What's in store - July

Bred from the Green barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus), Gold barbs have long been the bright yellow goldfish-like barbs with a pattern of dark blotches inherited from their ancestors. In the last few years, we’ve seen strains that lack these dark markings and this single fish in the middle of the shot shows a dark bar that used to be characteristic of this form. Liable to nibble plants, these robust fishes are suitable for unheated set ups as well as community tanks where plants aren’t the principal focus. A staple in many stores, these were at our Cirencester branch.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/cyprinids/gold-barb

Heat waves can be a trying time for aquarium keepers, with knock on effects to oxygen levels as temperatures rise and metabolic rates skyrocket. Technology has provided solutions in the shape of chillers and cooling fans but for the original exotic aquarium fish, extreme temperatures are all part of their annual seasonal cycle. Whether the Paradisefish (Macropodus opercularis) was first imported in the 1600s or 1800s is a source of debate but suffice it to say that they remain a future-proof choice as hot summers become the norm. These handsome wildtype fish were seen at our new Gloucester store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/anabantids/paradise-fish

An oddball member of a family known for abundant character, the Midas blenny (Ecsenius midas) spends more time in open water above the reef eating plankton than its algae-browsing kin. This is entirely due to the fact that it mimics Anthias in the wild and as you’d expect, this means it has much lower levels of territorial aggression than other Ecsenius – there’s no point finding shelter in a shoal if you’re driving other fish away. This group were at our Swansea Enterprise Park store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/marine/blennies-gobies/midas-blenny

With the warmth of summer, the Water lilies (Nymphaea) are in full growth and often flowering if they’re mature enough. Throughout our stores you’ll find many varieties and like Dwarf conifers or Japanese Acers, their price tends to vary depending on their growth rate and eventual size. A bargain lily will often be a very vigorous form that will quickly outgrow a small pond and require frequent dividing and repotting to keep it in check. As can be seen from this photo, raindrops will bead off the waxy cuticle of floating leaves and enable the plant to respire. Placing a lily with its leaves submerged or in the constant splash of a fountain will effectively drown the plant.

In the dark depths of our pond vats you might find some shadowy figures. In addition to the brightly coloured Goldfish and Koi, some stores offer a range of species more familiar to anglers – usually thanks to us having a keen angler on the staff! Albino grass carp and even young Barbel are fairly frequently seen but it was the Chub (Squalius cephalus) that caught my eye during a recent visit to Reefkeeper Moss End.