Quick tank updates,

Things are moving along quite well and I just wanted to share some smaller updates of what's going on in the fish tanks.

The 125 litre corner tank above has changed quite a bit (don't mind the algae), the breeding pair of Pelvicachromis taeniatus "nigeria red" had to move to a separate tank. The pair was moved as they were getting to aggressive during spawning to let me keep community fish in this tank.

One Red Tiger Lotus, Nymphaea zenkeri which had outgrown one of my smaller tanks has been added and I think it really makes the difference.

12 Ember Tetra, Hyphessobrycon amandae moved in and they really seem to enjoy this environment and are constantly schooling. The colour of this fish also matches that of the Red Lotus plant very well.

I have been trying to spawn the Ember tetras for the last few weeks but have had no success so far.

A group of five L129, Hypancistrus debilittera have moved into the tank and they have already spawned in there which is great.

The pair of Nigerian red have moved to a separate tank and they seem to enjoy their new home, they are now guarding their second batch of fry.

Finally my group of Corydoras concolor are getting on well, they are growing like mad and have started to excibit their trademark hi-fins!

That's all for now,

Happy fish-keeping!

Videos: Pelvicachromis taeniatus Nigerian Red and Ancistrus red & black

Got my hands on a video camera and thought I would share my first two aquarium videos, there will hopefully be more of this in the future.


First of is my young pair of Pelvicachromis taeniatus Nigerian Red interacting, it does look like they have paired up. These two will be interesting to follow.

Secondly, here's a horde of Ancistrus red & black from my latest batch. 

New Additions; Pelvicachromis taeniatus “Nigerian – Red”

As most of you know my main interested lies in the various catfish inhabiting the rivers of South America. I have however strayed away from these with my latest additions to the collection in the form of a young beautiful pair (hopefully) of the West – African dwarf cichlid; Pelvicachromis taeniatus “Nigerian Red”. This is one of many colour forms of Pelvicachromis taeniatus and a truly stunning fish.

The pair was acquired from my good friend Bart at Rainbow Aquatics in Dublin where they were bred in store and are as Rainbow Aquatics's other fish of superb quality.

For the moment they will be kept in a 125 litre community tank, pH 7, 24°C. The tank is shared with guppies and Corydoras and the plan is to do this tank up as a nice community setup, but who knows I might eventually go for a full West – African biotope and I would not mind having a go at breeding these in the future either.

There will be more posts about these as they grow but for now I leave you with some pictures. The photos however don't do the fish justice!

Melander