Jay Hemdal looks at the Hydrowizard for generating aquarium circulation and flow in large scale public aquarium applications.
Initial Testing of the Hydrowizard
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Freshwater Articles
New Pike Cichlids from Argentina
Several species of pike cichlids from the Río Uruguay drainage in Argentina have begun to be exported in recent years. The most attractive of these, including Crenicichla minuano, C. hadrostigma, C. missioneira, and C. tendybaguassu, started to appear in 2006. Unfortunately, just five years later these lovely fishes had virtually disappeared into oblivion, despite the successful breeding of what was arguably the most interesting species, Crenicichla tendybaguassu (Big Lip Pike Cichlid), by Matthias Kählig in Hannover, Germany.
Licorice Gouramis
All the licorice gouramis of the genus Parosphromenus that are known live in stained blackwaters. Note, however, that blackwaters aren’t really black, but a dark red-brown color, produced in part by peat-like materials but mainly by the decomposing leaves of trees and scrub that grow close to the banks. These dead leaves accumulate in multiple thick layers and release numerous substances, especially humic substances, which prevent any noteworthy population of bacteria in the water. These substances are very important to the health and well-being of the resident fishes, and often even essential for their survival.
Successful Breeding of the Sunshine Pleco
The beautiful Sunshine Pleco is native to the middle and lower Río Xingu. Juveniles and half-grown specimens live in water depths of 3.28–9.8 feet (1–3 m), while adults inhabit the very dark environment of deeper water. To replicate their natural environment, we keep our loricariid catfishes in a darkened room; the only light comes from one open door. Only during daily maintenance and feeding do we turn on a dim light. We are sure that this is a major element in our success, and not just with this particular catfish species. Obviously, it would be impractical for the average aquarist to keep fishes in pitch-dark rooms, but it is worth trying with species that have so far resisted attempts to get them to breed.
Upcoming Article for Amazonas Magazine
Recommended reading list for the article, The Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria, East Africa, by Paul V. Loiselle and Jay Hemdal. AMAZONAS Magazine May/June 2012.
Nikon AW100 Coolpix underwater camera
Jay Hemdal tries out the Nikon AW100 Coolpix underwater camera for aquarium photography.
John G. Shedd Aquarium – Chicago
Jay Hemdal revists the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
2011 Regional Aquatics Workshop and a look back at RAW
Jay Hemdal presents a history of RAW; Regional Aquatics Workshops, an event for public aquarists
Solving the Unknown (time traveler cell phone)
Public Aquarist Jay Hemdal reminds us that sometimes the simplest answer is the best one.
Online Odds and Ends
Public Aquarist Jay Hemdal covers a diverse range of fish health and husbandry topics in this “odds and ends” report.
