The Black Moor rings in 2019 as January’s Fish of the Month. Originating in China from the early 1700’s, the Black Moor is a popular variety of Carassius auratus AKA goldfish. The breed is black with telescoping eyes and a twin tail. The name is thought to reference the North African Muslim inhabitants of the…
December’s fish of the month is a temperate species, the weather loach (Misgurnus anquillicaudatus). These fish are native to Asia but have become established in Europe, Australia, and North America . Also known as dojo loach, you’ll often find both the regular and gold weather loach in Centreville Aquarium. The weather loach is an incredibly…
November’s fish of the month is a classic, well respected species – The Ram Cichlid. First described in 1948, “Mikrogeophagus ramirezi” is named after Manuel Ramirez, one of the first importers and collectors of the species. The species is naturally found in the soft, warm, and acidic water of the llanos savannahs of Venezuela and…
October’s fish of the month is an odd, often overlooked species – the Hoplo Catfish. Discovered in the 1840’s, this fish may be found labelled under Callichthys or Hoplosternum, though it is currently accepted as a member of Megalechis. There are currently two recognized species of Hoplo cat, M. thoracata, the Marbled Hoplo, and M….
Monte Carlo and Dwarf Sag. This month’s fish of the month isn’t a fish at all, rather the foreground plants ‘Monte Carlo’, (Micranthemum tweediei) and Dwarf Saggitaria. Relatively new to the hobby, Monte Carlo is native to Argentina, and has found huge popularity as an easy to grow carpet plant. Carpeting plants grow dense and…
The July fish of the month is another fantastic Southeast Asian fish; the Pearl Gourami *Trichopodus leerii*. This small but distinctly patterned gourami reaches a maximum size of about four and a half inches, making it perfect for any thirty-plus gallon freshwater tank. As a labryinth fish (meaning they have a rudimentary lung), the most…
The Chinese Algae Eater, *Gyrinocheilus aymonieri*, is a Cypriniforme common to Southeast Asia and found in the Malay Peninsula, Mekong Basin, Mae Klong basin, and the Xe Bang river. G. aymonieri is most often found in large rivers, attached by its suckermouth to flat surfaces to avoid getting swept away by flowing water. In the…
Cory (Corydoras) are a species of armored catfish that thrive in the warm waters of Brazil and other South American countries. They are characterized as a stout catfish with prominent barbs used to sift the river beds of the Amazon in search of various insects and vegetation. These barbels are very sensitive to breaking and…
Planted freshwater aquariums can be very low maintenance and the perfect environment for many of our aquatic pets. There are many different methods and products available to the aquatic plant keeper. No matter the particulars, growing aquarium plants is easy if you follow three golden rules to success. Most importantly, use strong regular light. One…
The Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is a South American cichlid found in the rivers and streams in the southern edge of Central America near Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, but have also been observed in well planted lakes. The Convict is characterized by its dark gray to pinkish color and dark vertical stripes that resemble…
