|
What's New? Archives
July 11th, 2009
July 4th, 2009
June 26th, 2009
June 11th, 2009
May 23rd, 2009
April 29th, 2009
April 23rd, 2009
April 2nd, 2009
March 28th, 2009
March 21st, 2009
February 19th, 2009
January 26th, 2009
2008 Archives
2007 Archives
|
July 11th, 2009
Good morning,
We received a few new things this week, featuring primarily on a number of rainbow fish species. Highlights of the new fish this week are:
- Nice sized maccullochi rainbows
- Nice sized long fin white clouds
- Grow out jaguar cichlids
- Nice sized peacock gudgeons
Next up this week we have a number of Tanganyikan orders primarily arriving. We anticipate having all items in pink on the list in the Canadian outlet store by Wednesday. There will be more arriving than indicated.
I am happy to announce that I am moving Hamilton, Ontario into Zone 1 of the Westjet shipping grid. Effective immediately, all fish and plant orders over $600 will receive free Westjet shipping to this destination as well. Also new this week is shipping to Yellowknife on Westjet (Zone 3). Our summer shipping special continues, a flat $50 shipping rate for Zones 1 and 2, plus $5 box charge (Shipping to Zone 1 on orders over $600 is free, for over $1000 box charges are also free). More information on our Westjet shipping zones.
Our Summer BBQ and Open House, featuring guest speaker Dr. Anton Lamboj, is set for this upcoming Thursday. This is also the weigh-in for the fish grow out contest, so it should be good for some laughs as well!
If you have any questions, as always please do not hesitate to ask!
Spencer
|
|
Callochromis melanostigma - one of the smaller sand dwelling species of Lake Tanganyika. Pictured is one of the adult males from our breeders. Young will be arriving later in the week. |
|
top
|
|
July 4th, 2009
Good morning,
With our new facility close to 80% complete, we are now ramping up stock levels. This week, we had a large Rift Lake order and a plant order arrive. As you can tell by the amount of red in the list, there are plenty of new items! The new fish are primarily ones I personally handpicked last week and there are a number of highlights within:
- Enormous show sized peacocks (especially the koningsi)
- A very cool Copadichromis species, C. trewavasae from “Nsisi”
- Great sized Enantiopus
- Both sizes of ahli, males in full colour
- Oh, and those amazing Moba frontosa too!
On the plant, the side highlights are:
- Gigantic ozelot mother pots. One plant would fill a 120 fairly easily. There are at least 150 leaves on each plant!
- Nice-sized Madagascar lace plants
- Huge red wendtii crypts, bursting out of the pots
Very impressive Brazilian pennywort
Our summer BBQ and open house, featuring guest speaker Anton Lamboj from Austria, will be Thursday, July 16th from 4-9PM. This event is free and is open to the public. Our fish growout competition will be weighed in on this day as well.
Flat rate shipping specials are still in effect with Westjet and we have an increased range on the bus available at this time of year .
Cheers,
Spencer
|
|
Thoracochromis brauschi (blood throats) - one of my favorite riverine cichlids from Africa. These guys colour young, are extremely active and are full of personality. I am very happy to have a breeder population of them going now. |
|
|
Leucistic OB red zebra - these differ a bit from the normal ones by the male colouration, which literally glows as adults. The juveniles, in my opinion, are an even more striking orange! |
|
|
top
|
|
June 26th, 2009
As we begin to have more tanks running from our expansion, we are ramping up our stock levels.
I recently returned from spending time down at the farm and surviving a lightning strike, so my mood is clearly “electric” when it comes to the new fish I have hand picked this past week! There are a number of show-sized specimens and hard-to-get species inbound. We should have the remaining fish (in pink on the list) by next Thursday.
In preparation for speaking about Gymnogeophagus at the annual American Cichlid Association convention later in July, I am releasing two more Gymnos from our collections. Both of the new fishes are from the same collection point and are shown below.
The newest edition of the Cichlid News is now in stock.
Our summer shipping specials on Westjet Airlines continue. For zones 1 and 2, we have a flat 50 dollar rate plus 5.00 box charge on all fish and plant orders. We offer free shipping on orders over $600 for zone 1.
Summer BBQ and Open House
- Fish Grow Out Contest weigh in July 16th 4-9PM at the outlet store
- Guest speaker Anton Lamboj will be giving a presentation on the genus Pelvicachromis and related genera
- New fish will be available for the next grow out contest starting that day
- Event is free to attend, even if you did not participate in the last contest
Cheers,
Spencer
|
|
Cyphotilapia gibberosa “Moba” - the magnificient Moba frontosa. Pictured here is one of the males inbound next week. They are coming skewed to females too!
|
|
|
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys “Rio Yi” – This G. gymnogenys, unlike the "Arroyo Yerbalito" we have, is a very striking yellow. The batch that is in now will probably be all that will be available this year as we build up breeders. |
|
|
Gymnogeophagus tiraparae “Rio Yi” – Recently described this spring, this is one of the world’s newest cichlids. Pictured is the adult male at our facilities last week. This fantastic species is a sight to behold as an adult and I am happy to have them available! (There's nothing cooler than being the first kid on the block!) |
|
top
|
|
June 11th, 2009
We received a very nice Rift Lake order this week. The newest items which remain available are indicated in red on the list.
Highlights of the newest fish are:
- Nice sized wild inkfin calvus
- Very nice mbuna Metriaclima sp. Msobo “Tumbi”
- Very nice sized Melanochromis labrosus (which is easily one of the slowest growing mbuna out there!)
We will not be shipping from June 18th till 24th as a heads up. We will be available for local pick up only during this time.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!
Spencer
|
|
|
Altolamprologus calvus “Ink Fin” - As you can see, these came in quite nice size. Even the females are a decent size! |
|
|
Cyphotilapia gibberosa “Karema” – Even when they are small, they are good looking. When they get big, they are spectacular. Everything you want in a frontosa: full blue colour and big personality! |
|
|
Eretmodus sp. "Kekese" – These guys came in with great size and great colour! |
|
|
top
|
|
May 23rd, 2009
Good evening,
We received a very large order of Malaysian driftwood this week with a tremendous amount of very cool show pieces. Quantity discounts are available on large orders.
We also received some more fish this week, highlights of which are some more very nice Synodontis, nice sized hoplos, enormous emperor tetras, a couple of cool nano rasbora species and a very cool new danio among others. New items are indicated in red on the list.
We are currently in full swing on our renovation and expansion and will be open throughout. We should have over 4500 more gallons running next month with the expansion, furthering our stocklists. Our summer shipping sale continues with Westjet Airlines, ask for more info.
Cheers,
Spencer
|
|
Small size Malaysian driftwood
(Hydro-Pro IV sponge for scale) |
|
|
Medium size Malaysian driftwood
(Hydro-Pro IV sponge for scale) |
|
|
Large size Malaysian driftwood
(Hydro-Pro IV sponge for scale) |
|
|
XL size Malaysian driftwood
(Hydro-Pro IV sponge for scale) |
|
|
XXL size Malaysian driftwood
(Hydro-Pro IV sponge for scale) |
|
|
Show size Malaysian driftwood
(Hydro-Pro IV sponge for scale) |
|
|
Landscape size Malaysian driftwood
(Hydro-Pro IV sponge for scale) |
|
top
|
|
| |
|
April 29th, 2009
Good morning,
I received a couple of orders last night filled with a tremendous amount of cool species. A small amount of highlights are:
- Show sized Aulonocara
- The ultra cool L114 – the Leopard red cactus pleco
- Royal Tefe Green discus
- The Malawi barracuda at about the lowest price possible
- Hassar richter, one of the lesser seen fish out of Guyana; very much like a smaller niger catfish!
- Nimbochromis linni, easily the coolest member of this genus. These should be the last ones I get for a while, as they are being reset for breeding.
We also are fully restocked on ATI Hydro-sponges and coarse Hydro-sponge Pro’s.
Next up should be a mountain of driftwood.
Again a reminder of our current shipping special for Zone 2 on our WestJet shipping grid. 50 dollar shipping, unlimited quantity!
Cheers,
Spencer
|
|
Pimelodus blochii – the Fourline pimelodela, a very cool alternative to pictus cats. |
|
|
Copadichromis azureus - We received a bunch of full sized, full colour specimens! The females are the biggest I have ever seen, considerably larger than even this male. |
|
|
Pseudohemiodon aphithanos – the Skunk Chameleon whiptail. Easily the most stunning of all whiptails, one ofthe most fantastic of all catfish out there. I can not often get these in! |
|
|
Crenicichla lenticulata – Once settled in, these beauties turn into one of the most fantastic pike cichlids out there! |
|
|
top
|
|
April 23rd, 2009
Good evening,
I have received a number of new things and with all the festivities around the Ingo Seidel weekend this is the first chance I have had to send an updated list.
Newest items are indicated below in red. We are anticipating at least two orders next week, the fish listed are in pink. Everything should be in by Thursday except for the Central Americans which may be delayed a bit further. There is a number of very cool catfish due in next week among so many more species.
Effective immediately we will be holding a sale on our shipping for folks in Zone 2 of our Westjet grid. We charge you 50 dollars for shipping whether it be for 1 box or 40 boxes (dry goods excluded, this offer is just for fish and plants). To find out which towns fall into Zone 2 please check out our shipping grid.
Lastly I will be speaking in Halifax, NS this Saturday for those in the neighborhood and want to drop in, can find more info at the East Coast Aquarium Society's web site.
Cheers,
Spencer
|
|
Aulonocara saulosi – The Green face peacock is a cool one as the males really show no territory to one another and you can have multiple males together in full colour. |
|
|
Tateurndina ocellicauda – One of my old favorites for a small fish, the peacock gudgeon. |
|
|
top
|
|
April 2nd, 2009
Good afternoon,
New this week are a few dry goods -notably, more of the Rena Smart Heaters. We also received a very nice South American order. Highlights of the new fish remaining are:
- Very nice sized L91, L240, L200s
- Big Emperor tetras and Kitty tetras
- More of the spectacular Red Spot Guyana angels
- The cool blue whale catfish
- A neat catfish, Brachyrhamdia meesi
A reminder again of the Ingo Seidel weekend we are sponsoring in Winnipeg, April 17-19. All out of province guests attending will be eligible for a special discount at the outlet store on the 17 and 18th. Contact me directly for more information.
Cheers,
Spencer |
|
L240 – the ever-cool Toothnose Sailfin pleco |
|
|
L243 – Wormline Peckoltia. A very cool little guy. When he settles in, he goes even more orange! |
|
|
top
|
|
March 28th, 2009
Good evening,
We received a couple of orders this week, including a new Tanganyikan and a larger aquatic plant order.
Highlights of the orders are…
- Very nice sized frontosa
- More grow out Otopharynx decorus (a very cool Malawi cichlid)
- Aponogeton boivinianus plants, close to 4 feet long at times!
- A number of very cool driftwood specimens with plant species attached
- More awesome Anubias barteri var. 'Round Leaf' mother pots
- A number of very cool bunch plants
- Very healthy foreground plants, many of which are blooming (Glossostigma & dwarf hair grasses)
Next up is a South American order. I am anticipating having it ready for Wednesday. Species anticipated are indicated in pink on the list.
I have confirmed that Ingo Seidel will not be traveling to Winnipeg with the English version of his book. I will make it available for those who are planning to come to the big event April 17-19th and wish to have him sign a copy. If it is ordered prior to Wednesday, the cost of the book will be no more than $37 (may be less). At the meeting, I expect the book to be $40 plus tax, if any copies are remaining.
In the outlet store, I will have a number of dry good items by Wednesday at the latest.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
Spencer
|
|
Anubias barteri var 'coffeefolia' on driftwood |
|
|
Anubias hastifolia on driftwood |
|
|
Nesaea pedicellata 'Golden' |
|
|
Gymnogeophagus gymnogenys “Rio Yi” - This beauty has been sent to my breeding program - we should have results later this fall. The best part about this one is that it was caught on the Rio Yi, near the town of “Peach”! I love Uruguay, it is the only country in the world where you can say you life is peachy and mean it! |
|
|
Hypostomus sp. - At long last, we were finally able to collect a number of small enough individuals of Hypostomus species to transport enough and place them into a breeding program. I am hopeful to see results from this species in a year or so. |
|
|
Characidium sp. - I have been chasing this Characidium for a few collecting trips, first battling with finding a farmer who was interested in farming it, then having a mishap with the collected ones on the previous year! I think finally this year we were successful in getting them into the breeding operation and I am very hopeful to see results from these later in the year! It is such a fantastic fish! (It takes a lot for me to say that about some characin!) |
|
|
Echinodorus 'Indian Red' - Indian Red Sword. The picture does not do it justice, but all of the new leaves come out bright red! |
|
|
Last but not least a Happy Birthday wish to one of my main helpers and partners in crime, John “Elvis” Sabo. Keep the dream alive! |
|
|
top
|
|
March 21st, 2009
Good Morning,
I am back from a very successful trip to Uruguay. We successfully got at least 18 new species of fish collected to our facilities in Florida and I am hoping later this year to see some results from the collection. Once settled back in, I will try to get a few more shots out.
I handpicked a number of central Americans and Tanganyikans that arrived with me yesterday. They are indicated in red on the list. I know that they have a great size throughout - I caught them!
I will be traveling to Calgary on Sunday and will have free shipping available on a first come, first served basis for areas between here and Calgary. Contact me directly if you are interested and I can indicate times we will be through each town. (Regina area will be very late Sunday night drop off).
I will be shipping next on Wednesday and for the remainder of the week. I am anticipating, at the very least, a big plant order next week and hopefully at least one more fish order. I should be back up to full stock levels shortly.
I will now be carrying Cichlid News Magazines, on a limited quantity per edition basis. The most recent one is now in stock.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
Spencer
|
|
Jenynsia onca - A cool livebearer I brought back from Uruguay |
|
top
|
|
February 19th, 2009
Good afternoon,
In conjunction with our fifth anniversary we will be offering free shipping across the board on Westjet Airlines for all orders over $500 for all airports but Newfoundland. Orders over $800 will receive free box charge and heat packs on top of free shipping. Newfoundland you pay the first box we pay the rest. Offer will go from February 23rd until March 2nd. We will not be shipping fish from March 3rd until March 20th.
Highlights this week are:
- The stunning Crenicichla lenticulata
- Huge and grow out Gymnogeophagus
- Nice sized Tefe Green discus
- A number of nice sized Malawian cichlids
Our newest items are indicated in Red on the list.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!
Spencer
|
|
L200 - Green Phantom Pleco |
|
top
|
|
January 26th, 2009
Good Afternoon,
Our most current expansion is nearing completion and I am working hard towards filling all the new tanks. This week I am anticipating a new plant order and it looks like an African order including a number of cool fish. (indicated in pink on the list, wild frontosa will be a couple weeks behind but a heads up)
Please note our new policy change effective immediately that all invoices not paid within 30 days will be assessed 2% per month interest.
The aFISHionados is turning 5 years old this coming month and we have a number of celebrations planned. Friday February 13th will kick it off and let me be the first to announce our first ever....
Be sure to check the website for exact details as we get closer for additional information on discounts and sales. For example: come in wearing a cape, with a guitar and a tune, sequined shirts or sporting some killer sideburns and you will be set! I guarantee it will be a hoot that evening!
That weekend we are also fortunate enough to have my good friend Charley Grimes in speaking for the Aquarium Society of Winnipeg. As some of you know, Charley will be speaking at the outlet store Saturday evening, February 14th (Yes, Valentines day.... I call it the lonely guy's meeting!) This event is only open to valid aquarium society members and spouses / dates. If you are not a member yet and want to come I am sure they would be happy to hook you up with a membership. Charley is one of the most humerous and knowledgeable speakers in the fish hobby and I know it will be a great time. Folks who convince their significant other that spending Valentines evening at a fish warehouse listening to a guy talk about dead fish will forever have my respect!
Spence
A few shots from some of the fish in right now....
|
|
|
Benjamin's Wood Cat - Rather cool little fish. The longer whiskers are kept tight to the fish's body and only brought out when actively searching for food! While against the body they are very difficult to see! Unlike many other wood cats, this little fella is extremely active and even schools! |
|
 |
Hemigrammus hyanuary - The Neon Costello tetra |
|
 |
Hemigrammus robertsi - Robert's tetra
|
|
 |
Hemigrammus rubrostigma - Bleeding Heart Tetras |
|
top
|
|
