Orangeback fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis) - Marine Fish

With dazzling colours and interesting behaviours, Fairy wrasses are a gift to the reef keeper. This Orangeback fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis) will add a touch of glamour and spend most of its time in open water. Males aggregate to display together, so in a large enough tank a group (5 or more) can be kept and they’ll compete to outshine one another.  This one was seen at our Cwmbran store.

Pretty Tetra- Maidenhead Aquatics Freshwater Fish Databank

Common names were probably easier to come up with back in the days when fish diversity was lower in the hobby. It certainly doesn’t narrow things down much to refer to a Pretty tetra, but this Amazonian beauty has been swimming in our tanks for decades. Recent taxonomic work has changed a longstanding binomial and now this fish is known scientifically as Holopristis pulchra. This beautiful batch are some of the most striking that I’ve seen and are perfect for a community set up, being peaceful and deep-bodied enough to avoid being eaten by tankmates that might regard smaller tetras as a snack. This batch were seen at our Cirencester store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/characins/pretty-tetra-

Zebra loach (Botia striata) - Maidenhead Aquatics Freshwater Fish Databank

Loaches have long been popular choices for controlling nuisance snails and some species are definitely a mixed blessing in a community aquarium. Clown loaches are gorgeous but outgrow small tanks, Tiger and Skunk loaches are bullies that seem to have an appetite for fisheyes, but the Zebra loach (Botia striata) combines good looks and a modest size with a peaceful nature. Like their relatives they’re best kept as a group – think of them like barbs that sink and don’t be too alarmed if you see them lying on their sides. This batch were at our Leicester store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/cyprinids/zebra-loach-candystripe-loach-

Shusui Pond Koi Fish - Freshwater Databank

The recent sunshine (and occasional snow!) has given us a taste of spring and our more dedicated koi stores such as Wenvoe are seeing the arrival of high-grade Japanese fish. These are no blind dates though, as we get to see photos and video of these pedigree beauties before they leave the farm. These gorgeous Shusui are just some of the many fish that will be heading to our stores. Some have even been hand-picked by staff visiting Japanese breeders in person. As well as appearing in store, some of them will be highlighted on our Koikeeper website.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/pond-fish/koi

albino Panda cory (Hoplisoma panda) - Freshwater Fish Databank

With aquarium popularity comes selective breeding, and albinos are a fairly frequent occurrence when a species in captive bred in quantity. Albino corys are a familiar sight but this one might be harder to identify, although a slight patch of iridescence at the base of the tail provides a hint – this is an albino Panda cory (Hoplisoma panda). Just like their normally coloured kin, these are shoaling fish perfect for a community aquarium with a sandy substrate and a moderate temperature.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/catfish/panda-cory

the Lyretail killifish (Aphyosemion australe) - Freshwater Fish Databank

The gold form may be more familiar, but it’s good to see specimens of the Lyretail killifish (Aphyosemion australe) that are closer to the wild form, such as these Chocolate strain fish. Aphyosemions are non-annual killies that are very nearly community fish and can be kept alongside suitably chosen tankmates in the right set up. They spawn very readily and make a great breeding project for hobbyists that are looking for the next step up from livebearers. These were one of several species of killies seen at our Weybridge store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/killifish/lyretail-killifish