In reflected light the sides of the body—particularly in males that are in peak condition—are silvery blue and divided longitudinally by a dark stripe. The caudal fin is thinly edged in gold, while the other fins are orange-brown with some blue speckling. These colors are only really apparent under ideal aquarium conditions.
Sea horses are among the most instantly recognizable and fascinating of all marine fish. Less well known, however, are their elongated relatives called pipefish.
[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – David Alderton (Photo by Max Gibbs)
Mudskippers are notoriously difficult to maintain in captivity because of the demands they place on the aquarist. Species imported include Periophthalmus barbarus, Periophthalmus catonensis, and Periophthalmus kaelreukeri, but these names are often confused-and identification is uncertain.
The water of the East African lakes is generally hard and alkaline, although actual conditions vary from lake to lake. Lake Victoria is only moderately hard with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; water clarity is poor and quality unexceptional.
[Ebook] The New Guide to Aquarium Fish – A comprehensive and authoritative guide to tropical freshwater, brackish, and marine fishes – Mary Bailey – Gina Sandford