A few fascinating catfish species are often overlooked due to their lack of movement and the Dwarf anchor catfish (Erethistes jerdoni) is one such fish. A good choice for the nano aquarium, the small size of these fishes makes them compatible with a range of tankmates that prefer cooler conditions. Those proportionately massive pecs give them the alternative common name of Moth catfish, it’s hard to tell whether it’s their colouration or the long periods of stillness that give rise to the other name of Stone catfish! They’re usually a bit busier on the night shift and it’s a good idea to offer new arrivals food at lights out to ensure they can feed when they’re most comfortable. This one was a highlight at the Taunton store recently.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/help-and-advice/freshwater/catfish/dwarf-anchor-catfish/

 

In today’s hobby, corals are arguably easier to keep than fish and those that combine ease of care with bright coloration are the most popular of all. Red mushroom polyps (Discosoma sp.) have been popular with aquarists since the early days of reef keeping and advances in husbandry and technology have now made them easier to keep than ever. Moderate lighting and flow requirements make them a perfect fit for areas that don’t suit more demanding corals, or systems set up for LPS and soft corals. They even do their own propagation and readily divide to form small colonies.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/help-and-advice/marine/soft-corals/mushroom-polyps

 

Not all tetra relatives are compact community fish and there’s plenty of large and assertive members of the family to offer keepers a choice of tankmates that can cope with life in a robust community of species that would consider their smaller relatives as an appetiser. Leporinus sp. Strawberry is an undescribed member of the spotted Leporinus group and these sturdy headstanders enjoy a diet rich in plant matter. They share their relatives attitude and can be a bit much for gentle companions but perfect for large South American cichlids such as Severum and Eartheaters. These were looking good at our Woodcote Green store.

Pencilfishes are a terrific group of tetras that are often overlooked by beginners. Their subtle shades don’t compete in shop tanks next to Neons and Cardinals but they’re fascinating fishes that are perfect for biotope aquaria or as companions for Corydoras or Dwarf cichlids. Many of them naturally live in mixed-species shoals, which can lead to stores having batches that contain a selection. With a shared habit of swimming in a head-up position, these One-lined pencils (Nannostomus unifasciatus) were happily hidden in an equal number of Hockeystick pencils (N.eques) at our Woking branch.

Their care requirements are essentially identical to their close relative and shoalmate: https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/help-and-advice/freshwater/characins/hockeystick-pencilfish

 

As a short-finned form of Ryukin, they may share a tendency to wiggle like a famous Colombian pop diva, but these Sakura Ryukins (Carassius auratus var.) take their name from the Japanese term for cherry blossom. As pedigree fancy goldfish they have a long history of domestication and their partially reflective scales hint at some calico genes that give a similar trait to the more familiar Shubunkin. Like all indoor goldfish, these are big messy fish that require a large well-filtered tank and are as much work as large tropicals to keep. They’re certainly imposing pets and were a standout during a recent visit to our Atherstone store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/help-and-advice/freshwater/coldwater-aquarium-fish/ryukin

 

They might have risen to popularity as algae eaters but it’s clear that the old familiar Bristlenose catfish still has plenty to offer in terms of colour forms as well. This young Snow white Bristlenose (Ancistrus sp.) is the latest development in a trend which started with Blue-eyed gold individuals sold as L144. With a fairly low genetic base, these fish are less hardy than more widespread forms but share all the traits of their kin when it comes to cleaning up and getting on with their neighbours. This particular fish was looking full of promise at our Barnstaple store.

https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/help-and-advice/freshwater/catfish/bristlenose-catfish-/