Approx. 2" - 2.5"
Glass Catfish lack body pigment and are transparent. They have a slender body, an anal fin that extends almost from the head to the forked caudal fin, two long barbels, and usually only grow to about 3″ in length. Most of their organs are located towards the head and although they are transparent, they have an iridescent rainbow color when the light strikes them at the right angle.
Glass Catfish are a timid, non-aggressive, mid water swimming species that prefer hiding in the darker areas of the river. They are frequently collected while hiding under logs, elevated rock outcroppings, and in the shadows of overhanging vegetation in areas with a good amount of water movement.
In an aquarium environment, they need a densely planted tank with a lot of swimming area, a gentle amount of current, and some driftwood roots for shelter. A generous growth of aquatic plants is imperative to their well being, and floating plants should also be included in their tank to filter out bright lighting. In their natural habitat they are found in small schools, and should be kept with at least 5 or 6 of their own kind in a community tank setting with other peaceful fish of the same size. They do well with the smaller tetras, Corydoras, etc.
Glass catfish are relatively delicate and are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality and pH. They do best in soft (less than 10 ° dGH), slightly acidic (pH 6.5) water, at a temperature around 77 °F. A good quality filter that provides some water movement is necessary for this species.
Glass Catfish in an aquarium environment are reputedly finicky eaters however, they will accept live, frozen, or freeze dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae. They can be weaned to accept flake foods.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-80° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.0
Max. Size: 3″”
Color Form: Clear
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Community
Origin: Thailand
Family: Siluridae
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Size : 1" - 1.2"
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Less hardy than Neon Tetras
Water Conditions: 73-81° F, KH 2-6, pH 5.5-7.5
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Iridescent Blue, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Peaceful, keep with other small tetras
Origin: Farm Raised in Europe, Indigenous to South America
Family: Characidae
Lifespan: Up to 8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Moderate Experience
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-79° F, KH 5-12, pH 5.0-7.0
Max. Size: 3”
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Red, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: OK with small peaceful species
Origin: Venezuela, Columbia
Family: Cichlidae
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Approx. 2.5"
The body of the Dario Botia Loach is tan and black in color, and like other Botia loaches can be identified by their four pairs of barbels protruding from the mouth area. The entire body and fins of this Loach is barred with alternating stripes of both tan and black, which gives the fish its unique look.
The Dario Botia Loach is an active, semi-aggressive, social, bottom dwelling scavenger that enjoys the company of its own species and other semi-aggressive fish. Like some other Loaches, they frequently school with others of their own species, size, and age and in the aquarium should be kept in groups of 4 to 8 fish.
Dario Botia Loaches are inquisitive and seem to enjoy exploring their surroundings. They are shy of bright light, prefer low light conditions and love to hide in caves, holes in banks, plants,driftwood, nooks, and tight crannies, especially when they sleep. They are reclusive during the day and become most active towards dusk.
In the aquarium, be sure to provide Dario Botias with plenty of cover in the form of rocks, wood, flower pots and aquarium ornaments. Natural style arrangements should include a substrate of sand or fine gravel, plenty of smooth water worn rocks, smooth pebbles, and driftwoodroots or branches.
Dario Botia Loaches will squeeze themselves into any tiny gaps or crevices they can find, so items with sharp edges should not be placed in the tank. Any gaps or holes that are small enough for the fish to become trapped in should be filled in with aquarium silicone sealant. Because they are jumpers, a tight fitting cover is a must for these loaches.
Dario Botia Loaches come from streams and require currents in the aquarium. They are intolerant to accumulations of organic wastes and need spotlessly clean water to thrive. A good filtering system and a small power head will achieve the desired well oxygenated water and moderate current conditions they require.
Since Dario Botias are subject to low light conditions in their native habitat, lighting in the aquarium should be relatively subdued. Plants like Microsorum pteropus (Java fern), Taxiphyllum barbieri (‘Java’ moss) or Anubias spp. that grow well in low light conditions, will benefit the fish, and when attached to driftwood or other tank furniture will provide additional shade for the fish.
Dario Botia Loaches will easily adapt to and should only be introduced to stable, biologically mature aquariums. Weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should be considered routine maintenance.
The Dario Botia Loach is a grazer and requires small amounts of food several times a day. Young Dario Botia Loaches will eat most high quality commercially prepared foods but older fish may be more finicky. Feed them a varied diet of freeze dried bloodworms, brine shrimp and a quality flake or pellet food. They relish snails and will feast on them with gusto.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
Max Size: 6″
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Social with peaceful, open water dwelling cyprinids
Origin: India, Bangladesh
Family: Cobitidae
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Size : 1" - 1.2"
Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) are native to the clear water streams of South America. They have an iridescent blue body with bright red tails and when kept in schools of eight or more, create a startling splash of color to any aquarium.
Neon Tetras prefer a setting similar to their natural habitat. A densely planted aquarium that has a few rocks, some driftwood nestled between the plants, some floating plants and plenty of low light areas for the fish to hide in, will keep your Neons healthy and happy.
Neon Tetras have a tendency to swim or remain suspended in the water column in large schools. This trait creates a breathtakingly colorful display in any aquarium.
Neons are peaceful little fish and should be housed with other similar South American tetras of the same size. They belong to the family “Characidae” and thrive in slightly acidic (pH 5.0 to 7.0) water.
Neon Tetras will eagerly accept many small foods such as live brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, tubifexworms, bloodworms, freeze-dried products, micro pellets, and high quality flake foods. Vary their diet to keep them healthy and happy.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 68-77° F, KH 4-8, pH 5.0-7.0
Max. Size: 2″
Color: Iridescent Blue, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Peaceful
Origin: South America, the Paraguay River basin; Rio Taquari, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, and Brazil
Family: Characidae
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner