Editorial Welcome to the first issue of The Vivarium & Aquarium News; a free online reptile, amphibian and aquarium publication from your friends at Zoo Med. We are publishing this new online magazine in cooperation with our friends at Terralog and Aqualog in Germany. This new partnership will give the magazine an “international” flair incorporating articles from some of the most acclaimed reptile and aquarium hobbyists worldwide. Because this will be more of a serious “hobby” publication than “entry level” publication, you will find many of the articles to be very in-depth and written by hobbyists that have actually traveled to the home range of the species they are writing about! There is also a section in each issue showing “new species” (and color morphs) that have recently come available to the marketplace. We hope you enjoy our first issue and please drop us an email with any comments or suggestions you may have.
Gary Bagnall CEO
www.Vivariumnews.com
Contents
Focus on the Red-Foot
3-6
Crown-tail bettas
8-9
Top Ten: Poison-arrow frogs
Mud and musk turtles 15-17 - small but mighty
10-13
New on the Market
The Leopard Lungfish - a living fossil
18-27
28-29
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FOCUS ON THE RED-FOOT The Red-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) has been referred to as a possible ‘poster-child’ for evolution/speciation. This rather confusing label is one that was originally coined over half a century ago for children who suffered from a particular affliction and whose pictures were used on posters, and elsewhere, in awareness- or fund-raising campaigns. by John Dawes
I
n the case of our subject, the term is used to explain the fact that there are numerous naturally-occurring varieties of the species and that these could perhaps be used to illustrate speciation ‘in action’. As things stand, though, there isn’t universal agreement regarding, either the actual number of variants, or their biological/genetic/evolutionary relationship to one another. Basically, there are two main groups of Red-Footed Tortoise: the northern and the southern, the former occurring north of the Amazon and the latter south of this region. There are Chelonoidis carbonaria - Adult
Chelonoidis carbonaria - Juvenile
also several varieties within each region, with even finer differences within each of the regional varieties. Most of the specimens seen in the hobby are reported to come from Venezuela (northern region) and are regarded as the typical Red-Foots, although the ‘Cherry-Head’ variety from southeastern Brazil (southern region) is also popular owing to its attractive coloration. Despite the wide distribution of the species, some natural populations are threatened by human activities, the two most important being hunting and deforestation. Somewhat curiously, in the catholic South American countries where the species
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The Vivarium - Issue 1 occurs, it is regarded as ‘fish’ by the church. This conveniently makes it possible for believers to consume this meat during Holy Week, when all other types of meat are forbidden. Invariably, of course, this results in an annual surge in demand for Red-Footed Tortoise flesh. Like all the other members of the family Testudinidae, the Red-Footed Tortoise is listed by the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in its Appendix II. This means that trade in Red-Foots, while not being prohibited, is only allowed under certain conditions…and only with all the appropriate CITES export/import permits in place. Further, there are 2011 export quotas in force for the populations from three countries: Colombia – 3,500 specimens, Guyana – 704, Surinam – 630.(The only species of Chelonoidis listed by CITES in Appendix I is C. nigra, the Galápagos giant tortoise. The World Conservation Union, IUCN, lists this species as Vulnerable). The Cherry-Head is considered hardier and more cold-resistant than most other Red-Foots. This does not mean that attention to detail when it comes to captive care is not important, though. Far from it! Adult Red-Foots can attain a length of some 20in (50cm), although most Adult Red-Footed Tortoises mating
The different head markings can be readily seen in these specimens
remain considerably smaller than this, and can weigh over 20Ib (9 kg). As they approach maturity, specimens of both sexes develop a distinct constriction halfway down the carapace – the ‘waist’ that is typical of the species. Unusually, males of the variety from the Gran Chaco region of Bolivia and Paraguay don’t develop the waist. With or without the waist, Red-Foots are ‘substantial’ creatures once they approach adulthood. They must therefore be accommodated in spacious quarters that will allow them to roam; something like 80 x 60in (2 x 1.5m) (or larger) will do the trick. While daytime tem-
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Red-Footed Tortoises should be fed mainly on low-grade plant material
peratures can be allowed to soar into the 90s째F (30s째C), night-time temperatures should not be allowed to drop much below 59-65째F (15-18째C). A mister should be provided to help maintain a suitably high level of humidity, day and night. The floor covering should consist of a material that holds moisture, but is dry to the touch, e.g. a mulch of hardwood or cypress chips. Shelter and a basking area, as well as a large bowl or basin of water that the tortoises can wallow in, should also be provided. In indoor enclosures, some form of lighting must be provided, e.g. a 100-W Spot Lamp, plus a UVB source for overall health (it assists Vitamin D3 synthesis). Other suitable forms of reptile illumination can, of course, be used in lieu of these. With regard to the diet, it should consist of a wide selection of leafy greens and fruit. However, this species is also known to be an occasional flesh-eater in the wild, so some meat-based products should also be offered from time to time, say, every 10-14 days. Meats must not form a main dietary item, though, since such foods are low in calcium. In this respect, the relations-
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hip between Vitamin D3 and calcium needs to be kept in mind. In outdoor enclosures, natural sunlight will ensure that there’s enough Vitamin D3 to allow adequate absorption of calcium. Indoors, though, a Vitamin D supplement with a good UVB reptile lamp will ensure that the animals don’t suffer any deficiency, especially if the food is sprinkled with powdered calcium as well. Red-Footed Tortoises are said to be capable of living for more than 50 years. However, some reports say that, while their lifespan is unkThe Yellow Foot Tortoise, Chelonoidis denticulata, is a close relative of the Red-Footed Tortoise
Juvenile Red-Footed Tortoises are really delightful creatures
nown, they often live for more than 25 years in captivity. Others state that captive specimens have lived for 50 years and more. Whatever the real situation, the indisputable fact is that, given adequate care, your Red-Footed Tortoise is a long-lived pet that can accompany you throughout a substantial part of your own life. Note from Zoo Med: High humidity levels are critical to the health of juveniles of all Red foot and Yellow foot tortoise species. Zoo Med recommends humidity levels for juveniles of 75% or higher.
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Crown-tail bettas a successful combination of impressive body form and splendid coloration. by Karel Janick
F
or some years now, specially bred Siamese fighting-fishes have been produced - mainly in South-East Asia - with the special characteristic of the fin rays extending as far as possible beyond the fin membranes. The form was supposedly originally developed by the Indonesian breeder Yusuf Ahmad. The object Betta splendens blue
was to create something resembling a comb (hence the alternative name of comb-tail betta for this specially bred form). In practice the fish weren’t bred with longer fin-rays but with the area of the membranes reduced. Critics maintain that these fishes invariably look somewhat tattered. From a more positive viewpoint, the name crown-tail betta may be flattery but is by far the most appropriate label for this achievement by breeders. Most specialty tropical fish stores have stocks of this cultivated form in a huge variety of colors. In particular the red and blue specimens vie for the attention of the aquarist with their quite
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Betta splendens red
unbelievably brilliant coloration. As with all Siamese fighting-fish it is not possible to keep more than one male in the same aquarium. Just a few seconds after being introduced the fishes will seek to test each other’s strength. The reciprocal threat and fin-spreading soon devolves into biting, and the losing combatant must make himself scarce as otherwise he will be harassed and bitten until he dies.
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Top Ten: Poison-arrow frogs Poison-arrow or dart frogs are among the most popular terrarium animals. They are small, colorful, and as a rule easy to maintain. Because of international species-conservation legislation, those offered for sale are almost entirely captive-bred, and hence already well acclimated to life in the terrarium. Tropenparadies (Germany) has assembled this Top Ten of the most popular species for by Frank Sch채fer us. Many thanks!
T
he systematics of poison-arrow frogs presents a problem that so far remains unresolved. The majority of species occur in numerous color variants and it is often very difficult to decide how a species should be defined. In addition, no systematist has as yet managed to devise a generic division for the poison-arrow frogs that sa-
1
Dendrobates azureus
tisfies everyone. Depending on what criteria are applied and what research methods are utilized, it is possible to arrive at very different generic concepts. Attempts have so far been made using classic morphological methods, comparative study of the components of the skin toxin, comparative behavioral analysis, and even genetic research into the DNA. But none of these methods has proved suitable per se for producing a convincing generic concept, so that at present some species are to be found assigned to a multitude of genera. Because a hobby magazine is not really the right place to deal with this sort of complex question, we have decided to take a pragmatic approach and call them all Dendrobates. In first place we find Dendrobates azureus, which actually remains a member of the genus Dendrobates according to the most recent works, although its status as a species is nowadays generally in question and it is regarded as simply a color variant of the species in second place, Dendrobates tinctorius. This species is
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2
Dendrobates tinctorius French Guiana
widespread in the Guyana and comprises more than 40 different color variants which molecular genetic research has shown to differ too little from one another to be considered distinct species. At least until such time as someone or other comes up with a new species concept…… Be that as it may, a particularly attractive variant known as “French Guiana” is available in the hobby, though
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Dendrobates leucomelas
it is important to remember that a whole series of color variants of this poison-arrow frog are found in French Guiana. Maximum size is 2.4in (60 mm). These frogs are kept in pairs as they are aggressive among themselves. The frog in third place is also a “real” Dendrobates: D. leucomelas. The specific name means “white-black”, as Steindachner, who originally described it back in 1864, knew it only preserved in alcohol. In life,
4
Dendrobates pumilio
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5
Dendrobates auratus Ancon Hill
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Dendrobates auratus Cahuita
however, the species is richly patterned in yellow and black, which is why it is so popular. At around 1.5in (38 mm) the species remains smaller than its predecessors in this list, but is still rather large. This species too should, for safety reasons, be kept in pairs in smaller terraria, although maintenance in a group is possible in larger quarters. By comparison Dendrobates pumilio (Oophaga pumilio), which occupies fourth place is really small. These little creatures grow to just 0.94in (24mm) long, and that applies only to the giants among the innumerable populations. There are also some with a maximum length of just 0.68in (17.5mm). The genus name Oophaga is well chosen, as it means “egg-eater�. This species practices a really spectacular form of brood care. Spawning takes place on land. After hatching, the tadpoles (which are cannibalistic) are transported singly
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The Vivarium - Issue 1 on the female’s back to water-filled leaf axils; the female then visits them from time to time and feeds them on unfertilized eggs as and when required. Without this food the tadpoles wouldn’t survive. Before all this became known the rearing of this common and very widespread frog in the terrarium represented an insoluble problem. Places 5 and 6 go to color variants of Dendrobates auratus, which is another “real” Dendrobates. This means they are attractive, relatively large (1 to 2.4in (25 to 60mm), depending on the population), and rather aggressive among themselves. Because D. auratus is rather timid and secretive in its habits, this species too is better kept in pairs, as otherwise there is too great a danger of not noticing until it is too late that an individual is being seriously oppressed. The dwarfs in seventh and eighth places, D. imitator and D. variabilis (both in Ranitomeya), look very similar, and they also occur together in the wild and mimic one another. They attain around 0.75in (19mm) in length. D.imitator mimics numerous other Dendrobates (in the broad sense), but the population that mimics D. variabilis was the first to be discovered. The most important difference is that imitator has two spots on the nose, variabilis just one. And finally, in ninth and tenth places we have the “Guppies” among the poison-arrow frogs, D. vittatus (Phyllobates vittatus) and D. tricolor (Epipedobates tricolor). It is almost impossible to stop adequately-fed specimens from breeding, and in addition D. vittatus is particularly entertaining with its canary-like trilling calls. D. tricolor grows to some 0.9in (23mm) long. D. vittatus is significantly larger at around 1.2in (31mm). (Note that, very generally speaking, male poison-arrow frogs remain smaller than females). Unfortunately D. vittatus is an Dendrobates vittatus
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Dendrobates variabilis Dendrobates imitator red
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endangered species because of habitat destruction, and hence care should be taken to breed it in captivity.
Dendrobates tricolor
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Mud and musk turtles - Small but mighty Lots of people are interested in tortoises and turtles, even if they have little to do with reptiles or amphibians otherwise. But the majority of turtles – regardless of whether they are tortoises or species that live in and by water – require a lot of space. Hence the question repeatedly arises as to whether there are also any small species that can even be kept in an aquarium. And there are: the mud and musk by Thorsten Holtmann turtles!
M
embers of two genera are regularly offered in the pet trade: the mud turtles, Kinosternon, and the musk turtles, Sternotherus. In Kinosternon some parts of the ventral armor are movable and with the aid of this mechanism they can close up their shell like box turtles once their head and legs are retracted. Sternotherus, by contrast, have rigid ventral armor. They are popularly known as musk turtles because they release a strong-smelling secretion when danger threatens.
Musk turtles
This genus contains four species, three of which are regularly available in the trade as captive-bred specimens. None grows appreciably larger than 6in (15cm) and they usually remain significantly smaller. That most frequently offered is the Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), which attains a maximum length of 5.5in (14cm) but normally grows to between 3 and 4in (7.5 and 10cm) long. It can even be kept perfectly well lifelong in one of the “starter aquaria” of around 24 x 12 x 12in (60 x 30 x 30cm) available in the trade. The Common Musk Turtle is predominantly black with the striking color character of two light stripes on the head. Although in North America, their native land (the species is widespread in eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida), they are given the unfriendly name of “stinkpot”, in captivity they rapidly become tame and then no longer make use of their defensive secretion. The Loggerhead Musk Turtle (S. minor) is the same size as its cousin. It is light brown in color with black speckling. This Sternotherus minor, the Loggerhead Musk Turtle.
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The Vivarium - Issue 1 species too is regularly bred on large turtle farms in the USA and offered in the trade. Its original distribution largely overlaps that of the Common Musk Turtle, but doesn’t extend as far north. Last but not least there is the “giant” of the genus, S. carinatus. The Razorback Musk Turtle from the southern USA holds the size record for the genus with a maximum shell length of 7in (17cm), but usually remains significantly smaller.
The maintenance of musk turtles
Musk turtles usually appear in the trade as hazelnut-sized hatchlings and are then truly adorable. Like all mud turtles (this will be stated once and for all here, to avoid the need for later repetition) live almost exclusively in water the technical term is “aquatic”. Musk turtles only exceptionally seek out the land and they hardly ever sunbathe. In the wild these turtles are crepuscular and avoid bright light. But - and this is a big but – there are individual exceptions. A baby musk turtle should be housed in an aquarium with only a few centimeters of water. Hiding-places can be created with pieces of non-polluting wood. These pieces of wood should extend out of the water and this will provide an excellent opportunity to see whether the little turtle is one of the rare members of its species that ventures onto land. Musk turtles are poor swimmers even though they live almost entirely in water. There is thus a serious danger of drowning hence the low water level. Although musk turtles occasionally eat plant material in the wild, in the aquarium are they are almost exclusively carnivorous. Babies can be given frozen food intended for ornamental fishes, with frozen bloodworm and river shrimp (Gammarus) being particularly suitable. All sorts of frozen food can be offered, and that way you will rapidly find out what the turtle does and doesn’t like. The same applies to Kinosternon subrubrum looks like a miniature snapper turtle.
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The Vivarium - Issue 1 plant material. A dandelion (Taraxacum) leaf can be offered now and then; it often appears that these turtles eat plant material more for therapeutic reasons (against parasites) than for nourishment.
Group, pair, or just one?
The mud turtle genus is appreciably more species-rich, with around 18 species currently recognized. They usually look extraordinarily similar and are difficult to identify. The majority of these turtles again grow to only around 4-6in (10-15cm) long and hence are ideal for keeping in smaller aquaria. The main difference from the musk turtles is that mud turtles are only rarely available captive-bred and it is usually half-grown or adult specimens that are seen in the trade.
In the final analysis, all these turtles – regardless of which genus – are by preference to be kept singly. These creatures are essentially solitary and do not feel lonely. On the other hand, it is quite commonplace for conspecifics to be killed or become so stressed that they waste away and die. This is in part dependent on the species, but may also vary with the individual. Obviously, however, the motivation of the owner also plays a role here. Anyone who wants to breed will require at least a pair. But in this case too it is usually better to put them together only for mating. All mud and musk turtles lay their eggs on land, and hence gravid females must be provided with a suitably designed land area.
The maintenance of mud turtles
First get some experience
Mud turtles
This corresponds in all details to what has already been stated for the musk turtles, except that obviously the water level can be increased for larger specimens. A good rule of thumb is to set the water level at twice the height of the shell. If the turtles are fit and have settled in, then the water level can be increased to four or five times shell height, as stronger specimens can swim quite well, albeit not elegantly.
Baby Common Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus.
But that is undoubtedly the 2nd or 3rd step. Anyone with no previous experience with turtles is strongly advised to start with a baby musk turtle – which species doesn’t matter. The rearing of such creatures is interesting and educational, and you can then decide later on if you want to join those with a leaning towards research and get involved with the systematically complicated mud turtles, or whether a nice little “stinkpot” will suffice as a pet. If you are now filled with the desire to keep these turtles, your pet dealer can undoubtedly order them for you from a wholesaler of his acquaintance.
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NEW ON THE MARKET! New Corydoras from Peru
Corydoras sp. C91, male
T
he pretty Corydoras sp. C91 is already a well-known aquarium fish, although it is very rarely available. This species is a typical shortCorydoras sp. C91, female
nose or roundnose cory, which can be kept in exactly the same way as the common species Corydoras julii and C. trilineatus. These two species are undoubtedly the closest relatives of C91. For the first time ever the long-snouted spe-
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Corydoras sp. C91 Longnose, female
cies with the very same pattern as C91 has also been imported. Sadly we have no information on where these fish were collected. C91 is said to originate from the Rio Huallaga, which is an approximately 700mi (1,100km) long tributary of Corydoras sp. C91 Longnose, pair
the Mara帽贸n, the larger of the two headwaters of the River Amazon. The long-snouted species mimicking C91 is a very attractive fish that closely resembles Corydoras leopardus. However, the new species has a much more contrasting pattern on the caudal fin. The saddle-nose species C115/116 originates
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Corydoras sp. C115/116, variety with caudal stripe, no shoulder spot
from the Rio Madre de Dios, which is also about 700mi (1,100km) long and the largest tributary of the Rio Madeira. The Madre de Dios flows between the countries of Bolivia and Peru. C115/116
also closely resembles C91, at least in the case of some specimens, as C115/116 has a very variable coloration. Hence it was initially thought to represent two different spe-
Corydoras sp. C115/116, variety with caudal stripe and shoulder spot
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Corydoras sp. C115/116, variety without caudal stripe and shoulder spot
cies. However, breeding these fish demonstrated that they are just one variable species. Keeping all these new Corydoras is easy, but it should be kept in mind that only C91 and the long-snouted species are schooling fish in the strict sense, while the saddle-nosed types instead prefer to live individually or in small groups.
Corydoras sp. C115/116, variety without caudal stripe but with shoulder spot
Lexicon:
Corydoras: Latinized Greek, meaning “with helmet and spear“, referring to the stout armor and fin spines.
Corydoras sp. C91 Longnose, pair
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The Vivarium - Issue 1 Six-Eyed Tetra
Phenacogaster tegatus trio
Phenacogaster tegatus pair
T
his rare and fascinating Six-Eyed Tetra (Phenacogaster (formerly Vesicatrus) tegatus) is from Paraguay. This peaceful, shoaling fish grows to about 2.4in (6cm) long and confuses predatory fish with its pattern. P. tegatus has eye-spots on the middle of the body and the caudal peduncle; it thus looks like the fish has three eyes on each side of the body. Predatory fish always target the eye of their prey, so the unique six-eye pattern guarantees the greatest safety imaginable.
Phenacogaster tegatus group
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Moema quiii
Moema quiii
I
n general killifish are beautiful fish. It has now been possible to import a spectacular killie from Peru that has not only wonderful colors, but also the extraordinarily large size of about 4in (11cm). Sadly only this single male was collected, let’s hope for more specimens in the near future!
Lexicon:
The unusual name „quiii“ refers to Belinda Peck, who received the nickname Qui-i-i from an Ese Eja shaman. The species is thus named in honor of Mrs. Peck.
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Myleus sp. LAMAX III
W
e are very proud to present this extraordinary silver dollar (probably an extremely rare sport of M. schomburgki?). Only 30 specimens are known worldwide. It is said that this beauty grows to only 3.2in (8-9cm) long.
Myleus sp. LAMAX
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Apistogramma megaptera
Apistogramma sp. „Breitbinden“, now finally described as Apistogramma megaptera
This dwarf cichlid has finally been scientifically described under the name Apistogramma megaptera. It has been known for decades in the aquarium hobby under the name Apistogramma sp. „Breitbinden“. The German word „Breitbinden“ means „broad band“. This refers to the broad dark band beneath the eye. These wonderful wild collected specimens of this species come from the upper Orinoco area (rios Inirida, Atabapo, and Mavaca) in Colombia and Venezuela. Apistogramma megaptera is a hardy species. However, it should be kept in mind that all fish from this area prefer higher water temperatures than usual, e.g. 78.8-82.5°F (26-28°C). The water must be soft and acidic - at least for breeding. As with all dwarf cichlids, the bottom of the tank should be covered with fine sand. Males of A. megaptera grow to around 3in (7cm)
long, females remain much smaller and attain only 1.6in (4cm).
Lexicon:
Apistogramma: Latinized Greek, meaning „with unreliable line“. It is not known whether the lateral line organ or the pattern is meant. megaptera: Latinized Greek, meaning „with very large fins“.
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Apistogramma sp. „Breitbinden“
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The Leopard Lungfish - a living fossil Around 60 million years ago a huge meteorite struck the Earth off the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. The climate changes unleashed by this catastrophe were so dire that almost all the planet’s ecosystems collapsed. As a result the dinosaurs died out within a few million years. by Harald Jahn
B
ut the lungfishes were little affected by all this. It is true that only a few species – six, to be precise – still exist today, but they are alive and kicking; they saw the arrival of Homo sapiens on this planet and will probably also survive his departure. Lungfish are a very ancient vertebrate lineage. The earliest forms of the modern Leopard Lungfish Portrait
African and South American lungfish (Protopterus and Lepidosiren) evolved in the early Devonian some 400 million years ago and split off from their sister group, the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus). The most attractive of the four species of African lungfishes is the subspecies of Protopterus aethiopicus that lives in the Congo and was described as P. ae. congicus by Poll in 1961. The saddle-like snout is characteristic of the species. P. aethiopicus can most readily be distinguished from the similar P. annectens by the edging of skin on the pectoral fins, which is well developed in P. annectens but lacking in P. aethiopicus. The nominate form of P. aethiopicus inhabits the Nile but is mainly lacustrine, being found, among other places, in lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, and Albert. The subspecies congicus occurs in the Congo from the Lualaba
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The Vivarium - Issue 1 downstream to Kinshasa, while the lower course of the Congo is home to the subspecies mesmaekersi. P. ae. congicus is distinguished from its fellow subspecies by its attractive leopard-like markings. The other two subspecies are covered in small dots or uniform gray. The Leopard Lungfish is a river-dweller that doesn’t need to make use of its auxiliary respiratory system very often. The specimen in the photo, which measures around 16in (40cm) in length, even exhibits vestiges of the external gills, still clearly recognizable, which these fishes possess when young. Leopard Lungfishes are utterly intolerant of one another and can only be kept singly. In the wild adults feed on snails and bivalves, while juveniles are insectivorous. In the aqua-
rium, however, they will take any carnivore foods offered. It is essential never to underestimate the biting power of these fishes. Moreover they can grow to up to a meter long. No external sexual dimorphism is known. At breeding time the male constructs a nest in which he spawns with one or more females. The fry are pitch black and are guarded by their father for several weeks. Thereafter they begin their solitary way of life, which, if all goes well, can last for many decades.