report - Tropheus Online

Aqualog news
I N T E R N AT I O N A L N E W S P A P E R F O R A Q U A R I S T S
LUXURIES FOR
THE ADVANCED
AQUARIST
THE GENUS
IODOTROPHEUS
THE EYESPOT TRICK
2
3
NO
32
HIGHER PLANTS:
ADAPTION TO
A LIVE IN WATER
7
8
MARINES
another
weeks later the male expels the tiny
Hippocampus
peculiarity - a brood-pouch on their
seahorses into the light of day, with
(= H. brevirostris) and the spotted
ventral surface, formed by the fusion
contractions
seahorse H. ramulosus (= H. guttulatus).
of the anal fin with the body. After an
childbirth.
Both
ardent courtship dance the female
Seahorses live for between one and six
Mediterranean.
squirts several hundred eggs into the
years. A few species are maintained by
Four pipefishes are found in the North
special ventral pouch of her partner,
experienced aquarists - for example
Sea, Syngnathus acus (the greater
where they are fertilised.
the
pipefish or horn-eel), S. rostellatus,
Male
Seahorses
– adaptive specialists ”in decline”
by Onno Groß
seahorses
have
Several
just
like
short-nosed
those
of
seahorse,
hippocampus
species
occur
in
the
Entelurus aequoreus, and Nerophis
D
id you know that there is more
Seahorses generally swim in an
ophidion.
than just one species of
upright position, moving forward by
Adult
seahorse? At the last count 32 species
means of very rapid beats of their
require a constant supply of small live
were known worldwide. And others
dorsal and pectoral fins. But they
foods, in particular small crustaceans
could be discovered at any time. No
rarely
slowly,
and/or insect larvae. They suck their
wonder, given that the smallest
preferring
corals
food in with great force through their
representative of these bizarre marine
fishes,
which
swim,
and
to
then
cling
to
pipefishes
and
seahorses
andseaweeds with their curved tails -
pipe-like mouths. Suitable foods are
the
name
an adaptation to their specific lifestyle.
mosquito larvae and water fleas from
bargibanti
bears
(the
For seahorses and pipefishes are
freshwater, very small swimming
Bargibant seahorse), is a mere half
masters of camouflage, of mimicry. By
shrimps, and above all mysis shrimps.
centimetre long!
Hippocampus
By contrast the
mimicry is meant, in this context, the
Depending on their origin these
Pacific seahorse Hippocampus ingens
extraordinary ability of some fish
creatures may require warm or cold
attains a significant size - it can grow
species to match their body colour to
water, but this should always be
to more than 30 cm long.
their background surroundings or to
crystal-clear. Pipefishes like places to
The seahorses and their close relatives,
imitate other objects in their body
hide - in nature they live in, for
the pipefishes (family Syngnathidae),
shape (this latter capability is also
example, beds of
are one of the most remarkable
known as homotypy). Thus pipefishes
seahorses require objects to which
groups of fishes in the ocean. Their
and trumpet fishes are almost invisible
they can attach themselves with their
characteristic habitus is striking - the
among
or
gorgonians.
prehensile tails.
greatly laterally compressed body, the
Phylopteryx eques is
particularly
bony plates covering it, and the neck
famous - it looks just like Sargasso
separating it from the head, which
weed, a floating seaweed that is found
looks very like that of a horse, hence
in vast quantities in the Sargasso Sea.
the genus name Hippocampus, from
What looks just like a bundle of bits of
the Greek words for horse and
seaweed is in fact a living animal
monster.
adapted to its natural surroundings.
seagrass
seagrass;
while
to be continued on page 6
Hippocampus trimaculatus
photo: F. Schäfer
programme has been instituted for Betta
coccina (the population in the Malayan
REPORT
peninsula), another highly endangered
fighting fish - a measure that gives rise to
The clock is striking midnight
Aquarists are the only chance of survival
for many small fish species
generally thought that the building of a
some hope. Other highly endangered
hydroelectric dam acoss their migration
species, such as a number of livebearing
route was responsible (the species
toothcarps
migrates in order to breed.) Because the
(Goodeidae), and killifishes (various
species is prized as an aquarium
families) already exist only in captivity.
fish,captive breeding programmes were
Because these are mostly species whose
(Poeciliidae),
goodeids
by Frank Schäfer
Ecologists all over the world are of the same opinion:
first recognised as distinct spcies thanks
environmental destruction, and that alone, is responsible for the
to detailed observations made by
lamentable extinction of vast numbers of species worldwide.
aquarists; collecting trips by specialist
aquarists often lead to the discovery of
Direct persecution by Man may, in a few exceptional cases,
new taxa; and the import trade permits
perhaps lead to decline or even extinction in individual species -
the solving of numerous taxonomic
problems which cannot be clarified on
but these cases are insignificant in relation to the overall total.
S
Juvenile Botia sidthimunki, bred specimen from Singapore
photo: F. Teigler/A.C.S. archives
the basis of museum specimens.
initiated, and these were so successful
coloration is unassuming, there is little
The chain loach, Botia sidthimunki, is a
that nowadays large numbers of these
demand for them, and without the
mall creatures are particularly
(biologists who work on the classification
good example. It first became known to
fishes are once again available in the
enthusiasm of dedicated aquarists of
seriously affected.
They are
of species) are in agreement that only a
science in 1959 - thanks to its being
hobby. Without the aquarium hobby the
both sexes these creatures would
generally not in a position to migrate to
fraction of the species that actually exist
imported as an aquarium fish. In the late
species might never have been
already have disappeared irrevocably
safety when their living conditions
are known to science. In this respect the
1980s there was a sudden collapse in the
discovered, and its extinction have gone
from our planet. Good intentions, a love
deteriorate. They live and die along with
aquarium hobby plays an important role
wild population. The reasons remain
unnoticed.Unfortunately all the other
of
their environment. The more specialised
- small fishes from the tropics are often
unknown to the present day, but it is
animals,
and
dedication
are
highly endangered small fishes are of
insufficient on their own to preserve
a species,and the more limited its natural
little aquarium importance. It is true that,
these species. The basics of aquarium
distribution, the greater its degree of
for example, Betta brownorum, the rarest
maintenance and fish breeding must
vulnerability.
and most endangered of all the fighting
first
Not all the creatures that share our
fishes (it will be a miracle if this species
involvement in conservation breeding is
planet are known to us,by a long stretch.
does not shortly become extinct as a
feasible. But, armed with the necessary
Current estimates suggest about 1.3
result of the catastrophic forest fires in
skills, every newcomer to the hobby is a
million species, about a million of them
Borneo), was discovered by exploring
potential future conservationist and
insects. By contrast the fish fauna, with
aquarists - but its maintenance and
breeder
only about 30,000 species known at the
breeding are so tricky that only a few
Regrettably it seems likely that a very
specialists bother with it. On the other
large number of such peopleare going to
hand
be desperately needed in the future.
present
time,
appears
almost
depauperate. But all the taxonomists
Betta brownorum
photo: E. Schraml/Archiv A.C.S.
an
international
breeding
be
mastered
of
before
endangered
any
species.
Aqualog news
2
NUMBER 32
REPORT
”Hidden” eyes
The eyespot trick
Ocelli are also very commonly found
among the inhabitants of the coral
by Peter Hoffmann
reefs
of
warm
tropical
waters.
Butterflyfishes, for example, exhibit
Eyespots (ocelli) are widespread in the animal kingdom. Birds
have them - think of the peacock’s tail-feathers - and so do
numerous reptiles. These ”circular signals” are particularly
these striking signals in all kinds of
variations, including both with and
without a contrasting outer ring. The
true
eye
is
often
additionally
camouflaged by a black bar. In such
common in invertebrates - innumerable butterflies have
cases the purpose of the imitation
adopted them as part of their ”sign language”!
eyes is evident - they suggest that the
head is elsewhere than its actual
position. It has even been reported
that a number of species swim
alternately forwards and backwards, in
To birds and other small
predators the gleaming
threatening imitation eyes
of the this butterfly look
like the glaring eyes of a
marten or cat. The
moment of terror allows
the totally defenceless
butterfly to escape.
order
to
create
even
greater
confusion.
The ocellus of the Chelmon above is clearly an imitation eye; by contrast not all spots in cichlids
are meant to imitate eyes - some are simply signals.
photos: Peter Hoffmann
Controlled conflict
Such eyespots may capture the
attention not only of potential
photo: P. Hoffmann
enemies, but also of rival conspecifics during
intraspecific
battles
the
combatants align themselves head-to-
L
ikewise many freshwater and
mealtime because he attacked the
tail, in other words, each threatens and
marine fishes possess ocelli. Are
wrong end of his prey!
attacks the tail of the opponent. Thus
these always really imitation eyes? Or
damage to vital organs is avoided
is it perhaps just that a circle has been
Other types of ocellus
during even the fiercest battles! And
chosen as being a particularly striking
Among the freshwater fishes we find
with good reason:
and impressive signal? And if it really
ocelli on almost all parts of the body:
intended to assure each member of
is an imitation eye, what the point
pelvic and dorsal fins carry these eye-
the species a specific amount of living
of selective pressure is responsible for
deprive itself of its food supply; on the
of it?
catching signals, as do tails and gill-
space and adequate food.
the evolution of eyespots: protection
other hand, numerous examples are
If an ocellus really does imitate an eye,
covers. Often these have a special
Competition can contribute to species
against predatory enemies or damage
known
then
function which has nothing to do with
survival
be
limitation during intraspecific com-
competition for food. A good example
explanations:
simulating an eye! To mention just
counterproductive if the competing
petition? Perhaps both factors have
- albeit not from the world of fishes - is
Eyes must be recognisable as such! In
one, the eggspots in cichlids - these
fishes incurred serious injuries in the
played a part, but the stimulus created
that of the dingos, the feral (domestic)
the first place, the receiver of the
are, of course, signals, but bear no
process.
by competition for food was probably
dogs of Australia: they are in large part
signal - whether this be a member of
resemblance to an eye.
Likewise it is possible to observe this
the stronger, as the greatest threat is,
responsible for the elimination of the
”damage
there
are
two
possible
-
but
such duels are
it
would
of
extinction
through
in fact, from (closely) related species.
endemic predators of the fifth
predator - must ”recognise” the circle
Bigger than reality!
towards the opponent in squabbles
No predator can afford totally to
continent, but have had little effect on
as an eye and in addition attribute the
But cichlids do also sometimes have
with closely related species, which
exterminate its prey, as it would thus
their prey!
correct significance to it. Otherwise
true imitation eyes. Some species have
may be direct competitors for the food
the whole exercise is pointless!
eyespots on their gill-covers, and these
supply on account of their similar
Such cases are in fact known: many
really are intended to look like eyes.
requirements.
predatory fishes, when attacking,
When the fish thus adorned spreads its
fishes of different species are generally
home in on the eyes of their prey and
opercula, then - thanks to the circular
ignored except where predators are
seize it by the head region. Not much
spots - its head appears much larger
concerned.
fun, and maybe actually painful, for
than it really is. A highly effective
the predator who is deceived by a
offensive and defensive mechanism
Still some unanswered questions
striking
against rival conspecifics or predators.
The question still remains, what type
the same species or a heterospecific
eyespot
and
Aqua log
A
misses
a
limitation”
behaviour
On the other hand
The successful Lexicon-Series
by Aqualog is continued!
Killifishes of the world – New World Killis
Aquarienbau
F. Petermann
Aquaria
Terraria
Furniture
Lighting
NE W
(L. Seegers)
The 3. Lexicon about Killifishes contains the groups from the
”New World”: Rivulus, Cynolebias, Fundulus, Pterolebias and more.
Together with Old World Killis Volume 1 and 2 this is an encyclopedia
that for the first time ever shows all known killifishes of the world.
Freshwater Rays
(about 900 colour photos)
ISBN 3-931702-76-6
(R. A. Ross / F. Schäfer)
This unique AQUALOG Lexicon covers all known species of
freshwater stingrays in their entire variety. For the first time in the
history of the aquarium literature, you now have a complete reference
work in which the South American river stingrays (Potamotrygonidae)
as well as the Asian, African,Australian, and North American Freshwater
species are presented. The Sawfishes (Pristidae) are included
completely. The Species from all over the world, visiting regularly
brackish water, are introduced in addition.
(192 pages,
about 400 colour photos)
ISBN 3-931702-93-6
AFP Friedrich Petermann
Up-to-date information via internet: http://www.aqualog.de
or directly from:
Aqualog Verlag
Liebigstr. 1, D-63110 Rodgau
Tel.: +49 (0) 6106–690140
Fax: +49 (0) 6106–644692
Tailormade
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e-Mail: [email protected]
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Aqualog news
NUMBER 32
REPORT
NEW: Natural substrate
for the terrarium
distribution.It is also the smallest species.
The genus Iodotropheus
3
It has faint vertical bars, particularly in
females. In I.stuartgranti the barring is far
by Erwin Schraml
more distinct.
Many reptiles freely eat particles of sand and other substrates
And now we bring you another probable
in an effort to gain the calcium they require.Calci-Sand allows
Iodotropheus species for the first time.
this process to occur naturally in the vivarium. It is the only
Not a new import, though, but rather
more like an ”archaeological find”. The
photo was taken more than 20 years ago
substrate for reptiles designed to be not only ingestible but
digestible when swallowed.
and I have been waiting in vain ever
since for these fishes to be imported
again.
They probably originate from just one
locality in the lake, one which is no
longer fished for the aquarium trade.The
species has the usual Iodotropheustypical plain body colour, tending to
Iodotropheus sprengerae
photo: E. Schraml
grey, overlain with a greenish tinge on
the upper half of the body. A little below
the mouth opening and extending back
In 1972 OLIVER & LOISELLE erected the
regard such differences as conferring
from it there is an iridescent bluish stripe.
genus Iodotropheus on the basis of
specific status. In the past, and even
The anal and pelvic fins have a narrow,
specimens from a tank-bred strain.At the
today in other branches of biology, such
light blue, anterior edge, followed by a
same time they described the type
minor differences have been used to
broader black band. A large brown oval
species, I.sprengerae, as a species of
define geographical races, which are
spot can be seen on the anal fin, for
cichlid new to science from Lake Malawi.
sometimes
as
which reason the species should
According to them the population on
subspecies. Perhaps such a procedure
perhaps be given the name ”Anal-spot”.
whose descendants the description was
would be the most sensible approach in
The membranes between the black
based originated from Boadzulu Island,
the case of Iodotropheus. Because the
dorsal rays are light brown in colour. A
which was also at that time the only
two populations have not normally been
rather subdued stripe pattern can be
known locality for the species.
given separate names in the past, and
seen on the sides.
Not until more than 10 years later did
were lumped together again as
If validated, Iodotropheus ”Anal-spot”
RIBBINK et al (1983) extend the known
I. sprengerae following KONINGS’ remarks,
would be the fifth member of the genus.
later
described
T-Rex Calci Sand is a fine granular
calciferous sand especially prepared
to be the ideal reptile cage substrate
for snakes, lizards, tortoises, and
turtles.
T-Rex Calci Sand is safe in direct
contact with heating elements. It
conducts heat well and is suitable for
use with heat mats or cables buried
under it to a shallow depth. It does
not harbor mites nor the growth of
molds or fungus.
T-Rex Calci Sand makes spot
cleaning both easy and accurate. It
clumps readily to wet waste material,
drying it and preventing it from
being spread.
amtra offers T-Rex Bone Aid Calci
Sand in 3 colours: Natural white,
Earth Brown und Red Rock. All
colours are created with F.D.A.
approved natural food colorants.
TIP
African Cichlids I: Malawi/Mbuna
von E.Schraml
On about 1.400 colour photographs this lexicon shows
for the first time all species of rock inhabiting Cichlids or
Mbunas discovered in the Lake Malawi so far.
An absolute must for every fan of these fantstic animals!
left: Iodotropheus sp.„Matema“.
photo: L. Seegers
right: Iodotropheus stuartgranti.
range of the species to the islands of
only the name I.sprengerae is to be
Chinyankwazi and Chinyamwezi, which
found in the aquarium literature. And at
lie only a few kilometres apart but about
present photos of both appear under
100 km north of Boadzulu, in the south-
this name.
eastern arm of Lake Malawi. STAUFFER
In all probability only KONINGS has
(1994), commenting on the high degree
published an underwater photo of the
of endemism in species from the
typical I.sprengerae. My photos from the
southern arm, expressed surprise that a
1970s may nevertheless likewise show
species originally thought to have such a
this population, which was being
restricted distribution and to be found
exported for the aquarium hobby at that
nowhere else, should subsequently be
time.All other photos I have seen instead
found to have a second population at
show the more thick-set form that was
such a distance away. His researches
described as I.declivitas.
eventually led to the discovery that the
The genus Iodotropheus is distinguished
types
fact
from all other mbuna by possession of a
corresponded more closely to the
of
I. sprengerae
”frenum”, a membrane connecting the
Chinyankwazi/Chinyamwezi population,
upper lip with the snout. In practice the
been
presence of this feature is correlated with
misinformed regarding the locality for
the size of the individual. On the basis of
their species. The Boadzulu population
I. sprengerae, KONINGS regards the genus
thus represented a new species, which
as relatively unspecialised and even
STAUFFER described as I. declivitas.
rather primitive.He bases this analysis on
Meanwhile KONINGS (1990) had described
the lack of territorial behaviour,as well as
a
species,
the fact that these fishes are very
I.stuartgranti, from the east coast of Lake
unspecialised as regards their feeding
Malawi, between the mouth of the
behaviour, males and females are almost
Nsinje River and the border with
identically coloured, and the species is
Mozambique. In his later publications he
found in only a very few sites in the lake,
has regarded STAUFFER’s I. declivitas as a
because - in his opinion - it has been out-
synonym of I.sprengerae,considering the
competed by other more specialised
differences between the two forms as
species at other locations.
insufficient to regard them as distinct
The three scientifcally-described species
species.
are found, as already mentioned, only in
Nevertheless there are morphological
the southern part of the lake. The
differences
two
undescribed speces Iodotropheus sp.
populations as regards the pharyngeal
”Matema” is thus an exception - it was
i.e. OLIVER
further
&
LOISELLE
in
had
Iodotropheus
between
the
closer
discovered by SEEGERS in 1991 in Tanzania,
inspection even the body shape appears
in the area around Matema and south to
to differ.
Lumbira, and is thus the only species of
It is current ichthyological practice to
the genus with a much more northerly
and jaw dentition, and on
ISBN 3-931702-79-0
photo: A. Konings
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Aqualog news
4
NUMBER 32
REPORT
Aqua log
A
The best colour photos:
BOOK + CD-ROM
AQUATICS UK-STYLE
by John Dawes
NE W
Some years ago, Vivian, my wife, gave me a most unexpected,
fantastic birthday present: a hot air balloon ride over the Bath
and Bristol area of southwest England, the part of the country in
which we used to live at thetime. The views from the balloon
were unbelievable and the feeling of 'freedom' exquisite. But,
being an aquarist and pondkeeper, there was a further
dimension to my unforgettable experience: 'pond-spotting'.
Photo Collection No. 1
Photo Collection No. 2
(U. Glaser sen.)
(U. Glaser sen.)
African Catfishes
Tetras 1
From on high, I could look down into people's gardens and
carry out my own hour-long survey of pond distribution in this
beautiful corner of England.
A: ISBN 3-931702-59-6
B: ISBN 3-931702-62-6
C: ISBN 3-931702-63-4
A: ISBN 3-931702-56-1
B: ISBN 3-931702-57-X
C: ISBN 3-931702-58-8
Photo Collection No. 3
Photo Collection No. 4
(U. Glaser sen.)
(U. Glaser sen.)
Tetras 2
Tetras 3
A: ISBN 3-931702-64-2
B: ISBN 3-931702-65-0
C: ISBN 3-931702-66-9
A: ISBN 3-931702-81-2
B: ISBN 3-931702-44-8
C: ISBN 3-931702-47-2
This new series shows on many excellent colour photos the
fishes of various groups
Clear identification by international code-number,
scientific name and common name
Quick information: behaviour characteristics,
Each Volume of Photo Collection is
care requirements, etc.
published as 3 editions with 5 languaes each . These are the
groups:
The photos on CD-ROM can be used many ways:
A: D / CZ / H / J / PL
For your website, better communication as well by e-mail, etc.
B:
96 pages
GB / DK / NL / S / FIN
A hot air balloon ride offers a great opportunity to do an aerial pond count
photo: J. Dawes
I
Up-to-date information via internet: http://www.aqualog.de
Tel.: +49 (0) 6106–690140
Fax: +49 (0) 6106–644692
Aqualog Verlag
or directly from:
e-Mail: [email protected]
discovered that one in every nine
the
or ten homes had a pond. I was
conclusions, my figures tied in very
amazed, but very pleased, about this
well with those obtained by a major
and, although my 'survey' only
professional company specialising in
Goldfish - are kept by about 60% of
these specialists possess is nothing
livebearers, or cichlids, or characins, or
short of awesome. The camaraderie
rainbows, or anabantoids, or killies, or
and
exists
catfish...or water lilies, there is, at least,
also
one official group or society dedicated
basis
for
any
nationwide
Liebigstr. 1, D-63110 Rodgau
covered a tiny area (compared with
statistical surveys who had come to
fishkeepers,
the whole of the UK), it nevertheless
the conclusion that 8-11% of all British
tropicals.
brought home to me just how popular
homes owned a pond. At first sight,
Some
pondkeeping was becoming. Indeed,
such a high incidence may sound a
mentioned, keep both types, while a
something rather special to witness
to their study and upkeep.
although - statistically speaking - my
little surprising for a country that, let's
few keep all three types, i.e. coldwater,
and be part of.
These groups are usually in regular
spot-count couldn't be regarded as
face
freshwater tropical and marines. In
hobbyists
in-depth
contact with each other, as well as
particularly good year-round weather.
terms
fishkeeping
knowledge of the more demanding
their counterparts in other countries,
But, take a little bit of a closer look and
population, marines are kept by
species and varieties of pond and
always
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aquarium plants. For this reason alone, the
plant book is an indispensable accessory
for aquarium experts and novices alike.
There is also enough room for a range of
good tips and guidelines on plants, algae
and aquarium layout in the 100 pages of
the plant catalogue.
Finally, the plant book tells the story of
Tropica Aquarium Plants – the world’s
leading supplier of tropical aquarium plants.
– both in words and not least in many
beautiful and inspiring pictures.
it, is
not
endowed
with
with
40%
enthusiasts,
of
the
as
total
keeping
already
A Growing Success
Tropica Aquarium Plants
Box 3 · 8530 Hjortshoej · Denmark
Tel.: +45 86 22 05 66 · Fax: +45 86 22 84 66
e-mail: [email protected] · http://www.tropica.dk.
between
rivalry
these
that
experts
and
is
Without these
their
exchanging
knowledge,
it all begins to make sense. Britain is a
information and - to an ever greater
country of garden lovers...and what
extent - stocks of eggs, fry and
better way is there of enhancing a
breeding adults. Some are associated
garden than by installing a pond? It's
or twinned (as towns sometimes
probably even true to say (though I
are)with similar groups in other
haven't got any data on which to base
countries, while others are corporate
this) that Britain is the country in
members of one or other of the major
which
British federations or associations.
pondkeeping
gardening
enjoy
and
their
watergreatest
In addition to specialist societies, there
popularity.
are also the more general ones (some
The great thing about any growing
known as 'clubs') which constitute the
trend is that it soon creates its own
bulk of the more than 200 or so official
inertia. This has happened to such an
groups that currently exist in the UK
extent in the UK that the annual
Hampton Court Palace International
and which form a vital cornerstore of
A modern, thematic British tableau depicting the inside of a hobbyists' fish house.
the hobby.
photo: J. Dawes
Flower Show actually has a substantial
section, called the Aquatic Village,
around 10% (or slightly less) of
aquarium fish, the challenges they
Shows, etc.
dedicated exclusively to ponds and
aquarists.
present in terms of care and captive
All
water gardens. Outdoor aquatics has,
The TROPICA PLANT BOOK can be bought
from your aquarium dealer or via the Internet
www.tropica.dk/catalogue
friendly
of
these
societies, whether
breeding and, even, the intimate
specialist or general, have their own
in fact, become so popular in the UK
Specialist Knowledge
details
behaviour, our
programme of activities, which range
that it is now widely believed that
As in virtually any other country, the
understanding and appreciation of
from in-house bulletins, information
Britain comes second only to Japan in
majority of British aquarists keep one
these fish would be minimal. We
sheets or magazines, to regular talks
numbers and quality of Koi kept by
or
predominantly
should therefore all feel a deep sense
and discussions, visits to places of
enthusiasts. This is, when you think
stocked with what we call 'bread-n-
of gratitude towards these highly
interest, Christmas parties and dances
about it, quite staggering for such a
butter' fish, i.e. Goldfish, Guppies,
respected individuals.
and, very importantly, competitive
small country.
Swordtails, Angels, etc. However, there
Specialists, of course, are not restricted
shows. These competitive events are
Casting the net a little wider to take in
is also a significant minority who not
to the UK; every country has its own.
as varied in size and content as the
other forms of fishkeeping, it is
only keep these fish, but also
What probably distinguishes this
societies themselves. At one extreme,
estimated that around 14% of British
specialise in one or more types. These
aspect of the British hobby, however, is
for
homes own an aquarium or pond...
aquarists are, typically, multi-tank
the vast array of interests and
competitions reserved exclusively for
many own both. This amounts to
owners,
over
specialisations that exist. Whether we
members of the society in question
more
homes
100 aquaria, either in their homes, or in
are talking of Koi or Fancy Goldfish
(sometimes to a single variety or
throughout the country. Yet, even
specially built garden sheds or
(there are even those who specialise in
species of fish)...and judged by the
here, the coldwater influence makes
converted garages.
one type of Koi, e.g. Kohaku, or one
members themselves.
its present felt since, overall, some
The expertise, patience, dedication
variety
coldwater fish - particularly Koi and
and encyclopaedic knowledge that
Yokohama Ranchu), or darters, or
than
3
million
two
aquaria,
some
having
of
of
their
Fancy
Goldfish,
example,
there
e.g.
to be continued on page 8
are
small
Aqualog news
5
NUMBER 32
POND
N
evertheless the pond will almost
always
contain
too
many
nutrients (for this reason never
provide the pond plants with an
Algae in the pond
– an unending topic (2)
additional liquid fertiliser without
good reason!). An effective method of
reducing
these
nutrients
is
to
introduce a suitable filter medium;
In part 1 we dealt mainly with the correct siting of a new pond.
But even ponds in ideal locations need a small amount of
excessive proliferation. Until a few
example
years ago devices of this type were still
Magnum, be used, as this will be able
relatively expensive and difficult to
easily to cope with larger particles of
install, but more recently Philips have
dirt as well and does not need to be
brought a new, compact, UV lamp (the
cleaned as often.)
Philips UV-C burner) onto the market.
From the UV-C pond clarifier the water
This new lamp has an up to 80%
passes to the pond filter, where it is
the
amtra
Biopond
higher UV-C output than normal
passed through various filter media
zeolite, for example, has been used for
maintenance in order to keep unwanted algae at bay. With this
UV tubes. The same wattage thus
which serve primarily to purify it
years for this purpose. Zeolite is a
regard, it is important always to bear in mind that plants and
produces an appreciably improved
biologically (breakdown of pollutants)
”biocidal” effect. In order to operate
and enrich it with oxygen. Finally, the
algae are competitors for nutrients. In other words, the more
the device a pump is required, to move
mechanically and biologically purified,
plants in the pond, the less the amount of nutrient left over for
the water past the light source.
oxygen-enriched, water flows back
Optimal results are obtained using a
into the pond (see diagram).
natural
mineral
which
adsorbs
(= binds up for a long time) certain
substances dissolved in the water (for
example ammonia or ammonium,
phosphate, etc).
algae, and hence the smaller the danger of a ”plague of algae”.
combination of pump, UV-C pond
Unfortunately the zeolites available in
clarifier,
the aquarium trade are highly variable
installation:
the pump is used to
More on the topic of pond filters in the
in quality. The highest quality types
pump the dirty water out of the pond
next issue of AQUALOGnews, available
are the clinoptilolites (e.g. amtra
into the UV-C pond clarifier. (It is
free of charge at your dealers from the
Clinop
recommended that a special pump, for
end of June.
Zeolite),
whose
surface
and
an
external
filter
structure gives them the greatest
adsorptive capability as regards
unwanted organic pollutants in the
water. Their use is simplicity itself. The
FISHDOC
amtra product comes ready to use in
its own practical net bag, which
Phosphate in the aquarium
- a problem for the fish vet?
should be placed in the water such
that the maximum current passes
through it. The bag can be placed
directly in the filter if there is sufficient
by Dr Markus Biffar, fish veterinarian
room. Depending on the degree of
pollution, the zeolite should be
renewed every 2-3 months. In its
Schematic representation of a filtration system for a ”natural” garden pond.
photo: amtra
T
”loaded” state, ie after it has been used
in the pond, the material is an ideal
ime and again I am asked how
fishes will commonly show signs of
dangerous raised phospate levels
acute poisoning accompanied by
natural fertiliser for enriching the
sudden algal blooms that cause
The water is conducted past a UV-C
are to fishes. The question is easily
serious losses.
garden soil.
”green water” as the intensity of the
light source. The UV-C light kills any
answered, for what is normally
problems normally occur long after
And because such
sunlight increases, is offered by the
unicellular organisms such as germs in
considered a high phosphate level (at
the battle against algae, and have no
A permanent solution to the problem
installation of a UV-C pond clarifier.
the water, and also the spores of the
least in the freshwater aquarium),
apparent direct link with it, the
of excess algae, in particular the
This device operates as follows:
nuisance algae, thus preventing their
namely values of between 5 and
afflicted aquarist has no idea what is
20 mg PO4/litre, are completely safe for
wrong and assumes contamination of
fishes and will do them no harm at all.
themains water supply or something
In spite of this the aquarium with a
of that sort.
phosphate pollution problem does
have
a
certain
potential
for
In the interests of your fishes
endangering fish health. The reason
– remedy the cause!
being that high phosphate levels are
For this reason my most serious advice
one
for
as regards algae problems: look for
undesirable and troublesome algal
the underlying causes, as almost
growth. Now, in freshwater algae have
invariably a high nitrate or phosphate
no direct influence on fish health and
level is at the root of the trouble.
are thus no cause for concern from a
Hence there is no sense in combating
veterinary point of view. Far more
algae
dangerous is the lack of patience in
simultaneously alleviated, ie the
some aquarists, who, instead of
nitrate, and above all the phosphate,
Fische fühlen sich in ihrem Aquarium immer dann so richtig wohl,
getting to the bottom of the reasons
are eliminated from the water. This is
wenn sie Bedingungen vorfinden, wie in der freien Natur. Deshalb
for the proliferation of algae, try to get
quite easy, for example using amtra
braucht gesundes, artgerechtes Aquariumwasser die natureigenen
rid of the nuisance with a chemical
phosphat reduct and amtra nitrat
Mikroorganismen, die die biologische Selbstreinigung übernehmen.
algae-destroyer.
Such algicides, in
reduct, which act by binding up the
Mit amtra clean werden diese Mikroorganismen regelmäßig er-
particular those based on copper,
offending nitrate and phosphate
gänzt und das biologische Gleichgewicht im sensiblen Lebensraum
represent a genuinely serious danger
without releasing any undesirable
Aquarium dauerhaft stabilisiert.
to fishes.
chemicals into the water.
Groß Reinemachen…
…biologisch!
of
the
main
reasons
unless
its
causes
are
Even if the phosphate and nitrate
Jetzt mit Yucca-Palmen-Extrakt für noch
besseren Schadstoff-Abbau!
Neueste Forschungsergebnisse belegen, daß spezielle
Extrakte der Yucca studigera giftiges Ammoniak binden
und unschädlich machen. Deshalb ist im neuen amtra
clean jetzt aufbereiteter Yucca-Palmen-Extrakt enthalten. Gefährliches Nitrit wird jetzt noch schneller beseitigt,
der Nitratgehalt meßbar gesenkt, Mulm und Schlick noch
effektiver abgebaut. Zum Wohle Ihrer Fische.
amtra clean verlängert die Standzeiten des Filters und
erspart Ihnen bis zu 50 % Wasserwechsel.
amtra Aquaristik GmbH · Liebigstraße 1 · D-63110 Rodgau/Germany
Fon: 0 61 06 /69 01 50 · Fax 0 61 06 /69 01 58
www.amtra.de · [email protected]
Copper:
levels are not routinely measured, it
poisonous to algae and fishes alike
makes sense to use these two amtra
In fact the once-off usage of such
products prophylactically once or
chemicals will not cause acute ill-
twice a year in order regularly to lower
health in the fishes, but because these
the nitrate and phosphate content of
copper-based algicides are so rapidly
the water, as in particular feeding with
effective there is a temptation to re-
dried food will constantly introduce
dose at the first sign of renewed algal
new phosphate into the aquarium.
growth. It is these repeated doses that
Should
are risky, as the copper, once added,
nevertheless prove necessary, it is
gets into the aquarium substrate and
most important to ensure that a
cannot then be removed by water
copper-free product is used, so that
changes, nor can it be broken down
eliminating the algae does not pose a
biologically.
risk to the health of the fishes.
an
algal
treatment
If the same tank is now subjected to
In the event that the type of copper
repeated
copper, the
poisoning outlined above does occur,
concentration in the substrate will rise
the only remedy is an immediate
dramatically.
water
But the smallest shift in water
maximum dose of a water conditioner
chemistry may subsequently be
(e.g. amtra care) of a type that binds
sufficient to cause the accumulated
up ichthyotoxic heavy metals and at
copper to be released again at a stroke
the same time greatly reduces copper
into the water. At this juncture the
toxicity.
doses
of
change
together
with
a
Aqualog news
NUMBER 32
from page 1: Seahorses…
6
NEWSFLASH
Reproduction has been observed in
of these denizens of the sea are being
captivity on a number of occasions,
destroyed by pollution and tourism.
but rearing the fry after they are
Some 20 million seahorses are used
”born” from the male is difficult. The
every year in Chinese medicine, as an
Aquarium Glaser has been able to impot two armoured catfish species which it has so far not been possible to match to any
main problem is providing food which
expensive treatment for asthma,
known species. One is a member of the genus Pseudacanthicus, a group of suckermouth ”cats”specialised on a carnivorous
is not only small enough to be taken,
lethary, and impotence. Hundreds of
diet. The other species, imported
but also suitable for promoting
thousands more end their days dried
from Colombia, is reminiscent of
growth.
to provide souvenirs for tourists. By
Lamontichthys filamentosus in its
Dr Kirchwasser at the Karlsruhe Zoo is
comparison only a few are collected
body colour,but remains significant-
successfully breeding seahorses, and
for the aquarium trade.
ly smaller (about 15 cm). During the
every year 40-50 young fishes bred by
The international ”Project Seahorse”,
mating season the males develop
him are distributed to aquarists in
coordinated by zoologists at London
visible spines on the pectoral fin
southern Germany.
Zoo, aims to counter the decline. To
rays. So far it has not been possible
But the bulk of seahorses offered for
this end zoologists will work with
to assign these peaceful algae-
sale are wild-caught. And this is where
Chinese doctors to find alternatives to
eaters to any known genus.
the problems begin. The number of
the capture of wild seahorses.
seahorses in a population in Indonesia
A
and the Philippines has halved in the
conservation, Amanda VINCENT, an
last five years. One South African
environmental biologist at McGill
species is already on the list of taxa
University in Montreal, is working in
threatened with extinction.
close
There are plenty of reasons for this
fishermen in the Philippines, who are
dramatic decline: the coastal habitats
learning to establish conservation
leading
light
collaboration
in
Two armoured catfishes new to the aquarium hobby
Pseudacanthicus sp.
seahorse
with
native
Lamontichthys sp., Kolumbien
photos:
F. Schäfer & E. Schraml/A.C.S. archives
areas, to sort their catch carefully and
keep pregnant males in aquaria until
their young are released. According to
Amanda
Vincent,
this
type
of
TOP TEN
management at the point of capture is
Top-Ten: Hong Kong
proving very effective, and should be
copied by more of the exporting
countries.
It is recommended that captive-bred
rather than wild-caught seahorses and
pipefishes should be purchased for
the home aquarium, both for reasons
This time our hit list of most popular fishes takes us once again to the Far East, more precisely to the
metropolis of Hong Kong,where there is a long tradition of maintaining and breeding aquarium fishes. The
company Ease Champion has kindly made their sales records available, and we have concentrated on one
large fish family, the cichlids.
of conservation and because they are
hardier.
Contact: Project Seahorse:
It is interesting to note that as well as
some classics from Lake Tanganyika a
number of beautifully-coloured large
cichlids from Central America are
increasingly being kept. These fishes
are undemanding as regards their
http://www.seahorse.mcgill.ca/
maintenance, but need a spacious
aquarium and appropriately-sized
foods. But, to our list: In first place in
our Top Ten we find a real classic in
Cyphotilapia frontosa from Lake
Tanganyika. For many years this
imposing species with its striking
appearance has been the darling of
cichlid fans. Because these fishes
prefer ”robust” foods (frozen foods,
shrimps, earthworms, and mussel
meat) a powerful filter is required.
Unfortunately the sexes are very
difficult to differentiate, and even the
striking nuchal hump of the males is
substrate should be fine sand with an
admixture of peat. The behaviour of
Apistogramma diplotaenia is unique, as
unlike the other (known) members of
its genus it does not use caves as
hiding places but instead digs a little
crater in which to shelter. Although
these fishes are small (about 5 cm),
they require an aquarium at least a
metre long. They can then be kept
without problem with small peaceful
species (e.g. cardinal tetras and other
small characins).
Cyphotilapia frontosa„Blue Zaire“, young fish
amtra Sano
Filme in Druckerei
war in news 31
present to a lesser degree in the
females. By contrast there is no
problem in sexing the fish in third
place: The males of Cyathopharynx
furcifer have a metallic blue body and
splendid elongated pelvic fins.
Females, on the other hand, are largely
grey-green. Benthochromis tricoti and
the sand-dwelling cichlids of the
genus Xenotilapia are likewise
inhabitants of Lake Tanganyika: the
former species should always be kept
in a group.
From the large river systems of Central
America come Herichthys bocourti
(second place) and two Vieja species,
V.regani and V. argentea (places eight
and nine). These fishes all have a
rather restricted natural distribution
and are correspondingly rare in the
trade. Anyone lucky enough to have a
pair should definitely try to breed
them. These species are very peaceful
but need plenty of space. Equally
important is a varied diet including
plenty of vegetable material.
As well as the cichlids from East Africa
and Central America, this top ten of
necessity includes some South
American dwarfs:
Apistogramma
diplotaenia and A.elizabethae are two
particularly rare and beuatiful species.
As for all Apistogramma species, for the
well-being of these fishes the water
should have a low pH and the
photo: F.Teigler/ A.C.S. archives
TOP TEN
1
Cyphotilapia frontosa Blue Zaire
2
Herichthys bocourti
3
Cyathopharynx furcifer
4
Apistogramma diplotaenia
5
Apistogramma elizabethae
6 Malawi pike cichlid
Exochochromis anagenys
7
Benthochromis tricoti
8
Vieja regani
9
Vieja argentea
10
Xenotilapia sp.
Aqualog news
NUMBER 32
7
EVERGREENS
Luxuries for the advanced aquarist …
(ugd) … include the dwarf cichlids of the genus Dicrossus, formerly assigned to the genus Crenicara. Four species are
known, two of them scientifically described and two as yet undescribed. All are incredibly beautiful, albeit rather delicate,
aquarium fishes. They require soft, acid, and - and this is very important - germ-free water. They will eat practically any food
suited to their size, but high quality frozen foods should always form a significant part of the diet. These fishes are
polygamous, with a single male assembling his own personal harem of several females. Because these fishes can be very
aggressive among themselves when breeding, the aquarium should not be too small and should be well planted. They are
open-brooders that prefer large plant leaves as spawning sites. Females that have already spawned can be easily
recognised by their brightly coloured pelvic fins, an unmistakeable sign of their ”lost virginity”. Males, with a total length of
about 9 cm, are significantly larger than females, which are often full-grown at 4-5 cm. Part of the substrate should always
be topped with fine sand, as these fishes enjoy sifting for food. Leaving aside the occupational therapy aspect, this is also
beneficial to their health - it has a similar effect to teeth-cleaning in us humans. Maintenance temperature should be
between 22 and 24 °raised to 26-28 °C for breeding.
left: Dicrossus filamentosus (photo: H.-J. Mayland)
Dicrossus sp.„Tapajós“
photo: F. Schäfer/A.C.S. archives
Dicrossus sp.„Rio Negro“
photo: F. Schäfer/A.C.S. archives
right: Dicrossus maculatus (photo: F. Teigler/A.C.S. archives)
Pulcher means ”beautiful”
While the cichlids portrayed on this page are best suited to the advanced aquarist,the mailed catfishes are generally hardy pets. Of
Wild-caught discus - a good
selection currently available
the large number of spceies known,at present a particularly colourful variant of the species Corydoras cf.pulcher is being imported,
its appearance more than justifying its scientific name. This species should always be kept in a group of six or more. The aquarium
Discus are amongst the most commonly cultivated aquarium fishes: every year
substrate should be fine and unabrasive,to avoid damage to their delicate barbels. Water parameters,at least as far as hardness and
a quite incredible variety of new types find their way from hatcheries all over the
pH are concerned, are less important, but even beginners in our wonderful hobby should avoid high levels of nitrite and/or nirate.
world to the aquaria of discus fans. But the wild forms are also often splendid
These fishes require a temperature in the 22-26 °C range, and any of the usual foods available in the hobby will be suitable.
creatures, as impressively demonstrated by the brood-guarding female of the
variety ”Nhamunda Pink”, a form of the brown discus first imported by Aquarium
Glaser. Other varieties being imported at the present time include brown discus
from Santarem, the Rio Cametá, and the Rio Mauxes. Blue types, on the other
hand, are now coming in from the Rio Manacapuru and the Rio Jari, and include
Corydoras cf. pulcher
photo: F. Schäfer/A.C.S. archives
Diese und viele weitere neue Bücher
erscheinen im Mai anläßlich der Interzoo!
Unser Standort: Halle 7, 4-20
Bestellen sie direkt bei der
H. Stallknecht: Lebendgebärende
Zahnkarpfen, ISBN 3-89745-127-1
160 Seiten, ca. 200 Farbabbildungen
diverse Zeichnungen
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192 Seiten, 134 Farbabbildungen, diverse Zeichnungen
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D-49143 Bissendorf
Tel.: 0 54 02 - 88 89
Fax: 0 54 02 - 88 11
e-Mail: [email protected]
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Brown Diskus „Nhamunda Rosé“
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mit Karikaturen und Farbfotos
9,80 DM/72,- öS/
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photo: H. Linke
the so-called ”Royal Blue” and ”Gipsy” varieties, whose bodies are totally covered,
and almost totally covered, with stripes, respectively. Plus the Heckel discus,
which is not rich in colour variants, is currently being imported again, including a
form with a large element of blue.
Aqualog news
8
NUMBER 32
from page 4: Aquatics UK-Style
PLANTS
history of angiosperms and, in some
At the other end of the spectrum, as it
and the theme is either a pre-arranged
cases, even before the diverging into
were, there are the 'National Shows',
one chosen by the federation or
monocotyledons and dicotyledons. It
some of which only admit fish in their
association, e.g. conservation, or is
is difficult to imagine that swamp
main competitions if they have
freely
plants and other amphibious plants
already won either a 'First' in their
themselves. As a result, the diversity of
should not evolve concurrently with
class, or a 'Best in Show' at a
design can be mindblowing and can
terrestrial angiosperms because the
competitive society show judged by
be as varied as a railway engine with
interphase between land and water, in
specially appointed judges who apply
holes cut in its side to display the
many ways, offers the best from each
strict standards devised by one or
tanks, or a model of an auqarist's fish-
environment. Indeed, in the terrestrial
other of the major federations or
house.
environment the plant growth rate is
associations.
It is fair to say that some modern-day
often limited by the water supply.
The 'Nationals' are held in locations as
aquarists would like to see the end of
We can divide the modern aquatic
varied as Weston-super-Mare in the
tableaux; others, however, will defend
compared to the terrestrial environment in which the
plants into two groups: the obligate
southwest of England, Doncaster in
them to the bitter end.
angiosperms presumably evolved.
submerged
Yorkshire,
The adaptation of higher plants
to a life submerged in water
by Ole Pedersen (Tropica Aquarium Plants)
This is a story of success in the plant kingdom; but it is
also the story about the evolution of necessary traits
in the higher plants to conquer the aquatic
environment which offers very different growth conditions
T
photo: TROPICA
and
the
Manchester
in
northwest and Motherwell or another
Obligate submerged plants can not
location in Scotland, and are attended
grow and thrive outside the aquatic
by hobbyists from all over the country.
environment and common example
At these events, not only can visitors
from
most
see some of the best British fish, but
Aponogeton spp. and Cabomba which
they can buy both livestock and
collapse and dry out very fast when
products from the many commercial
removed from the water.
stands that grace these shows, attend
the
aquarium
obligate
are
submerged
plants
by
the
societies
Yet
the
amphibious plants.
The
Amphibious Ranunculus in a Danish stream
plants
chosen
a programme of lectures and enjoy a
commonly inhabit shallow lakes and
whole range of other activities.
streams where they often comprise
At some of these shows, you can still
the dominant flora. In the sea, deeper
see traditional tableaux - a hallmark of
lakes, and large rivers the dominance
the British hobby only rarely seen
of submerged plants have been
outside the country. A tableau is a
greatly reduced during the last
constructed display incorporating
50 years due to eutrophication.
aquaria which contain the fish that are
Free living microscopic algae benefit
being entered in the 'general' section
from the high nutrient levels of
of the competition (there may also be
(thankfully), such is the vigour and
A more traditional British tableau.
photo: J. Dawes
nitrogen and phosphorus and their
a separate, main competition, located
diversity of the UK hobby that, in true
he evolution of angiosperms -
many cases, has lost the visible
biomass greatly reduces the light
elsewhere in the exhibition hall, for
British fashion, the debate, tempered
plants with a seed coat around
connection
which is able to penetrate the water
fish which are already winners of the
with an in-built sense of fair-play and
the seed - on land has been a fulfilled
ancestors.
column and reach the rooted plants
afore-mentioned special competitions
respect for other's opinions, is certain
success. The first evident fossils of
However, our view that aquatic
on the bottom. Amphibious plants, on
run throughout the preceding year).
to take the tableaux debate, along
angiosperms are at least 130 million
angiosperms are an advanced group
the other hand, can thrive and grow
Each
with many other 'hot' issues, well in
years old and during the following 40
evolved directly from land living
for shorter or longer periods even
constructed by an individual society
to
their
land-living
tableau
is
designed
and
the next century.
million years most of the current
modern families within this successful
group evolved. After additionally
20 million years the angiosperms
became quantitatively dominant and
the
dominating
flora,
mainly
consisting of ferns and Cycas-like
forms were replaced by angiosperms.
To day, this plant group dominates the
flora all over the world with a total
300,000. We meet them every day as
trees, bushes and ordinary flowering
A39906-4
plants - even the grass of the lawn
247/217-1
belongs this group of plants.
öJOPEVbfXI
Labidochromis sp.„Albino“
Albino-Labidochromis
Zuchtform aus Taiwan/Breeding form from Taiwan; B; 8 cm
Photo: F. Teigler / Archiv A.C.S.
A small group of angiosperms, which
constitutes less than 5% of all current
species,
has
fully
or
Potamogeton habitat
photo: TROPICA
partially
conquered the aquatic environment.
ancestors is probably wrong. New
when they are not fully submerged.
appeared some 80 million years ago
science
The
and in the meantime they have
Waterlilies and
developed a variety of forms which, in
forms very early in the developmental
The
first
aquatic
angiosperms
actually
places
both
eratophyllum-like
amphibious
plants
often
dominate the vegetation of stream
and
river
banks
but
also
the
submerged vegetation of temporary
streams and lakes often consists of
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amphibious plants. Here the plants are
found partly submerged with the
lower part of the shoot cover by water
and the upper part exposed to the air
Aqualog news – Subscription
for
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Iodotropheus cf. sprengerae „Analspot“; Beachte den Fleck in der
1 A38422-4
Afterflosse / remark the spot in the anal fin
Lake Malawi: exact place of origin unknown; W; 10 cm
2 248/217-2
Photo: E. Schraml
ö
J
O
P
E
V
b
fXI
3
4
These Stickups supplement AQUALOG „African Cichlids I; Malawi/Mbuna”
number of species of more than
or totally submerged during the wet
beginning with issue no.
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season and exposed to air during dry
1
periods.
2
Common
name
examples
from
the
aquarium is the genera of Echinodorus
and Cryptocoryne.
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32
date/signature
May 2000!
Herausgeber:
Ulrich Glaser, sen.
Chefredakteur/Editor: Dipl.-Biol. Frank Schäfer
Redaktionsbeirat:
Dipl.Ing. agr. Gregor Beckmann
Dr. med. vet. Markus Biffar
Ulrich Glaser, sen.
Dipl.-Biol. Uwe Krüger
Translations:
Mary Bailey
Layout:
Bettina Kirsch
Gestaltung:
Gaby Geiß, Büro für Grafik, Ffm
Druck:
Societäts-Druck, Mörfelden-Walldorf
Anzeigendisposition: Verlag A.C.S. GmbH
ISSN 1430-9610
Verlag:
A.C.S. GmbH
Rothwiesenring 5
D - 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf
Redaktionsanschrift:
Verlag A.C.S. GmbH,
Liebigstr.1, 63110 Rodgau
Fax: +49 (0) 6106 - 644692
e-mail: [email protected]
All rights reserved.The publishers do not accept
liability for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.
Articles written by named authors do not necessarily
represent the editor’s opinion.