Some of the aquarium breeders, especially those, who keep many valuable fish, make use of services rendered by specialized laboratories that diagnose disease causes and advise on treatment. (...) First and foremost, a direct microscopic examination is conducted. It is aimed at finding endo- and exoparasites, some of the bacteria and pathologic changes in gills and internal organs. (...) Laboratories specializing in ichthyopathology located in Zakłady Higieny Weterynaryjnej (veterinary hygiene institution) and at the universities of veterinary and fishery sciences deal with diagnosis of food industry fish, mainly trout and carp, but also with diagnosing aquarium fish diseases. (...) How to deliver samples for an examination.
Like a fish in water – how to overcome the Earth’s gravity - dr inż. Aleksandra Kwaśniak;
In the previous article of the series I have discusses the issues of fish adaptation to moving in water. However, the phenomenon of swimming is not only determined by fish’s muscles, fins and body shape, but often also by the so called natural buoyancy. (...) Fish that live in water depths have to deal with Earth’s gravity and that results in additional energy expenditure. Different species live in different layers of water and have to find shelter, food, spawning place etc there. They are not necessarily interested in sinking. They had to develop mechanisms that allow for overcoming the force of gravity without excessive energy expenditure. This natural economics led to developing four interesting methods, used alone or in combination.
All are gobies yet they are not the same - Part II Gobies of Brachygobius genus - dr Hubert Zientek;
Gobies of Brachygobius genus, formerly almost unknown, currently are more and more often found in our tanks. I regularly see them in many zoological shops. The best known species are: golden-banded goby (Brachygobius nunus), bumblebee goby (Brachygobius xanthozonus) and Brachygobius aggregatus. Gobies are characterized by fused pelvic fins that form a disc-shaped sucker – they use it to adhere to the substrate.
AMANO – Polish tank photos sent for a competition in 2008;
AQUA DESIGN AMANO (ADA) is pleased to announce our 9th International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest (IAPLC) to be held in 2009.
Bolivian ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) – colourful small cichlids - Radosław Bednarczuk;
The attractive coloration, small size and characteristic shape : that’s how a popular Bolivian ram looks like. It’s a popular fish recommended for community aquaria due to its personality. (...) These cichlids are found in Bolivia and Brazil. It has been recorded that they are distributed in tributaries of the upper part of Madeira river. (...) Due to their docile character they are perfect tankmates in community tanks. They can be easily recommended for beginners in the hobby interested in South-American cichlids.
Moroccan spring - Sebastian Żmudzki;
(...) Morocco is located in the northern part of Africa, between Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, bordering with Sahara in the South. It is a unique land, a natural and cultural mosaic. Its area encompasses numerous biomes and ecosystems. It is characterized by diversified topography – high mountains reaching 4167 AMSL (Jebel Toubkal), deep valleys, ocean coasts, coastal lakes and salty swamps, as well as the desert. All this contributes to the spectacular beauty of this contrast-rich and colourful land. In just one day you can travel from the snow-covered Atlas mountains to the Sun-burned hamada with the temperature of 50°C.
Study of the tarantula and scorpion species. Part 5 – African hunters - Sebastian Żmudzki;
(...) Tropical, humid forests of the western part of Africa that cover the region of the Gulf of Guinea remind of the scenery of our planet that probably could be observed before millions of years. A tangle of leaves, trunks, lianas, moss and lichens, high temperature and humidity as well as marshy areas remind of forests of the Carboniferous period. This is the environment, in which members of the not too numerous Stromatopelminae subfamily live in. Currently science knows of three genera covered by this taxon: Encyocratella (Xenodendrophila), Heteroscodra, Stromatopelma.
When the snake doesn’t eat. Short study of reptile anorexia. Part II - Witold Borkowski;
In the previous article I have presented the readers of „Nasze Akwarium” numerous external causes that can lead to anorexia in reptiles. (...) In this part of the study I will discuss internal causes that cause lack of appetite in the animal. One of the most common situations in which our reptile pet can deny feeding is the period short after winter-season hibernation. (...) Anorexia of pregnant females should be treated as „physiological” feeding denial. (...) A foreign body stuck in the digestive track is a relatively often cause of reptile anorexia. (...) Sometimes a reptile displays anorexia symptoms that are the only indication of a disease striking the organism. (...) Wounds or resulting body deformity can also lead to anorexia.
Petrochromis sp. „Moshi Yellow” – beautiful fish with difficult temperament - Bernard Chazan;
Hereby i would like to share my view resulting from observation of fish of Petrochromis genus, P. sp. „Moshi Yellow”. I would also like to encourage people interested in facing the challenge of keeping the fish. It is being rumoured that due to its character the fish prevents success in breeding as well as having satisfaction from this aspect of the aquarium hobby.
The Art of The Planted Aquarium, Hannover 2009 - Bartłomiej Lipczyński;
After achieving a huge success in 2008, the second international competition in aquascaping is being organised. The competition will take place during „Heimtier Messe“ fairs in Hannover, on February, 6th – 9th 2009. Additionally a competition of Nano Aquaria will take place.
Polski Klub Miłośników Dyskowców (Polish discus club) in Hayling Island in Great Britain - Andrzej Sieniawski;
In August 2008 Mr. Dougall on behalf of United Kingdom Discus Association (UKDA) and UK Discus Club (UKDC) officialy invited the board of Polski Klub Miłośników Dyskowców to 4th UK Discus Championships. They took place in Great Britain on October, 11th – 12th, 2008.
NANOcontest;
Rheophiles - river at home - Marcin Szmel;
Rheophiles are fish species that prefer to live in fast moving waters – streams, rivers and channels. Their lives are closely connected with the fast flowing water areas. The term covers taxa that have found their niche in strong current environment, bearing all the consequences of trophic adaptation, breeding strategies or striking body shape. They are practically addicted to strong currents, they are able to bear them, overcome them and use them to their advantage.
Sulawesi shrimps - endemic beauties - Paweł Szewczak;
Sulawesi shrimps make a breath-taking career in aquarium hobby. On one hand they are charming and subtle but on the other hand they are indecently beautiful. (...) Caridina sp. „Cardinal” shrimp found in Lake Matano reminds of a miniature version of marine Lysmata debelius. The crustacean is predominantly active in the evening and during the night. A group of a dozen or few dozens blood-red shrimps dotted with intensive blue spots that quickly move their shining white legs when looking for food among rocks and in the sand is a fascinating view.
Pseudotropheus elongatus - Wojciech Sierakowski, Mariusz Suwalski;
Pseudotropheus elongatus, described by G. Fryer in 1956 is one of the most diversified mbuna cichlid species from Lake Malawi. The size of the basin it naturally lives in led to developing numerous variations endemic to different parts of the lake – they differ in coloration and nutritional preferences. „Aqua Lex” by Andreas Spreinat, one of the most comprehensive work that catalogues species and variations of fish from Lake Malawi quotes as much as twenty four variations of the fish. (...) Pseudotropheus sp. „elongatus Mpanga” is one of the smallest representatives of the varied group covering members of the species.