Synodontis Zebra Hybrid

Synodontis Zebra Hybrid
(Synodontis sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, KH 4-15, pH 6.5-7.8
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore

Origin: Indonesia
Family: Mochokidae

The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is a very ornate member of the naked catfish group. With a multitude of spots of various sizes, this sleek and attractive Synodontis catfish has a truly "wild" appearance. There is a notable delineation between the head and the rest of the body. The spots on the head are much smaller and greater in concentration, while the body sports larger, loosely spaced spots. This juxtaposition creates an interesting pattern that complements the lean angular body of the Synodontis Zebra Hybrid. This distinct combination of spots may shed light to the lineage of this attractive hybrid. Synodontis decorus, Synodontis ocellifer and Synodontis multipunctatus are just a few examples of potential candidates that may make up the Synodontis Zebra Hybrid.
A well-filtered aquarium, 50 gallons or larger, with a warm stable temperature and plenty of rocks and plants is a suitable environment. The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is a very peaceful tank member and appreciates having several hiding places. It co-exists well with larger Tetras and most African Cichlids similar in size.

When netting, one must be very careful of the spines on the pectoral fins which have serrated edges. These can become easily entangled in netting and may cause injury to the fish or hobbyist.

The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is an omnivore and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, and a good quality flake food.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Striped Raphael Cat

Striped Raphael Cat
(Platyodras armatulus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: KH 4-20, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Brown, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Colombia
Family: Doradidae

The Striped Raphael Cat is a popular "larger" catfish full of desirable characteristics. The curious tadpole-like body shape and bold black and white stripes make the Striped Raphael Cat a visually striking fish. Inquisitive by nature, the peaceful Striped Raphael Cat is full of personality and a pleasure to observe when active. Hardy and easy to care for, this armored catfish sports an impressive set of chainsaw-like spines running along its lateral line. Pronounced, dagger-like dorsal and pectoral fins add to the arsenal of formidable defenses the Striped Raphael Cat has against predators. Due to these thorny defensive spines, extreme care should be used when netting the Striped Raphael Cat to prevent ensnarement.
The Striped Raphael Cat and other members of the Doradid family of armored catfish are often referred to as "talking catfish." When threatened, they produce a guttural croak or a series of percussive squeaks designed to intimidate. Thanks to its many defensive traits, the Striped Raphael Cat is mild-mannered yet confident in its endeavors. This peaceful catfish does well in aquariums 30 gallons or larger. The Striped Raphael Cat does equally well in community aquariums with peaceful inhabitants and aquariums housing larger more aggressive fish. Since the Striped Raphael Cat is nocturnal be sure to provide ample daytime refuge. A planted aquarium aquascaped with driftwood and rock to provide caves overhangs and tunnels create a great home for the Striped Raphael Cat.

Offer a variety of foods, including sinking pellets and small freeze-dried and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Starry Night Pleco (L-59)

Starry Night Pleco (L-59)
(Ancistris sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae

The Starry Night Pleco comes from the rivers and tributaries of South America. The main color is black with small white spots covering the entire body, resembling stars. The dorsal fin and tail are outlined in white, and the nose and mouth area have long bristles. Starry Night Plecos make good additions to any community aquarium.

Planted aquariums with hearty, fast-growing plants, high aeration, and water movement make for a healthy environment. Rocks and driftwood help to accent a natural habitat and provide hiding spaces to reduce stress for the Starry Night Pleco. A recommended minimum tank of 30 gallons should be provided to house this fish.

The Starry Night Pleco has not been bred in an aquarium and little is known about their breeding habits.

Feeding the Starry Night Pleco is not difficult due to the fact that it is not a picky eater. Feeding off the bottom of the aquarium, it gets most of its nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Sparkling Gourami

Sparkling Gourami
(Trichopsis pumilus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.0
Max. Size: 1½"
Color Form: Blue, Clear, Green, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Cambodia, Farm Raised, Tank Bred, Thailand
Family: Belontiidae

The Sparkling Gourami is a petite gem of freshwater aquariums. With its gorgeous golden body speckled with flecks of iridescent red and fins adorned with blue and green spots, the tiny Trichopsis pumilus is simply stunning. In spite of its beauty, the Sparkling Gourami remains humble and peaceful towards its tankmates.
Native to the shallow rice patties of Thailand and Cambodia, the Sparkling Gourami can survive in the low water level conditions with diminished oxygen levels. Because it is adapted to close quarters, the Sparkling Gourami only reaches a total length of about 1-1/2". However, for the best care, this member of the Belontiidae family should be housed in an aquarium at least 10 gallons in size.

The Sparkling Gourami will thrive in an aquarium with a variety of live plants and rocks or driftwood amongst which it can hide. An aquarium with dark substrate or slightly tinted water brings out the best coloration of the Sparkling Gourami. The Sparkling Gourami can be kept with a variety of tankmates of similar size and temperament. While males can be territorial with each other, the Sparkling Gourami becomes timid around other, more aggressive fish.

The only way to differentiate the male from the female Sparkling Gourami is by illuminating the fish with bright light and looking for the ovaries of the female. When ready to breed, the male Sparkling Gourami builds a bubblenest and then begins to entice the female by swimming back and forth, flaring his fins and raising his tail. When this behavior is noticed, the water level should be reduced to 6 inches. After spawning, the female should be removed to a separate aquarium as the male may become aggressive toward her. The male Sparkling Gourami will tend the eggs until they hatch. After the eggs have hatched perform frequent water changes, especially during the third week, as this is when the labyrinth organ is developing. The fry should be fed infusoria and nauplii.

The Sparkling Gourami is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.


from www.liveaquaria.com