My Top 10 Fishes
This area is for members to nominate their top 10 favourite fishes.
Tony Noronha
  1. Botia Sidimunki
    Active 'cheeky' loach, beautiful colours, best kept as a small shoal. Not seen very often in shops and can be quite expensive when available.
  2. Poecilia Nigrofasciata
    The hump backed limia brings back fond memories of my days in showing, having won numerous awards with this species, the most notable being the breeders championship in 197?. It took me 3 hours a match a team which was so close to perfection! A striking looking fish when in peak condition.
  3. Xiphophorus Montezumae
    The xiphophorus genus has always been a favourite of mine, having kept many of the species. This species is one of my favourite. There are many sub-species which are continually being renamed as more information becomes available.
  4. Corydoras Habrosus
    One of the smaller species in this genus. An interesting species, which I have tried to breed, but with no success! They are not readily available, so grab them when you can.
  5. Brachyrhaphis Rhabdophora
    A striking little livebearer with vivid colours when in peak condition. A perfect species for showing, as they tend to deport well.
  6. Poecilia Reticulata
    Let's face it, we've all started in this hobby with either a goldfish from the fair or a batch of guppies from a friend who had an overstocked tank. The guppy is a very prolific fish, but breeding quality solid specimens with vivid colours is a real challenge!
  7. Hoplosternum Thoracatum
    A relatively active catfish which is a bubble nest breeder. Spawning can be triggered by large water changes and dramatic temperature drop. A species I would love to breed one day!
  8. Malapterurus Electricus
    The electric catfish may look like a sausage but you won't find anything like it. I had one many years ago and it was the closest thing to a 'pet' fish. Yes, I did talk to it!
  9. Xenotoca Eiseni
    This livebearer of the goodeid family was classified as 'endangered' in the 1970s and we, in the UK had the privilege to acquire a few specimens. They are a striking and unusual species with blue and orange coloration (males). We bred some 'giants' in the 70s, but sadly the quality has somewhat deteriorated over the years!
  10. Lepidocephalus Thermalis
    I brought back some wild caught specimens of this loach in 1974 and before long, they bred. I have no idea what their breeding habits are – just found a batch of youngsters in the tank! They did well on the showbench in the breeders and pairs classes.
Tony Steeden
  1. Mikrogeophagus ramerizi
    The 'ram' is a wonderfully coloured little cichlid that can be kept in small community tanks. The wild / quality ones show far better colour than some others.
  2. Neon tetras
    I was not sure whether to have the Cardinal tetra instead as it is better coloured, but opted for the Neon as it is one of those fish that nearly every fish keeper has in their first community tank.
  3. Hypancistrus zebra
    The Zebra plec is a stunning fish but unfortunately extremely expensive.
  4. Uaru fernandezyepezi
    Another stunning fish. The adult fish have superb colour and markings. Pictures rarely do them justice. Being a (relatively) new species, they are expensive but I was lucky to get six at a very good price on the clubs trip to Holland in Oct 2005. (Thanks Pete)
  5. Borora brigittae
    A very small Rasbora but when kept in a shoal, in the right tank and conditions, the colours are magnificent. Not only do they look great in my tank of Apistogramma's, they are also a good 'dither fish'.
  6. Corydoras aeneus
    I was tempted to have several different Corydaoras in my top ten, but the list would have been filled with them. I then nearly put the whole family in but instead, decided on the 'plain' bronze Cory as a group of them are fun to watch ( like all Cory's), are easy to keep, have an under rated but still attractive colour and are great for most community tanks. Also good for any prospective Cory breeder to start with.
  7. Brochis splendens
    I know they are closely related to Corys but I have to put them in separately. They have all of the same good points as Corydoras and I have included them as I was fortunate enough to breed them ( if raising just four youngsters counts as successful.)
  8. Scriptaphyosemion gardneri
    I like most killifish but haven't kept as many as I would like. This is the favourite one I have kept and bred.
  9. Hypselecara temoralis
    A big yet relatively peaceful and colourful South American cichlid.
  10. Vieja argentea
    A big Central American cichlid that looks much better in the flesh as an adult than it does in any picture I have ever seen. I like several of the Vieja species but this one is the favourite.
Pete Cottle
  1. Crenuchus spilurus
    My all time favourite. The sailfin characin is a showy fish with its elongated fins. It looks somewhat pugnacious but in reality is not a problem. It is an achievement to keep these successfully particularly in hard water.
  2. Nannostomus mortenthaleri
    Certainly the most colourful of the pencil fishes. In a well planted tank, always looks superb. Said to breed seasonally, which is probably the reason for my lack of success.
  3. Danio kyathit
    This fish introduced me to the expanding list of 'new' Danios. A nice active fish that comes in several colour morphs. Generally easy to breed , although some morphs are a little more difficult.
  4. Pseudomugil reticulatus
    One of the more rare 'Blue eye' Rainbows. Difficult to keep and breed and needs lots of T.L.C. Particularly liked because my friends Ilse Lass & Guido Hoener from Fischhaus Zepkow gave me the first pairs to be introduced into the U.K.
  5. Pseudomugil furcatus
    A brightly coloured 'Blue eye' Rainbow. The first one of the genus I successfully bred and raised. Nice active fish in a planted tank.
  6. Corydoras sterbai
    A colourful Corydoras with its bright orange pectoral fins. One day, I MUST get around to trying to breed them!
  7. Trichogaster leeri
    The leeri gourami in full breeding colour is one of the best you could possibly have. Peaceful in the community tank, even with very small tetras. Always shows well.
  8. Aphyosemion striatum
    Possibly the first killifish I ever bred. Superb colours and quite happy to live in a community tank.
  9. Brachyraphis hessfeldi
    This relatively new livebearer is just a nice fish. Beautiful colours in the right lighting.
  10. Melanotaenia boesmani
    Beautifully coloured Rainbow fish – particularly when adult. Easy to spawn and reasonably easy to raise the fry. Makes a good addition to the community tank.
Honorary members Ilse Lass & Guido Hoener of Fischhaus Zepkow.
  1. Microrasbora kubotai
    A tiny, lively fish with a rare bright neon green colour.
  2. Pseudomugil signifier. Ross River.
    An elegant and colourful swimmer with spectacularly elongated fins. A nice example of the blue eyed Rainbow fishes.
  3. Melanotaenia parva
    Another example of a relatively small Rainbow fish with a brilliant red mating dress.
  4. Etroplus canarensis
    A relatively peaceful Indian cichlid that shows ranking behaviour in groups and has a well balanced shape decorated with yellow and brown stripes. A long desired fish still withstanding all of our efforts to breed it.
  5. Neolamprologus multifasciatus
    Unpretentious small cichlid dressed in nice stripes, breeding in the empty houses of snails, defending its extended family and its small territory without fear and showing an unappeasable drive to dig. A perfect fish for junior aquarists.
  6. Phyllonemus typus
    Elegant swimming catfish from Tanganyika, with outstanding behaviour; a true biparental mouthbrooder, but seldom visible during daytime.
  7. Corydoras panda
    Still one of the most pretty catfishes and a seldom seen example of real harmlessness in our aquaria ( you should not ask tubifex worms or daphnia though!!)
  8. Neoheterandria elegans
    The ultimate in passive behaviour. The smallest, most tranquil but comparatively colourful livebearer.
  9. Betta simplex
    A small, non fighting mouth brooder that is easy to keep in most tap waters.
  10. Our Ceramic fish from Mexico.
    Even more simple to keep! It does not need food, nor water changes, nor even water at all. Imaginatively painted in phantastic colours, our first own international fish import to Germany.
Peter Franz.
  1. Black Molly
    an old favourite, the jet black colour stands out so strongly in planted community aquaria
  2. Red Tail Black Shark
    always an entertaining fish to watch although sometimes very boisterous
  3. Dwarf Gourami
    is it red? Is it blue? Depends on the angle of view
  4. Kribensis
    striking colouration- peaceful except when breeding when their brood protection provides excellent viewing
  5. Rams
    small and colourful - but can be difficult to keep
  6. Severums
    a larger fish, but peaceful enough for a community set up in a larger tank
  7. Marble Angel
    angels always seem so graceful and the "marbled" variety offer more interesting colouration
  8. Siamese Fighters
    blatant exhibitionist
  9. Pearl / Lace Gourami
    large good looking fish
  10. Rosy Barb
    a very hardy, lively fish - but not as aggressive as a Tiger barb
Anne Newport
My top ten fishes (in no real order – as long as its got whiskers I'll like it!).
  1. Synodontis Multipunctatus
    Real characters, so enjoyable to watch the way they interact with each other; a pretty fish with lovely spots.
  2. Synodontis Petricola
    As for S. Multipunctatus but smaller.
  3. Gagatta Schmidti
    Really cute small catfish that are so energetic.
  4. Pterygoplichthys Gibbiceps
    Such a graceful fish for its size, and can be a real character.
  5. Koi
    I just can't resist when they come to the surface after food.
  6. Synodontis Brichardii
    Very elegant and attractive syno.
  7. Bumblebee catfish
    Any bumblebee cats – love the stripes!
  8. Synodontis Schoutendeni
    Another really attractive syno with a huge appetite.
  9. Synodontis Eupterus
    Fabulous finnage on this syno.
  10. Swallow tail glass catfish
    another energetic catfish, loves feeding time!
Allan Best
Being a 'show man', Allan has chosen some of his favourite show fish.
  1. Corydoras gossei.
  2. Brochis multiradiatus
  3. Trichogaster microlepis
  4. Epalzeorhynchus kallopterus
  5. Botia almorhae (lohachata)
  6. Trigonostigma heteromorpha
  7. Chromobotia macracanthus
  8. Brochis splendens
  9. Trichogaster leeri
  10. Pterophyllum altum
Pam Boyle
  1. Oscar
    The Oscar is number one as it is such an intelligent fish.
  2. Rainbow
    The colours of the Rainbow were never truer. Wonderful colour and shape.
  3. Killifish
    The killifish are very special for their different habitats and the highly developed fry production.
  4. Bristle nose catfish
    I love the Bristle nose catfishes for their comical tree like bristles.
  5. Angel Fish
    The angel fish is so graceful both in shape and movement.
  6. Corydoras
    Corydoras. So many species and always on the move, looking for those particles of food in the gravel.
  7. Discus
    Discus. Although I do not keep them, I can see why aquarists go mad for them. Beautiful colours and a lovely shape.
  8. Common Guppy
    The common guppy has come a long way from its 'wild' colouration and finnage.
  9. Rift Valley Cichlid
    The rift valley cichlids in their rock filled tank are great to watch. Always in and out of the rocks – always defending their territory.
  10. Puntius denissoni
    The latest fish in my collection is Puntius denissoni. Great colour and streamlined shape.
Vincent Balman
  1. Microgeophagus ramirezi (ram dwarf cichlid)
    The Ram's natural Range is Columbia & Western Venezuela, it grows in the wild to around 2.5 inches. The second ray of the dorsal fin is longer on the male fish, although this is sometimes hard to see. When they are in breeding condition the female develops a bright pink belly. They require soft acidic water in which to live and spawn. The eggs are laid on a flat stone or in a depression in the substrate with both parents tending to the eggs and the fry. An excellent choice for a community tank, but will defend their spawning site and young with vigour.
  2. Apistogramma Panduro (dwarf cichlid)
    The Panda dwarf cichlid grows comes from Peru and grows to around to around 2 inches, the female is smaller. They prefer a well planted tank, with rock or bogwood caves and sand or fine gravel. They are very peaceful, but they will become territorial when spawning. The larger male has a blue colour sheen and a red-edged tail. Females have a distinctive yellow colouration with black blotches, resulting in the common name of Panda dwarf cichlid. They prefer soft acidic water and can be bred as a pair or a harem with several females holding small territories. Provide caves with a very small entrance. The female normally guards the fry, while the male defends the wider territory.
  3. Zebra Pleco (L046)
    The Hypancistrus Zebra is native to Brazil. The only reported habitat being on the riverbed of the Rio Xingu, (pronounced Rio Shin-gu). Unfortunately they command a high price in the trade. There are various theories on successful breeding with dedicated forums on the internet. For me, it always has been & remains the ultimate pleco.
  4. Botia macracantha (clown loach)
    The Clown loach's natural range is Borneo, Sumatra & India, It is the most colourful of all botia loaches, it has 3 black bars, one through its eye, one through its middle and just by the tail,which is red along with the pectoral finns. Sexing the Clown loach is difficult if impossible. In the wild this fish can get about 24" in length, but rarely reaches such a size in a community tank. This fish thrives with its own kind, it loves to shoal and so it is better to keep in groups of 3 or more, with plenty of hiding places.
  5. Colisa lalia (dwarf gourami)
    The Dwarf gourami is found in India & grows to around 2 inches. It requires a well planted tank with gentle circulation and some floating plants. It is peaceful, but may become territorial with other gouramies. Males are generally larger, more colourful. Still humid conditions are required to breed these, as the male relies on humidity to sustain his bubblenest. These are beautiful graceful fish & are well suited to a community tank.
  6. Betta splendens (siamese fighting fish)
    The Betta splendens comes from the Malay Peninula in Southeast Asia, Over the years it has been selectively bred and now is available in a variety of spectacular colours and finnage forms. Still humid conditions are required to breed these, as the male relies on humidity to sustain his bubblenest. Although they are a very attractive looking species, personally I feel that they are not suited to a community tank.
  7. Puntius Denisonii (red line torpedo barb)
    Puntius Denisonii is native to the South Western Coast of India. They have a vivid red line and for this reason they are sometimes referred to as Red-line Torpedo fish. Kept as a group they look very impressive. They grow to approximately 6 inches and are peaceful. An excellent choice for a community tank.
  8. Brachydanio franei (leopard danio)
    The Danio belongs to the cyprinid species of fish that are tropical & subtropical, they can be found in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. The most commonly encountered cyprinids are Barbs, Danios & Rasboras. These fish spawn by laying many eggs usually scattering non adhesive eggs. The leopard danio appeals to me mainly because at first glance it appears nothing special, but on closer observation and in good lighting conditions its markings and colour as it flashes through the water just under the surface are nothing less than stunning. Other than that I haven't a clue so go and ask Pete!
  9. Corydoras (catfish)
    Corydoras catfish are among my favourite fishes basically because they have so much character, there are approximately 2000 species, with over half of those being found in South America. Most prefere soft acidic water. Sexing these can be done by observing the fish from above, the female is wider at the pectoral fins and the belly is rounder. There are various triggers that can start the spawning cycle, the eggs are often layed on a flat surface. No Aquarium is complete without corydoras.
  10. Paracheirodon axelrodi (cardinal tetra)
    The Cardinal tetra comes from northern South America & is similar in appearance to the Neon tetra except that the red belly runs the length of the fish. It requires soft acidic water to breed and the best method appears to be with the use of a spawning mop during the first rays of the sun. A stunning addition to any community aquarium.
Graeme Franz
  1. Puffer (Tetradon Mbu)
    The giant puffer lives up to its name 2' to 3' in aquaria, so it requires a large tank and excellent filtration. A stunning fish with great character. They can be kept with other fish, but do come with different personalities so care must be taken when choosing tankmates.
  2. Bowfin (Amia Calva)
    A North American coldwater fish that is unfortunately almost impossible to get hold of. It will grow to around 12" – 18" and is similar in temperament and looks, to a Snakehead. A fish that is very predatory, but very graceful at the same time.
  3. Red Tailed Catfish (Phractocephalus Hemioliopterus)
    Only for an experienced fishkeeper, this huge catfish requires a massive tank 7' x 3' x 3' minimum or preferably a heated indoor pond with massive filteration. Although large they can become tame and can be trained to take food by hand.
  4. Denisonii Barb (Puntius Denisonii)
    Highly coloured shoaling fish, very active but will need a spacious aquarium to thrive.
  5. Lineatus Puffer (Tetradon Lineatus)
    A large highly aggressive puffer which should only be kept in a species only tank. It will not tolerate any tankmates.
  6. Botia Sidthimunki (Yasuhikotakia Sidthimunki)
    An attractive and lively fish for any community aquaria. Also the logo of our Society.
  7. Severum (Heros Efasciatus)
    Excellent community fish for the larger aquarium, fairly peacefull for a cichlid, and can be kept with smaller fish. Excellent community fish for the larger aquarium, fairly peacefull for a cichlid, and can be kept with smaller fish.
  8. Asellus Puffer (Colomesus Asellus)
    A lively community puffer, that can be kept in groups and with other small community fish without too many problems
  9. Giraffe Nosed Catfish (Auchenoglanis Occidentalis)
    A large peaceful non aggressive catfish that requires a large aquarium. As a filter feeder it will need a sandy substrate to thrive, but will re-arrange any tank dιcor and uproot any plants that it can move in its search for food.
  10. Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum Bicirrhosum)
    Another tankbuster, similar requirements to the Red Tailed Catfish, a massive fish, very predatory, but a stunning specimen fish.
Colin Bird
  1. Trichogaster trichopterus
    Shows well, look good in any community set up.
  2. Trichogaster leeri
    Shows well, look good in any community set up.
  3. Nematobrycon palmeri
    The only fish that won me best in show.
  4. Ancistrus Various
    I like the way these move around, long lived and slow growing
  5. Corydoras Various
    Look good in small shoals.
  6. Brochis splendens
    Always show well, look good in a shoal
  7. Cichlasoma nicaraguense
    A colourful fish (females), peaceful for a large fish.
  8. Colisa lalia
    One of the smaller Gourami looks good and show well.
  9. Barbus oligolepis
    A small good looking barb, best in a shoal.
  10. Poecilia reticulata (Guppies)
    Colourful always breeding a good community fish.
Ron Baldock
  1. Apistogramma viejita.
    A lovely dwarf cichlid with striking colour. Easy to breed.
  2. Barbus lateristriga.
    Although this grows quite large (16cm) it is a peaceful non aggressive fish.
  3. Pterophyllum scalare.
    I have always been fascinated in breeding angels. Although it has taken several attempts, I have finally succeeded.
  4. Betta splendens.
    An interesting fish to breed and raise.
  5. Corydras.
    No specific fish. An enormous variety to choose from. Very efficient in keeping the gravel clean.
  6. Black Molly.
    Its jet black colour makes it a striking addition to a community tank.
  7. Tricogaster trichopterus.
    Peaceful fish that is ideally suited to a community tank.
  8. Nannacara anomala.
    A nice deep blue coloured dwarf cichlid.
  9. Epalzeorhynchus bicolour.
    Good black colour with red caudal fin. At times can be a bit of a bully in the tank.
  10. Killifish.
    I like them because of their striking colours. My particular favourite is Nothobranchius guentheri.
Mark Nazer
  1. Nothobranchius guentheri.
    Definitely Number 1 for me, particularly as this species gained for me the Supreme Championship and Third as well. A great looking, easy to keep and spawn fish.
  2. Parosphromenus deissneri.
    The first liquorice gourami I have kept and spawned. The genuine deissneri is a rare fish and is often not the one sold in shops under that name.
  3. Parotocinclus maculicauda.
    A fish that when it is in peak condition, always looks really good. Generally a good show fish.
  4. Tatia perugae.
    A fantastically marked fish. Peaceful and great fun to watch in the evening at feeding time.
  5. Betta persephone.
    A nice small Betta that is easy to keep and breed in small tanks. In my opinion, a good 'first' bubble nester.
  6. Chaca chaca.
    A fish that only its mother could love. The only fish I keep that has a name. My one is called Cherie Blair! (I wonder why??)
  7. Rinoloricaria morrowi.
    The very top of my wish list. I have never seen one or heard of any imports ever!
  8. Betta unimaculata.
    A superb looking 'mouth brooding' Betta. Big and built like a torpedo.
  9. Aphyosemion australe.
    A common enough killi fish but a nice looking fish. My experience is that it is easy to obtain eggs, but difficult to get them to hatch.
  10. Macropodus ocellatus.
    A 'tropical' fish that can happily live outdoors in all but the very coldest of winters. (if you dare try!).

© 2003-2005 Strood and District Aquarist Society

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