. SPOTTED GAR PIKE (Lepisosteus oculatus)
FAMILY: Lepisosteidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 48" (approx. 120cm)
ORIGIN: North America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: powerful jumper, make sure to cover the top of the tank/pond when keeping this species

28. ALLIGATOR GAR (Atractosteus spatula)
FAMILY: Lepisosteidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 120" (approx. 300cm)
ORIGIN: North America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: in February 2007, a 1.5-foot alligator gar was found roaming far in the city of Jakarta, Indonesia, when the city was hit by a major flood

29. MOTORO STINGRAY (Potamotrygon motoro)
FAMILY: Potamotrygonidae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 40" (approx. 100cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: the water needs to be kept clean and good filtration and regular water changes are a necessity, don't feed to much goldfish feeders as they lack necessary nutrients

30. SENEGALUS BICHIR (Polypterus senegalus)
FAMILY: Polypteridae
TYPE: Miscellanious
MAX SIZE: 12" (approx. 30cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: powerful jumper, and never mix with fish that fits in its mouth (unless for feeding purpose)

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

21. MARBLED HATCHETFISH (Carnegiella strigata)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 1.6" (approx. 4cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: it has gold line that extends from its eye to its caudal fin and the area below has a brown and cream colored marble-like pattern

22. BOESMANI RAINBOWFISH (Melanotaenia boesmani)
FAMILY: Melanotaeniidae
TYPE: Rainbowfishes
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Papua to Australia
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: males are easily distinguished from females by their brighter colours and longer and more elongated dorsal fin rays, and also bigger than the females

23. BLUE LYRETAIL (Fundulopanchax gardneri gardneri)
FAMILY: Nothobranchiidae
TYPE: Killifish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: soft, acidic 'blackwater' conditions are ideal for this species, the use of peat in the filter or the addition of commercial blackwater extracts or bogwood to the tank are recommended

24. RED TAIL CATFISH (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)
FAMILY: Pimelodidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 52" (approx. 130cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: will eat ANY fish smaller than its size (unless for feeding purposes), overfeeding is a common cause of death in this species

25. TIGER SHOVELNOSE CATFISH (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)
FAMILY: Pimelodidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 48" (approx. 120cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive
MISC: there are reports that they can grow to twice its size, gravel should be avoided since the catfish will eat gravel when hunting for other food and the gravel can’t always pass through their system

*

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

16. THREADFIN RAINBOWFISH (Iriatherina werneri)
FAMILY: Melanotaeniidae
TYPE: Rainbowfishes
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm), but usually around 3cm
ORIGIN: Papua to Australia
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: females have a pink, not red, tip to their caudal fin, need well-planted tanks with open middles so that they may swim but have the security of plants

17. DWARF GOURAMI (Colisa lalia)
FAMILY: Belontiidae
TYPE: Anabantoids
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: South East Asia
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: eats algae, males are slightly larger than the females and have a bright orange-red body with turquoise blue vertical stripes that extend into the fins

18. HARLEQUIN RASBORA (Trigonostigma heteromorpha)
FAMILY: Cyprinidae
TYPE: Cyprinids
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: Thailand, Eastern Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: temperature range of the Harlequin Rasbora is usually cited as 22°C to 27°C, usually breeds at around 28°C

19. ANGELFISH (Pterophyllum scalare)
FAMILY: Cichlidae
TYPE: Cichlids
MAX SIZE: 6" (approx. 15cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: They can live in a ph range of 6.5 to 7.2 but in order to spawn them they need to be in acid water (a ph range of 6.5 to 6.8)

20. COMMON HATCHETFISH (Gasteropelecus sternicla)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 1.6" (approx. 4cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: very peaceful, even timid fish, and make a good community tank mate, females are bigger than the males, keep the top of the tank covered when keeping this fish as they might jump out of the tank

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

11. SIAMESE ALGAE EATER (Crossocheilus siamensis)
FAMILY: Gyrinocheilidae
TYPE: Cyprinids
MAX SIZE: 6" (approx. 15cm)
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: generally considered to be the best all-around algae eater available to aquarists, commonly confused with Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus)

12. CHINESE ALGAE EATER (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)
FAMILY: Gyrinocheilidae
TYPE: Cyprinids
MAX SIZE: 12" (approx. 30cm) but usually much smaller
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: becomes more aggressive as it grows, and losing the efficiency of its algae eating habit

13. NEON TETRA (Paracheirodon innesi)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: they will not tolerate dramatic changes to their environment

14. CONGO TETRA (Phenacogrammus interruptus)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 3.5" (approx. 8.5cm)
ORIGIN: Congo, Africa
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: males tend to be bigger than the females, best kept in schools of at least six with other non aggressive fish

15. RUMMY NOSE / RED NOSE TETRA (Hemigrammus bleheri)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 2.5" (approx. 6.4cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: Peaceful community fish, keep with other peaceful tetras, Corydoras catfish, etc., particularly striking against a background of light green plants

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-23T05:43:00.000-07:00

6. ALTUM ANGELFISH (Pterophyllum altum)
FAMILY: Cichlidae
TYPE: Cichlids (South American)
MAX SIZE: 20" (approx. 50cm) height
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: the largest of the genus, and is among the most challenging among tropical fish to breed in captivity

7. CARDINAL TETRA (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: effectively an annual species and has a lifespan of just a single year in nature, although it lives for several years in captivity

8. GOLDEN OTO (Otocinclus affinis)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2" (approx. 5cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivore, tends to be herbivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: perfect little catfish for the community aquarium the oto will do a fine job at keeping the algae in check

9. BORNEO SUCKER/HILLSTREAM LOACH (Gastromyzon borneensis)
FAMILY: Balitoridae
TYPE: Cyprinids
MAX SIZE: 4" (approx. 10cm)
ORIGIN: Asia
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: commonly mistaken as a "pleco", but actually is a loach, strong current is sessential when keeping this species

10. BLEEDING HEART TETRA (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)
FAMILY: Characidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: their colors get very beautiful, especially when fed (two or three days a week) with frozen brine shrimp

Freshwater Fish Species Profiles

2009-06-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

1.ZEBRA PLECO "L46" (Hypancistrus zebra)
FAMILY: Loriicaridae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 4” (approx. 10 cm)
ORIGIN: Rio Xingu, Brazil
DIET: Omnivorous
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: Ideal water pH: 6.0-7.4, zebra pleco dislikes tank algae, tend to
be more carnivorous, one of the most high profile plecos in the family

2.AFRICAN TIGERFISH (Hydrocynus goliath)
FAMILY: Alestidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 70” (approx. 175cm)
ORIGIN: Africa
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: aggressive
MISC: Ideal water pH: 6.7-8.3, they require strong current and swim
in shoals

3. RED TORPEDO BARB (Puntius denisonii)
FAMILY: Cyprinidae
TYPE: Cyprinids
MAX SIZE: 8" (approx. 20cm)
ORIGIN: India
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: peaceful
MISC: have been commercially bred, eventhough the availability is not that common in the market, considered endanger in the wild

4. TWOSADDLE CORYDORAS (Corydoras weitzmani)
FAMILY: Callichthyidae
TYPE: Catfish
MAX SIZE: 2.4" (approx. 6cm)
ORIGIN: Peru, South America
DIET: Omnivore
CHARACTER: Peaceful
MISC: One of the most expensive Corydoras in the market

5. BLACK PIRANHA (Serrasalmus rhombeus)
FAMILY: Serrasalmidae
TYPE: Characins
MAX SIZE: 16" (approx. 40cm)
ORIGIN: South America
DIET: Carnivore
CHARACTER: Aggressive, extremely territorial
MISC: one of the fiercest piranha in the family, they get darker when reaching adult

Rare Snow Cats Caught by Camera Traps

2009-06-23T03:27:00.000-07:00

June 11, 2009--Tail raised, a snow leopard, likely marking its territory, is caught in the act by a camera trap on April 14, 2009, in eastern Afghanistan's mountainous Wakhan Corridor.

Four of five traps placed throughout the rugged region--a narrow strip that straddles Tajikistan to the north and Pakistan to the south--photographed different snow leopards on several occasions. (See a map of the region.)

The relatively large number of sightings are promising for the animal, which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Once found throughout the high altitudes of Central Asia, the cats are thought to number only about a hundred in Afghanistan, conservationists say.

"What the pictures really suggest is that there's still real hope for snow leopards in Afghanistan," said Peter Zahler, the assistant director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's Asia Program.

(Read about snow leopards in National Geographic magazine.)

Poaching of both the big cats and of their main prey species, Marco Polo sheep and ibex, has led to the decline of the snow leopard, Zahler said. Without prey, the leopards sometimes attack livestock, and shepherds may in turn shoot the leopards--a "vicious circle," Zahler said.

"They are really the iconic species of the great mountains of Asia. To lose them would be to lose their presence that defines these mountains," Zahler added.

To access the remote and inhospitable habitat of the snow leopard (pictured above in a camera-trap picture on May 26, 2009), conservationists and local wildlife rangers had to travel by horseback--or "yakback"--for a week through snow and ice.

Because the Wakhan Corridor sits above snow line--at altitudes of over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters)--this "strange pencil of land" is out of range of ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, Zahler said.

Some locals have become advocates for wildlife, Zahler said, setting aside areas for animals and developing laws limiting where livestock can be grazed.

With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Wildlife Conservation Society is trying to establish the Wakhan Corridor as a protected area.

Though about a hundred snow leopards (such as this one, pictured on May 5, 2009) are thought to live in Afghanistan, that estimate was based on guesswork and leopard pelts in markets, Zahler said.

(See more snow leopard pictures taken by camera traps.)

"We had no idea how they were doing, because they're such elusive and secretive animals to begin with," he said.

But the new camera-trap findings mean there's a "real chance for snow leopard recovery" in the Central Asian country, he added.

—Photograph courtesy Wildlife Conservation Society