Author Archives: Paul_

This small characin is a very attractive fish and a fast swimmer as well. It could be determined as a representative of the Hasemania genus, because it misses the characteristic adipose fin, which is one of the features that determine characins. Up to now we used to have only one species belonging to this genus, which is the well known silvertip tetra, Hasemania nana. An exact determination of the new tetra has failed. Even Dr. Géry (France) could not determine this fish from just photos. This could mean that we have a new and undescribed species here. The only information about its origin is that it comes from Brazil, but no exact location has been given. There is a clear sexual dichromatism between the genders because the male have a mood depending colour ranging from orange to dark red of large parts of the body and the fins. The female however has a yellowish colouration. The breeding is not very difficult, however the eggs and fry, as with the silvertip tetra, are very small and the young fish grow relative slowly. (Text: P. u. M. Hoffmann, Foto: P. Hoffmann)

The tetra, which was meanwhile clearly identified as Hemigrammus coeruleus is one of the most spectacular by-catches of Southamerican tetras. In over 20 years we could only discover approx. 25 of these tetras, mostly single animals among various imports. Inside the dealers tank they do not attract much attention, however: pink stripes on grey ground, no pithy fin marking, the upper half of the iris is coloured orange, the body is rather high backed. This insignificant appearance might also be a reason for this tetra not being imported in bigger quantities until now. But during the courting, which is almost constantly to observe under suitable conditions, their colour changes completely. The males get bright red eyes, a blood red body colour, the stripe, which was pink before glares red, the fins become black and the shoulder spot protrudes clearly. The colouring of the females is mostly a little less intensive developed. Certainly the ones, which are willing to spawn are not less beautiful than the males. Meanwhile it was finally possible to breed this tetra. So we hope to find this beautiful, robust and peaceful tetra (full-grown approx. 55-60mm in total) more often in the Aquaristik in future. In about 8 weeks from now, Aquarium Glaserwill get a limited quantity!(Photo & Text von P.&M.Hoffmann)

In the last years some quite difficult to classify new species of characins arrived from Paraguay. Usually they belong to the genera Creagrutus, Hemibrycon and Piabarchus. As a common characteristic a high swimming activity can be called for all species of this relationship. They need thus tanks, with a large free swimming area. Thus long stretched aquaria are ideal for them. There a strong current can be produced with the help of a centrifugal pump, in which they can organize their “swimming contests”. They like to jump, a complete cover helps to avoid losses. According to their origin they do not like it durably hot, an unheated aquarium is very pleasant and preserve the purse of the owner. They do not place increased requirements on their nutrition, living and frosted food are preferred, but they can also be fed with flake food.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

With Hoplias macrophthalmus we could import from Colombia one of the biggest predatory fishes of the Amazon river system. Contrary to the regular imported Hoplias malabaricus these arrive only extreme rarely in the trade. As an adult with a weight of over 40 kg and a length of more than 120cm they belong to the largest characins at all and leave the viewer with an enormous impression. For keeping them very large tanks are required and their tankmates have to be choosen with big caution.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

This scientifically undescribed ground tetra originates from Peru. This is a peaceful species also when housed with delicate fish. This is a medium size tetra fish, which probably does not grow larger then 5 cm. If more then one male of this ground tetra inhabits the tank then they can become somewhat territorial and therefore it is recommended to keep them in not too small aquarium. This species prefers dimmed lights, a dark coloured substrate and some current in the fish tank. The aquarium needs to be kept very clean because this ground tetra is somewhat sensitive against high concentrations of Nitrate. They prefer small live food, like cyclops or freshly hatched brine shrimps, but also frozen food will be taken eagerly. They continually graze between algae, where they prey on small crustaceans which develop normally in every healthy aquarium. But also flake food will be taken.(Photo: Frank Schäfer, Text: Izaak den Daas)

This very attractive Tetra originates from the Rio Madeira, which runs into the Amazon River downstream from Manaus in Brazil. This Characin species will probably not grow much larger then 6 cm. They are friendly and lively schooling fish, very suitable for a community tank. These fish are not difficult in keeping and will tolerate all types of water. As all representatives of the Hyphessobrycon family these fish will thrive in a well-planted aquarium with many small leave plants, but also enough room for swimming. They also prefer a dark coloured substrate. They the ideal inhabitants for the so-called Dutch aquarium and they will show their best colours with soft lights.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)