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What's New? Archives
May 6th, 2008
February 28th, 2008
February 22nd, 2008
February 14th, 2008
January 29th, 2008
January 15th, 2008
January 8th, 2008
January 4th, 2008
2007 Archives
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May 6th, 2008
Good morning!
I received a wonderful order last evening! There are a great deal of highlights, the absolute show stopper though has to be the Paretroplus nourissati. They came in as full size breeders of this very rare cichlid. A very cool new Aulonocara stuartgranti "Makondiwa" came in fully coloured and I was able to get the green face peacock (saulosi) in trios!
Some great size mbuna are in stock, many of which came in holding! The OB yellow chin zebra turns into one of the more spectacular marmalade mbuna of the lake. Males go blue with the blotches and females remain a vibrant orange with the blotches. I also have been able to receive Albino Zebra obliquidens and at a good size, too! Some very healthy Tropheus also arrived.
I will try to get more pictures of the highlights when they manage to get some rest from the shipping.
Cheers,
Spencer
* The AFISHionados are proud to present Ad Konings in Winnipeg May 24th and 25th. We will be handing out a free cichlid press poster to the first fifty guests each day! For more info check out www.asw.ca
*Note we will be closed from May 9th till May 22nd
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Paretroplus nourissati - If not the best looking cichlid, definitely in the top two from Madagascar. The fish came in absolutely fantastic in size and colour, as can be seen here right out of the bag. One of the smaller cichlids from Madagascar, these are pretty much full size and in spawning condition. It is extremely rare that I am ever able to get them at this size and normally all of them are pre-spoken for. This is the first time I have ever had any left available for the list! When calmed down they actually get a lot more orange too! |
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Tropheops macrophthalmus "Albino Red Shoulder" - This little fella turns into a stunning fish. As it gets older, the yellow will go bright red on the shoulders of the males! Tropheops has to be one of the most under-valued genera from Lake Malawi as these are the equivilent to Tropheus for the lake, just without the Tropheus price! |
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Melanochromis vermivorus - Another one in the realm of "Why do we not see this fish more?" The males at this size are just turning over to their adult colours and, as you can see by the picture the fish are even holding at this size!
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Melanochromis baliodigma "Masinje" - A fairly new species that has not been around overly long. They came in far larger than expected and are already mature, ready to go (at least half of the females were holding upon arrival on this one!) Females are not far off the colour scheme of the males. |
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February 28th, 2008
Good evening,
I received a beautiful order from my facilities down south tonight featuring mostly Malawi peacocks. The headliner easily has to be the absolute bomber German reds and the blinding strawberry peacock males. The German reds are among the biggest I have ever seen with at least 5 of the males.
A number of the other Aulonocara are a very nice size with the lemon jakes, mdoka and chiwindi being a bit oversized.
I also have for the first time available young adult Gymnogeophagus sp. Norte with a few of the males pushing near four inch, but most being 3 inch and above.
I failed to mention on the last list that I received albino koi swordtails which I am not a fan of man made fish but I have to admit these are rather cool.
For folks on the list near Toronto wanting to share shipping I am putting together a group order of those who are interested in sharing. Am targeting later next week contact me if you wish to be included.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!
Spencer
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German red peacocks - To say these are show size would be a bit of an understatement. This is not even the largest male. (the strawberries are even more red) |
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Metriaclima sp. long pelvic zebra "Mdoka" - One of the long pelvics this zebra is not only very striking, but is fairly peaceful compared to other mbuna and extremely prolific. pictured is a three inch male. |
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Puntius conchonius - Longfin Rosy Barb (male)
Photo by Gerry Verrier
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Xiphophorus sp. - albino Koi Swordtail, a new colour variant that has recently become available.
Photo by Gerry Verrier
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February 22nd, 2008
Good Afternoon,
I had a very nice African order arrive last night with a number of highlights. The wild Ngara are show stoppers, the wild ethylwynnae are of a very nice size and the maylandi are beyond compare. The highlight is easily the young adult and full adult size of the Tanzanian spilonotus (pictured below) All new fish are indicated in red on the list.
I also received some more copies of Back to Nature Catfish written by David Sands.
Next up are another Malawi order from my facilities and a standard farm order. Early in March I am anticipating a Central American order which is just starting to take shape. There will be a number of very cool almost never seen fish included on that one. All anticipated arrivals are indicated in pink on the list.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cheers,
Spencer
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Altolamprologus compressiceps "Cape Chaitika" - The orange A. compressiceps, the picture actually does not express its colour fully. I may even have some trios available on these this time. |
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Otopharynx lithobates "Red Top" - Some absolute bomber males came in last night full full size and colour. |
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Copadichromis borlyei "Kadango" - The red fin Kadango
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Protomelas sp. spilonotus tanzania "Liluli" - When this fish opens its fins up fully it is a true sight to see. They typically stay closer to the upper regions of the tank and are a very overt member of your aquarium. |
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Aulonocara maylandi - The Sulfur crest peacock, unfortunately the flash drowns out all the black and contrast but they came in excellent shape this time around. I should be able to do the odd trio as well.
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Nimbochromis livingstoni - Some young males in colour arrived last night with nearly perfect fins as you can see.
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February 14th, 2008
Last night I had an absolutely perfect order come in, especially surprising considering how cold it turned later in the day here. Is a great deal of highlights I will try to illustrate a few below.
I have ordered a tremendous amount of Rift Lake cichlids, especially Malawi as you will see indicated by the pink on the list. The wild portion of it should arrive later next week depending on weather with the remaining to arrive shortly there after. I have a number of extremely cool fish coming, including for the first time in over ten years I will have wild caught Ngara stuartgranti, not Mdoka. As well as my all time favorite genus of Lake Malawi Tyrannochromis. In my mind the coolest of all the pursuit predators in the lake. If you would like to place a hold on any incoming fish let me know and I will work out rough estimates of price. Since many are limited I again urge you to state interest so I can be sure to hold it back for you.
Plus another first for me is Dimidiochromis dimideatus a relatively new species from Lake Malawi that looks like the love child of a Rhamphochromis and an eye biter. A very streamlined torpedo fish that also is the smallest member of the genus Dimidiochromis.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!
Spencer
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L14 - In honor of Valentines day I want to remind us all to remember your true loved ones! Love truly is blind. |
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L49 - The leopard pleco. Stays small, is nicer then say a clown pleco and has more pastels in it once it settles in. |
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L66 - The king tiger pleco or network pleco. As shown these fellows came in a very decent size this time around.
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L28 - The angelicus pleco. These darken up substantially when you are not holding them after a long shipment trying to get a picture I assure you. Forms a beautiful contrast between the orange / yellow dots and their body. Again came in larger than normal. |
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L91 - The bloodfin pleco or three beacon pleco is one of my personal favorites. Its very stark contrast between the body and the bright red highlights (will get more pronounced when settled in) makes for a tremendous show piece in the aquarium.
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L160 - The spiny monster pleco (I cant help but giggle to its common name) however it does live up to its name. This photo does not show it but they are absolutely covered head to toe with spines which only become more extreme as they get larger. (one of the main reasons you do not see many of the full grown adults is how impossible they are to ship cause of their spines) A great character pleco that turns into an awesome specimen. |
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L67 - Is a pleco which often does not get enough recognition it is due. they are more vertically compressed and are relatively easy to keep and from a younger age to adults keep a good colour set.
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Acaricthys heckelii - The threadfin Geophagus from Guyana. Pictured is an adult, the ones I receieved today did come in substantially oversized to what was anticipated and are well on their way towards this. These unlike many geophagines are a very fast growing species related to the others. |
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January 29th, 2008
Good evening,
At long last I had a small enough window to ship fish in due to the cold weather in Winnipeg. Even then I had them arrive through a blizzard but everything arrived in very beautiful condition.
Considering how many fish came in it is impossible to do highlights as there really is a tremendous amount. Ones that jump to the top of my head and made me really go wow were of the following...
- More great sized wild Brazilian scalare angelfish
- An awesome Altolamprologus compressiceps from Kagongo
- Some very large and healthy Tanganyikan eels.
- My all time favorite Victorian cichlid Paralabidochromis chromogenys (I know sounds like a bad disease) these guys in now are even over sized for them and just starting to colour out.
- Some great sized Eretmodus
- Very nice sized Copadichromis borlyei "Kadango" the red fin borlyei. (And not juiced ones from Asia that never gain their full potential as adults)
- Dimidiochromis kiwinge one of the all time cool predators of Lake Malawi. Came in far larger than anticipated as well.
- Boulengerochromis microlepsis, the Emperor cichlid. World's largest cichlid. Owning one of these is often compared to owning a dog for their intelligence levels.
- Amphilophus festae, true red terrors from Ecuador. The wild caughts grow up to being arguably the most colourful and striking cichlid on this planet. Is also one of the few which the female is even more colourful then the male by a long shot (and the males are very attractive themselves)
- The very seldom seen Aulonocara kandeensis - the blue orchid. First time I have managed to get wild caughts of them in over 4 years.
If you have any questions whatsoever please do not hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Spencer
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Altolamprologus calvus "Kipili" - Commonly referred to as the Zebra calvus. |
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Altolamprologus compressiceps "Kagongo" - This picture definitely does not do these justice. Their pectoral fins are bright orange on not only males but females. A fairly recent import they also get faint spots like calvus yet are a compressiceps. Came in a very large size too. |
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Aulonocara koningsi "Mbenji" -Formerly known as the Mbenji blue regal these peacocks are very cool not only for their colouration but for the simple fact that the females/ juviniles express a very distinct black bar in their dorsal fin allowing for very easy identification from any other Aulonocara in the lake. Meaning in a pinch you can house together with others and be able to seperate or more importantly their fry can go in with other Aulonocara to raise and be able to identify after who is who.
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Corydoras robinae - These corys for the price are a very nice and striking specimen. |
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Eretmodus cyanostictus "Makombe" - One of the Tanganyikan Gobies, these fish are extremely cool additions to a Tanganyikan tank. Most stay very small and are loaded with a huge amount of personality.
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Chromadotilapia guentheri - The Mouthbrooding kribs, pictured is a female in non breeding dress (When in courtship the belly intensifies and becomes just like the normal krib) very very easy to spawn, and unique for having the male do the majority of the work in regards to mouthbrooding. Very interesting to watch as they form a pair bond during the mouthbrooding and the female remains with the male to aid in raising the fry. |
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L200 - The green phantom pleco. Still to this day for the money is one of the best bets out there for plecos. Not only colourful, they are very easy to keep, even eat a bit of algae and are fairly active through the day.
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L201 - Remains a fairly small size and as you can see pictured are quite striking and adorable. A definite contrast towards its environment when placed in the aquarium. |
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L226 - This fish is very cool in that it is one of the smallest members of the Panaque genus (Same genus that holds Royal Plecos) The ones in now are very near their max size!
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L235 - The flat flyer. A very streamlined pleco a lot alike L52 in body shape, very easy to maintain and quite active in the aquarium.
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January 15th, 2008 |
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Good evening,
I am as you can see running low on fish, however have staged a few orders and am in the process of filling out a few more to arrive by the end of the month hopefully. Some of the fish confirmed to next week sometime are indicated in pink. I have a number of very exciting fish anticipated including at long last the return of the blue orchid peacocks and wild emperor cichlids - easily the closest thing you can have to owning a dog in a cichlid.
There also is a good chance either myself or friends will be in Regina this weekend for their local fish club meeting. If this does go forward of course I will make some space available for bringing fish with us. Should know by Friday for certain. If interested let me know ahead so we can arrange incase I can take advantage of some free shipping.
Had a few new fish this week and have a very few of what to me is one of the coolest none lake fish from Africa in Thorachromis brauschi the blood throats.
I am working on some more wild South Americans before the end of the month as well.
If you have any questions as always please do not hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Spencer
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Thorachromis brauschi "Fwa River" - this is a picture of a younger male, they will actually get even more intense colouration. About the closest thing West Africa has to a firemouth. Plus helps they are absolutely bulletproof and can take about any water condition you throw at them. They stay relatively small as well and are a maternal mouthbrooder. |
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January 8th, 2008
Good afternoon,
Received a very nice wild South American order last night. Fish remaining have a number of cool highlights;
- I received some enormous Corydoras pantanalensis for the first time and very nice sized Corydoras sterbai.
- Probably one of the cooler catfish I have had in a while, some perfect sized sailfin achara loaded with personality and some of the coolest whiskers I have seen (extremely long and spotted!)
- Absolute jumbo ready for show size L102 and L205. The L102s I had no clue they even got that large.
- Some of the largest Black ghost knives I have received, a few pushing a foot long.
- nice healthy motoro stingrays
- Very nice sized and in good condition wild Brazilian angelfish. If you have never had wild angels before they really are a treat as they are far more full of life and vigor with their behaviors. Plus will grow to be a very large size compared to domestic varieties.
- One of my favorite geophagus types Acarichthys heckelii the threadfin geophagus.
- last but not least some big Crenicichla strigata which showed up with far more colour and size then anticipated.
I am finally able to start shipping to hobbyists on Westjet again after the Christmas shipping embargo on live animals starting this weekend.
Cheers,
Spencer
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L052 - The Butterfly pleco. For the money one of the nicest affordable fancy plecos out there. Easy to care for and fairly decent algae eaters in addition. |
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Boehlkea fredcochui - I dare you to say that latin name fast among mixed company. This tetra is often only available seasonally from Guyana. Not often a "food fish" gets my attention but I have always liked this guy and would make for an excellent addition to planted aquariums with its blue shimmer that changes from every angle of viewing.
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L102 - The Snowball pleco. The individuals I have on hand right now are all extremely large in size for the species. Plus a little bit more active and overt then other similar ones.
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L205 - Another tiger pleco type, these guys came in positively large in size for the species.
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Leiarus marmoratus - The Sailfin Achara catfish. My only regret was I did not get more. Gave up taking pictures in the tank cause they wouldn't hold still, however what is so cool is that the spots go through their entire length of the front whiskers which are about 60% as long as their entire body. have a really neat mottled pattern and high dorsal fin (hence the name)
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January 4th, 2008
Good afternoon,
I received a letter perfect order of African cichlids this week. There are a number of highlights, including another great young group of wild C. gibberosa from Kipili (for the money the nicest wild caught frontosa you can get) My favorite Madagascar cichlid came in bigger than expected: Paratroplus menerambo, the pin stripe damba, is the closest thing you will get to a salt water fish in a cichlid.
A number of cool wild caught peacocks came in on this order. I also brought in two very cool Cynotilapia afra, including a new one from Mara which is very different than other C. afra I have had in the past. There are a number of oversized and young breeder featherfins from Lake Tanganyika, more red rainbow Tropheus and some nice sized cherry spots from Bulu point, already coloured.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Cheers,
Spencer
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Altolamprologus compressiceps "Cape Nangu" - Not only did they come in at a great show size, but this new A. compressiceps is easily the blackest of them all and can quickly fool someone to thinking it is black calvus instead of compressiceps. |
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Aulonocara stuartgranti "Undu" - One of the more striking flavescent peacocks of Lake Malawi I have a trio left, including the pictured male.
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Tropheus moori "Kasanga" - The enchanting Red Rainbow Tropheus from Lake Tanganyika. One of the kings of all the Tropheus. The ones I have left are some very over sized F1s.
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