10. Catfishes (738)

  • Corydoras armatus Venezuela

    26. June 2015

    Corydoras armatus belongs to the species of Corydoras which are known by scientists very long already. It represents the sixths described species of the genus. The original descriprition appeared back in 1868. The type specimens originated from Peru (Rio Huallaga). It is quite astonishing that the species appeared comparatively late in the hobby – in […]

  • Corydoras sp. CW 49 and CW 51

    25. June 2015

    Among the most attractive species of Corydoras that have been imported in the past years is the “New Panda” from Colombia. We obtained the first speciemens in 2010. There do exist two varieties of the species. One has a larger black spot that extends over the middle of the body down in direction of the […]

  • Kein Bild

    Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus: L1

    25. June 2015

    L-numbers are for many people simply synonyms for Loricariids. But one should remember that they have been cooked up only in 1988! L-numbers were given for species that have not been determined scientifically yet. The very first L-number, L1 (or L001, although nobody would have dreamed of hundreds of L-numbers initially) has been applied on […]

  • Corydoras: Top rarities from Colombia

    26. May 2015

    We obtained a number of sample specimens (only one specimen per species) of Corydoras from the Rio Vaupes in Colombia. Some of them are real rarities, others are better known already. One of the well known species is Corydoras osteocarus. This species cannot be confused with any other Corydoras. The species attains a maximum length […]

  • Ancistrus sp. L181 Rio Negro

    19. May 2015

    The many species of Ancistrus with small white dots are very difficult to tell apart. We recently obtained L181 from the Rio Negro in Brazil. The very same species has been given several L-numbers, eg L71 (from the Rio Tapajós) or L249 (from the Rio Trombetas and its affluent, the Rio Cuminá). Also extremely similar […]

  • Pseudancistrus sp. LDA 32/L259/L321 Rio Tapajós

    19. May 2015

    Currently four syntopically occuring forms of Pseudancistrus are reported from the Rio Tapajós. They differ from each other by minor differences in respect of coloration and proportions. L321 is the comparatively flattest of them, has small dots and a reddish seam at the caudal fin. LDA32 and L259 are a bit deeper bodied and have […]

  • Ancistrus sp. Black Rio Negro (L88)

    19. May 2015

    We received a good number of pure black Ancistrus from the Rio Negro. These have no clearly visible markings, except one: a deepblack spot on the basis of the dorsal fin. This somewhat unspectacular, but characteristic feature made finally the determation possible. Our fish belong to the species named “L88” or Anstrus sp. Black (the […]

  • Corydoras sp.

    12. May 2015

    The longsnouted and saddle-nosed Corydoras appear in the wild either solitary or in small schools. This is the reason why they are much more difficult to collect than the round-nosed Corydoras which most often live in very large swarms. This fact makes the longsnouted and saddle-nosed Corydoras much more expensive and also more desired by […]

  • Corydoras sp.

    12. May 2015

    Another extremely rarely imported Corydoras species reached us from Peru. The unusual popular name of the scientifically undescribed species is due to the coloration, especially the dark triangle in the neck. This reminds one very much to the odd type of headdress worn by Gustaf Gründgens in his legendary production of Goethe´s Faust, where he […]

  • Panaque Blue-Eye

    8. May 2015

    We
    were able to import two large males of this top rarity. There is still
    an ongoing debate among specialists whether Panaque suttonorum (= P.
    suttoni) and P. cochliodon do represent the same species or not.
    However, in the most recent scientific revision, P. suttonorum is
    considered to be valid.

    For
    our customers: the animals have code 275007 on our stocklist. Please
    note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Only two specimens
    available!

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Corydoras crimmeni

    8. May 2015

    For the first time ever we can offer this beautiful Corydoras. It originates from the Rio Negro basin in Brazil. A bright green shine on the flanks of the body is very obvious, especially when the light falls from ahead on the fish. This species attains a maximum length of about 6.5 cm. For our […]

  • Denticetopsis seducta

    22. April 2015

    For the first time ever we could import this dwarf whale catfish from Peru. The maximum length of this tiny species seems to be around 5-6 cm. In contrast to the better known blue whale catfish, Cetopsis coecutiens, which is an aggressive predatory species, all Denticetopsis are competely harmless insectivorous fishes. This species has been […]

  • Synodontis ocellifer

    3. March 2015

    This is another catfish-beauty originating from Nigeria. Someone once said that this species of Synodontis can be characterized by three adjectives: peaceful, beautiful, and hardy. In fact S. ocellifer is one of the most peaceful species of Synodontis at all. The maximum length of S. ocellifer is about 20 cm. When they get older they […]

  • Leiarius marmoratus

    17. February 2015

    There are two species of catfish in South America that look like siblings: Leiarus marmoratus (called “Achara” by the natives) and Leiarius (formerly: Perrunichthys) perruno. Both species attain a length of about 60 cm, have the very same leopard pattern and the long, ringed whiskers. But there does exist an easily recognizable difference: Leiarius marmoratus […]

  • Finally available again: L135!

    2. February 2015

    The
    L-catfish L135 belongs to the most attractive L-numbers. Most
    specialists currently believe that it represents a variety of the
    species Peckoltia braueri. This species has been given also two other
    L-numbers, eg 121 and 305. L135 from the central Rio Negro basin is the
    most colourful of them. This catfish attains a maximum length of 12-15
    cm and has been bred in aquaria already. It is only very rarely
    available as wild collected stock, so we are quite glad about our
    successful importation!

    For
    our customers: the fish have code 26480-L 135-1 on our stocklist.
    Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Panaqolus sp. Alto Nhamunda

    26. January 2015

    Along with the spectacular Peckoltia sp. “Alto Nhamunda” (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news.php#1245) a specimen of Panaqolus reached us, which is very similar to the L-number L374. Very similar is also L403. Both L-numbers most probably represent the same species. One should not forget that a L-number is not given for new species, but for Loricariids exported from […]

  • Synodontis sorex

    Synodontis sorex

    16. January 2015

    Two weeks ago we presented to you some species of catfish we imported from Nigeria. This wonderful shipment contained also some by-catches, which are species that were send erroneously along with the ordered specimens. One of these by-catches came with Synodontis clarias. It was the extremely rarely imported species Synodontis sorex. This “Scissortail-Squeaker” has a […]

  • Farlowella vittata

    16. January 2015

    The needle suckers of the genus Farlowella are quite specious. To date 27 species are recognized as valid. As many species look very similar to each other the exact determination often proofs to be quite difficult. The 27th species has been described very recently from Colombia (it is the species Farlowella yarigui which has not […]

  • Peckoltia sp. Alto Nhamunda

    17. December 2014

    We are glad to be able to present to you another jewel by the end of the week again. We could import last year already a new species of Peckoltia from the upper Nhamunda River in Brazil, which is also famous for its pretty discus. This first importation contained only fully grown specimens (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Peckoltia_sp_Alto_Nhamunda_en/). […]

  • Parailia pellucida

    Parailia pellucida

    10. December 2014

    The species in our small series on catfishes from Nigeria is – in contrast to the species described so far – always available and it fits perfectly in any community tank: the African Glass Catfish, Parailia pellucida. The maximum length is given with 15 cm in literature; however, we see only very rarely specimens larger […]

  • Bagrus filamentosus

    4. December 2014

    The African genus Bagrus contains large, predatory catfish. The maximum size of the different species is between 30 cm and more than one meter! Sadly the determination of the species is rather difficult, because most of the 11 species that are regarded as valid currently have been described before WW2. A modern revision does not […]

  • Synodontis clarias

    4. December 2014

    This week we want to focus on unusual species of catfish from Nigeria. Today: Synodontis clarias. This is the first species of Synodontis that became known by scientists. The original scientific description dates back to 1758 and was done by Linnaeus. Nevertheless the species is exported only very occasionally for aquaristic purposes. The fish attains […]

  • Synodontis batensoda

    Synodontis batensoda

    1. December 2014

    There does exist a good number of species of Synodontis that tend to swim upside down. The best known species is without any doubt the upside down cat, Synodontis nigriventris from the Congo. Now we were able to import the very rarely offered Synodontis batensoda from Nigeria, which shows a similar behaviour. It seems to […]

  • L204 Panaqolus albivermis

    28. November 2014

    One of the most beautiful L-numbers at all has obtained an official, valid name in 2013: Panaqolus albivermis. The species originates from Peru. We currently were able to import again a good number of wonderful young specimens of this small species of catfish (maximum length around 10 cm). Among them are also 5 spotted individuals. […]

  • Hemibagrus (= Mystus) wyckii

    27. November 2014

    The predatory catfishes of Asia are always a bit neglected by the specialized hobbyists, compared with their cousins from South America. However, Hemibagrus wyckii is a hot candidate to change this point of view. The body is plain, pure black and only parts of the barbels and the borders of the caudal fin are of […]

  • Farlowella hahni

    25. November 2014

    Farlowella hahni The species of Farlowella are fascinating animals. These suckmouth catfishes look more alike small sticks than fishes! Currently 26 species are recognized as valid, which are spread all over South America. Sadly the determination of the species is often quite tricky. Four species of Farlowella are known from Paraguay, namely F. hahni, F. […]

  • Lepthoplosternum pectorale – Dwarf Hoplosternum

    25. November 2014

    The Hoplosternum relationship belongs to the plated catfish and and is thus closely related to Corydoras & Co. Like these, they make good and interesting aquarium fishes. Sadly most species become quite large. So, the species of the genus Lepthoplosternum are the best choose for smaller tanks. The maximum size of the members of that […]

  • Mystus tengara (M. carcio)

    14. November 2014

    We received the smallest of the striped catfish species from India, which were all called formerly “Mystus vittatus”. The small species also had to face a real mess regarding the correct naming. For a long time the small species was called M. tengara, currently most scientists believe that the correct name has to be M. […]

  • Extraordinary rare thorny catfish from Peru

    14. November 2014

    The
    Thorny Catfishes (Doradiae) are a small family of exclusively South
    American catfish. Currently 41 genera containing 127 species are known,
    but continuously new species become discovered. The largest species
    attain a maximum length of more than 100 cm. The world record for
    Opsodoras niger is 120 cm and a weight of 20 kg. The smallest species –
    Physopyxis lyra – becomes only 3.5 cm long. Most species attain a
    maximum length between 10 and 20 cm.

    We currently have some very rare species from Peru in our stock which we want to introduce to you here.

    Megalodoras uranoscopus

    is one of the large species. It can become about 50 cm long. Juveniles are pretty fish and now and then imported (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Megalodoras_uranoscopus_irwini__en/).
    Currently we have three mighty big ones of 25-30 cm length in stock. A
    well known synonym of the species is Megalodoras irwini. Codenumber on
    our stocklist: 267526


    Nemadoras elongatus

    becomes only 12 cm
    long. The peaceful animals love to swim in schools. Males seem to stay
    about one third smaller than the females. Sadly almost nothing is knowns
    regarding the breeding biology of doradids which is also true for this
    species. Code: 272482


    Hemidoras morrisi

    resembles Nemadoras
    elongatus in respect of coloration, but is much more elongate, has a
    stronger sculpure of the bony ridges and the dorsal spine is heavily
    serrated on both sides, while it has a serration only backwards in N.
    elongatus. H. morrisi becomes about 15 cm long and is rather night
    active. For us this is the first importation of the species. Code:
    257803


    Pterodoras granulosus

    is a large species again, which can become around 70 cm
    long. However, we obtained juveniles of 6-7 cm. This species is as
    peaceful as any species of thorny catfish, but one should keep in mind
    that the fish has a large mouth and smaller fish will vanish there of
    course… Code: 286582

    Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • L167 arrived!

    27. October 2014

    Finally we were able to import again one of the most attractive species of Cochliodon: L167. The species belongs to the typical representatives of the genus, which feed mainly on soft wood. This can be recognized by the very few teeth, which have a specialized shape with a broad, mussel-shaped cusp. L167 originates from the […]

  • Finally available again after many years: L354

    23. October 2014

    We
    are glad that we were able to import once more the pretty L354 from the
    Rio Iriri. The species has been described scientifically under the name
    of Spectracanthicus zuanoni in early 2014. The scientists declare them
    conspecific with L20 from the Rio Xingu (the Rio Iriri is an affluent of
    the Rio Xingu). However, L20 has much smaller spots. In the very same
    scientific paper the genus Oligancistrus has been declared as a synonym
    of Spectracanthicus.

    Anyway:
    we are very glad to see the beautiful animal again in our fishhouse!
    Spectracanthicus zuanoni attains a maximum length of about 15 cm.

    For
    our customers: the fish have code 26480-L 354-2 (6-8 cm) and
    26480-L354-3 (8-10 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively
    supply the wholesale trade. Available in limited numbers only!

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Clarias gariepinus marbled

    Clarias gariepinus marbled

    20. October 2014

    Sometimes it is almost impossible to distinguish between a food fish and an ornamental fish. The marbled Clarias is, however, bred in Southeast Asia as a food fish for human consumption. It grows extremely fast, is very hardy and can survive on the market without water for many hours, because it has an accessory breathing […]

  • Corydoras sp. Tukano Longnose

    14. October 2014

    There are still species of Corydoras that are imported so rarely and in so low numbers that the fish stay unfulfilled dreams of most enthusiasts. One of the most attractive species of that group is for sure the “Tukanao Longnose”. Of course these animals are not rare in the wild in the sense that there […]

  • L273 Pseudacanthicus sp. Titanic XL

    13. October 2014

    The Titanic was never traded in large numbers and is one of L-numbers in great demand. We received now three large specimens from Brazil, which seem to be fully grown. They are 25-30 cm long. One of them is for sure a male. It can be easily identified by the strong spines and the long […]

  • Cochliodon sp.

    7. October 2014

    Among the most popular fishes from Paraguay is the Violet Red Bruno. Finally the species has attained a scientific name: Hypostomus basilisko. The distribution of the fish is the Rio Paraguay, both in Brazil and Paraguay. Here it occurs along with two quite similar species of the Cochliodon-group of Hypostomus, namely Hypostomus cochliodon and Hypostomus […]

  • Synodontis notatus

    7. October 2014

    We were able to import a pretty species of squeaker from the Congo: Synodotis notatus. The species attains a maximum length of about 25 cm and is worth mentioning for at least two reasons: first, the number of spots on the flanks varies a lot individually. Most specimens have only one spot, but there are […]

  • Clarias batrachus marbled

    26. September 2014

    Sometimes it is almost impossible to distinguish between a food fish and an ornamental fish. The marbled Clarias is, however, bred in Southeast Asia as a food fish for human consumption. It grows extremely fast, is very hardy and can survive on the market without water for many hours, because it has an accessory breathing […]

  • Amblydoras nauticus

    26. September 2014

    Catfishes have no scales. But many species have bony plates that cover and protect the body. In the family Doradidae these plates are sometimes additionally armored by spines. One of the most common species of Doradidae in Amazonia is the marbled talking catfish, Amblydoras nauticus. The species is not very popular by the natives, because […]

  • L107 / L184 Brillant-Ancistrus

    24. September 2014

    Among the most beautiful species of Ancistrus is this one. It originates from the middle Rio Negro area in Brazil and is not yet determined scientifically. Instead even two L-numbers have been given to it, namely L107 and L184. The Brilliant Ancistrus is a very peaceful species. The number and size of the white spots […]

  • Paraloricaria vetula

    24. September 2014

    The genus Paraloricaria contains three species that are distributed in southern South America. The fish are virtually unknown in the hobby. This is for sure at least in part due to the enormous size the fish can reach. At least P. commersonoides and P. vetula become larger than 50 cm. For the first time ever […]

  • Corydoras amapaensis

    24. September 2014

    Finally we were able to import again a small number of the extremely rarely offered long snouted Corydoras amapaensis. The species is highly variable in respect of coloration. The sexes can be distinguished best by the shape of the spines of the pectoral fins, which are thickened and hairy in males. For our customers: the […]

  • Corydoras tukano

    15. September 2014

    Hard to believe but true: it took five long years until we were able now to import once more Corydoras tukano. Now this pretty fish is finally available again. We obtained very stable, beautiful animals. For more information and how to distinguish C. tukano from its close relative C. reynoldsi, please see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/corydoras-en/_en-5/ For our […]

  • L234 Megalancistrus sp. Rio Urguayo

    10. September 2014

    We were able to import two pretty gobbets from Paraguay, or, to be more detailed, from the Rio Urguayo. The two Megalancistrus are currently 40-50 cm long and show clearly why they have deserved their generic name: Megalancistrus means “gigantic Ancistrus”. Scientifically speaking, our fish most probably belong to the species M. parananus. For our […]

  • Corydoras concolor

    20. August 2014

    We received really beautiful Corydoras concolor in a perfect size (md-lg) from Colombia. The sexually active males develop very pretty high fins. For our customers: the fish have code 226004 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Synodontis robertsi

    18. August 2014

    The squeakers (Synodontis) are a very species-rich genus. More than 130 species are known, all of them originate from Africa. In the countries of their origin most species are used for food. In the aquarium hobby most species are unknown with a few exceptions. Among the most pretty, smallest and rarest species of Synodontis is […]

  • Kryptopterus minor

    15. August 2014

    The “Ghost catfish” has been kept for more than 80 years under a wrong name in our tanks. Initially it was determined as Kryptopterus bicirrhis, afterwards as K. minor. However, both determinations proofed to be wrong, the species was in fact new to science and still undescribed! Now it has a final name, ie Kryptopterus […]

  • Aspidoras sp. C125 Red

    6. August 2014

    Yesterday we introduced to you the pretty Aspidoras taurus (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Aspidoras_taurus_en/). We received from the very same breeder for the first time the very nice albinotic red variety of Aspidoras sp. C125. The wild coloured variety looks quite similar to A. taurus, but the fish stays a bit smaller (4-4,5 cm). According to our breeder […]

  • Trachelyopterus fisheri

    5. August 2014

    Currently we can offer a very odd species of catfish, namely Trachelyopterus fisheri. Initially this species of driftwood catfish orginates from Colombia where it is found in the system of the Rio Sucio. From that area only very occasionally importations appear. So we are quite happy that we have an adult wild collected male of […]

  • Aspidoras taurus

    5. August 2014

    This pretty species of catfish is found only very occasionally in the trade. The species is not allowed to be exported from Brazil currently, so exclusively bred specimens are traded. We just received a small number of the attractive species from one of our breeders. Aspidoras taurus reaches a maximum length of about 5-6 cm. […]

  • Corydoras pygmaeus

    30. June 2014

    The Dwarf corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) belongs without any doubts to the most attractive and interesting aquarium fish for small tanks. This dwarf becomes only 2-3 cm long and is a somewhat untypical member of its genus, for most species of Corydoras are bottom dwellers; C. pygmaeus prefers to swim in the open water column. Interestingly […]

  • Kryptopterus geminus

    30. June 2014

    The glass catfishes of the genus Kryptopterus are close relatives of the Wels catfish (Silurus glanis). However, in contrast to this giant among the freshwater fishes (Wels catfish can attain a length of up to 2 meteres), the glass catfishes stay small. The largest species known so far (K. cheveyi from the Mekong basin) becomes […]

  • Chaca bankanensis

    Chaca bankanensis

    26. June 2014

    The frogmouth catfishes of the genus Chaca are very unusual fish. Only four species are known. The look quite similar to each other and form a catfish family on their own, the Chacidae. Chaca lie on the bottom without any move for most of the day. They wait for shrimps or small fish that take […]

  • Platystomatichthys sturio

    16. June 2014

    Finally we are able again to offer one of the most bizarre species of predatory catfish of Amazonia: Platystomatichthys sturio. Anyone who sees the fish for the first time will think that the animal is distorted; however, the upturned snout-tip is rather species-specific. Nevertheless the grade of this upturn differs individually and depends also a […]

  • Hypostomus luteus

    16. June 2014

    Yesterday the most beautiful of all plecos, Hypostomus luteus from Paraguay, arrived. Only fully grown specimens display the fantastic, reddish-yellow coloration, whereas young fish are black with light spots. All specimens are 35-40 cm long. For our customers: the animals have code 262639 and 262649 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the […]

  • L330 Panaque sp. Spotted 14-18 cm

    16. June 2014

    We have some specimens of this gorgeous, wood-eating pleco in stock. L330 originates from Colombia. Fully grown specimens get a spotted pattern all over the body. Younger specimens can look quite similar to L190 or Panaque nigrolineatus, because they usually show a striped pattern. The yellow tips of the caudal fin are a good hint […]

  • Corydoras robustus

    3. June 2014

    This cory belongs to the largest and most attractive species of Corydoras at all. They can reach a total length of 9-10 cm. Both sexes develop long, filamentous dorsal fins when fully grown. The males can be best recognized by the much longer ventral fins. For our customers: the fish have code 244106 on our […]

  • New, rare Corys

    27. May 2014

    We received recently a larger
    shipment of beautiful, fully grown Corydoras burgessi. The import
    contained some bycatches. A closer look on them showed that they
    represent species that have not been reported yet from the area of the
    upper Rio Negro (where C. burgessi is collected).

    CW 89

    Initially we
    thought that these fish would represent C 39, a heavily build fish that
    reminds in all other respects in C. imitator. But the black band on the
    back of C 39 runs exclusively above the middle of the body, while in our
    specimens this band runs through the middle of the body to the lower
    border of the tail as it is well known from C. melini. This feature fits
    to CW 89 that is, however, reported so far only from Colombia (Rio
    Vaupes).

    C 84

    What has been
    found in CW 89 is also true for C 84. Our shipment contained only four
    specimens of this charming, rund-nosed species. C 84 is reported until
    now also only from the Brazilian/Colombian  border (Rio Tiquié). The
    coloration of our fish differs hardly. Obviously CW 89 and C 84
    represent a species pair of a longsnouted and a roundsnouted species of
    Corydoras.

    C 140?

    We are not really
    sure about the identity of this beautiful “longnose-burgessi” that is
    represented by three specimens only so far. The body shape and pattern
    fit very well to C 140, but our fish have a bright shining orange spot
    (as in C. burgessi). This is not observable in the photos of C 140
    published so far. The “longnose-burgessi” is a very striking species.
    Possibly we will be able to import a larger number of them in the near
    future. We are sure that this beautiful fish is an enrichment for the
    aquarium hobby.

    For our customers: the Corydoras sp. CW 89 has
    code 216304 and the stocklist-name “melini longnose” on our stocklist.
    Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Aguarunichthys torosus

    27. May 2014

    We could import a very special fish for the hobbyists specialized in predatory catfish from Peru: Aguarunichthys torosus. This species has been discovered only in 1986. Isn´t it fascinating that nature has the same solution for totally different species over and under the water? The spotted pattern of A. torosus is very similar to the […]

  • Parotocinclus longirostris

    6. May 2014

    These dwarf sucker cats reaches us from Brazil. They belong to the smallest species of sucker cat at all. Even fully grown they hardly extent 2.5 cm in length. The determination on species level is not absolutely confirmed, for obviously a complex of very similar species exists. However, in any case the fish are tiny […]

  • Corydoras sp Super Arcuatus

    2. May 2014

    Finally we received again this gorgeous, rare species of Corydoras from the Rio Purus in Brazil. The fish become almost double size compared with the “common” Corydoras arcuatus. In any other respect both species can be handled the same: they are hardy and beautiful fish! For our customers: the animals have code 221855 on our […]

  • Ancistrus White Seam

    1. April 2014

    Dear
    customers, the scientific names in Ancistrus are sadly a total mess.
    First of all: the genus Ancistrus contains a large number of species.
    Currently 66 species are accepted, scientifically described species in
    Ancistrus. However, in former days a great number of species has been
    described under the generic name of Ancistrus, which currently are
    placed in totally different genera – examples are Lithoxus,
    Pterygoblichthys, Hemiancistrus, Dekeyseria etc.. So one must be aware
    that reviewing these genera will probably recover other, additional
    species and will make changes of names necessary.

    The
    “Common Bushmouth” has been established in the 1950ies in our tanks. At
    that time nobody even guessed how many species exist. This is the
    reason why that fish was determined under the name of Ancistrus
    dolichopterus. At that time it was usual practice to cross in
    established aquarium populations wild collected specimens for
    “refreshing of blood”. So we can be almost absolutely sure that our
    “Common bushmouth” is a cross, a multiple hybrid. At least no species is
    known from wild populations that has exactly the features that our
    “Common Bushmouth” has. It is comparably easy to cross different species
    of Ancistrus, as it in between platys and swordtails. This is no
    criterion for species discrimination.

    Nowadays
    are not only the 66 scientifically described species known, but also
    another 90 species – some with, some without a L- oder LDA-number (see
    Mergus Atlas on catfishes, vol.2). All of them are occasionally imported
    or bred. We are far from understanding the systematics of all these
    fish, but one thing can be said for sure: Ancistrus dolichopterus is one
    of the so called White Seam Ancistrus and has been given the L-number
    183. So please keep in mind: L183 = Ancistrus dolichoperus.

    The
    “Common Bushmouth” is a cross and so it cannot bear a scientific
    species name according to the international rules of scientific
    nomenclature. From a scientific point of view it must be named by the
    generic name only, eg Ancistrus.

    There is more than one species
    of Ancistrus with a white seam in the dorsal and the caudal fins. A.
    dolichopterus can usually easily recognized by the fact that it has 9
    soft rays in the dorsal fin (all other similar Ancistrus have 7-8). Only
    very occasionally individuals of A. dolichopterus with less than 9 soft
    rays in the dorsal fin occur. The coloration is no good determination
    feature, for juveniles look different than adults and Ancistrus can
    change their colours also mood-dependent quite quick.

    Before
    it was found that L183 is Ancistrus dolichopterus, L183/White Seam
    Ancistrus was wrongly determined as Ancistrus hoplogenys. However, today
    we know that Ancistrus hoplogenys is identical with L59, which has
    orange seams on the dorsal fin. There is another species of Ancistrus
    which is repeatedly confused with Ancistrus dolichopterus, L183/White
    Seam Ancistrus. This species obtained several L-numbers: L71, L181 and
    L249. However, all these L-numbers represent the same species. It was
    given the common name “false hoplogenys”, because only the small
    juveniles have the pretty white seams, in contrast to the “true
    hoplogenys” (which is Ancistrus dolichopterus, L183/White Seam
    Ancistrus) which has these white seams the whole life through. In “L71,
    L181 and L249” these white seams disappear in elder fish. Sadly both
    forms are not distinguished in Brazil. So even we never know what we
    will get when we order small White Seam Ancistrus from Brazil.

    Sadly
    this mess in names still persists. Please note that on our stocklist
    due to technical reasons no solution that satisfies all needs is
    possible. So the “Common bushmouth” is still called “Ancistrus
    dolichopterus” and has code 20420. We call all undeterminable wild
    collected Ancistrus that look similar to the “Common bushmouth”
    “Ancistrus dolichopterus wild”, code 20411. The real A. dolichopterus or
    “L183/real hoplogenys/white seam” has code 20440 and the name A.
    hoplogenys. Juveniles, that could be both L183 and L71, L181 and L249 we
    call Ancistrus sp. White Seam, code 20480.

    Despite the fact that
    we are always trying to use correct names, this seems to be impossible
    in some special cases, like this one. If you are in doubt which species
    is meant on the stocklist, please don´t hesitate to ask our employees.
    Thank you!

    Text: Frank Schäfer, photos: Frank Schäfer, Dieter Bork, Erwin Schraml

    Gorgeous LDA7 in stock

    1. April 2014

    We
    have only very rarely the opportunity to be able to offer that
    wonderful species of Pseudacanthicus. Currently we have even a number of
    specimens of LDA7 in an ideal size in stock.

    For
    our customers: the fish have code 26480-LDA007-7 on our stocklist.
    Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Ompok cf. fumidus

    Ompok cf. fumidus

    12. March 2014

    We don´t always get what we want. Initially we ordered the Malayan Giant Catfish Wallago leerii for one of our customers. But we received a species of Ompok from our Singapore supplier instead. However, this error is understandable. Even professional scientists have in the past confused both genera quite often and described a number of […]

  • Synodontis bastiani

    Synodontis bastiani

    7. March 2014

    The squeakers (Synodontis) are a species-rich genus of catfish from Africa. Currently 131 accepted species are known. The maximum size of these fish lies between 8 cm and 60 cm. Most species attain a maximum length of 15-20 cm in the aquarium. In their home-countries these fish are very common and heavily used as food […]

  • Tachysurus fulvidraco

    28. February 2014

    We were able to import a second, beautiful Chinese catfish after Pseudobagrus trilineatus (see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/pseudobagrus-trilineatus_de_1581.html).Trachysurus fulividraco becomes about 12-15 cm long and is a perfect catfish for larger, unheated aquaria.The species is also often placed in the genus Pelteobagrus, but the international trade name is much more interesting: Chinese highway catfish! However, the scientific name […]

  • Pseudobagrus trilineatus

    18. February 2014

    This very interesting catfish originates from China. We received our first importation of the species now. The fish become about 7.5 cm long and live endemically (= they occur nowhere else) in the Dong Jiang influence in the Chinese province of Guangdong. There is no universal agreement among ichthyologist in which genus this fish should […]

  • Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus

    17. February 2014

    This species has been named “Pinocchio cat” in the trade due to its funny looking nose. The species represents the smallest of all mouthbrooding whiptail cats – it usually grows only to 10 cm total length in aquaria – and is thus very well suited for keeping. We currently were able to import these beautiful […]

  • Hemiodontichthys acipenserinus

    17. February 2014

    These strange whiptail catfish, in nature living in a sandy habitat, are regularly imported, although in low numbers. This species requires a sandy substrate, in which they can hide themselves. Because this is a shy fish absolute care needs be taken in the choice of tank mates. The reproduction of this species is not very […]

  • We can “big”, too…L191

    30. January 2014

    Ornamental fish are not necessarily small. Last week we received this juggernaut, a Panaque sp. “L191”. The animal has taken the transit from Colombia in our fishhouse in stride and has settled down perfectly.

  • Mystus leucophasis (formerly: Heterobagrus leucophasis)

    30. January 2014

    The Upside-Down-Cat from the Congo (Synodontis nigriventris, see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/Synodontis_nigriventris_finally_available_again__en/) is known by any aquarists child. But even experienced aquarists often don´t know that in Asia (in Burma) also occurs an upside down swimming species: Mystus leucophasis which can attain a maximum length of about 30 cm, but is commonly found 15-20 cm long. The schooling […]

  • Corydoras sp. Manu5 (CW062)

    28. January 2014

    Currently we received a number of still undescribed species of Corydoras from the Madre de Dios region in Peru, among them the very pretty Corydoras sp. Manu5. The Rio Manú is the larger of the two headstreams of the Rio Madre de Dios. Corydoras sp. Manu5 has the CW-number 62. For our customers: the fish […]

  • Synodontis pardalis

    20. January 2014

    We received with the current Cameroon importation this beautiful squeaker, which can attain a maximum length of about 20 cm. The species is known only from the river Dja and its affluent Libi. This is the reason why the fish is considered an endangered species, for the Dja is heavily destroyed and polluted due to […]

  • Corydoras sp. Eder

    20. January 2014

    We obtained from the Madre de Dios region in Peru this extremely rare and beautiful long snouted Corydoras und the name of Corydoras sp. Eder I and II. From a zoological point of view both represent the same species, which is very variable in respect of coloration. In the hobby there are several synonyms for […]

  • Corydoras ellisae

    Corydoras ellisae

    15. January 2014

    A beautiful, but sadly only rarely available cory from Paraguay. This species is the long-snouted counterpart of the most widespread cory in the hobby, the Peppered Corydoras. Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Pseudolaguvia muricata

    Pseudolaguvia muricata

    11. December 2013

    Catfishes from Asia are sadly not “en vogue” currently. On the other hand, many new, attractive species have been discovered recently, which are perfect aquarium inhabitants. The first species of the genus Pseudolaguvia was discovered back in 1927, but only recently it was found that this genus represents a species-rich one. Pseudolaguvia are dwarf catfish […]

  • L137 Hypostomus soniae / Cochliodon soniae

    L137 Hypostomus soniae / Cochliodon soniae

    26. November 2013

    The pretty, blue-eyed L137 from the Rio Tapajós is only rarely offered. It is a medium-sized species of Hypostomus that can reach a maximum length of about 20 cm. The colour of the fish is quite variable. Specimens exist that have rather brown fins, others have spotted fins and again others have bright orange-red fins. […]

  • Cephalosilurus apurensis

    20. November 2013

    We have a real delicacy for fans of predatory catfish in small numbers in stock: Cephalosilurus apurensis. This species becomes around 30 cm long. The fish are very hoggish and real personalities! For our customers: the fish have code 214633 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Text: Frank Schäfer, […]

  • Aspidoras pauciradiatus

    11. November 2013

    Finally the season for this charming dwarf has started. The species originates from the Rio Negro basin and attains a maximum length of about 3 cm. It is an ideal tankmate for tetras, dwarf cichlids etc. For our customers: the fish have code 208704 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale […]

  • Pseudolithoxus nicoi

    11. November 2013

    We could import some specimens of the pretty white seam flyer cat from Venezuela. This rarely offered species attains a maximum length of about 12 cm. For our customers: the fish have code 284633 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Corydoras Neon Stripe (CW9, CW10, CW14/23)

    Corydoras Neon Stripe (CW9, CW10, CW14/23)

    11. November 2013

    A group of scientifically still undescribed species of Corydoras from Peru has bright metallic stripes over the back and is thus called “Neon Stripe”. Some of these beautiful fish are currently in our stock. One of them is the “Neon Green” (CW9), which we can offer in small numbers as wild caught, another one is […]

  • Wallago attu

    Wallago attu

    7. November 2013

    We had to try quite long, but finally we succeeded and could import some youngsters of one of the most voracious of all predatory Asian catfishes again. Wallago attu attains a maximum length of about 2 m. The enormous mouth extents far behind the eyes and it contains a large number of spiky teeth. The […]

  • Acestridium dichromum arrived!

    7. November 2013

    We received the very rare dwarf suckermouth catfish Acestridium dichromum from Venezuela. The species attains a length of 5-6 cm only. The species could be called “chameleon dwarf sucker cat”, for it becomes bright green when sitting on plant leaves, but changes colour to brown within a few days when only roots and stones are […]

  • Corydoras eques

    21. October 2013

    From the Brazilian state of Amazonas we received again a species of Corydoras, which is long known to science but almost unknown in the hobby: Corydoras eques. This unique and extremely colourful species was collected near Anori. This typical schooling Corydoras looks best when it is kept in blackwater. The bright orange band over the […]

  • Megalodoras uranoscopus (= irwini)

    9. October 2013

    Currently we have very nice juveniles of this large species (50-70 cm) of thorny catfish from Peru in stock. For our customers: the fish have code 267503 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Corydoras sp. aff. imitator C140

    9. October 2013

    We received beautiful large longnose-corys from Brazil. Most specimens have a nice red spot right above the operculum. This coloration has not yet been described so far for Corydoras imitator. For our customers: the animals have code 232305 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • A new Cactus Cat related to L24/L25

    7. October 2013

    The Cactus Cats L24 and L25 become around 25-30 cm long and are quite popular among hobbyists with spacy tanks. The fish are very colorful and scientifically still undescribed. L24 originates from the Rio Tocantins and Rio Araguaia, L25 from the Rio Xingu. The two can be best distinguished by the pattern of the head: […]

  • L56x Parancistrus sp. 2-color

    2. October 2013

    We have obtained a small number of this very unusual loricariid from Brazil. “Technically” speaking, they belong to the species P. aurantiacus. The species is famous for the fact that they can be bright golden, marbled or black colored and it is documented that they can change the colours in comparatively short time. This phenomenon […]

  • Asterophysus batrachus

    1. October 2013

    We could import a number of still young, about 5-7 cm long specimens of this unusual catfish from Venezuela. The fish feed readily on feeder fish. Here is the story that belongs to the animals: The Altum-Eater of the Atabapo In the spring of 2004 Aquarium Glaser managed to import for the first time one […]

  • Baryancistrus xanthellus (L18) adult

    1. October 2013

    The Yellow Seam Plecos or Golden Nuggets of the genus Baryancistrus (L18, L81, L177, see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/l-numbers-en/_en-2/ for an overview) belong to the most desirable species of pleco at all. Young fish look very beautiful. However, almost exclusively young specimens are available in the trade. Thus we were very glad that we were able to manage […]

  • Lamontichthys llanero

    24. September 2013

    Currently we have this beautiful, but only very rarely available catfish in different sizes in stock. For more information on the species please see http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/catfish-en/loricariidae-en/Lamontichthys_llanero_en/http://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/welse/loricariidae/Lamontichthys_llanero_de/ For our customers: the fish have code 264854 (5-8 cm) and 264856 (10-12 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Text & photos: Frank […]

  • Scobinancistrus sp. L253

    Scobinancistrus sp. L253

    17. September 2013

    This beautiful loricariid originates from the Rio Xingu. It becomes collected upstream from Altamira. In all probability the species can attain a maximum length of about 35 cm, but there are no reliable information on that topic available. The pretty pair we have currently in stock (and which made a good job as photo model) […]

  • Show Corydoras arrived!

    10. September 2013

    We received two very rare species of Corydoras from Brazil, which represent moreover two of the largest species of Corydoras at all: the “real” Corydoras narcissus (I), which can attain a maximum length of almost 10 cm, and Corydoras robustus, which can become even one centimeter longer. For the differences beween C. narcissus I and […]

  • L168 bred specimens

    10. September 2013

    Once more we received very pretty bred L168 from our proofed breeder. Currently the fish are 4-5 cm long. The scientific name of the species is Zonancistrus brachyurus. The wrong name “Peckoltia pulcher”, however, still often appears on the stocklists. For our customers: the animals have code 26480-L168x-1 on our stocklist. Please note that we […]

  • L455 Chaetostoma sp. Tiger

    28. August 2013

    Finally we were able once more to import the wonderful Chaetostoma sp. Tiger from Peru. This is our second importation since 2011. Due to the fact that we offered the first specimens long before they attained a L-number they formerly had the codenumber 214844 on our stocklist. Now they have 26480-L 455-4 (5-7 cm) and […]

  • Three rare catfish-species from Paraguay

    31. July 2013

    We received three very rare and interesting species of catfish from Paraguay:

    The pretty cory Corydoras diphyes, the dwarf sucker Otocinclus mimulus that lives along with C. diphyes and imitates that species, and the charming dwarf sucker Hisonotus nigricauda. We already have pages on our site, so please follow the links given here:

    Corydoras diphyes: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/corydoras-en/Corydoras_diphyes_en/

    Otocinclus mimulus: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/news/otocinclus_mimulus_en/

    Hisonotus nigricauda: http://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fish-archive/catfish-en/loricariidae-en/Hisonotus_nigricauda_en/

    For our customers: the animals have code 227563 (Corydoras diphyes, lg-xlg), 273994 (Corydoras mimulus, xlg), and 258433 (Hisonotus nigricauda, lg) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. The photos show animals from our current stock.

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

  • Corydoras polystictus

    31. July 2013

    We received from Brazil the very rarely offered, beautiful Corydoras polystictus. C. polystictus inhabits the Rio Paraguay basin in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Corydoras polystictus is a deep bodies species, which likes to swim along with conspecifics. The spotted pattern varies in each individual. Maximum size reported for the species is around 4.5 cm. For […]

  • Once more: four Corydoras from Peru

    31. July 2013

    We want to prolong our small news series on wild collected Corydoras from Peru once more; we simply have so many beautiful species in stock! And here we go:


    Corydoras cf. sychri C97
    Magnificent, large animals, available only very occasionally and in small numbers. Code 247024 on our stocklist.


    Corydoras leucomelas
    An ideal cory for smaller community tanks; this species attains a maximum length of 4 cm only. Code 233503 (md) and 233504 (md-lg).


    Corydoras arcuatus
    A real classic and simply beautiful. We have two sizes in stock, among them some xlg-animals (photo). Code 222003 (md) and 222005 (xlg).


    Corydoras sp. C91
    This fish is scientifically still undescribed and a real rarity. Very attractive! Code 229603

    Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

    Further species of Corydoras from Peru

    31. July 2013

    Our last newsletter presented to you some Corydoras from Peru we currently have in stock. However, there are many more attractive species of that genus in Peru. Here are another four of them that can be currently recommended.


    Corydoras reticulatus – a very beautiful, deep-bodied cory with golden-green shine. Code 243504 on our stocklist.


    Corydoras leopardus xl – the long-snouted species, counterpart of Corydoars julii and C. trilineatus. Very nice fish! Code 233405


    Corydoras rabauti – this pretty species has been named in honour for the discoverer of the neon tetra, A. Rabaut. Code 243004


    Corydoras virginae (C4) – an extraordinary species with an extraordinary pattern, very attractive! Code 240604

    Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

    Text & photos: Frank Schäfer