It’s often said by the breeders that guppies are graceful fish. It’s hard to disagree. (...) What about Poecilia reticulata breeders? They organise spectacular exhibitions and wonderful competitions. (...) Advanced breeders head for something more – they aim at producing new variation. That’s the moment in which numerous questions arise: with which basic colour variation should I breed my guppies in order to produce a new, more attractive fish? That’s when the breeder starts to wonder how and why fabulously coloured guppies are produced. (...) In order to highlight the subject I’ll try to discuss these issues in as simple and cohesive way. I’ll base my discussion on varied literature and my own knowledge. I’ll describe these complicated issues on the example of the most popular aquarium fish, the guppy, which is an unquestionable leader among aquarium fish with the respect to the number of colour variations.
Choszczeński Klub Akwarystyki (aquarium club of the city of Choszczno) - Wojciech Sierakowski;
Aquarium and aquarium fish were of great significance for me in my childhood. (...) Never will I forget my visit in Szczecin – on Odzieżowa Street the Szczeciński Klub Akwarystów (aquarium club of the city of Szczecin) „Molinezja” organised an aquarium market. (...) I felt an idea of founding a club germinating in my mind – a club in which I could learn something, get to know people that were in love with the certain section of the underwater world – aquaria – as much as I was. (...) One day I received a proposal of founding an aquarium club in Choszczeński Dom Kultury (community centre in the city of Choszczno). I didn’t hesitate for a second.
Arapaima – giants from Amazonia - Piotr Pietrzak, Andrzej Kociołkowski, Paweł Zarzyński;
Fish from Arapaima genus are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. The largest scientifically described specimen was 450 cm long and weighed more than 200 kg. However, the experts are convinced that the “monsters” of the length of more than 5 m and weight of as much as 300 kg can be hiding in the inaccessible Amazon waters. With the respect to evolution, they are one of the oldest fish inhabiting South America – these species existed already 100 million years ago, both when the Amazon River – “the queen of the rivers” – didn’t exist yet at all and when it flew to the opposite direction than it flows now – from East to the West. (...) Today Arapaima are scarce already, both in Nature and in aquaria. In this article, we would like to discuss these fish “dinosaurs” and conditions they require when kept in aquarium. The issues are described from the breeder’s point of view.
Sources of infections and prophylaxis of aquarium fish diseases - prof. dr hab. Jerzy Antychowicz;
Learning about the qualities of pathogenic factors, their origins and means of transmission are indispensable prerequisites of proper prophylaxis, that is preventing fish diseases. Viruses, aquatic fungi, bacteria and other parasites are most often associated with pathogenic (etiologic) factors. The diseases they cause are known as infectious or contagious diseases. However, one can’t forget about diseases caused by improper breeding, environmental conditions inappropriate for a given species, incomplete diet or overcrowding the tank.
How do the fish “quarters” look like – a visit in zoo in Poznań - Paweł Domanski;
Aquarium exposition in the zoo in Poznań has a long tradition already. Even the oldest fish wouldn’t be able to recall their ancestors swimming in just a few simple tanks arranged in the same exposition hall in which reptiles were kept. Pavilion in which they are showed today was built eight years ago. (...) Two blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus elanopterus ) were recently introduced to the largest tank in the zoo in Poznań. (...) The example of the shark tank is a good illustration of how some complicated technical problems were solved in the zoo in Poznań. (...) An inquisitive aquarium hobbyist will surely enjoy strolling in the old part of the zoo where by a simple observation of the aquarium arrangement it’s possible to learn how to combine functional design and attractive appearance.
The Art of The Planted Aquarium, Hannover 2009 - Bartłomiej Lipczyński;
After the success in 2008 the organisers have prepared second international competition in aquascaping. The competition took place during Heimtier Messe in Hannover on February 6th - 9th, 2009.
XXIX Wystawa Akwarystyczna (aquarium exhibition) in Warszaw - Paweł Zarzyński;
Haplopelma genus – postcards from Indochina. Review of tarantula and scorpion species. Part 5 - Sebastian Żmudzki;
(...) Primary forests that grow in Indochina were characterised by a high diversity of life forms. Unfortunately, similarly as in case of the most tropical forest environments, it is doubtful that we will ever learn the truth about the species that inhabited it, even in XXth century. (...) Two Haplopelma species described here are very beautiful but dangerous animals. Keeping them in terrarium is not particularly problematic as they feed and grow properly. One has to proceed with extreme caution when handling the animals and by terrarium maintenance. (...) Haplopelma albostriatum, Haplopelma schmidti.
Green iguana. Part II - Witold Borkowski;
In my previous article I have described how our green friends live in nature. It’s time to acquaint the “Naszego Akwarium” readers with conditions that the green lizard has to be provided with in our home terrarium. Many terrarium owners treat green iguanas as a kind of “reptile dog”. They are kept freely at home, without any terrarium. They are allowed to walk around the home, sleep on the couch, bask on the windowsill or the radiator, they eat dog food from the dog bowl etc. Nothing more incorrect and improper could happen to an exotic reptile!
Terrarium market in Warsaw - Grzegorz Porowiński;
Last Saturday in Zespół Szkół Integracjnych (inclusive school) No. 62 in Warsaw the Pierwsza Ogólnopolska Giełda Terrarystyczna (first country-wide terrarium market) took place. One could both look at and buy different species of terrarium animals, equipment, food and beautiful plants. Moreover, one could exchange experiences, learn something new and meet colleagues not only from Warsaw but from all over the Poland.
Like a fish in water – breathing means living - Aleksandra Kwaśniak;
The topic I want to discuss in this part of my articles series is inseparably connected with fish way of living and their environment. Both fish activity and their environment have influenced the demand for oxygen and mechanisms of getting it. Solubility of gasses in water depends on water temperature, salt content and atmospheric pressure. The influence of temperature is easiest to observe, especially on hot summer days. Temperature increase leads to the decreased solubility of gasses (including the life-giving oxygen) in water. Fish search for the better oxygenated water and swim up to the water surface. The respiration increases. (...) Gills, modification in gills, exchanging gasses through the surface of the body, mouth, digestive track, labyrinth, lungs and swimbladder.
Plants in garden ponds. Part II Plants found in marshes, wetlands and on the water basin banks - Hubert Zientek;
Below you will find a list of ten plant species that in my opinion suit the garden pond best. This time I have discussed representatives of plants found in marshes, wetlands and on the water basin banks (bulrush). (...) Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), Alisma parviflora, common arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), water arum (Calla palustris), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), European speedwell (Veronica beccabunga), narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), Muskingum sedge (Carex muskingumensis).
A dilemma: is the snail a pest or an ally? - Andrzej Sieniawski;
Sometimes aquarium hobbyists use snails to eliminate algae in aquaria. Are they suitable for planted aquarium in any circumstances, especially when the tank was arranged in Dutch style? Should snails be kept in one tank with fish?
Malawi – Mix: a decorative tank housing Malawi biotope - Wojciech Sierakowski;
Malawi fanciers “suffer” from a specific “disease”. The longer they own these beautiful fish, the smaller the tanks in which pets are kept seem to them. 112 L aquarium will soon appear to be a water drop and exchanging it with a 240 L tank allows the hobbyist to get rid of the subconscious fear just for a short time and to start dreaming of at least 375 L tank. (...) In my opinion minimal tank from this group of standard tanks is an aquarium of the following dimensions: 200 × 60 × 60 cm (720 litres). A tank of the dimensions of 200 × 80 × 60 cm, that is of 960 L capacity, is even better. (...) I hope this article will help you set and maintain a decorative tank with beautiful mouth-brooders from Lake Malawi. I think that reading the article may turn out to be useful for the more experienced aquarium hobbyists, who want to try to combine groups of mouth-brooders with each other, as well.