Mudskipper

Approx. 3.5" Chinese High Fin Banded Shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) are one of only two known suckers that are found in Asia, the other being the Siberian Cotostomus rotratus. They originate from the highly aerated mountain streams in the Yangtze River of China and despite their size (up to 4’6″ in length) are popular community tank fish. Because of pollution and over collection for the aquarium trade, the Chinese High Fin Banded Shark has been placed on the endangered species list and is a state protected species in China. Juvenile Myxocyprinus asiaticus have light to white bodies with three dark brown to black slanting bands that veer towards the rear of the fish and a high triangular dorsal fin that extends to the rear of the anal fin. Their colors change with their moods and as they grow into adulthood, usually around 12 to 14″ in length, they lose their white stripes and their bodies become more elongated, losing their distinctive high dorsal fin. During the breeding season, adult males can be distinguished from the females by their more reddish coloration. Adult females become almost a dark purple in color and develop a broad vertical reddish area along their bodies. Chinese High Fin Banded Sharks have thick fleshy lips with small papillae and a single row of pharyngeal teeth. They are docile, slow moving bottom dwellers that make perfect community tank residents and although they can be kept as individuals, they are frequently kept in small shoals in an aquarium environment. Because they are slow growing and long lived (up to 25 years) they will eventually require a large aquarium to keep them healthy. Chinese High Fin Banded Shark are best kept in at least a 55 gallon aquarium with a sandy or fine gravel substrate that is densely planted and aquascaped with some driftwood or bogwood, and some rocks if desired. They can tolerate a wide range of temperature variations but because they are subject to abrupt changes in water quality and highly susceptible to nitrates; good aeration, regular partial water changes, and a good filtration system is necessary to keep these fish healthy and happy. In nature, Chinese High Fin Banded Sharks migrate into the relatively fast flowing, shallow headwaters of the Yangtze River to spawn but as of this date, almost nothing is known about the breeding of the Myxocyprinus asiaticus other than it is believed that their breeding habits are similar to that of Cotostomus cotostomus. The Chinese High Fin Banded Shark is easy to feed. In their natural habitat and in the aquarium, they are constantly on the move over the bottom searching for food. They can be fed a variety of foods such as brine shrimp (which makes the orange flecks in the fish’s coloration more pink), live, fresh or frozen bloodworms, tubifex, prawn, earthworms, insects, crustaceans, small molluscs, annelids, algae, along with a quality sinking omnivore pellet or flake. If they should stop eating, it is usually due to water quality. Perform a water change and begin feeding them live foods only until they resume eating normally. Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallon Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Docile Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy Water Conditions: 65-82° F, 36 – 357 ppm, pH 6.0-8.0 Max Size: 4′ 6″ Color Form: Brown, White Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Large community tanks Origin: China Family: Catostomidae Life Span: 25+ years Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Size: Approx. 1" Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Temperament: Peaceful Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 72-78° F, KH 2-12, pH 6.2-7.2 Max. Size: 1.3” Color Form: Black, White Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Great in community tanks Origin: South America Family: Callichthyidae Lifespan: Up to 3 years Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Size: Approx 1-1.5" Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 72-79° F, dKH 2-12, pH 5.8-7.0 Max. Size: 2.5″ Color Form: Golden bronze colour with a large darker stripe running along the sides of the fish. It often has iridescent flecks of green around the head and along the darker stripe Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Community tanks Origin: Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela Family: Callichthyidae Life Span: Up to 10 years Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Approx. 1.5" - 2" The Zebra Loach has its entire body and fins barred with alternating tan and dark brown, to near black stripes. This gives the fish a unique appearance which is prized by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. Like other loaches it has four pairs of barbels protruding from its mouth. Females can be distinguished by their rounder abdomens. Although the Zebra Botia Loach is sometimes thought to be a scaleless fish, they do posess very small scales. Zebra Loaches are active, peaceful, semi aggressive shoaling scavengers that enjoy the company of their own species. Like other loaches that originate from tropical streams, they like to school with others of their own age, size and species. They should be kept in small shoals of 6 or more fish a community aquarium. Zebra Loaches need a fine sandy substrate in their tank which should be densely planted and aquascaped with plenty of smooth rock caves, holes, bogwood (or driftwood) and other hiding places. Their aquarium should be provided with soft, well filtered, slightly acidic, highly oxygenated water, and a moderate current to mimic their natural environment. Zebra Botia Loaches should be fed small portions of food several times during the day. They will accept most brands of sinking catfish pellets and flake foods but they should also be given a variety of frozen and freeze dried foods to supplement their diets. Brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, bloodworms and some fresh vegetable matter like a slice of cucumber will keep them healthy and active. Zebra Loaches will quickly rid your aquarium of unwanted snails that creep into your tank. Because of their small size, unique markings and peaceful disposition; Zebra Botia Loaches or Candystripe Loaches make a perfect choice for most community tank settings. Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful, Semi aggressive Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.0 Maximum size: 4 inches Color Form: Tan Diet: Omnivore Compatibility: Excellent community tank fish Origin: India, Indonesia Family: Cobitidae Life span: 8 – 15 years Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate