This attractive cichlid is silvery-gold with black, horizontal, blotchy patches on the dorsal half, and a black stripe from the eye to the tail. Females develop red on their bellies, especially when mating, and males have iridescent blue-green spots particularly on the dorsal half. Other semi-aggressive cichlids make good tankmates, though this fish can become extremely aggressive when spawning. Use discretion when choosing tankmates if housing a pair of salvini. Feed them a variety of foods such as a hearty cichlid flake or pellet, as well as fresh vegetables. Tank decor can be basic rock or driftwood with plenty of hiding places and open swimming areas. Salvini are substrate spawners, and prefer a fine substrate.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Feb 4th, 2010. Comment. 
The Queen Loach is a slender, gold colored fish with wide black vertical bands covering the entire body. These bands become wider as the fish matures. Queen loaches are generally shy fish at first, but will usually become bolder once they are familiar with their surroundings. They are best kept in small groups of about three to six fish. They will usually spend less time hiding when they are kept with others of their own kind. Provide hiding places such as driftwood, plants, and rock crevices. Queen loaches prefer live foods such as worms and snails, but they will also accept frozen and pelleted foods without much trouble. Try a thin slice of cucumber and other veggies, too. Feeding time is entertaining as these loaches will engage in some harmless bickering over favorite foods. Like many other loaches, these fish are scaleless, and so are more sensitive to medications and other chemicals in the water. They are also sensitive to cooler water temperatures. Maintaining the water within the specified temperature range will help to avoid stress and other complications.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Jan 25th, 2010. Comment.
The Harlequin Bass has a white-yellow body with black spots, stripes, and dashes. The Harlequin Bass is a predator that will eat smaller fishes and crustaceans if given the opportunity. It should be fed a meaty diet like shrimp and scallop. The Harlequin Bass can be shy and needs plenty of hiding places to feel safe.
Filed under Saltwater Fish by on Dec 20th, 2009. Comment.
Clown Synodontis cats are noted for the spots on the face and body and the striped pattern to the caudal fin. They will often have an elongated filament off the first dorsal fin spine. As with all Synodontis, the pectoral and dorsal fins are hardened with sharp spines and the fish should be handled with care. Synodontis catfish typically require water that is well-oxygenated and has a relatively strong current. This can be achieved by using powerheads or a spray bar water return attachment on a canister filter. Provide hiding places situated in areas of heavy current for shelter. Most synodontis catfish are omnivorous, and should be offered both meaty foods and vegetation. They are peaceful fish, and can be kept in most community and some African cichlid aquariums. Synodontis are, for the most part, nocturnal fish. They may become more active in the aquarium during the day over time but will come out of hiding the most during the night. A very well planted, dimly lit aquarium will encourage them to come out more often.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Dec 15th, 2009. Comment.
The Elephant Nose is an interesting fish with a long appendage on its snout below the mouth that looks like an elephant’s trunk. Its body is gray to black with a slender forked tail. The Elephant Nose is a nocturnal fish, hunting and feeding mostly at night. It uses its long snout to help it find worms, insects, larvae, and small crustaceans in the substrate. It is important to provide smooth-sided gravel or fine sand so that it does not injure itself when looking for food in this way. Elephant Noses will accept most small live foods, but can usually be trained to eat frozen foods and sometimes, sinking pellets. The Elephant Nose is able to produce a weak electric discharge that it uses in courtship and in locating prey. This fish is relatively peaceful toward other fish of similar size, but is territorial and aggressive with its own kind. For this reason they are best kept one per tank unless the aquarium is very large, about 200 gallons or more. Provide a heavily planted tank with soft, acidic water and subdued lighting. This provides natural hiding places and will help minimize stress. Elephant noses are sensitive fish, and are easily stressed by poor water quality. Frequent water changes are a must to keep this fish healthy. Use caution if it becomes necessary to add medications or other harsh chemicals to the tank as many of these products are harmful or fatal to the elephant nose. If using medications, read the instructions carefully to be sure that the product is safe for scale-less fish. It may be necessary to use a mild medication or use a product at half-strength. This is a Restricted item and is not covered by our Arrive Alive 5 Day Guarantee.
Filed under Freshwater Fish Oddballs by on Dec 10th, 2009. Comment.
