Are there such a thing as serpae tetra subspecies? 05/25/09
Hi all,
Firstly thanks for all the help with the SAP, plus the website is amazing!  I just picked up another serpae tetra today (I miscounted the last time and
only had 11) so the total is now up to 12. This new tetra looks identical to the other 11 tetras in the school--except s/he is lacking the black dot located behind the eye. At first I thought it was stress-related but the fish has adapted well and is eating... but no spot.  Is there such a thing as subspecies?
<The "subspecies" concept does indeed exist, humans for example being a subspecies of Homo sapiens, Homo sapiens compared with Neanderthal Man, Homo sapiens neanderthalensis.>
The 11 Serpaes look like this:
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/stats/characins_stats/stats_characins2e.html
And the new serpae looks like this:
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile75_comment.html
Thanks
<The problem here is that what the industry calls "Serpae Tetras" can be any one of multiple closely related species in the genus Hyphessobrycon.
While Hyphessobrycon eques is probably the most commonly traded member of the Serpae Tetra Species Complex, other species of Hyphessobrycon may be traded periodically as well. Even within Hyphessobrycon eques there is substantial variation between geographical populations, and artificial varieties further muddy the waters. The absence of the black spot above the shoulder (called a humeral spot) could easily be explained by any of these reasons. This variation has probably meant that what people report when keeping "Serpae Tetras" has been very variable over the years. True Serpae Tetras -- Hyphessobrycon eques -- are noted for being aggressive feeders and have a feeding frenzy behaviour very similar to that of large, predatory characins such as Piranhas and Exodon paradoxus. They are also distinctly nippy, and will take bites at slow-moving fish such as Corydoras, Platies, Angelfish, Guppies and so on. Personally, I do not recommend them as community fish at all. In fact they were my first ever tropical fish, and the species with which I learned not to trust without verification anything the pet show owner said! After I added some Angelfish and Gouramis to my tank, I was shocked to see the carnage, and from that point onwards have been much more critical about the information casually

ID help please– 02/28/09 Hello WWM Crew, The other day, I found these "Emperor Tetras" at a LFS. I have found only two pictures of them online, under the name Black Emperor Tetra. Can you tell me anything about these guys? I suspect they are Nematobrycon amphiloxus, but I cannot find definitive info about this. Can you confirm this? Do these guys get large like the typical emperors or stay small like kerris? Are these rare or new in the hobby? Any help appreciated, I have five in a planted tank and have attached pictures (sorry, kinda blurry). Thanks, J.P. <Greetings. Your fish is indeed the species traded as Nematobrycon amphiloxus, or the Black Emperor Tetra. However, Nematobrycon amphiloxus is considered to be a junior synonym of Nematobrycon palmeri by ichthyologists, meaning the two fish are one and the same thing. So any information that applies to the one applies to the other. At best, Nematobrycon amphiloxus is a colour morph of Nematobrycon palmeri. In any case, Emperor Tetras are fairly easy fish to maintain. They aren't that fussy about water chemistry, though very hard, very basic water should be avoided. Anything around pH 6-7.5, 5-20 degrees dH suits them well. They do need soft, acidic water for breeding though. Emperor Tetras are odd beasts in that they don't really form schools though they should be kept in groups. Males hold short-term territories around plants and shoo off other males. Females are gregarious. I always think they're a bit like teenagers at a disco, with the girls in a group, and the males each trying to attract one of to his corner of the room! Do try and keep more females than males so you can observe their behaviour whilst avoiding bullying. Anyway, they're good fish for planted communities, but because they're quite large (up to 6 cm) and infamously greedy fish, you do need to watch water quality. They're omnivores and appreciate some green foods (e.g., cooked spinach and squished tinned peas) in their diet. Generally nice fish; enjoy! Neale.>

Re: ID help please  3/1/09  Neale, Well I have 2 females and 3 males. I initially bought three and went back for the whole school, but only two remained. Mine seem to school at times, which is odd because I have kept Emperors for years and they never acted in that manner. They are really nice looking little fish. Thanks for the info! -Jayson <Likely schooling at the moment because they're juveniles or outside of the breeding season. Once settled and grown up, the males will become more territorial, so watch for any signs of nippiness between them. Great fish, and I'm sure you'll enjoy them. Be sure and feed a mixed diet for optimum colouration! Not just flake! Cheers, Neale.>

Fish identification help 2/25/09 Hello! I wonder if you can help me out. I have collected around 15 fish from a lady who was moving house and looking for someone to take her fish and re-home them.. however she was a bit vague about what she had. Whilst I recognize the upside -down catfish she gave me, plus the red-tailed black shark and the Puntius pentazona, I am not sure about the 'various tetras'. I have some pictures - could you possibly help me out and advise what I have been given?! <Fish 1 is the Diamond Tetra (Moenkhausia pittieri). A nice community fish; generally does well so long as the water isn't too hard. Fish 2 is the Colombian Tetra (Hyphessobrycon colombianus), a semi-aggressive species prone to fin-nipping but otherwise a good choice for robust community tanks. Fish 3 is one of the Rosy Tetra group, possibly Hyphessobrycon rosaceus but there are a bunch of similar-looking species such as the Bleeding Heart Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma and the Ornate Tetra Hyphessobrycon bentosi. They're all fairly good community fish, though a trifle boisterous. Fish 4 is some type of Hyphessobrycon, but to be honest I can't really tell from the photo which one.> I need to be sure these guys will be happy in with my current set up of platies, Danios, Puntius pentazona, bristle nose Ancistrus, Trichogaster leeri and Crossocheilus Siamese (sorry for spelling, true SAE) in a 180ltr tank. I am fairly sure the red-tailed black shark will be finding alternative accommodation, as he will not get on with my SAE's I understand. <Indeed.> Also, one fish has a cloudy eye (fish 4). He seems fine, there is no sign of bulging or similar, and is eating well. I do not know his history of course, but I am treating him with caution! He is the fish which is whiter than the others and smaller in the picture. All are currently in my 'spare' 60ltr tank whilst I assess what to do with them. <Likely physical damage related to netting, transport. Should heal by itself if water quality is good. Treating with an anti-Finrot medication will help.> Thank you! Sarah <Cheers, Neale.>

Re: fish identification help 2/25/09 Thank you so much, I had tried looking them up but scrolling through the types of tetras made me realize how very many there are! You are a walking encyclopedia of fish info Neale! Thanks Sarah <What can I say. A misspent youth. Other boys learned to do useful things like smoke, make out with girls, and dancing. Me, I learned how to tell tetras apart. Cheers, Neale.><<A good trade. RMF>>

Tetra question, ID   8/24/08 Hello guys! I bought some really pretty Tetra's today; Pristellas and some that I can't remember the name! I called the aquarium shop, but they were too busy to go look for me. <?> They look very similar in color to Pristellas, but instead of yellow, white and black on the fin, they have orange/red, white and black on the fin, and they are a little bit rounder in shape. Very similar to a Serpae Tetra, but the same color in body to the Pristella. Sort of like a Bleeding Heart, but without the red heart spot! Haha.....so, can you please help me identify my cute new friends? Thanks, Anne <Mmm, not from this description (perhaps a photo...). Do try placing these words one at time in your search tool: Hyphessobrycon, Pristella... and select "Photos"... do you see your fish? Bob Fenner> Re: Tetra Question -08/24/08 I have one picture, but it's not very good. I have tried to search online for two days, and can't figure out what the fish is. If all else fails, I'll go back to Dallas North and look for myself. What do you think? Thanks again! <... I think you should re-read the first corr. and look... it's there. B>

Hyphessobrycon bentosi?

Difference between FW fish species...    2/24/08
Hi! I just wanted to know what is the difference between an albino Buenos Aires tetra and an albino tinfoil barb. They look so alike and I want to make sure my LFS didn't give me the wrong fish. Thanks
<This is easy. Buenos Aires tetras (Hemigrammus anisitsi) have an adipose fin, whereas
Tinfoil barbs (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) do not. Cheers, Neale.>

Tetra ID
How can I identify tetra.  I've tried to find out but found nothing.   It's important.
<browse through our archives at www.wetwebmedia.com to find your fish or a similar fish. Take note of similar genera and then carry them over to http://www.fishbase.org to search a huge database for the species you seek. Best regards, Anthony>

Mystery Tetra - 08/04/2005
Hello,
<Hi, Lynn!  Sabrina sleuthing with you today....>
You guys seem to be my last hope.  I've been to fishbase, Googled the web and searched your site extensively.  I found a fish when I was at one of the local Fish stores, and I decided to come home and research the fish first.  There was nothing on the tank other than the common name, and all the fish people were up to their elbows in questions.  The name of the fish is the Similan Tetra.  On the tank was a note saying that although they look like neons and cardinals, they are not the same fish.  I assumed I would be able to track the fish down on Fishbase, so I didn't bother any of the fish store employees to get the Latin name (last time I do that).
<Can you describe this fish in detail?  I'm familiar with a great many tetras, and I've got a few friends that are tetra freaks, so among us, perhaps we can figure this out.>
I would really appreciate any help you may be able to give me identifying what the Latin name is so I can do more research before I try to add it to my stocking list for my brand new Tetra tank.  The fish store is 2 hours away, so I can't just run over there and ask.  My tank is cycled and my quarantine tank will be up this weekend (sponge filter in the main, cycled tank) all per the guidelines y'all have on your website.
<Excellent!>
You guys are my only hope on identifying this Tetra!  I've delayed stocking any fish for the last week while I tried to track down this fish.  Thank you for any help you might be able to give me with this question.
<None, without a very detailed description....  If you write back, put my name in the subject line.>
~Lynn
<Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Mystery Tetra - II - 08/07/2005
Sabrina,
<Hello again, Lynn!>
Sorry for not describing the fish.  It looked like a neon tetra, but with Blue and Green stripes (kinda blended together) instead of the red and blue.  The ones they had were between a tank on neons on the left and cardinals on the right.  I don't know the ages of the fish, but the neons were smaller and the cardinals  were bigger than the Similans.  The Similans were under an inch long maybe .75 inches or so.  Other than that, they pretty much looked like neon tetras with green & blue bodies.  
<Mm, a number of possibilities, here; take a look at Paracheirodon simulans, the "green neon" tetra - http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=12394&genusname=Paracheirodon&speciesname=simulans .  Also Boehlkea fredcochui - http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=12341&genusname=Boehlkea&speciesname=fredcochui .  Be sure to do google image searches on the Latin names.  P. simulans' species name does indeed suggest it might be a match.>
If I can figure out what this little guy is, and if he is compatible, I would like to house him in a 55 gal planted tank.  I'm thinking about stocking Clown loaches (3 for snail control),
<Any chance you would consider a smaller species of loach?  I find that Botia striata are one of the most efficient snail eaters I've ever met - and they top out around a couple inches.  Clowns are slow growers, but I've seen 'em well over a foot in length.  Just something to consider.>
Otos (6 - start with 8 with one or two heading over to the Beta Tank when it starts looking green), Corys (4- start with 7 because 3 will move over to the Beta tank in a month or two) false rummy-nose tetras (8), black neon tetras (8), neon tetras (8), and maybe these little green/blue mystery guys (8).  
<To be quite honest, I would assume these mystery fish are quite compatible and have similar care requirements.  P. simulans should be a fine addition, if that is what they are.  Worst case scenario?  Take 'em back to the store if they don't work out.  I normally do NOT advocate purchasing something you know next-to-nothing about, but when faced with a brand new fish I've never, ever seen in stores before, I often will start rearranging tanks so I'll have a quarantine for them. ;) >
Thanks Sabrina for your help!
<You bet!  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Freshwater fish identifications, ChuckR
Hi there
I need to identify two fish to find out more about them.
The one was called a "black widow" in the shop I bought it from. Its shape is very similar to a silver dollar. It is mostly black on the top half of its body and the tail is silver. Aprox 2cm long. I've looked everywhere for information on this fish but can not get anything, except black widow tetra, which I do not think it is. (saw a picture somewhere)
< The black skirt tetra is sometimes called the black widow tetra. If this is not your fish then you will need to provide more info like a photo.>
The other fish is definitely a goby, no doubt about that. It is white with black spots, and a small black "stripe" at the back of its top fin. The sizes are aprox 3 & 5cm each. The shop owner said its a spotted goby and that the female is the bigger one of the two, but alas, I can find no information/pictures on what it actually is. It is a very shay fish.
<Look at photos of the knight goby (Stigmatogobius sadanundio ). Males have longer fins.>
Both are freshwater fish.
I've got two male guppies in the tank and sometime during today, the one lost half of its tail fin.
I doubt that it will be the "black widow" because they've been sharing a tank for 2 months now.
< The gobies are capable of biting the tail of smaller fish thinking that they are food.-Chuck>
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Jaco
Ps. If it is a stupid question or I can find the info somewhere else, please tell me so.

Freshwater fish identifications, BobF
Hi there
I need to identify two fish to find out more about them.
The one was called a "black widow" in the shop I bought it from. Its shape is very similar to a silver dollar. It is mostly black on the top half of its body and the tail is silver. Aprox 2cm long. I've looked everywhere for information on this fish but can not get anything, except black widow tetra, which I do not think it is. (saw a picture somewhere)
<Likely a Black Skirt Tetra... there are varieties, differences within this species: http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/characins2/a/blackwidow.htm>
The other fish is definitely a goby, no doubt about that. It is white with black spots, and a small black "stripe" at the back of its top fin. The sizes are aprox 3 & 5 cm each. The shop owner said its a spotted goby and that the female is the bigger one of the two, but alas, I can find no information/pictures on what it actually is. It is a very shy fish.
<Maybe a knight goby: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/bracgobioids.htm>
Both are freshwater fish.
I've got two male guppies in the tank and sometime during today, the one lost half of its tail fin.
<Could be from either of the above>
I doubt that it will be the "black widow" because they've been sharing a tank for 2 months now.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Jaco
Ps. If it is a stupid question or I can find the info somewhere else, please tell me so.
<Be chatting, Bob Fenner who encourages you to investigate before you buy livestock>