The Blue Phantom Pleco ranges from a light blue to black. It has bluish spots and hard, armor-like scales. It is speculated that this fish may be a northern variant of L-200. It is normally found in fast flowing, rocky areas. It prefers steady currents and well-oxygenated water. It can be easily stressed by poor water conditions and when acclimating. Thus, efficient filtration is required. This pleco is nocturnal, and will require a daytime hiding place. Use rocks and caves to provide hiding spots. This fish is relatively peaceful, and can be kept in most community tanks. It is an omnivorous scavenger, and will feed on algae and plant matter as well as some meaty foods it finds by searching the lower levels of the tank. Provide the occasional treat of leafy greens and frozen bloodworms for optimum health.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Aug 15th, 2010. Comment. 
The Lemon Tetra is dusky yellow in color with a black edge on the ventral fin and some black in the dorsal as well. They have bright red eyes and a bright yellow stripe to the first few rays of the ventral fin. Lemon tetras are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6 fish. They are carnivorous and will accept flake and small granular food. Occasional feedings of frozen or live bloodworms or brine shrimp are essential to maintaining their color. Lemon Tetras are peaceful and can be kept in most community aquariums. However, they are not as robust as other tetras and should be kept with fish that are smaller or of similar size. They can adapt to a variety of water conditions but prefer slightly acidic water. They make good candidates for the planted tank.
Filed under Tetras by on Aug 12th, 2010. Comment.
The Golden Weather Loach or Dojo Loach is so named because it will become very active and swim erratically in response to sudden changes in barometric pressure or temperature. It is a very long, slender fish that is mainly peachy yellow in color, a hypomelanistic color variant. They have very interesting whiskers or “barbels” that help them find food as they dig through the substrate.Though they are reported to reach a length of 10 inches, they more frequently only grow to be about 5 inches. Weather loaches are very versatile in that they can withstand a large variety of temperatures and water conditions. They survive long, cold winters and droughts by burrowing deep in the mud and secreting a thick mucus.These loaches are fun fish to watch because of their interesting array of behaviors. They are generally active both in the daytime and at night, and can usually be seen burrowing in the substrsate and looking for food.Because they are inclined to dig, it is important to provide fine sand or small, smooth sided gravel to prevent injury to the fish. Weather loaches are not picky eaters, and will accept most fresh and prepared foods. In Korea and Japan, weather loaches are sold for use in soups and some other foods.
Filed under Freshwater Fish by on Dec 19th, 2009. Comment.
Red Cap Oranda GoldfishThe Red Cap has a pearly white body and distinctive bright red cap over its head. One of the most popular goldfish in the world, Orandas have the distinct growth on their heads that look somewhat like a raspberry. With proper water conditions and a variety in their diet, Orandas head growth will develop in healthy form. This species does best with other slow swimmers.
Filed under Goldfish by on Jul 5th, 2009. Comment.
Clears cloudy water conditions in new ponds and pond water that has been stirred up from adding water, cleaning or rain shower agitation. Settles suspended clays and silts in water by clumping them together for removal by siphoning or filtration.
Filed under ponds by on Aug 10th, 2008. Comment.
