Classic Red Oranda - Maidenhead Aquatics - Fish Glossary

Having seen a number of short-finned strains of fancy goldfish around recently, it’s nice to see a classic Red oranda with proportions that add an extra touch of elegance. Although far removed from their fish-shaped ancestors there’s no denying that good fancies certainly have a strong look which comes with increasing size. Rather than being first time pets for children, fancies are big on both charisma and waste production - requiring large aquaria with efficient filtration. Under these circumstances they’ll happily demonstrate why they’ve been popular domesticated pets for hundreds of years. This was one of a batch at our Cwmbran store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/coldwater-aquarium-fish/oranda

Leopard Danio - Maidenhead Aquatics - Fish Glossary

One of the earliest ornamental forms of the familiar Zebra danio (Danio rerio), the Leopard danio has been a popular community fish for a very long time and was described as Brachydanio frankei in 1963, before being recognised as a colour mutation of the zebra danio that can be seen in occasional wild specimens. Together with the spotted pattern, this form carries a golden base colour that is less obvious in the normal fish. Often overlooked in favour of more exotic alternatives, leopards make a great choice for anyone seeking an active shoaling species for a room temperature (or cooler tropical) aquarium. These were looking good at our Bridgnorth branch.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/cyprinids/leopard-danio-

Royal Gramma (Gramma Loreto) - Maidenhead Aquatics - Fish Glossary

It’s quite possible that the Royal gramma (Gramma loreto) might be the perfect marine aquarium fish. With a dazzling purple and yellow colour scheme and a placid disposition, these fish can be kept alongside most non-aggressive fish and inverts – with the possible exception of bite sized shrimp. They can be uncomfortable in very minimalistic aquascapes with strong lighting though and benefit from a rocky cave to call home. This tank bred batch at Reefkeeper Rugby were demonstrating that they can be kept in groups, with the best results coming from a mix of sizes to minimise the squabbling that might otherwise occur as hierarchies and gender are determined.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/marine/dottybacks-grammas/royal-gramma-

Lake Wanam Rainbows (Glossolepis wanamensis) - Maidenhead Aquatics - Fish Glossary

It’s fair to say that the average size of home aquaria has probably come down since the rise of nano tanks in the last couple of decades. This is a bit of a shame for mid-sized species such as these Lake Wanam rainbows (Glossolepis wanamensis) which are best kept as a decent sized group and therefore require a spacious aquarium. When given the space to thrive and interact, males become strikingly gothic fish with deep bodies and exaggerated fins which they use to impress females and intimidate rivals. As an endangered species, the more of these tank-bred fish that find sanctuary in home aquaria, the more secure their species is should the worst happen to their native habitat. This batch were seen at our Stapleton store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/rainbow-fish/lake-wanam-rainbowfish

Red parrots - Maidenhead Aquatics - Fish Glossary

Hybrid cichlids are certainly in the Marmite category but love them or hate them, there’s no denying their popularity. Considering their ancestry, it’s astonishing how many Red parrots (no scientific name) like these at our Cardiff store are swimming around in the company of community fish. Given that a lot of their genes come from Amphilophus species such as Red devil and Midas cichlids, that quirky body shape is probably responsible for preventing them from being too murderous. As with many larger cichlids, the best companions for them will be fast-moving midwater fish capable of out manoeuvring them and not interested in competing for territory such as larger barbs, tetras etc. Quietly away from the spotlight like Danii Minogue or Jim Corr is the real Parrot cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus) an Amazonian beauty which is different from the hybrid parrot in pretty much every way that matters - well worth a Google.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/cichlids/red-parrot-cichlid