Etymology The name Hyphessobrycon is derived from the Ancient Greek words υπελάσσων (hyphesson), meaning ‘of lesser stature’, which is used as a prefix in this case, and the generic name Brycon. Classification Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae Distribution The type locality of H. amandae is the Rio das Mortes, which is located approximately 100 km before its confluence […]
Synonyms Systomus navjotsodhii Tan 2012 Etymology The genus name Puntigrus is a combination of two words: ‘Puntius’, which is a genus of small freshwater fish, and ‘tigrus’, a word invented to resemble the Latin word ‘tigris’, meaning ‘tiger’. This name was chosen due to the distinctive barred coloration pattern that resembles the coat of a tiger […]
Synonyms Puntius pulcher Rendahl 1922; Systomus pulcher (Rendahl 1922) Etymology Puntigrus: formed from part of the generic name Puntius and tigrus, a word created to sound like the Latin word tigris, meaning ‘tiger’, in allusion to the barred colour pattern and the common name ‘tiger barb’ used for some members. pulcher: from the Latin pulcher, meaning ‘beautiful’, presumably in reference to the species’ […]
Synonyms Nannostomus anomalus Steindachner, 1876; Nannostomus aripirangensis Meinken, 1931; Nannostomus simplex Eigenmann, 1909; Nannostomus beckfordi surinami Hoedeman, 1954 Etymology The scientific name “Nannostomus” comes from a combination of two words: “nannus”, which means small in Latin, and “stoma”, which means mouth in Greek. This name refers to the small size of the mouthparts of the fish species belonging to […]
Synonyms Poeciliobrycon erythrurus (Eigenmann, 1909); Poeciliobrycon vittatus Ahl, 1934; Cyprinodon amazona Eigenmann, 1894 (questionable, possibly conspecific with Nannostomus marginatus) Etymology Nannostomus is derived from the Latin word “nannus,” meaning “small,” and the Greek word “stoma,” meaning “mouth,” which alludes to the diminutive mouthparts of the species in this genus. Trifasciatus is composed of the Latin prefix “tri-,” which means “three,” and […]
The Bolivia Cichlid, or Cichlasoma boliviense, is a species of freshwater fish that is native to the Amazon Basin in South America. It is an incredibly fascinating creature, with its vibrant colors and unique characteristics that make it one of the most beloved fish among aquarists. Not only do they possess a captivating appearance, but […]
Classification Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae Distribution Pristella maxillaris, commonly known as the X-ray tetra, is a species of freshwater fish that is native to the coastal waters of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil. Its striking appearance and peaceful nature have made it a popular choice among hobbyists in the aquarium trade. Unfortunately, overfishing and habitat […]
This is the only species in its genus. It is distinguished from other members of the family by its slender body and threadlike fin extensions. Despite its delicate appearance, Threadfin Rainbowfish is relatively hardy. A light-bodied, dark-eyed form (Lutino) is also occasionally available. Rhadinocentrus ornatus (Ornate Rainbowfish)—a slim-bodied species from Queensland and Victoria, Australia—can be easily distinguished from Threadfin Rainbowfish by its long-based anal fin, lack of fin extensions, and blunt snout.
This is a stunningly beautiful fish when in peak condition. In particular, fully mature males exhibit the cherry coloration to perfection. Wild-caught specimens are variable in their coloration, with at least three varieties known from different localities. Virtually all aquarium specimens are now commercially bred, in Sri Lanka or elsewhere. An albino variety is occasionally available.
This is the most widely available and popular of the barbs kept in home aquaria. It has a long aquarium history, having been introduced in the mid- 1930s and has been bred in vast numbers by both aquarists and commercial breeders. Many color varieties are currently available, with new ones continuing to appear from time to time.