Sunshine Peacock

The Aulonocara baenschi or by its common name Sunshine Peacock is one of the most beautiful and sought after Aulonocara in the hobby. The name peacock describe this species verwell, the Aulonocara family known to be (especially males) very colorful. Baenschi males have a strong yellowish-orange color with iridescent blue around their jaw. Unfortunately females are colorless. The Aulonocara baenschi should be kept without any other Aulonocara. Cross breeds are very common. Decorate the tank with rocks, caves and bitter plant such as Anubias, Cryptocorynes Saggitaria and Echinodorus as hiding places. As substrate it will appreciate fine gravel or fine sand. The Aulonocara baenschi like most of the Malawi cichlids Mouth-brooder.The female will hold and protect a batch of 5-30 fry in her mouth for 21-28 days. The easy way to see if the female is brooding is looking on her enlarged mouth.After the female releases her fry to the open water they can be feed with fry food or with newly hatch brine shrimp.

Blue damsel

The blue damsel fish is a popular saltwater fish, many fish keepers all over the world purchase this fish due to his character (hardy fish). This fish also known as the blue devil damselfish. The blue damselfish seem to be very resistant to most saltwater fish disease but it always recommended paying attention. The blue damsel is very easy to keep, the damsel fish known to be a strong fish, some keepers use it to cycle their aquarium, need 30 gallon (114 litters) minimum. Blue damsel fish is a good beginner species.

Mono Sebae

Mono Sebae are fast swimmers and very active brackish fish. It is diamond-shaped with a larger anal fin than the Silver Mono (Monodactylus Argenteus). The Mono Sebae is silver with a black line covering the eyes, and a line from the tip of the dorsal fin to the tip of the anal fin. While they young, they are usually peaceful but become more aggressive as they grow. They also loose their colors to become totally silver as they become older. In the wild, Mono's go up streams and rivers to spawn. The young's then go down these streams and get used to saltier waters. At maturity, Monos are used to fully marine water and are found in the coastal areas of Africa, Asia and in Australia. In captivity, Monodactylus Sebae can live up to 10 years. There is a second Monodactylus spices, called Monodactylus argenteus (Silver Mono). In the wild, the Mono Sebae eats large amounts of vegetable matter. Provide it with dried seaweed, lettuce, brine shrimp, and a quality flake food. Monos will eat most common commercial foods as well as algae and vegetables.

Ranchu goldfish

The Ranchu goldfish known as the "King" of the goldfish. The Ranchu Goldfish is very similar to the Lionhead Goldfish but unlike the Lionhead it has a magnificent short, round body and short fins with no dorsal fin. It also has an amazing pinched tail fin which is at 45 degrees, to its body. The Ranchu was created in china during the Meiji Period but it was the Japanese whom created the Ranchu's we know today. Ranchu’s known to be very friendly species and some fish keepers are able to pet their Ranchu’s and even to train them to do some tricks. The Ranchu Goldfish come in a variety of colors, gold/white, orange/red, orange/white, white/red and a calico. Ranchu is a highly prized and sought after goldfish especially in Japan but also in America and Europe. Ranchu Goldfish are notoriously filthy, producing much waste, frequent water changes and good filtration system is essential.

Benthochromis tricoti

Benthochromis tricoti is an astonishing cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganica. In nature this species lives in large groups in depth of 100-150 meters. In home aquarium it will swim and inhabit the upper water level. With its beautiful big eyes, its brilliant yellow chin and with its beautiful blue stripes colors the tricoti is one of the most amazing species in the lake. Unfortunately like in many Tanganyikan cichlids the females are colorless. Benthochromis tricoti should be kept only in large tanks (350-400 litters) with plenty of room to swim. Sandy substrate with small rock formation will give the tricoti homelike feeling. The tricoti will thrive if kept in large numbers; 1-2 males with 5-6 females will create an astonishing school. As tankmates they should be kept with non aggressive Tanganyikan cichlids such as Xenotilapia's and Altolamprologuses. Due to their size they also can be kept with cyphotilapia's.

Tylomelania

Although the Tylomelania sp is new to the hobby it became to be very sought after snail. The Tylomelania sp found in Lake Poso on Sulawesi, it lives there 5 to 20 meters deep on soft substrate. From time to time it can be seen inhabits the shallowerwaters. There are many different colors and species of Tylomelania. The Tylomelania sp requires aquarium decorated with plants and woods, soft-substrate should be provided. It will thrive in shrimp/snails tank. The Tylomelania sp will not harm any plants or fish. Do not keep with aggressive tropical fish that may attack or eat the snail like loaches and Puffers fish. In captivity the Tylomelania sp use to dig in the substrate, eats powdered food but will also feed on shrimp and catfish wafers. After some time it even accept flakes and pellet food. It can also be feed with vegetables.

Pulsing Xenia

Due to its sturdiness the Pulsing Xenia soft coral is one of the most popular corals and favorite of many reef keepersall over the world. The xenia form stalks as it grow. The amount of pulsing will vary with various water parameters but in known that it is good indicator to its health; .In a healthy xenia, each polyp will "pulse" meaning, open and close while in a failing xenia the polyps are frozen. There are many theories and debates among scientists and reef keepers regarding the pulsing action of the xenia coral. Some think that it is for the filter feeding and some think it is related to oxygen exchange. This coral reproduces asexually, forming new stalks but also have the ability to "walk" from one area to another, while leaving a small part of its original tissue behind to start a new colony. The xenia thrives on Zooxanthellate and light. It requires direct lightning since photosynthesis is her only source of nutrients. Iodine can be added.

ltolamprologus compressiceps

The unique shape of the compressiceps makes it a valuable addition to all Tanganyikan cichlid tanks. Altolamprologus compressiceps is not difficult to handle, but it is a project since it is very slow growing. Altolamprologus compressiceps is an impressive fish with a deeply sloping forehead and laterally compressed body Altolamprologus compressiceps is often confused with Altolamprologus calvus which has a similar body shape and is found in some of the same locations. Altolamprologus Compressiceps is interesting in that it possesses very hard scales, perhaps an evolutionary adoption that allows it to move in and out of cracks in the rock without being damaged. Altolamprologus compressiceps is found in rocky habitats Sometimes, males can be recognized by their longer fins and higher bodies. Its name came from Latin, compressi= compressed, ceps= head. Altolamprologus compressiceps is best kept in a medium aquarium with a lot of caves created from rocks. It is possible to use plants and woods in its tank. this beautiful cichlid recommended to be kept in Tanganyikan cichlid tanks. Altolamprologus compressiceps can not tolerate high temperatures and it is not rare to have high rate of death at temperatures near the 30C mark so you have to be cautious.

Jewel cichlid

General information – The jewel cichlid characterized by two black spots on each side of the body. There is a blue variety and a red variety of this species. The jewel cichlid considers being a beginner fish. It is often confused for its cousin Hemichromis lifalili. Jewel cichlids are very hardy fish that can adept to most surroundings as long as there are caves and a few flats rocks present. During breeding time the Hemichromis bimaculatus become so flighty that they will attack the fingers of the fish keeper who will dare to put its hand in the tank. According to some people the Jewel cichlid is another one of all those cichlids that has gotten a bad reputation for being aggressive without actually deserving it. On the other hand many people say that the Jewel cichlid is very aggressive and territorial. Males are more colorful than females, slightly larger than females and females are rounder.
Common Name - Jewel fish, African Jewelfish, Two Spotted Jewel Fish, Green Jewel, and blue Jewel
Scientific Name - Hemichromis bimaculatus

Euphyllia ancora

General information – The Euphyllia ancora is a large polyp stony coral (LPS). This beautiful and colorful coral occurs in the variations of blue, gray, orange, green, brown and cream. In nature Euphyllia ancora forms continuous colonies and the collective length of the colonies may extend till quite a few meters, The polyps of Euphyllia ancora have large sweeper tentacles with anchor or hammer shaped tip.

Maintenance and care – This Hammer coral is a very adaptable and easy to keep. Anchor coral is aggressive towards the other marine aquarium Invertebrates. Keep Anchor Coral away from the other corals because its sweeper tentacles may hurt those tank mates, can by kept near corals from the genus Euphyllia. The Euphyllia ancora has susceptibility to brown jelly disease
Temperature: 72 F to 78 F, PH: 8.1- 8.4, specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
Lighting: Medium. Should be placed low in metal halide lit reef aquariums.
Will succeed under fluorescent lights.

Tropical fish

Tropical fish include fish found in tropical environments (found close to the equator) around the world, including both saltwater and freshwater species. The term tropical fish refer to only those requiring fresh water, saltwater tropical fish referred as Marine fish but to be accurate saltwater fish are truly tropical fish. Tropical fish are imported from there native waters as well
as domestically bred. Keeping tropical fish is a great hobby. How do you decide which tropical fish is best for? An important factor while purchasing tropical fish is the color. There is also the attraction that once the tank is up and running the required effort needed to keep tropical fish is relatively low, in-fact there is hardly any restriction to one’s normal life....

Blue face Angelfish

General information – The Blue face Angelfish has a beautiful creamy yellow body. The fins and tail are orange-yellow with blue tips. The eye is covered by an orange-yellow blotch that looks like a mask. Juveniles have dark blue to black with white markings colors. Blue-faced Angelfish are very sensitive and adjust best to aquarium life as juveniles.
Maintenance and care – Provide a minimum of a 120 gallon tank with hiding places and plenty of swimming space. Plenty of live rock for grazing is essential for the blue face angle. The blue face angle nips at stony and soft corals. Although The Blue Faced Angelfish is not reef safe some successful attempts have been recorded. This species should not be kept with other large angels to avoid territorial fights.

Tropheus Pemba/Bemba

Tropheus Pemba/Bemba is maybe one of the most common and well familiar tropheus species all over the world and one of the most striking species. It has semi elongated dark black body with a shiny wide diagonal orange/red stripe. Like its entire genus the bemba/pemba must be kept in large groups in the tank in order to spread its natural aggressions. All Tropheus share the same diet; they are all herbivores, in the wild they scrape algae and feed on small invertebrates found on rocks. They should be fed with veggie based foods. In captivity it requires a varied diet, quality veggie flakes should be supplemented with fresh and frozen green food. It can feed with "light" frozen foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia 1-2 times a week but feeding it on a daily basis or with rich protein foods such as bloodworms can lead to Malawi bloat or to internal parasites. Feeding the Pemba/Bemba with nori algae can enhance its natural colors. This beautiful cichlid should be kept in groups in large aquariums. The aquarium should be decorated with lot of rocks that creates a lot of hiding places but also requires plenty of room to swim. The tank can be decorated with only few rocks that placed randomly in the tank. To be accurate the tank can be decorated with heavy rock formation or with 3-4 rocks but poor rock formation will lead to territorial fights. In nature, the Pemba/Bemba found in rocky environments, in its natural habitat the water is rich in oxygen and its fish tank should therefore have vigorous water movements. Good filtration system is also essential to this magnificent cichlid.

Colombian tetra

General information – The Columbian Tetra is a very attractive fish with its shiny blue scales and red fins. Another common name for this Colombian tetra is Red/Blue Columbian Tetra. The Red/Blue Colombian Tetra gets its name from its bright red tail. The Columbian Tetra is a hardy fish that does best in big schools.
Nutrition – Omnivore, .The skirt tetra will accept most fish food including flakes, freeze-dried, frozen and live foods.It is highly recommended to feed them in small amounts at least 2-3 times a day.
Behavior – Peaceful
Maintenance and care – The Columbian tetra requires 15 gallons (60 liters) aquarium decorate with woods and plants. These decorations will help the Columbian Tetra to feel "at home" and also to provide it shelter. It is recommended to keep the Columbian Tetra in schools of 6 and more with non aggressive fish and with other peaceful tetras.

The African Filter Shrimp- Fan shrimp

The African Filter Shrimp or by its other common name fan shrimp is a rare shrimp in the hobby but it is also one of the most sought after shrimps, it is desired shrimp probably due to its unique appearance and its specialized feeding behavior. These shrimps use their specialized "fans" to capture micro-organisms and other floating food items from the water. The African Filter Shrimp can be found in multiple colors variants, Grey, black and white, they became white after they have shed their skin. The fan shrimp or the vampire shrimp filters floating food items from the water. They also can be feed with Microworms, infusoria, baby brine shrimp, cyclops and other tiny frozen/live foods. According to some reports the fan shrimp observed feeding on dead fish. Shrimp wafers can complete their diet. The African Filter Shrimp should be kept in community fish tank with small, peaceful fish or in a shrimp tank, throughout the day, they usually seek refuge under stones and among plants so a well planted tanks is essential. Sufficient current is essential for this shrimp otherwise it will have a hard time to filters floating food items from the water. It’s a very good idea to use a current pump or small wave box to keep the water in constant circulation.

Zebrasoma desjardinii

The Desjardinii Tang with its disk-shaped appearance makes a wonderful addition to any marine aquarium. Zebrasoma desjardinii inhabit lagoons, sheltered reefs and seaward reefs down to a depth of 25-30 meters (about 100 feet). With its close relative Zebrasoma veliferum, the Zebrasoma desjardinii is the largest Zebrasoma tang. In nature, adults usually occur in pairs. Juveniles solitary and commonly found among corals in lagoons or protected reefs. in nature the Zebrasoma desjardinii feeds on marine algae. In our home tankthe Desjardinii tang will feed mainly on vegetable matter. Although they are herbivores they do need some meaty foods as well. Algae (such as nori), prepared frozen formulas, containing algae or Spirulina are essential for the Desjardinii tang. Frozen brine and mysis shrimp, krill and Artemia can be added from time to time. The Zebrasoma desjardinii requires a large tank (125 gallon (473 liters) minimum) with quite a lot of space and strong water movement, live rocks can be used as a shelter and as food source, it also need highly oxygenated water. Desjardinii tang can be hardy once properly acclimated.

Black Moor Goldfish

The Black Moor Goldfish is a beautiful member of the goldfish family, the black variety of the well known Telescope Goldfish. The main difference between the black moor and the telescope goldfish are the eyes. The black moor eyes are less protruding than the Telescope goldfish. like all goldfish the black moor is a member of the carp group and is generally a quite hardy species. Black Moor Goldfish are suitable for indoor aquariums, and not to all kinds of outdoor goldfish ponds. Like all goldfish they can tolerate very cold water temperatures so they are good for ponds that don’t freeze in winter. Like all goldfish the black moor are Omnivores, Goldfish flake or pellet food will provide the Black Moor Goldfish with the proper nutrition, frozen foods and vegetable matter can be given from time to time.he Black Moor Goldfish will thrive in a 30 gallon or larger tanks with a fine gravel bottom and hardy plants, it is known as plant eater so it is recommended to use only hardy plants such as Echinodorus species, Microsorium and Anubias species. When we decorate its tank we should think of its sensitive eyes and protect them from sharp decoration. The Black Moor gets along with other fish in a coldwater community fish tank and if kept with other goldfish it will school with them.

Betta splendens

In nature, this specie's males have shorter fins that those we usually see in shops,these are called by the Thai "Plakad" (meaning- "Fighter"), and are used in Thailand for show-fights (just like roosters). Although their fins are short, they are still bigger than those of females. These males are more aggressive than long- finned males, but they are less susceptible to infectious diseases and have faster ability to recover after fights. Of the long-finned strains, there's the most known Veil-tail, which are the commonest in shops. More appreciated tail forms are the Round-tail, Fantail, and Delta-tail. All these tail forms can appear in two fin forms- Double-tail and Comb/ Crown-tail. Double-tail has a long dorsal fin, and their caudal fin is variably divided to two lobes. Comb-tail has fin rays that grow variably longer that the fin's soft tissue, resembling a comb. Crown-tail is a Comb-tail with equal and symmetric lengths of fin rays and soft tissue. Another famous strain and probably the most famous is the Half-moon. This is a fin form, appearing mostly on Delta-tails, in which the caudal fin is spread to 180o, while flaring. Aside of it, the fish must have other criteria to be considered as a true Half-moon. Aside from tail forms, these fish come in all colors and patterns. In nature, they have a black body, with turquoise/blu /steel-blue iridescent on it, and red washes on it fins. The first color strain produced was called Cambodian, with clear-pinkish body and red fins. By today, with further understanding the fish's genetics, we have Solid colored fish, in the colors of Red, Non-red Yellow, Black, White, Orange, Royal-blue, Steel-blue, Turquoise and the newest- Copper. Then comes the Bi-colors, mostly Cambodians and Iridescent with red or yellow washes on their fins. And along side with these, come the Tri-colored, also known as Multi-colored, mainly containing the colors- Clear + Iridescent + Red. Patterns have also developed, from the "solid" regulars, we've got to Variegated-fins (the most appreciated is the known Butterfly), and Marbled (which can change their color patterns throughout their life). Every breeder give different names to the strain lines they create, one of these, most known, is the Mustard-Gas created by Jude Als. By looking at all the colors, patterns and tail and fin forms, it is easy to see why this fish is probably one of the most known and popular freshwater fish all over the world.

Cichlasoma trimaculatum

The Cichlasoma trimaculatum found in Central America and inhabits slow moving waters of the lower river valleys and prefers mud and sand bottoms. The trimac cichlid considered to be one of the most aggressive species in the Cichlasoma family. Cichlasoma trimaculatum discoverd by Gunther in 1867 . The Cichlasoma trimaculatum is a predator cichlid. In the wild this fish feeds on small fish, worms and insects.In captivity it will accept commercial food with no problem, live or frozen food will be ideal for the Cichlasoma trimaculatum or by its common name three spot cichlid. This great cichlid requires 350 L tank size and up, the three spot cichlid needs plenty of open swimming space. As tank mates recommended to keep them with fish of similar size and similar behavior. Due to its eating habit (messy eater that produces a lot of waste) water changes should perform often and powerful filtration system is essential. The Cichlasoma trimaculatum is a open spawner. Courtship will usually occur 3 - 4 days prior to spawning. At this time the trimac became highly aggressive. 300 - 400 eggs are laid, the male will dig pits within the gravel in which the newly hatched fry will be deposited. Strong parental care is shown towards the eggs and the fry.

Cherry shrimp

General information – Cherry Shrimp are quickly becoming the most popular invertebrate in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Cherry shrimps are more tolerance and hardy as compared to other shrimps. Cherry shrimps make a good beginner shrimps in a planted tank or delicate shrimp tank. Cherry Shrimp, as with all other freshwater invertebrates are extremely sensitive to Copper, a common ingredient in many aquarium medications. Cherry Shrimp require something to climb on and to cling to in order to feel comfortable. Cherry shrimp are excellent algae eaters and will browse on many different algae types. Cherry Shrimp, although primarily algae-eaters, will also function as opportunistic scavengers to some degree. The red coloration of this shrimp depends on several factors such as mood, water conditions and food.
Nutrition - Cherry shrimp are omnivores. It feeds on all kind of algae, dead leaf and dead fish can be part of its diet. In home aquarium the Red Cherry Shrimp will accept fish food, shrimp wafers and catfish wafers.
Maintenance and care - The Red Cherry Shrimp need a lot of vegetation in its tank; The plants can because of nutrition and also a good shelter for him and for the baby shrimp. Cichlid and other big or aggressive fish can't live with the Cherry Shrimp in the same tank. Cherry Shrimp adapt very well to the home aquarium and as long as copper is avoided are fairly hardy. Cherry Shrimp are generally peaceful towards themselves and their tankmates, and they can be kept in groups as long as each shrimp has its own hiding place. Red Cherry Shrimp also respond to the color of their background and substrate
Water Parameters – Temperature: 70F-80F, PH: 6.6-8.8.
Breeding – Cherry shrimp will breed in freshwater, but you are fairly unlikely to get survivors in a community tank unless it's very heavily planted. Breeding Red Cherry Shrimp is as simple as putting an adult male and female together in an aquarium. reproduce at the age of three months with the size of about 2cm. Eggs are held by the female generally for 15-30 days and her underbelly will show a yellowish tint when carrying. Females who are carrying eggs are especially deep red, whereas males tend to be much paler than females (see picture of male above). Larvas are miniature versions of the adults. Red Cherry Shrimp should never be put in a tank with other Neocaridina species to avoid cross breeding.

Filter media

Filter media is manufactured for different purposes from glass fiber and synthetic material. Aquarium filter media is the material in your aquarium filter that your water passes through. Each kind of aquarium filter media performs an important function. This is a very essential fish supplies in any healthy fish tank.

Mechanical filtration:

Mechanical filtration is the first stage in any effective aquarium filtration. Mechanical filtration is a process by which water is driven through filtration media. Mechanical filtration is provided by the replaceable floss roll impregnated with highly activated carbon. It is, therefore, a two-step process: first you trap the dirt, detritus, flocculate, particulate, (all names for what we are trying to remove) in a specially designed area by means of a screen, mesh, cartridge, floss, or other form of filter, and secondly you clean those filters regularly tore move that matter entirely from the system (the mass of water in your tank and filters).
Mechanical filtration is one of several different types; passive settlement, active separation, and
entrapment. Mechanical filtration is the physical process of removing larger particulate matter from the water column. It is important because large particles and detritus floating in the water column are removed before breaking down into waste matter. Mechanical filtration is responsible for the clarity of the aquarium.Fish do not come from stagnant pools of water but rather from streams, rivers, lakes and oceans, a lot of the essential elements fishes bodies need come from the water they live in. Fish may survive for some time with inadequate mechanical or chemical filtration despite the water's murky or discolored appearance, but the absence of a process for eliminating ammonia and nitrite will kill fish within hours if the levels rise enough.

Mechanical media:

Varies by porosity, which controls the size of the particulate that you can extract:
1- Course media, such as Ceramic Media, has large pores. It catches large debris so that small media doesn't need to be cleaned as often. It is also easier to clean than finer media.
2- Filter Pads are less coarse, and are good for cleaning most visible debris from your aquarium water but less affective than the Coarse media.
3- Filter floss has small pores, and is great for filtering out smaller particles, resulting in crystal clear water.
4- Micron filter pads

Biological filtration:

Biological filtration is the action of bacteria breaking down dangerous ammonia, converting it to nitrite, and then converting nitrite to nitrate (less toxic).Biological filtration is the most important part of any filtration system. Biological filtration is accomplished in the second stage, using specially treated ceramic nodes to offer the maximum number of colonization sites for beneficial bacteria. Biological filtration is the key to a successful and healthy home aquarium, and this refill assures that your tank will continue to be a healthy living environment for your fish and other aquatic life. Biological filtration is continuous with the Cycle Guard system. Biological filtration is performed by so called nitrifying bacteria. A variety of media is available for bacteria cultivation. Small biological media, such as, sera siporax Bio-Glass, Ultra Bio-Media, bio bale, Super Porous Ceramic Media or Eheim substrat pro are an excellent option.

read more about filter media...

Duncan Coral

General information – The Duncan coral is a beautiful, rare and hardy coral to keep. Although it is very similar to other large polyped stony corals in terms of tolerance and sensitivity many hobbyists fail to keep it alive due to its feeding requirements and due to poor water quality. Its tentacles are always extended, even at night, but if slightly disturbed,will readily retract them.
Nutrition - Target feeding is recommended. Mysis shrimp, Cyclopeeze, Cyclops and baby brine shrimps will help the Duncan coral to thrive.
Behavior - Peaceful
Maintenance and care – Duncan coral is very adaptable to lighting conditions, and prefers gentle currents in its tank. Preferred placement is on rock but also can be placed on the sand. With good care, good water quality and with direct feeding, the Duncan coral can grow quite fast.
Water Parameters - Temperature: 72F-78F, PH: 8.1-8.4, Specific Gravity: 1.024-1.026
Lighting- Duncan coral also known as Whisker coral do well under most types of light but needs to be acclimated slowly to intense metal halides.
Water flow- Moderate to strong

Leopard Wrasse

The Leopard Wrasse is also known as the Guinea Fowl Wrasse or Black spotted Wrasse. Like all the fish in the Macropharyngodon family the Leopard Wrasse are born as females.If there is lack of males around, one female will transfer to a male and even the color patterns will be changed These wrasses should only be attempted by advanced aquarists as they are very difficult to acclimate.
The leopard wrasse is a Carnivore, its diet should include frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, krill and brine shrimp. High quality marine flake and marine pellet food are essential.The Leopard Wrasse should be kept in minimum 50 gallon (189 liters) aquarium with 2cm of sand, the Leopard Wrasse needs lots of live rocks and some room to swim. The Leopard Wrasse need to be kept in quarantine for several weeks and need to be treated against internal worms, 70%-80% of them arrives with intestinal worms. Water changes on a monthly basis are sufficient to the fish health.