Thursday, May 29

Chocolate gourami

Chocolate gourami
The chocolate gourami, Sphaerichthys osphromenoides, is a species of gourami native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Chocolate Gourami earned its name from its brown color appearance. Chocolate gouramis reach a length of 6 cm (2.4 in).

It belongs to the labyrinth fish species that can rely on oxygen derived from normal atmosphere air for breathing. These fish have a chocolate colour with golden bands running down their bodies. The Chocolate Gourami is a peaceful fish that is greenish-brown with pearly-yellow stripes running vertically along its body. There is a dark, almost black 'spot' bordered in yellow at the base of the tail. This gourami makes a rewarding challenge for the advanced hobbyist, especially in breeding pairs.

They require soft, acidic water; most of all, they prefer a higher temperature than most fish. The fish is one of the hardest to keep because they have extremely sensitive requirement with regards to overall tank water quality. Tank temperature should be maintained at 25–27°C (77–81°F) for chocolate gourami. They are not supposed to be used as starter fish for yet to be fully cycled new fish tank and if for any reason, there’s a fluctuation in the nitrite or nitrate level, they will turn sick easily.

An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition. 

Chocolate gourami
Quick stats, scientific classification and care info of chocolate gourami:  
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-86° F, KH 2-4, pH 6.0-7.6
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Borneo, Malacca, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Osphronemidae
Genus: Sphaerichthys
Species: S. osphromenoides

Binomial name: Sphaerichthys osphromenoides Canestrini, 1860

Wednesday, May 28

Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish | Longfin Bannerfish

Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish
The Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish, also known as Longfin Bannerfish or coachman, has a very elongated white dorsal filament. It is a tropical fish of the family Chaetodontidae. The fish is also known colloquially as the "poor man's Moorish idol".

The fish is mostly black and white, with an elongated dorsal fin, making the fish reach around 25 cm. The fish's caudal, anal, and pectoral fins are most commonly bright yellow. It is very similar in appearance to the closely related Heniochus diphreutes, but has a longer and more circular shape. Members of the Heniochus genera are often called Bannerfish instead of Butterflyfish.

It prefers a diet of small meaty foods and herbivore preparations.

Approximate Purchase Size of Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish or Longfin Bannerfish: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2"; XLarge: 4 1/2" to 6"

Longfin Bannerfish
Quick stats and care info of Heniochus Black & White Butterflyfish or Longfin Bannerfish:
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8½"
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Maldives, Tahiti, Vanuatu

Family: Chaetodontidae

Raccoon butterflyfish | Raccoon butterflyfish fish

Raccoon butterflyfish
The Raccoon Butterflyfish is yellow-orange, but darker on the upper half of the body. The fish is a species of butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae). It is found in the Indo-Pacific region and in the southeast Atlantic. Its length is up to 20 cm (nearly 8 in). It has a black patch around its eyes, with a broad white stripe posterior to it. Two black stripes bordered in yellow reach from the white stripe to the dorsal fin.

The raccoon butterflyfish is generally not aggressive towards other fish, with the exception of lionfish and triggerfish. In captivity, the typical lifespan of a raccoon butterflyfish is five to seven years. The Raccoon Butterflyfish is a peaceful fish that may reside in a 125 gallon or larger fish-only aquarium with other butterflyfish. It should not be kept in a reef tank since it will eat invertebrates and is deemed unsafe with corals.

When first acquired, if it will not eat, it may be tempted with a small anemone. Once acclimated, it can be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and frozen preparations several times daily.

Approximate Purchase Size of Raccoon Butterflyfish: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3 "; Medium/Large: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 5"; X large 5" to 6"

Raccoon butterflyfish
Quick stats and care info of Raccoon Butterflyfish:
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Black, Orange, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti
Family: Chaetodontidae

Bicolor Dottyback | Royal Dottyback

The Bicolor Dottyback is the hardiest of all the Dottybacks but is also probably the most aggressive of the
Bicolor Dottyback
bunch as well. Other Common Names of Bicolor Dottyback are Bicolor Pseudochomis, Royal Dottyback, Pictichromis paccagnellae. Don’t let this deter you as the Bicolor Dottyback can be kept in an aggressive community aquarium with larger fish and do quite well. It will quickly become the tank favorite as it has a personality that is easily 5 times its size. 


The Bicolor Dottyback is found in rich coral reefs in the western central Pacific Ocean, eastern Malay Peninsula, and western Philippine waters. They are found as close as 5 metres (16 ft) to the surface and as far down as 30 m (98 ft).

The Bicolor Dottyback, also called the Royal Dottyback, is two bold colors; the anterior portion is purple and the posterior portion is bright yellow. A 30 gallon or larger aquarium should be provided. The Bicolor Dottyback will not be intimidated by other fish and will defend its territory against fish two to three times its size.

The diet should consist of meaty foods including brine shrimp and prepared frozen foods. It will also eat ornamental shrimp and is a predator of nuisance bristleworms.


Approximate Purchase Size of the Bicolor Dottyback: 1" to 2-1/2"

Royal Dottyback
Quick stats and care info of Bicolor Dottyback:
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Pseudochromidae

Tuesday, May 27

Royal gramma | Royal Gramma Basslet

Royal Gramma
The Royal gramma, also known as the fairy basslet, is a species of basslet native to reef environments of the tropical western Atlantic Ocean. The binomial name of Royal gramma is Gramma loreto.They are also found in the aquarium trade. The fish brings an explosion of color to any saltwater aquarium. It has a bright purple to violet colored anterior contrasted by a vibrant yellow posterior. Coveted for both its unique color pattern and relatively small adult size, Gramma loreto is well suited for small nano reef systems.

Since it is a carnivore, feed a varied diet of meaty fare, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and quality frozen preparations. For the best care, keep the Royal Gramma Basslet in reef systems of at least 30 gallons. 

Approximate Purchase Size of Royal gramma: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 1-3/4"; Large: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"

Quick stats and care info about Royal gramma:
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Pacific
Family: Grammidae

Spotted Eagle Ray

Spotted Eagle Ray
The spotted eagle ray is a cartilaginous fish of the eagle ray family, Myliobatidae. Binomial name of Spotted Eagle Ray is Aetobatus narinari. It can be found globally in tropical regions, including the Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, off the coast of West Africa, the Indian Ocean, Oceania, and on both coasts of the Americas at depths down to about 80 meters (262 ft). Spotted eagle rays are beautiful creatures with distinct markings that differ from other rays.

The main body is roughly a diamond-shaped disk, with spots covering the dorsal surface in varying colors of white, yellow and green (McClane, 1978).  The ventral surface is white and the tail is black, which sometimes can be twice the length of the disk.  The body is normally thicker than other rays. The spotted eagle ray possesses only one series of teeth in each jaw which are relatively broad and flat in nature.

Spotted eagle rays are elegant and graceful swimmers. The rays are most commonly seen alone, but occasionally swim in groups. A schooling species, several spotted eagle rays will group together to form a large school when swimming in the open water column, where they will travel great distances together. Rays are ovoviviparous, the female retaining the eggs then releasing the young as miniature versions of the parent.

Spotted Eagle RaySpotted eagle rays are predators, and the majority of their diet consists of gastropods, mollusks and crabs (Schluessel et al., 2010).  They also eat shrimp, octopus, worms and small fish (MarineBio).

Scientific classification/facts of Spotted Eagle Ray:

Kingdom:         Animalia
Phylum:            Chordata
Class:   Chondrichthyes
Order:  Myliobatiformes
Family: Myliobatidae
Genus:  Aetobatus

Species:            A. narinari

Humboldt squid | Squid fish

Humboldt Squid
The Humboldt squid, also known as jumbo squid, jumbo flying squid, pota or diablo rojo, is a large, predatory squid living in the waters of the Humboldt Current in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These large squid migrate vertically (diel migration) to follow their prey, from depths of over 1,000m during the day to the surface waters at night. Dosidicus gigas is the only species of the genus Dosidicus of the subfamily Ommastrephinae, family Ommastrephidae. The binomial name of Humboldt squid is Dosidicus gigas.

Humboldt squid are carnivorous marine invertebrates that move in shoals of up to 1,200 individuals. They capture their prey with their tentacles and suckers and rip it apart with their powerful beak. Like other cephalopods, Humboldt squid can change color, flashing bright red when angered or excited - giving rise to their name 'the red devil'. They swim at speeds of up to 24 km/h (15 mph; 13 kn) propelled by water ejected through a hyponome (siphon) and by two triangular fins.

Scientific classification/ facts of Humboldt squid:
Kingdom:         Animalia
Phylum:            Mollusca
Class:   Cephalopoda
Order:  Teuthida
Family: Ommastrephidae
Subfamily:         Ommastrephinae
Genus:  Dosidicus
Steenstrup, 1857

Species:            D. gigas

Parrotfish

Parrotfish
The parrotfish utilizes its strong beak-like jaws to obtain its food from the coral reef. Parrot fishes are a group of about 90 species traditionally regarded as a family (Scaridae), but now often considered a subfamily (Scarinae) of the wrasses. They are very sociable during the day, however, when night falls the fish separate from the school and search for dwellings in the coral where they form a cocoon of mucus. The cocoon serves as protection from nocturnal predators. They are found in relatively shallow tropical and subtropical oceans throughout the world, displaying their largest species richness in the Indo-Pacific. They are found in coral reefs, rocky coasts, and seagrass beds, and play a significant role in bioerosion.

Quick stats about Parrotfish: 
    bicolor parrotfish
  • Parrotfish can often be noticed because they raise clouds of dust as they devour coral.
  • Parrotfish rely on the sun to navigate.
  • Divers swimming by reefs may hear parrotfish because of the noise they make while eating.
  • At night the parrotfish school breaks up and each enters its own crevice to sleep.
  • Although its main diet is algae and seaweed, the parrotfish has been known to literally eat the coral reef. 

Scientific classification of Parrotfish
Kingdom:         Animalia
Phylum:            Chordata
Superclass:       Osteichthyes
Class:   Actinopterygii
Order:  Perciformes
Suborder:         Labroidei

Family: Scaridae

Thursday, May 22

Crown of thorns starfish | Crown-of-thorn sea star

Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star
A voracious predator of corals, the crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) commonly known as the crown of thorns starfish, is an unusually large starfish which may grow to more than one metre in diameter. The crown-of-thorns receives its name from venomous thorn-like spines that cover its upper surface or the crown of thorns. It is one of the largest sea stars in the world, the largest being probably the sunflower seastar (Pycnopodia helianthoides).

Scientific classification of the crown of thorns starfish:
Kingdom:         Animalia
Phylum:            Echinodermata
Class:   Asteroidea
Order:  Valvatida
Family: Acanthasteridae
Genus:  Acanthaster

Species:            A. planci

Koi Swordtail

Koi Swordtail fish
The Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) is a color morph originating from the popular group of fish collectively known as Swordtails. Koi Swordtails receive their common name from their similarity to the popular selectively bred carp call Koi (Nishikigoi), more specifically the Kohaku, Sanke and Show Koi varieties with exhibit the popular orange, red & black colored areas over a milky white body.

Contrasting deep reddish orange marks wrap around a brilliant white, semi-transparent body to create a showcase fish that is both stunning and fairly easy to breed. 

Quick stats and Aquarium maintenance guide of Koi Swordtail: 
Care Level:       Easy
Temperament:   Peaceful
Maximum Size: 4"
Minimum Tank Size:     20 Gallons
Water Conditions:         64-82° F, KH 12-30, pH 7.0-8.3
Diet:     Omnivore
Origin:  Central America
Family: Poeciliidae
Species:            Swordtails
Aquarium Type:            Community

Koi Swordtail breeding: The Koi Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) will eagerly consume a wide variety of foods ranging from plant matter and algae to meaty foods and small insects. In nature they prey on small crustaceans, insects, larvae and small worms that they find living in and near the river bank vegetation.

The Koi Swordtail is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods, freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp as well as algae.

Approximate Purchase Size of Koi Swordtail: 1" to 1-1/2"

Blood Red Eye Swordtail

The beautiful Blood Red Eye Swordtail
The Blood Red Eye Swordtail is an exquisite color morph of the popular Swordtails. This beautiful and highly sought-after variation of Xiphophorus helleri boasts a breathtaking, saturated red coloration and the unusual red eyes of a true albino morph. The Blood Red Eye Swordtail is a definite "must-have" fish for any livebearer enthusiast. Blood Red Eye Swordtails require an aquarium of at least 30 gallons that is well planted with plenty of room for swimming.

Quick stats and Aquarium maintenance guide of Blood Red Eye Swordtail:
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-82° F, KH 12-30, pH 7.0-8.3
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Orange, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Farm Raised
Family: Poeciliidae

Blood Red Eye Swordtail breeding: The Blood Red Eye Swordtail is an omnivore that like to eat commercially prepared flaked foods, freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp as well as algae.


Approximate Purchase Size of Blood Red Eye Swordtail: 2" to 3"

Neon Swordtail

The beautiful Neon Swordtails
The Neon Swordtail is aptly named for its wonderful exciting electric coloration. It is a beautiful color variety of the Xiphophorus helleri Swordtail that boasts brilliant, neon-colored bands across the length of its body. Like a living prism, the Neon Swordtail exudes a rainbow of rich, iridescence that accentuates the movements of this active fish.

Quick stats and Aquarium maintenance guide of Neon Swordtail:

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-82° F, KH 12-30, pH 7.0-8.3
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Assorted
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised - USA
Family: Poeciliidae

Neon swordtail breeding : The Neon Swordtail is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods and algae, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

Approximate Purchase Size of Neon Swordtail: 1-1/2" to 2"

Cardinal Tetra

Beautiful Cardinal TetraThe Cardinal Tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi, is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. The Cardinal Tetra brings delicate beauty to any home freshwater aquarium. It is native to the upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America.

It has a bright blue stripe contrasted by a lower red stripe that runs the entire length of its body. This coloration differs from its cousin, the Neon Tetra, which has a red stripe that runs only halfway down the body. Equally as peaceful as Neon Tetras, Paracheirodon axelrodi will school together for a brilliant display of activity and color to dress small to large aquarium systems.
Cardinal Tetra in aquarium 
Quick stats and Aquarium maintenance guide of Cardinal Tetra
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 73-81° F, KH 2-6, pH 5.5-7.5
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Blue, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised - Europe, South America
Family: Characidae


Approximate Purchase Size of Cardinal Tetra: Small: 1/2" to 3/4"; Medium: 3/4" to 1" Large: 1" to 1-1/4" Jumbo Euro: 1-1/4" to 1-3/4"