Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Fairy shrimps (spring gillfoot) Fairy shrimps (spring gillfoot) are very common. Fairy shrimps are gilled crustaceans that have been found on our planet since prehistoric times in salt lakes, drying waters or polar waters.Only animals from Asia or America that live in a water temperature of 20-30°C are suitable for keeping in an aquarium. These species (Branchinella thailandensis and Dendrocephalus brasiliensis) live in waters that regularly dry out and are only filled with rainwater. The water is therefore very soft. Appearance The animals have 11 pairs of leaf feet. These leaf-shaped limbs serve not only for locomotion but also for breathing – which has led to the term "gilled-foot crustacean". There are sometimes minor differences in colour. They are found in colours ranging from orange to reddish-brown and may have greenish to bluish hues at the joints and at the boundaries of the segments.Both sexes have two short thread-like antennae. However, another pair of antennae differ in both shape and according to sex. Males have lobe-shaped appendages that can be curled up. Adult females are mainly distinguished by the ventrally located brood sacs, which are filled with eggs, and the ends of the female's tail are translucently light. Systematics Phylum: Arthropoda / ArthropodsSubphylum: Crustacea / CrustaceansClass: Anostraca – Gill-feetFamily: BranchipodidaeGenus: Branchipus / Eubranchipus /Tanymastix etc. Care Depending on the species, fairy shrimps live for 6-12 weeks and the size of adult animals varies from 1-3cm.Can Triops and fairy shrimps be kept together?yes, they can Aquarium size: Initially, a Faunarium box size 230 x 155 x 170 mm is quite sufficient From a body length of 1.5cm, they can be gradually accustomed to larger tanks Basic lighting: Sunlight or aquarium lighting is sufficientAeration: An air pump with a stone and very little air flow is sufficient for keepingSetup:Only water and breeding substrate in the breeding/starting container. A little fine aquarium sand can be used as substrate (but this is not absolutely necessary)Decorations can be used, but are only for our eyes and not of importance to the fairy shrimps.Fairy shrimps are free-swimmers – so they need enough free swimming space in the breeding container.If the animals swim around freely, you can also add a little aquarium moss to the water. To ensure the water is soft, it is best to use 2/3 distilled water and 1/3 mineral water (non-carbonated).Water temperature: Fluctuations in temperature of +/- 5° C are not dramatic.The ideal breeding temperature is 26°.Start:The larvae only hatch when they are completely surrounded by water. Therefore, place the eggs on adhesive tape and then put this in the water – so the eggs are not washed to the edge and always remain in contact with water.After 1-3 days the larvae hatch. The larvae grow quickly and can reach sexual maturity after up to 40 moults in one to two weeks. The males hold the females with their jaw pincers shortly before and also during mating. After mating, the eggs develop in the egg sacs on the females’ abdomens. They fall to the bottom of the water and can survive for several years of prolonged drought in the substrate.When the fairy shrimps have died, the water can be drained off and the substrate with the eggs left completely dry. The larvae can only hatch again if the eggs were completely dry.Once this is dried out, a new batch can be started.If no substrate is used, you can also siphon off the eggs with a thin hose. Let the water containing the eggs run through a fine net or a coffee filter – this way you can collect the eggs.Important: The animals do not tolerate large water changes. If fairy shrimps are to be moved to a larger home, it is best to place the animals together with the breeding water into the new home or tank and slowly fill up the container with conditioned tap water. Feeding The larvae are fed from the 3rd day after hatching.The larvae can be fed with algae powder or JBL Artemio fluid. For all animal husbandry: Children must be guided, supervised and monitored by their parents. Children must learn that an animal has its own needs and habits and they must respect this. Parents should be aware that they are responsible for the animal. For questions and problems our trained team at Zoo Roco is at your disposal. They can advise you professionally on all matters.

Area of origin: Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra; in rivers densely overgrown with plants Social behaviour: Very peaceful, but two males can often fight each other. Keeping conditions: Water level from approx. 30 cm, provide hiding places on the water surface (floating ferns). Do not keep with rowdy fish (e.g. cichlids), T. leeri then loses its magnificent colours and stands shyly in a corner, indeed, does not dare to eat. The room temperature should be above 20-22° C, otherwise the fish will catch a cold easily and become ill Breeding: Lower the water level to approx. 12 cm. A large foam nest is built between aquatic plants and is well guarded by the male after spawning. The male does not drive the female away as brusquely as other labyrinth fish species.Foam nest Special features: Very persistent, the hardiest of the labyrinthine fish next to the blue gourami. Lives for about 8 years. Source: Mergus Atlas Volume 1Our trained team is available to assist you with any questions or issues at Zoo Roco. They can provide you with expert advice on all matters.

Herkunftsgebiet: In zahlreichen Lokalformen vom nördlichsten Südamerika über das gesamte Mittelamerika der atlantischen Abdachung bis zum Süden Nordamerikas  Soziales Verhalten: Sehr friedlich, guter Algenfresser. Im Gesellschaftsaquarium nicht sehr ausdauernd, da Zuchtformen leicht kränkeln Hälterungsbedingungen: Die Zuchtform Black Molly ist wärmebedürftig (26 - 30°C); die Wildform verträgt Temperaturen ab 18° C. Becken mit schnellwüchsigen Pflanzen und viel Oberflächenbewuchs ausstatten. Verstecke bieten. Etwas Salzzugabe (0,1 %). pH-Wert 7,5 - 8,2; Härte 11 -3O°dGH. Zucht: Sehr vermehrungsfreudige Art. Von schwarzen Eltern kann man leicht gescheckte Junge bekommen. Zuchtformen: Leierschwanz, Mondmolly, Fahnenmolly.Tragzeit: 30-40 Tage Besonderheiten: Black Mollies werden nicht sehr alt, die Zuchtformen meist nicht mehr als drei Jahre. Die starke Variationsbreite dieser Art hat zu der grossen Zahl der Synonyma geführt.Quellennachweis: Mergus Atlas Band 1Für Fragen und Probleme steht Ihnen unser ausgebildetes Team im Zoo Roco zur Verfügung. Es kann Sie in allen Fragen fachgerecht beraten.

Herkunftsgebiet: Zuflüsse des Amazonas, schnellfliessende klare Bäche Soziales Verhalten: Friedliche Art, die für große Gesellschaftsaquarien geeignet ist Hälterungsbedingungen: Bevorzugt grosse, klare Becken, sauerstoffreich und mit grossen Wurzeln als dunkle Rastplätze ausgestattet. Hier, gegen das Licht geschützt, verbringen die Welse den größten Teil des Tages bewegungslos. Ein starker Filter oder Ausströmer sollen für Strömung und Sauerstoffanreicherung sorgen.   Zucht: Die Paarungsbereitschaft ist durch Färbung erkennbar. Männchen färbt sich dunkel mit weißen Punkten, Weibchen färbt Kopf graurot. Der Laichakt beginnt dann bald. Laicht in Höhlen von Wurzeln. Das Männchen betreibt Brutpflege und befächelt das Gelege. Zucht bei Wasserwerten von pH 6,7 - 7. Härte 4 - 10 Grad dGH. Eier sind senfkornähnlich in Gelegeballen. Junge schlüpfen nach ca. 5 Tagen und saugen sich sogleich an den Beckenscheiben fest. Nach etwa 14 Tagen verschwindet der große Dottersack und man muss mit grünem, feinstem Flockenfutter (MicroMin) füttern. Quellennachweis: Mergus Atlas Band 1   Für Fragen und Probleme steht Ihnen unser ausgebildetes Team im Zoo Roco zur Verfügung. Es kann Sie in allen Fragen fachgerecht beraten.

Herkunftsgebiet: Florida bis Brasilien, Bermuda (Fundort Cayo Largo/Kuba) und auf Jamaica (Blue River bis Frenchman's Cove) Die Schnecken sind auch ausserhalb des Wassers bis zu 0,5m im feuchten Uferbereich zu finden. Beschreibung: Die Schnecke ist in der Farbe und im Muster extrem variabel Besonderheiten: Fressen keine Pflanzen.Für Fragen und Probleme steht Ihnen unser ausgebildetes Team im Zoo Roco zur Verfügung. Es kann Sie in allen Fragen fachgerecht beraten.

Herkunftsgebiet: Nordöstliches Indien und Assam, Bangladesh. Soziales Verhalten: Friedlich und scheu; zur Laichzeit stark revierverteidigend. Hälterungsbedingungen: Dicht bepflanzte Becken mit teilweiser Abdeckung der Oberfläche durch Schwimmpflanzen. Nur mit ruhigen und friedlichen, kleineren Arten vergesellschaften. pH-Wert 6 - 7,5; Härte bis 15° dGH. Zucht: Während der Laichzeit grenzen die Paare ihr Revier (ca. 500 cm2) gegen Artgenossen ab. Die Männchen bauen lockeres Schaumnest, es wurde auch schon Laichabgabe ohne ein solches beobachtet. Die Larven schlüpfen nach 24 - 36 Stunden, je nach Temperatur, und schwimmen bereits nach einem Tag frei. Aufzucht der Jungen mit Infusorien, später Artemia und feinst gemahlenes Flockenfutter; auch pulverisierte FD-Tabletten eignen sich. Besonderheiten: Nicht ganz unproblematischer Labyrinthfisch, der nur sehr bedingt für das Gesellschaftsbecken geeignet ist. Die Art ist anfällig für Oodinium pululans. Quellennachweis: Mergus Atlas Band 1Für Fragen und Probleme steht Ihnen unser ausgebildetes Team im Zoo Roco zur Verfügung. Es kann Sie in allen Fragen fachgerecht beraten.

Periophthalmus novemradiatus - The Indian mudskipperOrigin & habitatThe Indian mudskipper (Periophthalmus novemradiatus) originates from the coastal regions of South Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Its favourite habitat is mangrove forests, brackish water zones, muddy estuaries and intertidal zones. Here it finds ideal conditions to live between water and land.AppearanceThis unusual fish has an elongated, scale-covered body, which is usually grey-brownish in colour and can be covered with small, shimmering spots. Particularly striking are its protruding eyes, which sit high up on the head and can be moved independently of each other - a perfect adaptation to life outside the water. Males also have a more conspicuous dorsal fin, which they raise for courtship.SizePeriophthalmus novemradiatus is one of the smaller mudskipper species. Adults reach a length of around 6 to 10 centimetres.Life expectancyIn suitable husbandry or under natural conditions, an Indian mudskipper can live for around 3 to 5 years. Factors such as water quality, diet and habitat play an important role here.LifestyleThe Indian mudskipper is diurnal and semi-aquatic, which means that it spends most of its time out of the water. Thanks to its powerful pectoral fins, it can "jump" and move on wet mud. It uses both its gills and a special skin respiration system to breathe as long as the skin remains moist. Mudskippers are territorial and can be quite aggressive towards conspecifics.Unique characteristicsAmphibious lifestyle: One of the few fish that can actively move around on land.Eyes like a chameleon: Their eyes can rotate independently of one another – a great advantage for navigation and hunting prey.Jumping & Climbing: Despite their small size, they can jump surprisingly far and even climb roots or stones.Skin and mucous membrane respiration: Like amphibians, the mudskipper can also absorb oxygen through its moist skin and the mucous membranes in its mouth and throat. However, this epidermal respiration only works as long as the skin is well moistened – which is why the mudskipper relies on a humid environment or frequent periods in the water.Keeping in a paludariumA paludarium - a combination of aquarium and terrarium - is ideal for keeping the Indian mudskipper in a species-appropriate way. This should offer both a water area and sufficient land area with a moist, muddy or sandy substrate.SetupLand area: At least half of the paludarium should consist of dry, slightly damp sand on which the animals can walk and jump. Fine aquarium sand or a clay-sand mixture works well.Aquarium section: Shallow and warm (24–28°C), with slightly brackish water (salinity approx. 5–15 g/L), as the animals originate from brackish water zones.Hiding places & climbing opportunities: Roots, stones or mangrove roots provide shelter and climbing opportunities.Plants: Saltwater-tolerant plants or artificial alternatives can be used – a robust setup is important, as the fish dig.TidesA particularly natural paludarium offers a simulated ebb and flow of the tide. This can be controlled using pumps or a timer: At high tide, the water area fills slowly and provides access for swimming. At low tide, the water level drops and more land becomes accessible. This corresponds to the natural behaviour of the animals and significantly stimulates their activity.General conditionsLighting: Daylight simulation with UV components is recommended.Humidity: High, ideally between 70–90%.Cover: The paludarium should be well covered, as mudskippers are excellent climbers and can escape quickly.Created with ChatGPT – revised by Zoo Roco

ZebrafishArea of origin:The zebrafish originates from clear to slightly murky, shallow streams, rice fields and ponds in South Asia. High oxygen levels and moderate currents are among its natural conditions.Species:The zebrafish is a species within the genus Danio. Other related species:Danio kyathit (leopard danio)Danio choprae (Glowlight Danio)Devario aequipinnatus (giant barbel)The species frequently offered in pet shops includeZebrafish (Danio rerio - wild form)Veiled zebrafishGolden zebrafishLong-finned varietiesLeopard danio (Danio kyathit - often sold as a variant)Social behaviour:Very lively, peaceful schooling fish. Show pronounced group swimming. Play and chase each other playfully. Can become shy if kept too small. Ideal for community tanks with other mobile species.Keeping conditions:They like long, well-filtered aquariums bestLight current desiredOpen swimming zones + planted edge zonesNo strong temperature fluctuationsRobust and adaptable speciesBreeding:Relatively simple. Free spawners. Eggs are released via plants or spawning grids. Parents eat the spawn → separate breeding tanks necessary. The larvae hatch after 2-3 days. Fry need infusoria, later Artemia nauplii.Special features:Very robust and beginner-friendly. Lively and always on the move. Also tolerates cooler temperatures → ideal for unheated aquariums. Important model organism in research (but normal breeding lines in the pet trade)Conclusion:The zebrafish is a lively, uncomplicated schooling fish that enriches any community aquarium with its attractive stripes and socially active behaviour. With sufficient swimming space, good water quality and a larger group, it is particularly lively and harmonious.If you have any questions or problems, our trained team at Zoo Roco is at your disposal. They can provide you with expert advice on all matters.

Herkunftsgebiet: Zaire-Becken von Kinshasa bis Basonga Soziales Verhalten: Friedlich, auch gegenüber Artgenossen. Guter Gesellschafter Hälterungsbedingungen: Ein mit breitblättrigen Pflanzen (Echinodorus) bewachsenes Becken, das mir Wurzeln und Steinen als Unterschlupf ausgestattet sein sollte. Ist das geeignetste Aquarium für diesen Wels. Gern weidet er die Blattunterseite ab, wobei viel eher nach fleischlicher Nahrung (Insektenlaven) als nach Algen gesucht wird. Zucht: Als eine der wenigen Synodontis-Arten wurde S. nigriventris einige Male im Aquarium nachgezüchtet. Die Eier werden in einer Höhle abgelegt. Die Weibchen sind besonders zur Laichzeit sehr rundlich. Die Eltern betreiben eine Art Brutpflege. Die Jungen tragen bis zum 4 Tag einen Dottersack und nehmen bald darauf frischgeschlüpfte Artemia. Ab der 7. Bis 8. Woche drehen sich die Jungen von normaler Schwimmlage auf den Rücken. Bis zu einer Länge von 5 cm (von 2 cm Länge an) bilden die Jungfische gern einen Schwarm. Später verliert sich dieses Verhalten wieder Besonderheiten: Die Rückenschwimmlage ermöglicht es dieser Welsart, besonders die Larven der Stechmücke von der Wasseroberfläche aufzunehmen. Diese Nahrung leitet häufig bei sonst günstigen Bedingungen das Brutgeschäft ein.Quellennachweis: Mergus Atlas Band 1Für Fragen und Probleme steht Ihnen unser ausgebildetes Team im Zoo Roco zur Verfügung. Es kann Sie in allen Fragen fachgerecht beraten.

Herkunftsgebiet: Thailand: Zentralthailand, Menam, Chao Phya-Bassin und die Paknampo--Region. Soziales Verhalten: Einzelgängerisch und revierbildend. Die Tiere sind gegen Artgenossen sehr unverträglich und bissig. Gegenüber anderen Beckeninsassen dagegen meist friedlich. Große Tiere können aber zu wahren Tyrannen werden, die selbst große Mitbewohner terrorisieren. Hälterungsbedingungen: Grosse Recken mit feinem Sand als Bodengrund; Verstecke aus Wurzeln und Steinen. Die Bepflanzung so vornehmen, dass die Tiere Reviere bilden können, ohne direkten Sichtkontakt mit ihren Nachbarn zu haben. Viel freier Schwimmraum. Weiches bis mittelhartes (bis 15 dGH) und neutrales Wasser (pH um 7). Die Art ist nur bedingt für das Gesellschaftsbecken geeignet. Zucht: Die Zucht ist wegen der Unverträglichkeit der Tiere sehr schwierig und deshalb nur selten gelungen.Über die gelungene Zucht von E. bicolor berichten DEAKIN & MORRILL. Zuchttemperatur 27 - 28 Grad C; Wasser weich und mit Torf angesäuert. Es wurde in einer Steinhöhle abgelaicht. Die Jungfische schlüpften nach zwei Tagen und nach weiteren zwei Tagen schwammen sie frei. Die Jungfische haben weiße Flossenspitzen. Ihre Färbung geht von einem silbrigen Braun über Dunkelbraun zu Schwarz über. Die Schwanzflosse und wird erst ab der 7. Woche rötlich.Quellennachweis: Mergus Atlas Band 1Für Fragen und Probleme steht Ihnen unser ausgebildetes Team im Zoo Roco zur Verfügung. Es kann Sie in allen Fragen fachgerecht beraten.

Longitudinally striped lattice-barred loricariid catfishArea of originOtocinclus vittatus lives in clear, oxygen-rich waters of the Amazon and Orinoco regions. Mostly in shallow river zones with dense vegetation, plenty of plants and roots.SpeciesThe genus Otocinclus includes around 19 species. Many look very similar. The species frequently offered in the pet trade includeOtocinclus vittatusOtocinclus macrospilusOtocinclus affinis (usually misnamed - true species rare)Otocinclus cocama (Zebra Otocinclus - rare)Social behaviourExtremely peaceful. Very social - active and relaxed in groups. Shy when kept alone. Ideal for community tanks with small, calm fish. Perfect algae eaters (especially green algae & growth)Keeping conditionsWell-planted aquarium with plenty of surfaces to graze on. Not a newer, "sterile" aquarium - need biofilm! Soft to medium-hard water. High oxygen levels. No aggressive co-inhabitants. Caution with medication → sensitive to chemicalsBreedingRare in the aquarium, but possible. Group spawners. Males engage in courtship → Females attach eggs to discs and plants. Parents occasionally eat eggs. Juveniles require the finest growth food / spirulina-based powdered food. Very sensitive rearing.BpeculiaritiesOne of the best algae eaters for small aquaria. Very peaceful and ideal for shrimp tanks (does not eat juveniles). Very sensitive during transport and acclimatisation. Needs stable water values and regular feeding with green food. Must be kept in groups. ConclusionOtocinclus vittatus is an extremely peaceful, useful and social dwarf catfish that is particularly well suited to planted, quiet aquaria. It is an excellent algae eater, but needs stable water values, good acclimatisation and always a group. Properly cared for, it is a valuable and friendly helper in the aquarium.If you have any questions or problems, our trained team at Zoo Roco is here to help. They can provide expert advice on all matters.

The guppy fish (guppies / guppies) Area of origin: Central America to Brazil, today mostly captive bred from Asia (Singapore). Social behaviour: Livebearers. Some parents chase their young immediately after birth. No brood care, otherwise very peaceful Keeping conditions: The persistent guppy can be kept in almost any aquarium. High-breeding guppies are sensitive. pH 5.5 - 8.5 (7.0); hardness 5 - 25 (15) dGH. Well-planted tank of any size if possible. Breeding: Surface plants such as floating ferns for random breeding. Targeted breeding only possible with spawning box. 20 - 40 young, males sexually mature at three months, females earlier. Stock insemination possible. Raise fry with Artemia, powdered food and powdered flake food. Standard forms: European guppy breeders currently recognise 12 different standards, which can be divided into three classes. The classes are the large-finned breeding forms (fantail, triangle-tail, veiltail and flag-tail), the swordtype class (double-sword, top-sword, bottom-sword and lyre-tail) and the short-tail class (spade-tail, spear-tail, round-tail and needle-tail). In addition, there is an almost infinite number of colours in the animals in each class and in each standard, which are usually judged separately at shows. Here are the individual standards: Fantail The tail fin has an elongated triangular shape with an angle of 45 degrees close to the body. Its ideal length is equal to the body length. The edges are straight, the transitions can be slightly rounded. The dorsal fin is pointed, rises steeply at the base and extends to the end of the first third of the caudal fin Triangle tail The tail fin has the shape of a triangle with an angle of 70 degrees close to the body. Its length is 80% of the body length. The edges are straight, the transitions can be slightly rounded. The dorsal fin rises steeply, is broad and extends bluntly to the end of the first third of the caudal fin. Veiltail The upper and lower edges of the caudal fin form curves which run in such a way that the greatest width of the fin is reached at 75% of its length. The rear edge is concave, the length is 80% of the body length and should not be less than 50%. The fin width is 3/4 of the length. The dorsal fin has a rounded end and extends to the end of the first third of the caudal fin. Bannertail The tail fin has the shape of a rectangle, the length of which is 8/10 of the body length. The fin width is 4/10 of the body length. The base of the fins is rounded. Minimum tail length 6/10 of the body length. Minimum width the largest body width. The dorsal fin extends to the end of the first third of the caudal fin and is pointed. Double sword The caudal fin has an oval basic shape with sword-shaped extension of the upper and lower fin rays. The length of the fins corresponds to the length of the body. The outer edges form an angle of 30 degrees. The part of the fins between the blades must not exceed 4/10 of the body length and can be colourless. Here too, the dorsal fin extends to the end of the first third of the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is slender, rises steeply at the base and is pointed at the end. Topsword The caudal fin has an oval basic shape with a sword-shaped extension of the upper fin rays. The length of the sword corresponds to the length of the body and runs at the upper edge at a 15 degree angle or parallel to the body axis. The basic oval shape must not exceed 4/10 of the body length and can be colourless. The dorsal fin is slender and extends, as usual, tapering to the end of the first third of the caudal fin. Bottom sword The caudal fin has an oval basic shape with a sword-shaped extension of the lower fin rays. The length of the sword corresponds to the body length and forms an angle of 15 degrees to the body axis at its lower edge. The basic oval shape must not exceed 4/10 of the body length and can be colourless. The dorsal fin is slender, rises steeply at the base and reaches out to where? To the end of the first third of the caudal fin, of course. Lyretail The caudal fin has approximately the shape of a lyre. The basic shape is round and must not exceed 4/10 of the body length. The outer fin rays reach 8/10 of the body length with the tips clearly bent outwards. The dorsal fin rises steeply and reaches the end of the first third of the caudal fin with an upwardly curved tip. Spade tail The shape of the tail fin resembles a miner's spade. The upper and lower fin borders, which stand out from the body with a clear projection, are parallel. Their length corresponds to half the body length, the height reaches 8/10 of the fin length. The dorsal fin extends pointedly from the base of the caudal fin to the end of the first third of the caudal fin. Speartail The shape of the tail fin resembles the tip of a spear. Its length is 8/10 of the body length, the height 6/10 of the fin length. The dorsal fin rises steeply and reaches the end of the first third of the caudal fin with an upward curved tip. Roundtail The caudal fin has a circular shape, the diameter is 5/10 of the body length The dorsal fin extends roundly to the base of the caudal fin. Needletail The tail fin has a circular shape, the length of which is 4/10 of the body length. The centre fin rays are elongated like needles. The total length of the fin corresponds to the body length. The dorsal fin is slender, rises steeply at the base and tapers to the end of the first third of the caudal fin. Special features: The guppy's ability to breed quickly, its variability in shape and colour and its endurance make it one of the most popular fish for beginners. Recently, the guppy has been reclassified as a member of the genus Lebistes. It is therefore correctly called Lebistes reticulatus again. Do not socialise guppies with fighting fish. The fins of the males are eaten by the fighting fish of both sexes.Source reference: Mergus Atlas Volume 1If you have any questions or problems, our trained team is at your disposal at Zoo Roco. They can provide you with expert advice on all questions.