Happy Pets

Lampeyed Panchax; LampeyeAplocheilichthys (formerly Micropanchax) macrophthalmus 30 mm 1 in. Nigeria, Cameroon : forest streams. The body is not cylindrical, but more laterally compressed. Its colour is a delicate blue, with a faint gold line running from the gill cover to the caudal fin. The caudal fin may have a yellow tinge, with red marks at the edge. The eyes are blue. Unlike some Killifishes, this species does well in hard, alkaline water. A shoaling upper water level species, perhaps too small for a community collection. Temperature: 23-26^°C (73-78^°F). Diet: live and dried foods. Breeding: lays eggs over period of days in plants or mops. Eggs hatch in two weeks and fry mature in six months. (more…)

The majority of African Cichlids inhabit the Rift Valley lakes and are spectacularly coloured. These fishes are from naturally hard waters, unlike their South American relatives, and many relish algae or other vegetable matter in their diet. Some are mouthbrooding, and all appreciate a tank furnished with hideaways.

Aulonacara nyassae 150 mm 6 in. Lakes Malawi (Nyasa) and Tanganyika. Has an elongated, fairly deep body. Young males and females have brown bodies with several vertical dark bars, but mature males are deep royal blue with a red/gold suffusion on the flanks, which are crossed with dark bars. The fins are blue ; the dorsal fin is edged with pale blue and the caudal fin has dark blue/black streaks. A peaceful fish, but caves and hiding places must be provided in a reasonably sized tank. Temperature: 24^°C (75^°F). Diet: all foods. Breeding: mouth brooder. (more…)