Modern Aquarium March 2010

March 2010 volume XVII number 1

Series III

ON THE COVER Our cover photo this month features a pair of chocolate cichlids (Hypselecara temporalis).

For information on keeping and breeding these personable fish, see “The Chocolate Cichlid,” on page 11.

Photo by Linda Konst

GREATER CITY AQUARIUM SOCIETY

Dan Radebaugh Mark Soberman Jules Birnbaum Warren Feuer Edward Vukich

Members At Large

Claudia Dickinson Artie Friedman Ben Haus Leonard Ramroop

Pete D’Orio Al Grusell Emma Haus

Committee Chairs

A.C.A. Delegate Bowl Show Breeder Award

Early Arrivals F.A.A.S. Delegate Members/Programs N.E.C. Delegate Technology Coordinator

Claudia Dickinson Leonard Ramroop Warren Feuer Mark Soberman Al Grusell Alexander A. Priest Claudia Dickinson Claudia Dickinson Warren Feuer

MODERN AQUARIUM Editor in Chief Copy Editors

Exchange Editors

Advertising Mgr.

In This Issue From the Editor G.C.A.S. 2010 Program Schedule President’s Message

G.C.A.S. Sponsors and Advertisers

Board Members

President Vice-President Treasurer Corresponding Secretary Recording Secretary

Vol. XVII, No. 1 March, 2010

Dan Radebaugh Sharon Barnett Susan Priest Alexander A. Priest Stephen Sica Donna Sosna Sica Mark Soberman

Bowl Show Rules Wet Leaves

by Susan Priest

Fish Bytes

by Stephen Sica with Donna Sosna Sica

The Chocolate Cichlid Hypselecara temporalis

by Dan Radebaugh

Photos from Last Month’s Meeting

by Alexander A. Priest

Fishkeepers Anonymous

by Susan Priest

2009 Modern Aquarium Article Index Till Death Do Us Part

by Jannette Ramirez

Member Classifieds The Undergravel Reporter G.C.A.S. Happenings Fin Fun (Puzzle Page)

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 14 17 19 24 25 26 27 28

From the Editor

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by Dan Radebaugh

t seems like forever since our Holiday Party, but here we are, starting another year. One of the pleasures of the Holiday Party is handing out awards, and with the arrival of the annual FAAS awards, there were plenty of them to hand out. In fact, every author in this issue of Modern Aquarium won awards presented last year by the FAAS, the NEC, or both. See Al Priest’s photo spread in this issue of some of our winners.

Congratulations to all!

In “Wet Leaves” this month, Sue Priest reviews Catfishes, a new book by an author wellknown to GCAS members, Lee Finley. Sue also presents us with an “Anonymous Fishkeeper” to puzzle us about the identity of a fellow member of Greater City.

In “Fish Bytes,” Steve Sica keeps us up to date with what is being published in other aquarium club magazines and newsletters around the country, and even in other countries. In “Till Death Do Us Part” Jannette Ramirez talks about our implicit commitment to our finny charges, and the Undergravel Reporter stays in the love vein with “Happy Valentine’s Day!” This issue also contains our Index of Articles from 2009, as well as a contribution from yours

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truly about the chocolate cichlid, and closes with a Fin Fun puzzle, “The Root of the Matter.” Now, what could that be about?

Remember, Modern Aquarium is produced by and for the members of Greater City Aquarium Society. Our members are our authors, and we always need more articles.

If you have an article, photo, or drawing that you’d like to submit for inclusion in Modern Aquarium, it’s easy to do! You may fax it to me at (877) 299-0522, email it to gcas@earthlink. net, or just hand it to me at a meeting. However you get it to me, I’ll be delighted to receive it!

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GCAS Programs

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t is our great fortune to have another admirable cast of speakers who have so graciously accepted our invitation to join us throughout the coming season, bringing us their extensive knowledge and experiences. You certainly won’t wish to miss a moment of our prominent guests, not to mention the friends, fish, warmth, and camaraderie that accompanies each meeting. I know I can barely wait to see you here!

Claudia March

April

Jeff Kurtz

TFH ‘Q & A’ columnist The Role of Writing in the Aquarium Hobby

Tim Nurse

Diving Lake Tanganyika

May

TBA

June

TBA

July

TBA

August

Silent Auction

September

TBA

October

Rusty Wessel

Mexico - The Panuco Valley: Livebearers and Cichlids of the Region

November

TBA

December

Holiday Party!

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President’s Message

by Dan Radebaugh

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elcome back! Here we all are Governor Patterson, as part of his proposed once more, ready to start another budget cuts, has announced his intention exciting season with the GCAS! to slash funding for zoos, aquariums, and While our list of guest botanical gardens by a speakers for the year is not whopping fifty per cent. yet complete, it’s shaping All of us are grownup to be a good year. We ups, and know that hard kick off this season with times mean spending a talk by Jeff Kurtz, Q&A reductions, but a fifty per columnist for Tropical cent cut seems a bit out Fish Hobbyist magazine, of proportion, especially who will discuss “The considering the relatively Role of Writing in the modest sums involved.

Aquarium Hobby.” As On one of the rear tables writing about our hobby you’ll find a petition has been a long-standing urging the governor Jack passes the Treasurer’s baton to Jules (L). tradition here at Greater and the legislature to City, I’m certain we’ll find Jeff’s remarks to reconsider these proposed cuts. If we say be of great interest. nothing, they’ll assume we don’t care. It’s One item of business left over from last a good cause. Please look over the petition, year is our search for a new Treasurer. I’m and sign if you feel comfortable doing so. pleased to announce that Jules Birnbaum has agreed to take over those duties from retiring Thanks!

Treasurer Jack Traub. Jules was for a time Oh! One more thing! It’s time to renew our Treasurer of the Great Neck Figure Skating memberships! The fee is still $20 per year.

Club, until they decided they’d rather have See Claudia and Brad at the side table, then him as President, a post he held for many go to Marsha for your issues of Modern years. Jules is still on the Advisory Committee Aquarium. Please let us know if you’ve of Great Neck’s community owned ice rink. changed address, phone number, email, etc.

Welcome, Jules!

While our nation’s economy is no longer in free-fall, most of us still face challenges.

Our state faces a major budget deficit, and Articles submitted for consideration in Modern Aquarium (ISSN 2150-0940) must be received no later than the 10th day of the month prior to the month of publication. Please fax to (877) 299-0522, or email to gcas@earthlink.net. Copyright 2010 by the Greater City Aquarium Society Inc., a not-for-profit New York State corporation. All rights reserved. Not-for-profit aquarium societies are hereby granted permission to reproduce articles and illustrations from this publication, unless the article indicates that the copyrights have been retained by the author, and provided reprints indicate source and two copies of the publication are sent to the Exchange Editor of this magazine. Any other reproduction or commercial use of the material in this publication is prohibited without express written prior permission.

The Greater City Aquarium Society meets every month, except January and February. Members receive notice of meetings in the mail. For more information, contact: Dan Radebaugh (718) 458-8437. Find out more, or leave us a message, at our Internet Home Page at: http://www. greatercity.org or http://www.greatercity.com

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GCAS Thanks You! Our Generous Sponsors and Advertisers The Greater City Aquarium Society extends our heartfelt thanks to the following manufacturers for their generous donations. Thanks also to our advertisers, whose contributions to our success as a Society are deeply appreciated. Please patronize our supporters.

Ecological Laboratories HBH Pet Products Microbe Lift Red Sea Ocean Nutrition America Omega Sea San Francisco Bay Brand Zoo Med Laboratories Inc. Rolf C. Hagen

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

Cameo Pet Shop Coral Aquarium Nassau Discus World Class Aquarium Zoo Rama Aquarium

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BOWL SHOW RULES There is a Bowl Show at every GCAS meeting, except our Silent Auction/fleamarket meeting and our Holiday Party and Awards Banquet meeting (December). These shows are open to all members of GCAS. Rules are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Only current GCAS members may enter fish in the Bowl Show.

There is a limit of 2 entries per member per meeting.

Unlike some other clubs, every month is an “open” Bowl Show at the GCAS (i.e., there is no “theme,” such that one month cichlids are judged, the next livebearers, the next anabantoids, etc.).

Any fish that wins any prize (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) may not be entered again in the same meeting year.

The current Bowl Show Coordinator is Leonard Ramroop, who usually also serves as judge (although guest speakers are often asked to do the judging honors).

2.5 gallon containers are available for use (brought to the meetings by the Bowl Show Coordinator), but entrants are responsible for providing enough (and suitable) water for their fish.

For a fish too large (or too small) for those containers, entrants must supply a suitable container, which must be clear on at least three sides.

Only one fish per container (i.e., no “pairs”).

No plants, ornaments, or equipment (filters, airstone, etc.) are allowed in the judging tank (an external mirror, or opaque cards between containers is acceptable, as is a cover that does not obstruct side viewing).

Points are awarded: 5 points for 1st Place, 3 for 2nd Place, and 1 for 3rd Place.

Ribbons are awarded: blue for 1st Place, red for 2nd Place, and green for 3rd Place.

The person with the most points at the end of the meeting season receives the Walter Hubel “Bowl Show Champion” trophy at the Awards Banquet.

The decision of the judge(s) is final.

A running UNOFFICIAL total of the points awarded is printed in Modern Aquarium. Only the tally of points maintained by the Bowl Show Coordinator is official.

In case of ties: 1st Tiebreaker – most 1st Places 2nd Tiebreaker – most 2nd Places 3rd Tiebreaker – most entries

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At this point I will quote briefly from the section on U.S. native catfishes, which can be found among the “family profiles”: “The best North American catfishes for the aquarium are the smaller madtoms (Noturus spp.) from east of the Rockies. Of the approximately 34 species, or a Series On Books For The Hobbyist undescribed populations of madtoms, at least 14 have a conservation status ranging from vulnerable

by SUSAN PRIEST to possibly extinct.” “We think of catfishes of his book was written by someone whose special concern elsewhere, but often forget to think name is well known to every about the situation in our own back yard.” “It’s English-speaking aquarist on this or any other best not to go headlong into local waters looking planet. What do I want to say about that? It’s about for catfishes, or any other fishes for that matter. It time! is all too possible that you will be breaking the I won’t even attempt to list the credits and law.” Such sound advice based in firm fact is the accolades our author has attached kind of work we have come to to his name. This would have expect from Mr. Finley over Catfishes been a good way to start, of the years.

By Lee Finley course, but I think I will let Mr. The index is crossTFH Publications, 2009 Finley set the tone. Early on he referenced.

For example, informs us that there are 3,200 there are listings for the Asian described species of catfishes. bumblebee catfish as well as He asks us to “. . . consider the following: for the bumblebee catfish. I would like to have Approximately 25 percent of all freshwater fish seen that at least a few of the color photos species, 10 percent of all fish species, and 5 percent throughout had been contributed by our author. of all vertebrate species are catfish.” Who else Refreshingly, we are not victims of the trend in could we count on to put recent years of all of that into combining freshwater perspective for us? and marine topics The first four under the same title. I chapters are focused on wondered to myself if the choosing, feeding, Lee’s bride Aline might health care, and breeding have penned the section of catfishes. The second “about the author.” part (approximately half Upon reflection, it of the text) portrays seemed likely to me catfish “family profiles.” that if she had, she On virtually every would have added a page you will find few embellishments, as advice drawn from our well as a few more author’s extensive paragraphs! experience. Here is but In closing, I would one example: “In setting like to say that I didn’t up such a [quarantine] realize I had actually tank, I generally use half been waiting for this new water and half book until I was water from the tank that holding it in my hands. the catfish will Thank you, Lee, for eventually call home.” steering us away from Countless examples such inappropriate choices, as this, drawn from a career’s worth of hands-on and guiding us to a fulfilling fishkeeping practices, elevates this presentation to the lofty experience with familiar as well as not-so-familiar position of a “top shelf tome!” catfishes. You have been doing this for many Unique to this volume, at least in my years, of course, but now “The Best of Lee Finley” experience, is information on appropriate medical is all in one place. It was worth the wait! treatment and when to seek it for yourself should you sustain a sting or a puncture wound from a catfish. There is also a listing of the names of catfishes most likely to inflict such wounds.

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The G.C.A.S. Proudly extends a most Warm Welcome to

Our Guest Speaker

Jeff Kurtz Speaking on The Role of Writing in the Aquarium Hobby

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An occasional column for society exchanges, guest appearances, articles, and items of general interest. We try not to bite off more than we can swallow. If you wish to offer comments, suggestions, or any information that you would like to see in this column, the authors encourage you to contact us through the Editor (gcas@earthlink.net), or at a monthly meeting.

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by Stephen Sica with Donna Sosna Sica

t’s the November Veterans Day holiday as I begin this column, but I’m sure that it will be next year when I finish it. My first thought is that there is no work today. This column is my second thought. My goal is to prepare it in time for Modern Aquarium’s first issue of 2010. As I vaguely recall, it was difficult leaving the last century, but now when I consider the upcoming year I keep thinking that time and life really do pass by so quickly. I also keep thinking that I must be getting old. Well, I know I am, but denial works for me to some extent.

Currently, I store other societies’ publications in a shopping bag, so that whenever it’s time to clean the house for company, I can just toss the bag in a closet.

I just retrieved the bag, and the first publication that I pulled out was dated 2007. Well, as George Clooney might say, I guess it’s time to empty my backpack.

Exchange editor, Zenin Skomorowski, of the Canada based Kitchener-Waterloo Aquarium Society that publishes Fins & Tales, has been soliciting partners for publication exchange. More and more, societies are transmitting their magazine via internet in lieu of snail mail in order to save postage and physical labor.

This is a monthly publication with color photographs.

A sampling from the December 2009 issue: articles about the Oscar (the fish, not the Academy Awards), a member’s trip to Costa Rica with descriptions of the flora and fauna on land, lots of rain and an inability to stay dry, mostly outdoor dining, cold running water, no electricity, and a “decent wireless internet signal.”

This article is to be continued to address fish life.

There is also a planted tank column, and a tank cycling tips article. Of course there are also the usual columns from the president, editor, and exchange editor. The K-WAS also published a 2010 calendar in recognition of its fiftieth anniversary.

It’s good to see that the C.A.R.E.S. preservation program keeps plugging along thanks to Claudia Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

Dickinson’s efforts. The September/October 2008 issue of The Youngstown Aquarist contains one of her efforts to publicize the program. Claudia can be reached at Claudia@CARESPreservation.com. Also, see www.CARESpreservation.com. To briefly refresh you on the program: it was founded in 2004 to bring awareness and support to a worldwide conservation effort, and to encourage hobbyists to devote tank space to preserving species that are at risk.

A random thought: should you feed the average fish a large amount every few days or just a little bit more frequently? Some hobbyists consider frequently to be more than once a day. Do fish feed continually in the wild whenever they find a tasty morsel? When I was a child, saltwater fishermen would fish at sunup and sunset because that was when the fish were feeding. Is this true? Do large amounts of food and sporadic feeding really plug up fish? My small tetras and rasboras always cease feeding after a minute or two, even when they are “hungry.”

For your information, some costs to operate a small society in metropolitan Detroit: the TropiQuarium, an eight by five, black and white, monthly publication, costs about ninety cents each to print, plus ever-increasing first class postage, plus labels and incidentals. They want to raise annual dues from $15 to $18 for members who would like to receive a mailed, rather than e-mailed, publication.

Maybe the KISS method would work here. How about $20 for everyone?

The North Jersey Aquarium Society’s Reporter contains a nice compliment in its September 2009 Exchange Report column by Acting Editor Christine Policastro about Modern Aquarium. I quote: “… after finally seeing a copy of the Greater City’s Modern Aquarium publication, I can understand why it always won the “Best Publication” awards in the Northeast Council’s competition! In addition to

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the beautiful color pictures they had several articles on a variety of fish, and an in-depth member profile (with pictures). The article I enjoyed the most was the recap of the Bermuda trip for the Bermuda Fry-Angle Society’s 20th anniversary.” In the same Reporter issue Chuck Davis’ “Showing Fish, It’s in the Preparation!” enumerates his opinions on raising competition quality fish. Some of his tips: feed top quality foods and specialty foods; exceptional filtration is a must; frequent water changes; keep prized fish away from drafts, cheap heaters, sharp rocks and gravel, faulty filters, and other, fin-nipping fish. Chuck’s favorite is isolation―one bare tank contains one fish. His show preparation includes putting the fish into a tank the size in which it is to be shown at least two weeks prior to the show; feed it a high caliber diet, and cease feeding two days before the show. This should make the fish more active, and minimize polluting the show tank. Further thoughts are to place your fish “next to a fish that will positively excite it.” Avoid placing next to intimidating fish. If it can’t be helped, place a piece of cardboard between tanks to block the view. The Reporter’s November issue recommends Ludwigia ovalis for a high tech tank, that is, three watts per gallon, CO2 injection, and fertilizer supplementation at least twice a week.

Did you know that there are more than 2,200 catfish species in the Americas? I wonder how many new members GCAS gained during 2009?

The Reporter’s January 2010 issue has some semihumorous “write an article, please,” topics: “Dead fish stink,” “My hobby is killing fish,” “My tank is so cloudy the cichlids stop fighting,” “I breed large fish because I get hungry,” “Cleaning filters in the wife’s dishwasher,” “Corner filter muck—good on rye and bananas,” “I pick my fish and (blank) discriminately,” and finally, thank goodness, “I write articles but don’t know anything!” Some of these can apply to me but others are “too rich” for my taste.

Chuck Smith’s ”Six Basic Lessons I Keep Learning” in the September 2009 issue of The GraniteFisher, states in his Lesson 4 to always purchase the largest filter that you can afford because the filter will stay and keep the water cleaner longer, and enlarge the tank volume. I never thought about a filter increasing the volume of water but it sounds reasonable to me.

The November issue mentions a recent guest speaker, Michael Randall of Hartford, CT, who is a member of the International Betta Congress. A top ten breeder of the IBC, Michael owns over five hundred fish with most in thirty-two ounce cups that must be attended daily. Quick, how many gallons does he have to change, assuming five hundred cups of water? See answer at the end of this article.* Just remember it’s my answer; I disavow errors. Anyway, my fingers are getting stiff just thinking about handling all those cups with a fish in each one. What I found interesting is that

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the IBC has a program called “Betta Pals,” in which members can obtain a quality Betta splendens for only its shipping costs. I don’t know what the annual dues are.

An observation as I page through the various publications: Club members occasionally have fish for sale. Celestial pearl danios sell for about eight to ten dollars for a young pair.

The December 2009 issue of the TropiQuarium contains a Chris Newell photo article, “Plant ID and Care Guide.” Chris is chair of the Motor City Aquarium Society’s horticultural award. I thought I’d mention this because I enjoy aquarium plant articles so much, and anyone who writes one that comes to my attention is mentioned in my column. Someday, I hope to keep an exotic plant alive. I have fair success with terrestrial ones, but then I even sew my wife’s loose buttons on her garments. Of course, she contributes greatly to my support! Chris rates four of the nine plants that he reviewed easy to keep and another four moderate. Maybe I’ll give an easy one another try.

Of course, the key word for me is alive, as in easy to keep alive!

It looks like this saucereye porgy is too cowardly to give Donna any local fish gossip. Could it be yellow?

*Answer: each 32 ounce cup is exactly one quart, and there are four quarts in a gallon; therefore, 500 cups/ quarts equal 125 gallons (divide 500 by 4). The correct answer is 125 gallons. Note to editorial staff—please check my calculation! (Editor’s note—fat chance!)

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The Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis)

by Dan Radebaugh

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hen it comes to cichlids in the tropical fish hobby, some species seem to have a distinct marketing advantage. Oscars are seemingly born cute, and young ones at a pet shop exude that “take me home and love me” personality they are renowned for. Red devils have the well-deserved name to trade on, as well as an outgoing personality and the orange/gold color. Young severums have a distinctive shape, and look like small versions of what they’ll look like later on. Jaguar cichlids have that rather dangerous, predatory look about them. Unfortunately for inexperienced shoppers, some cichlids don’t look nearly as spectacular or distinctive when young as they will when grown. The chocolate cichlid falls into this category. There is simply not much reason to suspect, when looking at a one or two inch chocolate cichlid, that it will ever look distinctive at all. I believe this is why a lot of people miss out on keeping these great fish. They may just look too generic as youngsters.

Of course, that may also save them from the fate of far too many Oscars―an uncomfortable and unhealthy life in a tank far too small, or being dumped in a ditch somewhere when they outgrow their tengallon home, to die later when the weather turns cold.

But that’s a subject for another article.

The “chocolate cichlid” name is actually shared by two different aquarium fishes, Hypselecara temporalis (by far the most widely available) and Hypselecara coryphaenoides. Both species also have multiple aliases. H. temporalis is referred to as the chocolate cichlid or the emerald cichlid, and boasts a number of taxonomic listings, including Heros temporalis, Cichlasoma temporale, Acara crasse, and others1, while H. coryphaenoides, sometimes also referred to as the Rio Negro chocolate cichlid, sports taxonomic AKA’s such as Centrarchus niger, Chuco axelrodi, and Cichlasoma arnoldi.2 Both species are endemic to the Amazon basin, though generally from somewhat different neighborhoods of that vast area. Both species prefer soft, slightly acidic water, and typically prefer quiet, turbid pools to streams with strong currents. Both Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

are noted for dramatic changes of color depending on their mood, and both have the reputation of being fairly docile for large cichlids. The body shape of the two species is somewhat dissimilar. The head/face of H. temporalis is rather blunt and rounded, whereas photos I have seen of H. coryphaenoides show a more sloping profile. I have had no direct experience with H. coryphaenoides, so the balance of this article will refer only to H. temporalis.

So what about the marketing thing? Being called chocolate can’t be all bad, right? Well, perhaps it depends. Chocolate is a familiar name, well-loved by many of us, and so might stimulate some curiosity.

On the other hand, it can call to mind a rather uniform, dark brown color. This fish is (usually) not that color. Chocolate lovers aside, I suspect that most people who purchase chocolate cichlids do so either on recommendation from another fishkeeper, or have seen for themselves a spectacular looking adult. I admit that I decided I wanted to keep these fish after coming across a stunning photo on Jeff Rapps’ Web site.3 Some months after seeing that picture, a shop in my neighborhood had some young chocolates in stock, and I purchased a small group (three) of them. I put them in a ten-gallon quarantine/grow-out tank along with a similarly sized uaru and a young Herichthys carpintis. Even at that small size the carpintis was a little too tough a customer for these guys, so he was moved to different quarters. As they grew, all were eventually transferred to larger tanks.

As luck would have it, once the chocolates became sexually mature (around four to five inches) a pair formed. The third fish, a male, became very much the odd man out. This led to some difficulties, as the rejected male then seemingly went into an emotional and physical decline―so much so that he developed a recurring case of HLLE (head and lateral line erosion, also known as hole-in-the-head disease), which only resolved when I removed him from the tank containing the pair. Eventually I found another home for him, and when last I heard, he was doing fine. Meanwhile, the

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remaining pair continued to grow, has spawned a few times, and currently resides in a 55-gallon tank along with a young gold severum and a smallish Hypostomus sp. pleco, L-077.

Most cichlids are quite expressive of their mood and health by means of their coloration, and H. temporalis is a one of the more dramatic examples of that trait. While this fish’s base color is perhaps best described as an olive (or emerald) green, it is just as likely to show a chocolate-brown coloration, with deep purple or even red highlights. You just never know exactly what they’re going to look like. Sometimes they’re rather drab, and at other times eye-poppingly colorful.

Temperamentally, though its features may call to mind the face of a retired prizefighter, H. temporalis is generally peace-loving, though there can be some disputes over territory. In a community of cichlids, they’re fine as long as the company isn’t overly assertive. They get along fine with Oscars, severums, uarus, et al, and can manage (but not enjoy) normal cichlid aggression as long as they aren’t physically overmatched. In my experience, it’s likely to be the female who takes the lead in defense (and indeed in definition) of their territory. Odd in a way, as the males grow significantly larger than the females. Otherwise their appearance is similar.

Chocolates can be rather shy, and some kind of companion fish will help them overcome their caution about being out and about in the aquarium. They aren’t especially piscivorous, so your choice of tankmates is fairly broad, though do bear in mind that males top out

at a foot or more in length, with a very robust body.

In the wild their diet is manly invertebrates and insects, and they do appreciate the occasional bug. In your aquarium they won’t be picky eaters―food sticks and Pellets are readily accepted. These fish have a reputation for liking some veggies in their diet. I’ve found that they love peas, and will greedily devour algae wafers intended for the pleco, but beyond those two instances vegetables haven’t proven to be much of an attraction. Good supplements to their regular diet could be frozen or freeze-dried krill, freeze-dried or live crickets, mealworms, small earthworms (the larger ones seem to worry them), etc.

When spawning, they will most often choose a flat rock or other horizontal surface. You’ll see a lot 12

of lip-locking and even head-butting (note the shape of their heads in the photos) as they prepare to spawn.

There’s also a fair amount of head-shaking. I speculate that this could indicate some kind of vocalization, but I haven’t invested in hydrophones to confirm that.

The eggs hatch in about five days, and the fry spend about that same amount of time in the “wriggler” stage, depending on water temperature (I keep temps in the mid-to-high 70’s to low 80’s). Remember, they normally reside in slow-moving pools, where water would tend to be rather warmer than if they were in faster-moving streams.

Chocolates are not great parents. Once the fry are free-swimming (usually about another five days) they’re only casually looked after. At this point it’s best to siphon the fry out and place them in another tank. If the spawning happens in a community tank, the parents will be absent-minded about defending the fry, and if parents and fry are kept in their own separate spawning tank, the parents may absent-mindedly eat them. The fry can be fed finely crushed flakes, Cyclop-eze, or anything of similar size. They grow fairly quickly, though like many cichlids, in spurts.

Once the spawning is complete and the fry are free-swimming, the pair bond tends to relax quite a bit. The best way to maintain or revive it is to keep them with other fish. If kept by themselves, they seem to become easily annoyed with one another, and may begin hanging out at opposite ends of the tank. One behavioral curiosity I’ve noticed is that, unlike my other cichlids, which settle down for the night near the bottom, H. temporalis seems to prefer sleeping near the surface, at about a thirty degree tail-down attitude.

The chocolate cichlid is a large fish, and a rather messy eater. Not overly active, a pair can do quite nicely in a 55-gallon tank (75 would be better), but you must provide meaningful filtration. In a 55-gallon tank, if your filter is rated to handle 55 gallons, use two of them, and be prepared to do large and frequent water changes. The world won’t end if you miss a scheduled water change now and then, but you (and your fish) will notice the difference.

Once chocolates reach adulthood, hiding places seem to hold little attraction, though “landmarks”

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for territory discrimination are appreciated. Some fishkeepers recommend a planted tank so that they’ll feel more secure, and I’ve found that they won’t go out of their way to demolish your plants, but they are large cichlids and they will excavate, so be warned.

If the cichlid of your dreams has to be a certified bad-ass, H. temporalis is probably not what you’re looking for. On the other hand, if what you want is a big, people-friendly, gorgeously colorful fish to occupy an honored spot in your home, I don’t think I could make a better recommendation.

References: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary. php?id=12323 2 http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary. php?id=47067 3 http://www.tangledupincichlids.com/ 1

Photo at right by Linda Konst

All other photos by Marsha Radebaugh

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Photos from our December 2009 Holiday Party and Awards Banquet Some of Our Author Award Program Winners

Some Federation of American Aquarium Society Author Awards

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Former GCAS President Joe Ferdenzi (r) presents the Gene Baiocco Aquarist of the Year Award to current President Dan Radebaugh!

Jeff Bollbach (r) receives the Don Sanford Breeder of the Year award from GCAS President Dan Radebaugh.

Mario Bengcion (r) accepting the Bowl Show Champion trophy from GCAS President Dan Radebaugh.

And a good time was had by all!

Modern18 Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

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JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595 –––––––––––––– JSAS Auction, 03.21.10 Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St., Freehold www.jerseyshoreas.org mws71@yahoo.com (732) 859-5595

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

March 2010

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For more information or to preregister, e-mail mws71@yahoo.com, call (732) 859-5595, or visit www.jerseyshoreas.org

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Any person may bring quality live fish and aquatic plants to enter into auction.

60/40 split when preregistered by Mar. 19th or 50/50 split when registered at the auction.

Auction rules available upon request.

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Live goods registration: 9 to 11 a.m.

No guarantee that items registered after 11 a.m. will be auctioned. No used dry goods.

Viewing of items: 10 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Auction starts at noon sharp!

Knights of Columbus 70 E. Main St.

To be held on Sunday, March 21, 2010 Freehold at the Knights of Columbus at 70 E. Main St. in Freehold, NJ.

18th Annual presents its

tropical Fish and Dry Goods auction!

Jersey Shore Aquarium Society The

Featuring rare and exotic tropical fish, a wide selection of aquatic plants, and free goodies and door prizes all day long!

Snacks and refreshments will be available.

Open to public – free admission ($2 bidder fee).

by SUSAN PRIEST

T

his is indeed a very auspicious opening to the Please read and enjoy our: 2010 season of the GCAS. In other words, things are looking up, at least as far as Anonymous Fishkeeper/ March 2010 F i s h k e e p e r s Anonymous is Please introduce concerned, and I yourself.

Suggested Questions couldn’t be more 3 Please introduce yourself. pleased!

Now if I did that, 3 Tell us about your favorite aquarium.

At the 2008 you’d guess too easily 3 What was your very first fish?

Holiday party I handed who I am, wouldn’t 3 Tell us about your education as a fishkeeper. out at least 30 cards you?

3 Is there someone you think of as a mentor? with my e-mail address Tell us about him or her. on them, along with a Tell us about your Describe your “Fantasy Fish Tank.”

3 notation that this is the favorite aquarium.

3 If you were a fish, which one would you be? best place to submit a 3 Who is your “Hobby Hero?” contribution to I had a saltwater tank 3 What fish which you have never kept would F i s h k e e p e r s in a 20-high when I you like to acquire?

Anonymous. In spite was in high school.

3 Describe your biggest fishkeeping “blooper!” of that, in all of 2009 Something about the 3 Describe your most memorable fishkeeping there were only two light diffusing through experience. submissions, one of the salt water gave it 3 What changes have you seen in the hobby which I had received an ethereal look that I during your tenure as a fishkeeper? before the party, and enjoyed. It had one 3 What advice would you give to a one in the summertime. blue damsel, some beginning fishkeeper?

Desirée Martin and décor and that was it!

3 What are your fishkeeping goals?

Temes Mo were the Minimalism at its - OR write a narrative story only members of best!

GCAS who shared their knowledge, experience, and passions with the rest of us last What was your very first fish? year.

We will now re-visit our 2009 Holiday party, It was a Pterophyllum scalare, marbled variety. where a good time was had by all. The evening served up a special treat for me when one of our Tell us about your education as a fishkeeper. members said to me “I’m going to write an episode of Fishkeepers Anonymous for Modern Aquarium, I have a PhD in marine biology, a masters in and I’ll send it to your e-mail in a couple of days.” ichthyology, and a bachelors in chemistry…you Yahoo!! So, here it is, what I hope will be the first believed me? The truth is my education in of many interesting and enlightening contributions fishkeeping is very recent, with the advent of the from those of you who have not yet joined in the internet. I learn a lot from the experts on various fun. fish forums and the Google search engine.

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Is there someone you think of as a mentor? Tell us about him or her.

changes in less than 3 weeks! I’ve got to find some clear ammonia next time!

Not so much as a mentor but as a role model. His name is Marc Elieson (vatoelvis.com). He has written numerous online articles on the internet and has bred numerous varieties of Malawi, Tanganyikan, and Victorian Cichlids. I’d say that I learned about 75% of all I know about cichlid keeping from his online articles.

What changes have you seen in the hobby during your tenure as a fishkeeper?

Describe your “Fantasy Fish Tank.”

Well, it’s not a salt water reef tank! It’s not even one tank. It’s a whole system of tanks. Let me explain. I need an 8 foot tank (like 200 gallons) for an all male Aulonocara / haplochromine show tank.

I would need several species only supporting tanks to put Aulonocara juveniles to grow out and choose the best male(s) from. The haps could go in the show tank because the females are easily identified.

This is not true for Aulonocara females (they all look alike), so I would need several 55 gallon tanks to house them and keep the identification integral.

From time to time I would take the male peacocks out and breed them, after getting rid of the excess males in the 55's. This is nothing short of having a fish room! Way Fantastical!

If you were a fish, which one would you be?

The salmon. It fights against the current to spawn and then dies, giving nutrients to the river, giving its body to the young to grow.

Who is your “Hobby Hero?”

Anyone with a fish room!

What fish which you have never kept would you like to acquire?

Pseudotropheus polit Describe your biggest fishkeeping “blooper!”

Too many! No seriously, I recently took a heater out of a tank without unplugging it while I was trying to catch a fish which had bloat. I realized it was overheating, so I put it back into the tank and it exploded! The glass cracked, spilling silicon carbide all over one section of the tank.

Describe your most memorable fishkeeping experience.

Undergravel filters were so in about 20 years ago.

Now they are so out!

What advice would you give to a beginning fishkeeper?

Find some clear ammonia and cycle with that!

Patience is a virtue. Always be prepared with the stuff you need before you buy fish!

What are your fishkeeping goals?

I don’t want to be a master breeder per se but I want to breed African cichlids in general. I’d like to cultivate a Neolamprologus brichardi colony, and especially breed Aulonocara. Sometimes I would just like to relax and let the fish work the magic of lowering my blood pressure.

W

ill you agree with me that there is some pretty interesting stuff here? Perhaps you think that the stuff you have to talk about is interesting, too. We would all like to hear your story. Please send your bios, or any questions you may have, to: snpriest@yahoo.com If e-mail is not convenient for you, you can find me at most every meeting.

2010 is the fifth season for this column. So far there have been 25 anonymous fishkeepers. Even though 2006 had 100% participation (one bio in each of the ten issues), I consider 2008 to have been its best year. That year there were eight contributors, and it took third place in the Best Column category of the FAAS publication awards.

Won’t you help raise it to number one? *Reminder* In addition to your member’s copy, every contribution to Modern Aquarium entitles you to a second “author’s copy.” You will also earn points in the Author Award Program, as well as tickets for the authors-only raffle at the Holiday party.

Well, I can tell you which one I would like to forget! Cycling a new tank with fish is not a good idea. I must have gone through 200 gallons in water

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2009 Modern Aquarium Article INDEX ANABANTIDS

Issue/Pg

“Breeding Betta splendens” by Alexander Priest............................................................................... 12/10 “Bubbles in the Wine” (Betta coccina) by Alexander Priest.............................................................. 04/09 “Handsome is as Handsome Does” (Betta pulchra) by Alexander Priest.......................................... 07/09 “Paradise Revisited: The Red Back Paradise Fish” by Alexander Priest............................................11/09 “Really, Betta Fish!” (Betta splendens) by William Amely............................................................... 06/15

AQUARIUM HOBBY HISTORY

“Bermuda Memories” by Joseph Ferdenzi......................................................................................... 06/09 “The Bobbeh Meisseh” by Elliot Oshins.............................................................................................12/11 “Westerleigh Aquarium: Relic of a Golden Age” by Joseph Ferdenzi............................................... 03/10

BOOK REVIEWS

“WET LEAVES” Column - by Susan Priest

Aquariums For Dummies by Maddy and Mic Hargrove..................................................................11/19

Aquarium Owner’s Manual by Gina Sandford............................................................................... 04/16 New York City Zoos and Aquarium by Joan Scheier..................................................................... 07/07 Saltwater Aquariums Make a Great Hobby by John Tullock........................................................ 09/19 Theatres of Glass by Rebecca Stott.................................................................................................. 12/07 Today’s Essential Guide to Growing Aquarium Plants by Peter Hiscock.................................... 06/18

CATFISH

“Little Leo, the Oddball Cory” by Susan Priest................................................................................. 05/19

CHARACINS

“Double Royalty: LaCorte’s Emperor Tetra” by Joseph Ferdenzi..................................................... 05/09

CICHLIDS

“Cichlidically Speaking” Column - by Claudia Dickinson................................................................ 04/21 “Cichlidically Speaking” Column - by Claudia Dickinson................................................................ 05/21 “Cichlidically Speaking” Column - by Claudia Dickinson................................................................ 06/19 “Cichlidically Speaking” Column - by Claudia Dickinson................................................................ 07/17 “Cichlidically Speaking” Column - by Claudia Dickinson................................................................ 08/17 “Cichlidically Speaking” Column - by Claudia Dickinson................................................................ 09/21 “The Bobbeh Meisseh” by Elliot Oshins.............................................................................................12/11 “Famous Chocolates Join to Form Trio” by Jannette Ramirez.......................................................... 04/17 “In the Eye of the Beholder?” by Jannette Ramirez........................................................................... 06/06 “A Small Fish for a Small Room” (Neolamprologus similis) by Jules Birnbaum..............................09/11

CONVENTIONS

“Fishroom Challenge: My Perspective” by Rich Levy...................................................................... 03/08 “AFISH CARES Letter” by Claudia Dickinson................................................................................. 04/15

CYPRINIDS

“Breeding the Zebra Danio” (Danio rerio) by William Amely.......................................................... 07/16 “The Fish From Bung Boratet Swamp” (Rasbora borapetensis) by Alexander Priest...................... 08/14

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GCAS Society Issues

Exchanges

“Fish Bytes” by Stephen and Donna Sosna Sica................................................................. 03/05

“Fish Bytes” by Stephen and Donna Sosna Sica................................................................. 05/07 “Fish Bytes” by Stephen and Donna Sosna Sica..................................................................11/07

Fishkeepers Anonymous column by Susan Priest

Anonymous Fishkeeper: Desiree Martin............................................................................. 03/27

Revelation & Overview:...................................................................................................... 04/07

Anonymous Fishkeeper: Temes Mo..................................................................................... 07/13

Revelation & Overview:.......................................................................................................08/11

2008 Modern Aquarium Article Index............................................................................................. 03/31

Bowl Show Rules............................................................................................................................... 03/03

“Dear Joe…” GCAS Letter of Tribute to Joe Ferdenzi...................................................................... 03/17

GCAS 2009 Award Winners............................................................................................................... 12/17

GCAS Past Award Winners................................................................................................................ 12/16

“The GCAS Author Award Program” by Susan Priest....................................................................... 08/16

The GCAS Author Award Program Report for 2009......................................................................... 12/18

GCAS Breeders Award Program Interim Totals................................................................................. 08/16

GCAS Breeders Award 2009 Program Report................................................................................... 12/21

GCAS Breeders Award Program Points Totals.................................................................................. 12/22

“Joseph Ferdenzi: A GCAS Legend” by Claudia Dickinson.............................................................. 03/16

NJAS Certificate of Appreciation....................................................................................................... 12/24

NJAS Letter........................................................................................................................................ 12/25

An Open Letter to the Members by Joseph Ferdenzi......................................................................... 04/04

GENERAL INTEREST and Miscellaneous

“Aquarium, Sweet Home” by William Amely................................................................................... 05/31 “The Bobbeh Meisseh” by Elliot Oshins.............................................................................................12/11 “Buttkiss: The 41-Year-Old Pacu”..................................................................................................... 10/05 “The Fish Mobile” by Elliot Oshins................................................................................................... 04/19 “How to Become a Not-For-Profit Organization” by Jack Traub, CPA............................................. 04/06 “My Adorable Goldfish Pond” by Jannette Ramirez.......................................................................... 10/15 “Pet Alert – HR 669”.......................................................................................................................... 05/25 “Zoos News Update”...........................................................................................................................05/11

GOBIES

“Breeding Rhinogobius duospilus” by Michael Vulis.........................................................................06/11

GOLDFISH

“In the Eye of the Beholder?” by Jannette Ramirez........................................................................... 06/06

HEALTH / NUTRITION

“Size Does Matter” by Dan Radebaugh..............................................................................................11/17 “Soft Water for Breeding Fish” by P. Hartman (MA Classics)...........................................................10/11

“My First Favorites” by Susan Priest................................................................................................. 10/08

LIVEBEARERS

MEMBER PHOTOS

LOOKING THROUGH THE LENS Photospreads by Claudia Dickinson

Flash Through the Past......................................................................................................... 03/14

Our March 2009 Meeting..................................................................................................... 04/12 20

March 2010

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

Our May 2009 Meeting........................................................................................................ 06/16

Our June 2009 Meeting........................................................................................................ 07/14

Our July 2009 Meeting........................................................................................................ 08/12

Flash Through the Past......................................................................................................... 09/14

“Photos From Our October Meeting” by Alexander Priest.................................................................11/12

“Photos From Our November Meeting” by Alexander Priest............................................................ 12/14

NEC and FAAS News/Events

The NEC 2008 Article Competition................................................................................................... 05/05 The FAAS 2008 Publication Awards.................................................................................................. 10/17

OPINION AND/OR HUMOR

“UNDERGRAVEL REPORTER” a column by The Undergravel Reporter

“Three of a Kind Equals One Pair”.................................................................................................... 03/38 “Tails of the Octopussy” . .................................................................................................................. 04/28 “New Species, Old Government”....................................................................................................... 05/32 “The IRONy of it All”........................................................................................................................ 06/22 “Very Fishy Medicine”....................................................................................................................... 07/20 “Smoke Rings in the Water”............................................................................................................... 08/20 “Backyard Blunders”.......................................................................................................................... 09/24 “One Man’s Weed, Another’s Feed”.................................................................................................. 10/22 “Laws, Courts, and Other Nonsense”..................................................................................................11/22 “Guess What’s Behind These Headlines”.......................................................................................... 12/28

OTHER OPINION/HUMOR

“Can You Spare Some Change?” by Jannette Ramirez...................................................................... 05/06 “Famous Chocolates Join to Form Trio” by Jannette Ramirez.......................................................... 04/17 “The Fish Mobile” by Elliot Oshins................................................................................................... 04/19 “The Fishkeeper’s Wife’s Top Ten” by Marsha Radebaugh............................................................... 09/13 “Happiness Is...!” by Desirée Martin.................................................................................................. 03/07 “Merry Christmas!!” by Susan Priest................................................................................................. 12/08 “The Twelve Days of Christmas (Fishkeeper Version)” by Jannette Ramirez................................... 12/09

“Ludwigia repens” by Stephen Sica................................................................................................... 10/07

“O Fish Tank! My Fish Tank!” by William Amely............................................................................ 04/27 “The Twelve Days of Christmas (Fishkeeper Version)” by Jannette Ramirez................................... 12/09

“Vivaldi in the Fishroom”.................................................................................................................. 03/40 “Pussies Galore!”................................................................................................................................ 04/28 “Amaze Yourself!”............................................................................................................................. 05/34 “It’s Istanbul, Not Constantinople”................................................................................................... 06/24 “Uncommon Bettas”........................................................................................................................... 07/22 “More than Bora Bora”...................................................................................................................... 08/22 “Everything Old is New Again”......................................................................................................... 09/26 “It Came From THE Lake”................................................................................................................ 10/24 “Body Parts”........................................................................................................................................11/24 “16 Years, And What Do You Get?”................................................................................................... 12/30

PLANTS

POETRY

PUZZLE: “FIN FUN” Page

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SPAWNING

“Breeding Betta splendens” by Alexander Priest............................................................................... 12/10 “Breeding Rhinogobius duospilus” by Michael Vulis.........................................................................06/11 “Breeding the Zebra Danio” (Danio rerio) by William Amely.......................................................... 07/16 “Bubbles in the Wine” (Betta coccina) by Alexander Priest.............................................................. 04/09 “Double Royalty: LaCorte’s Emperor Tetra” by Joseph Ferdenzi..................................................... 05/09 “Handsome is as Handsome Does” (Betta pulchra) ......................................................................... 07/09 “My First Favorites” by Susan Priest................................................................................................. 10/08 “Paradise Revisited: The Red Back Paradise Fish” by Alexander Priest............................................11/09 “A Small Fish for a Small Room” (Neolamprologus similis) by Jules Birnbaum..............................09/11

SPEAKER PROFILES by Claudia Dickinson

Profile of Mark Soberman.................................................................................................................. 04/25 Meet the Experts Night: Profiles of: Brad Dickinson, Harry Faustmann, Joe Ferdenzi, Joseph Graffagnino, Mark Soberman, and Ed Vukich............................... 05/15 Profile of Jeff Bollbach: “A Year in the Fishroom”............................................................................ 06/07 Profile of Joseph Graffagnino: “Comparing New & Old World Catfish”.......................................... 09/07

TRAVELING AQUARIST

“Another Day in Key Largo” by Stephen Sica....................................................................................11/15 “Bermuda Blues” by Stephen Sica..................................................................................................... 09/09 “Bermuda Memories” by Joseph Ferdenzi......................................................................................... 06/09 “The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium” by Dan Radebaugh..................................... 10/13 “Groupers Are a Diver’s Best Friend” by Stephen Sica..................................................................... 08/07 “Lionfish Invade Cayman Islands” by Stephen Sica...........................................................................07/11 “A Visit to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium” by Dan Radebaugh............................................ 09/17 “Voyage to the Bermuda Fry-Angle” by Joseph Ferdenzi................................................................. 08/09

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

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Joseph Ferdenzi - photo by Claudia Dickinson.................................................................................. 03/01 Betta coccina - photo by Alexander Priest......................................................................................... 04/01 Nematobrycon lacortei - photo by Marsha Radebaugh...................................................................... 05/01 Rhinogobius duospilus - photo by Michael Vulis............................................................................... 06/01 Betta pulchra - photo by Alexander Priest......................................................................................... 07/01 Rasbora borapetensis - photo by Alexander Priest............................................................................ 08/01 Neolamprologus similis - photo by Alexandra Horton....................................................................... 09/01 Poecilia velifera - photo by Alexander Priest..................................................................................... 10/01 Macropodus erythropterus - photo by Alexander Priest.....................................................................11/01 Betta splendens - photo by Alexander Priest...................................................................................... 12/01

March 2010

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   

  

                                   

   

 

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

March 2010

23

Till Death Do Us Part

by Jannette Ramirez

I

am sure that everyone who joins the tropical fish hobby does so for his or her own reasons. It could be for simple pleasure or for a more serious long-term relationship.

For example, it might be to preserve an endangered species of fish or fishes that one may be interested in, or just because you want to own such fish as your choice of pet. Whatever our reasons may be, it still requires a commitment on our part to do right by our finny friends.

The responsibilities that come with that commitment can be difficult for some people to fulfill. The lifetimes of our fishes vary, and can depend on the caregiver’s ability to provide the proper environment for his choice of fish to thrive in. Our love for that fish may be superficial, which then leads to not giving it the necessary attention needed to maintain its life. Even sadder in my opinion is when a fish we chose from many is seen as disposable, and is discarded to be replaced by a “new” one. Just like that! Where is the commitment?!

The idea of a marriage can apply to other things than two people committing their lives

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to each other. It can pertain to anything that we choose to commit to and take responsibility for, such as fish keeping! I made a promise to my fishes to be responsible for them by providing them with the proper maintenance, environment, nutrition, and care. And just as in a marriage, I also add love to complete this picture.

Without this important ingredient, I could not bring forth the best chance for my fishes to enjoy their lives to the fullest. By this I mean that their home with me will also be as stressfree as I can possibly make it for them, even if this means that I will put their need of extra hidey spots to feel secure and safe in their tank before my “want” of keeping them exposed in the tank, just so that I can view them when I want to.

As I take my vows and promise all that I have to my fishes, I shall end to all you readers with these well known words, “till death do us part.”

March 2010

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

Member Classifieds EQUIPMENT: 3 Rena Filstar XP3 Cannister Filters -- Up to 350 GPH -- $50 each 1 Eheim Pro II 2026 $65 1 Emperor 280 Power Filter (single bio-wheel) $20 1 Emperor 400 Bio-Wheel HOB Power Filter $30 1 Coralife Turb Twist 18 watt with 3 extra (never used) UV bulbs $50 All nearly new, in original boxes. Call (631) 563-1404 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-10’s---complete $15 each 2-20 Longs complete, no lights 20 each 1-20 high-complete, no filter 20 2-29’s complete 30 each Refrigerator 30 1-55 complete 60 1-65 with canister filter, full lighting, Laterite in gravel, metal stand---$250 Some large wood, meds, rock, caves.

“Complete” means heater, filter, full lighting (they were used as plant tanks), canopy.

Call Charley: (917) 837-6346 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------46 bow tank, light, stand, all oak finish $310 Looking for Oak stand for 36g bowfront Call Ron: 718-464-8408 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have a MACNA (Marine Aquarium Conference of North America) ticket for which I paid $116.09. This ticket is transferable. Dates are September 3-5, 2010. I also have a room reserved at the Orlando Marriott Resort. It is beautiful, and minutes away from Disney. I can either cancel it last minute or transfer. Cost is $99 + taxes. It is well worth it. I have attended lots of MACNAs, and the hotels are always really nice, and economically priced. If anyone is interested, please let me know by e-mail: jakleenminassihaftvani@yahoo.com, or let me know at the meetings. Thanks, Jakleen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I still have some used computers for sale—both laptops (Toshiba) and desktops. Very reasonably priced. Let me know if interested. Dan R. Contact by phone (212-957-5300 ext 231) or email (danr@mcmahonmed.com).

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

March 2010

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

about these magnificent animals, ask questions, and finally get a sea lion kiss. Sea Lion Encounters cost $20.00 per participant.”1

A series by “The Undergravel Reporter” In spite of popular demand to the contrary, this humor and information column continues. As usual, it does NOT necessarily represent the opinions of the Editor, or of the Greater City Aquarium Society.

V

alentine's Day was last month. Did you give and/or receive a token of affection and if so, what was it? Candy, flowers, balloons, jewelry, a sardine-breath kiss? Whoa, what was that last one? Well, someone at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island thought it would be just so romantic to “Get a Sea Lion Kiss for your Valentine.”

An iQuarium screenshot If your special someone has an iPhone or an iPod Touch, you can get him or her an “app” from the iTunes App Store called iQuarium. iQuarium is a virtual aquarium where you are given a tank, water, gravel, and a little parrot cichlid to raise. It is your responsibility to keep the fish happy by fulfilling its basic needs. The fish must be fed at least once a day. If you don’t feed your fish for a couple of days, it may become more aggressive, get a sick, or even die.

This fish also requires human interaction.

You must play with it by tapping on the glass, drawing circles along the tank for the fish to follow, and so on until it grows tired from the activity. iQuarium is available at the iTunes App Store for 99 cents (which is a lot cheaper than a $20 kiss from a sea lion).

Twenty bucks gets a big wet one from me!

Here's the scoop: “Catch one of the aquarium’s daily Sea Lion Celebrations in Aquatheater, and afterwards book a Sea Lion Encounter to ask questions and get up close with our sea lion celebrities. Visitors will receive a meet-and-greet session with one of the aquarium's California sea lions. Encounters occur every day after the Sea Lion Celebration show. Participants will learn

26 Aquarium - Greater City A.S. (NY) Modern

References: http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Spend_ Valentines_Day_At_the_Wildlife_Conservation _Societys_Zoos_and_Aquarium_20100128

1

2

http://www.idreams.pl/iQuarium/

March 2010 March 2010

Modern Aquarium - Greater17 City A.S (NY)

GCAS Happenings

March

A special welcome to new member Tommy Chang!

Here are meeting times and locations of some aquarium societies in the Metropolitan New York area: Greater City Aquarium Society

Next Meeting: April 7, 2010 Speaker: Tim Nurse Topic: Diving Lake Tanganyika Meets the first Wednesday of the month (except January & February) at 7:30pm: Queens Botanical Garden 43-50 Main Street - Flushing, NY Contact: Dan Radebaugh (718) 458-8437 E-mail: gcas@earthlink.net Website: http://www.greatercity.org

Big Apple Guppy Club

Meets: Last Tuesday each month (except Jan, Feb, July, and August) at 7:30-10:00pm.

Alley Pond Environmental Ctr.: 228-06 Northern Blvd.

Contact: Donald Curtin (718) 631-0538

Brooklyn Aquarium Society

Next Meeting: March 12, 2010 Speaker: Bob Scherer Topic: Ponds Meets the 2nd Friday of the month (except July and August) at 7:30pm: NY Aquarium - Education Hall, Brooklyn, NY Call: BAS Events Hotline: (718) 837-4455 Website: http://www.brooklynaquariumsociety.org

Long Island Aquarium Society

Next Meeting: March 19, 2010 Speaker: Mike Kovarik Topic: The Set-Up of a 1st Basic Marine Aquarium Meets: 3rd Fridays (except July and August) 8:00pm.

Greenhouse Meeting Room, Holtsville Ecology Center, Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY Email: Margaret Peterson - president@liasonline.org Website: http://liasonline.org/

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)

East Coast Guppy Association

Meets: 2nd Tuesday of each month at at 8:00 pm.

Alley Pond Environmental Ctr.: 228-06 Northern Blvd.

Contact: Gene Baudier (631) 345-6399

Nassau County Aquarium Society

Next Meeting: March 9, 2010 Speaker: TBA Topic: TBD Meets: 2nd Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at 7:30 PM Molloy College - Kellenberg Hall ~1000 Hempstead Ave Rockville Centre, NY Contact: Mike Foran (516) 798-6766 Website: http://www.ncasweb.org

NORTH JERSEY AQUARIUM SOCIETY

Next Meeting: March 18th, 2010 Speaker: Randy Carey Topic: Breeding Egg Scatterers Meets: 7:30 PM Lyndhurst Elks Club, 251 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 Contact: NJAS Hotline at (732) 332-1392 e-mail: tcoletti@obius.jnj.com Website: http://www.njas.net/

Norwalk Aquarium Society

Next Meeting: March 18, 2009 Speaker: Mark Denaro Topic: A Week on the Peruvian Amazon Meets: 8:00 P.M. - 3rd Thursday of each month at: Earthplace - the Nature Discovery Center - Westport, CT Contact: John Chapkovich (203) 734-7833 Call our toll free number (866) 219-4NAS E-mail: jchapkovich@snet.net Website: http://norwalkas.org/

March 2010

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Fin Fun What is it that gives your aquarium that “au naturale” look? Is it the foam filter? How about the PVC pipe? The fish get some credit, of course, but the real stars of the natural world are the aquatic plants. You are hereby challenged to match the common names to the scientific names of the following plants: Common Name

Scientific Name Barclaya longifolia

Japanese Cress African Fern

Aponogeton madagascariensis

Orchid Lily

Eusteralis stellata Hygrophila difformis

Banana Plant

Bolbitis heudelotii

Lace Plant Hornwort

Eichhornia crassipes

Star Rotala

Microsorium pteropus Ceratophyllum demersum

Java Fern Water Wisteria

Cardamine lyrata

Water Hyacinth

Nymphoides aquatica

Answers to our last puzzle: 16

Years, And What Do You Get?

1. The first issue of Series III of Modern Aquarium was January, 1994. From then until now, how many different people have been President of the Greater City Aquarium Society?

Answer: Four: Joe Ferdenzi, Vince Sileo, Jeff George, and Dan Radebaugh 2. From January 1994 until now, how many Editors have there been of Modern Aquarium?

Answer: Three: Warren Feuer, Al Priest, Dan Radebaugh 3. Only one of the following regular Modern Aquarium features has been in every single issue of Series III. Which one is it?: ______Editor’s Page ______President’s Report ______FinFun Puzzle ___X__Undergravel Reporter 4. In what year was the first July issue of Series III of Modern Aquarium printed?

Answer: 2006 (which is when Greater City changed its meeting schedule) 5. From January 1994 until now, what has been the largest issue in number of pages?

Answer: May 2003 (the “Ladies’ Issue,” at 42 pages) 6. Match these past and present Modern Aquarium columns and features with their authors: Fishkeepers Anonymous ---------------------- Susan Priest The Amusing Aquarium ---------------------- Bernard Harrigan Looking Through The Lens ---------------------- Claudia Dickinson Mermaid Tales ---------------------- Sharon Barnett Fish Bytes ---------------------- Stephen and Donna Sica

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March 2010

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March 2010

Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY) Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S. (NY)

The Tropical Fish Society of Rhode Island presents

Triple Crown Fish Auction Sunday, March 28, 2010

St. Joseph’s Parish Center 1303 Mendon Road (Rte. 122) Cumberland, RI

BRING YOUR BEST FISH! For a $1 fee you can put a reserve on any lot!

YOU set the minimum bid, if the lot doesn’t sell for your price or better, you get it back!

Free Admission! All are welcome! TFSRI’s split is $3 per bag sold, all the rest goes to the vendor.

Doors will be open at 10:30 AM. The auction starts promptly at 12:00 PM DIRECTIONS TO THE AUCTION: Route 295 to Route 122, (exit 10). Take a left off the ramp, proceed past the Burger King on your left and Route 116 on your right.

Continue on route 122 for approximately one mile. St. Joseph’s church will be on your left.

Turn left into the driveway immediately before the church, and follow the driveway around the rear of the church and proceed to the top of the hill. The Parish center will be on your right.

The Tropical Fish Society of Rhode Island meets on the third Wednesday of each month (except December) at 7:30 PM. Meetings are free and all are welcome to attend. Go to www.tfsri.net for meeting location

No limit on the number of lots submitted. All lots must be live fish, plants or aquariumrelated items. See rules for complete details.

Preregister by March 22nd and get a red dot sticker to bump one bag to the start of the auction.

Lots not selling for the minimum bid of $3 are returned to the seller.

Vendor Fee: $2 Bidder Card: $2 (Waived for Vendors)

Visit www.tfsri.net for complete rules and auction forms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Al Wagonblott (401) 847-3364 mr_wiggles_sr@hotmail.com or visit us on the web at: www.tfsri.net