Aulonocaras are called Peacock Cichlids due to the fantastic coloration developed by dominant males. They are Malawi mouthbrooders, and there are many color variants that have developed within species at different points in the lake. Aulonocara maulana “Bicolor”, is named for the man who discovered the population in Chitimba Bay, Malawi. The dominant males are deep blue with light edges on the fins and tail, and a wide, golden yellow band that extends from the top of the head to the breast and through the ventral fins. Peacock cichlids may be housed with other species of Lake Malawi fish with similar temperament. They should not be housed with other Peacocks unless ample room is provided, and males may not develop brilliant colors due to dominance issues. Research will help the aquarist pick out the most appropriate fish to mix. Aulonocara will accept both flake or pellet food soon after being introduced into the aquarium. A variety of foods is recommended to encourage coloration and supply the fish with appropriate vitamins and minerals. They may also be fed frozen foods as a healthy treat.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Nov 1st, 2009. Comment. 
Tropheus are a unique-looking Tanganyikan, with a rounded head and stout little bodies. T. moori come in over 40 different color variations. They darken and lighten according to their mood. Tropheus moori “Moliro” has a black and red-orange body with bright red accents in the fins and on the caudal peduncle. Tropheus are aggressive with each other. To keep them successfully, it is recommended you keep at least 10+ in one tank to disperse aggression. They require a lot of territorial space with rocks and other definite boundaries. These fish are almost completely herbivorous and nibble algae off of rocks in the wild. Feed them a veggie cichlid flake as well as spirulina. They also benefit from daily feedings of romaine lettuce or spinach. Stay away from soft foods such as brine shrimp or worms. Mysis or cyclopeeze are the only meaty foods recommended, and very sparingly. These fish are mouth brooders and females protect the fry and eggs in her mouth. If kept correctly, Tropheus are wonderful fish with fun personalities.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Nov 1st, 2009. Comment.
Like a great steel ghost on the ocean floor, this battleship has seen better days. This detailed 2-part battleship is the perfect decoration for your large tank, adding an interesting focal point and a place for fish to explore.
Filed under Ornament by on Nov 2nd, 2009. Comment.
Displays both aquarium water temperature and room temperature in F. Product has four alert features that use both sound and LED Flashes: high temperature alert only (probe), low temperature alert only(probe), both high and low temp alert (Air/Room), both high and low temp alert (probe). Unit has a wide temperature range from -58F to +158F. Included is a heavy duty battery (AAA) with a 2 year life. Size: 3 1/2 in. l x 1 in. w x 4 in. h
Filed under Thermometers by on Nov 2nd, 2009. Comment.
The Blue Honey Dwarf Gourami has a blue front half, fading into a reddish posterior. They stay relatively small at about 3 inches and can be kept in smaller aquariums or with smaller tankmates. Gouramis have an internal organ called the labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. This is an adaptation to the rice paddies and stagnant pools in which these fish often live. All gouramis also have the pelvic fins modified into long filaments that they can use to sense their surroundings. Gouramis are bubble nest breeders and the males will build floating nests out of bubbles that the eggs will be deposited into. Breeding is fairly simple. Male fish have the dorsal fin elongated into a point while females are short and rounded. They will accept a large variety of floating pellet and flake foods. Gouramis are generally suitable for planted aquariums as they will not damage the live plants. As they get larger they can become aggressive, particularly to other gouramis. Tank mates should be chosen to able to handle this aggression. They do well with barbs, loaches, large tetras, and semi-aggressive cichlids.
Filed under Gouramis by on Nov 3rd, 2009. Comment.
