Happy Pets

The characteristic ‘head-down’ attitude adopted by these fishes when resting is probably an extension of the swimming position when searching for food, or a protective camouflage among plants.

Marbled Headstander

Abramites microcephalus 130 mm 5 in. South America : slow-moving waters. A larger, stockier fish than its relatives. Seven or eight broad dark bands cross the body vertically, the central band continuing across the dorsal and ventral fins. The other fins are yellow-brown. The head is very small, and a dark band crosses the eye obliquely. A shy fish, but has a reputation of being a fin-nipper and eater of soft-leaved plants. Temperature: 24^°C (75^°F). Diet: worms preferred, and greenstuffs. Breeding: no details available. (more…)

These are South American fishes distinguished from the Characidae by the lack of teeth in the lower jaw. In America, this group is known as Lebiasinidae.

Half-lined Hemiodus; Silver Hemiodus; Flying Swallow

Hemiodopsis (formerly Hemiodus) semitaeniatus 200 mm 71 in. South America : various waters. A very streamlined, silver fish. A dark spot is situated on the flank between the dorsal and adipose fins. After a gap, a dark line runs into the caudal fin, following a downward direction midway through the lower lobe. A fast swimmer, and loves a shoaling existence. Very attractive when young but grows rapidly. Temperature: 24°C (75°F), or slightly lower. Diet: all foods. Breeding: not yet bred in the aquarium. (more…)

Short-bodied Catfish

Brochis splendens (coeruleus) 76 mm 3 in. South America : slow-moving waters. Has a flat ventral profile and an arched back. The dorsal fin is long- based. The fins are brownish, and the body colour bronze/green. Very similar to the Corydoras genus but generally larger; the length of the dorsal fin is conclusive evidence. Temperature: 24^°C (75^°F). Diet: all foods; worms relished. Breeding: has been bred ; probably follows Corydoras pattern. (more…)