AquaNews May 08 - Sept 08

AQUA NEWSA Publication from the Members of the Minnesota Aquarium Society May 2008-Sept 2008

2008 Minnesota A

quarium Society Tropical Fish Show

B

est of Show “The B

eauty or The Beast”

� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Board of DirectorsPresident* Bob Carter

651-633-4351 [email protected]

Vice-President* (tie breaker only)

Jenny Kruckenberg 651-457-2302

[email protected]

Treasurer* Tom Gromek 651-462-8223

[email protected]

Secretary* Mike Harris

[email protected]

Under-director* Milo Squires 952-448-4153

[email protected]

Director-2yr.* Clark Orlaska

[email protected]

Director-2yr,* Dave Stewart

[email protected]

Director-1yr.* Curtis Kafer

[email protected]

Director-1yr.* Rachel Kahler

[email protected]

*Voting Member

Committee Chairs

Minnesota Aquarium Society

Aqua News Editor Curtis Kafer


Auction Chair Tom Gromek 651-462-8223

[email protected]

Brad Swanson 612-522-4399

[email protected]

BAP Chair [email protected]

BAP Data Chris Smith

[email protected] [email protected]

Bowl Show Chair Bob Carter


Book Points Chair Mike Harris

[email protected]

Donations Chair [email protected]

Exchange Editor Brentt Helland

[email protected]

HAP Chair Milo Squires 952-448-4153

[email protected]

HAP Data Dave Behler


Historian Rodger Anderson


Librarian Jon Heyer


MAS/ACA Liaison Bob Randall


Membership Chair Bob Carter


Program Chair Mike Fries


Promotions & Advertising Mike Harris

[email protected]

Rachel Kahler [email protected]

Show Chair Bob Randall


Special Event Chair Jenny Kruckenberg


Webmaster [email protected]

AQUA NEWS

www.mn-aquarium.org

May �008-Sept �008

The Minnesota Aquarium Society (MAS) is an incorporated, non-profit organization of tropical fish enthusiasts that was established in the 1930’s and is one of the largest local level clubs in the United States averaging about 200 current members. MAS is a member of the Federation of American Aquarium Society (FAAS)

Monthly MeetingsMonthly meetings are held on the 1st Thursday

of each month (Note: there are no monthly meeting in July.) at 7:30 pm. in St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 2300 N. Hamline Avenue., Roseville, MN. (at the NE corner of Hwy 36 and Hamline Avenue.)

Most meetings focus on a presentation by a speaker who is often nationally recognized. Visitors are welcome to attend.

Board MeetingsMAS Board of Director meetings are held on

the 2nd Thursday of each month, (except for July) at the same location as our general meetings, at 7 pm. and are open to members of MAS. Those wishing ac-tive participation are encouraged to attend.

E-Mail Group ListMAS has a monitored e-mail announcement

list available to all members. Messages are broadcast to all members on the list. If you would like to have a message broadcast or subscribe to this list you must send your request to: [email protected]

Discussion Group ListMAS maintains a monitored Discussion list

through Yahoo Groups. MAS Members can subscribe to this list by going online to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mnaquarium/

Aqua NewsThe Aqua News is a publication of the MAS.

It has been recognized with national awards and is a great source of information. The Aqua News is included with membership. Members are encouraged to submit original articles for publication and may be submitted by sending them to the address below. Ar-ticles and artwork may also be submitted to the editor at monthly meetings or by email. Submissions may be hand written, but typed and submitted on 3.5 diskette or CD is preferred. Artwork must be in a printable/copyable medium such as pen and ink. Submissions are printed in black and white only at this time. All articles are subject to editing.

Exchanges and ReprintingExchanges with other non-profit groups are

welcomed. Articles may be reprinted provided proper credit is given to the author, this society and publica-tion. Two (2) copies of the publication containing the article must be sent to the exchange editor at Minnesota Aquarium Society P.O.Box 130483 Roseville, MN 55113 Any other reprinting is by permission of the author

only.

ContentsPresident’s Message 4Breeders Award Program 5-9Following the Rules 10-112008 Show Results 12-27

From your Editor:I hope you enjoy the show results

and photos. I Again beg for assistance and

submissions, to help produce a quality newsletter.

Thank youCurtis KaferMAS Aqua News [email protected]

� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

President’s Message“Hello. My name is Bob, and I’m a fishaholic.”

Well it looks like summer has drawn to an end. This also signals the end of the MAS year. Our outgoing president has left the society in fine shape. Now it’s my turn to try not to screw things up too badly. Lots of exciting things are scheduled for the coming months. It should be a fun year.

I’ve been told (and I tend to believe) in order for a group such as MAS to prosper that participation from the members is key. What exactly constitutes participation? Good question. There are all sorts of levels of participation. Some may be more important that others but all levels are needed to keep MAS strong. Each member should be contributing in some way to the success of MAS. Here are ways you can help.

There are several positions open within the MAS leadership. We’ve talked about some of these positions previously, but I’m going to cover them again anyway.

Donations / Raffle – Dennis Drews has been doing this as long as I’ve been a member (and probably much longer). We need to find a new person to organize and run the monthly raffles.

Trophies – Brad Hedlund has been making the trophies and wishes to step down from this responsibility. You would be responsible for assembly of the BAP and HAP trophies. This position may also help with the Annual Show trophies, but is mainly concerned with the regular awards during the year.

Annual Show Chair – Bob Randall has done a fine job with the show the past two years. This year will be his third year as chair. However for the 2010 show we are looking for a new chair. Now would be a good time to volunteer for this position. I believe that the annual show is one of the best and most important events MAS holds. Volunteer for 2010 Show chair now and I’m sure Bob will allow you to shadow with him and learn as you go.

BAP Chair – Chris Smith will continue as the data entry and upkeep the BAP database. He wants to have a BAP Chair who is responsible for the running of the program including determining points for new fish, presenting awards, etc.

These are the big four positions we need filled now. If something catches your fancy and you want to volunteer to help, please contact myself or one of the other directors. There are various other ways to volunteer your time to help MAS thrive.

Sound like too much? There are many little things we can all do to help. Participation in the BAP and HAP programs, showing fish at the monthly bowl shows, sharing your opinions about the annual show via our new survey (Thanks Clark!), and participating in the annual show are just a few ways that you can support MAS. At our auctions we always have positions that need to be filled. Contact Tom Gromek to find out what you can do to help with the auctions. These jobs can be as simple as runners, who carry bags of fish to the proud new owners.

I’ve always been a sucker for participating in any way possible. I feel that in order to pay MAS back for all the information and knowledge I’ve soaked up from others; I need to be actively involved. I’m sure many of the other directors and committee chairs feel the same way.

Oh by the way, my fish are doing fine. It was a rough summer for some and some didn’t make it. But that means I’ve got room in tanks for new species of fish and plants. The next auction is coming up soon. I better start saving money.

AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Breeders Award ProgramBAP Rookie Breeder of the Year Points for 2008

Ends Points SpawnsVan Kempen, Bill 07/2008 295 27Swanson, Jason 01/2008 290 29Lowe, Bette 05/2008 270 27Pham, Doug 05/2008 90 10Honsey, Amy 04/2008 85 8Miller, Matt 04/2008 80 10Allegree, Christina 07/2008 75 9Hanson, Greg 11/2008 60 7Skiba, Dale 04/2008 50 6Srdar, Chris 12/2008 30 3Beres, Daryl 04/2008 10 1Kahler, Rachel 08/2008 5 1

BAP Rookie Breeder of the Year Points for 2009

Ends Points SpawnsMassmann, Brent 05/2009 140 13Stewart, Dave 05/2009 95 10Albers, Jason 01/2009 40 4Orlaska, Clark 03/2009 25 3Moon, Sandy 04/2009 20 3

Awards Earned in October, 2008

Clark Orlaska has earned the 25 Point Beginner Award.Ron Hansen has earned the 1000 Point Master Award.

BAP Breeder of the Year Points for 2008

Swanson, Jason Spawns:27 Pts:29510/08 Tropheus sp. “black remba” 2009/08 Haplochromis sp. “44” 1009/08 Haplochromis burtoni, Burundi 1008/08 Astatotilapia aeneocolor 1008/08 Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, 10 Otter Point08/08 Melanochromis auratus 1008/08 Aulonocara stuartgranti, Gombe 1008/08 Pseudotropheus sp.

“kingsizei, lupingu” 1008/08 Copadichromis borleyi 1008/08 Pseudotropheus sp. “acei” 1006/08 Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos 1006/08 Aulonocara maylandi 10

06/08 Haplochromis sp. “fluorescent pink piebald” 10

06/08 Aulonocara sp. “maulana” 1006/08 Aulonocranus dewindti 1506/08 Haplochromis sp.

“purple princess” 1006/08 Iodotropheus sprengerae 1006/08 Aulonocara carolae 1006/08 cyanotilapia afra 10 “White Top”, Hara04/08 Haplochromis latifasciatus 1004/08 Aulonocara sp. “lwanda” 1004/08 Aulonocara sp.

“strawberry peacock” 1004/08 Harpagochromis sp.

“Golden Duck” 1004/08 Tropheus sp. “red moliro” 2003/08 Pseudotropheus estherae 1003/08 Aulonocara jacobfreibergi 10 “ablino eureka”03/08 Aulonocara sp. “rubencens” 10

Wilson, Zack Spawns:21 Pts:25509/08 Belonesox belizanus 2009/08 Labidochromis caeruleus 1008/08 Aphyosemion bivittatum funge 1008/08 Xiphophorus maculatus 506/08 Paracyprichromis nigripinnis 1506/08 Zoogoneticus tequila 1006/08 Pelvicachromis taeniatus, 10 Lokoundje06/08 Tropheops sp. “lilac” 1006/08 Neolamprologus caudopunctatus 1006/08 Apistogramma viejita 1506/08 Neocaridina heteropoda “Yellow” 506/08 Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis 1505/08 Elassoma okefenokee 1505/08 Apistogramma rupununi 1504/08 Girardinichthys multiradiatus 1004/08 Apistogramma sp. “abacaxis” 1504/08 Micropoecilia picta 1002/08 Poecilia wingei 502/08 Apistogramma elizabethae 1502/08 Tateurndina ocellicauda 1502/08 Taeniacara candidi 20

� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Lowe, Bette Spawns:24 Pts:24010/08 Iodotropheus sprengerae 1010/08 Aulonocara baenschi 1009/08 Thorichthys meeki 1009/08 Copadichromis borleyi 1008/08 Sciaenochromis fryeri 1008/08 Cynotilapia afra, Jalo Reef 1006/08 Haplochromis latifasciatus 1005/08 Melanochromis joanjohnsonae 1005/08 Maylandia greshakei 1004/08 Pseudotropheus elongatus 1004/08 Aulonocara sp. “ngara” 1004/08 Ancistrus sp. “unknown” 1004/08 Aulonocara jacobfreibergi 10 “ablino eureka”03/08 Pseudotropheus demasoni 1003/08 Pseudotropheus estherae 1003/08 Sciaenochromis fryeri “Iceberg” 1002/08 Haplochromis sp. “flameback” 1002/08 Haplochromis sp.

“hippo point salmon” 1002/08 Labidochromis caeruleus 1001/08 Lamprologus ocellatus 1001/08 Melanochromis auratus 1001/08 Ancistrus sp. “albino” 1001/08 Aulonocara sp. “strawberry

peacock” 10 “albino”01/08 Neolamprologus multifasciatus 10

Randall, Bob Spawns:17 Pts:19009/08 Maylandia callainos 1009/08 Pterophyllum scalare 1008/08 Tilapia snyderae 1008/08 Aequidens pulcher 1008/08 Xenotilapia spiloptera, Kapere 1505/08 Tramitichromis intermedius 1005/08 Gephyrochromis lawsi 1005/08 Simochromis diagramma 1005/08 Ancistrus punctatus L182 2004/08 Pundamilia nyererei, Igombi Island

1004/08 Oreochromis tanganicae 1004/08 Protomelas spilonotus 1004/08 Haplochromis sp. “ruby green” 1002/08 Amphilopus sp. “chancho” 1002/08 Xenotilapia sima 1502/08 Metriaclima hajomaylandia 10

02/08 Cryptoheros cutteri 10Chronakos, Tom Spawns:17 Pts:175

09/08 Pseudotropheus estherae 1009/08 Cynotilapia afra 1009/08 Copadichromis borleyi, Kandango 1009/08 Dimidiochromis compressiceps 1009/08 Placidochromis sp.

“electra superior” 1008/08 Labidochromis sp.h”ongi” 1008/08 Haplochromis sp. “blue fire fin” 1005/08 Pseudotropheus sp. “acei”, Msuli 1004/08 Cyprichromis leptosoma 15 “Blue Flash”04/08 Haplochromis sp. “Kenya gold” 1001/08 Metriaclima sp. “msobo deep” 1001/08 Haplochromis sp. “flameback” 1001/08 Protomelas taeniolatus 1001/08 Aulonocara sp. “lwanda” 1001/08 Aulonocara sp. “rubencens” 1001/08 Iodotropheus sprengerae 1001/08 Haplochromis sp. “ruby green” 10

Hansen, Ron Spawns:13 Pts:15010/08 Gnathochromis permaxillarus 1009/08 Vieja maculicauda 1509/08 Xenotilapia sp. “papilio” 10 “Isanga Sunflower”05/08 Neolamprologus brevis, Magarae 1005/08 Lethrinops sp. “”red cap”” 1005/08 Aulonocara sp. “maisoni” 1004/08 Eretmodus sp.

“Blue Point Sambia” 1501/08 Cyprichromis coloratus 1501/08 Xenotilapia spiloptera, Kapere 1501/08 Julidochromis transcriptus, Kissi 1001/08 Herichthys bartoni 1001/08 Aulonocara korneliae 1001/08 Ancistrus sp. “albino” 10

Miller, Matt Spawns:16 Pts:15008/08 Aulonocara stuartgranti, Gombe 1008/08 Aulonocara jacobfreibergi 10 “lemon Jake”, Undu Reef08/08 Aulonocara jacobfreibergi

“eureka” 1008/08 Aulonocara baenschi “sunshine” 1006/08 Xiphophorus maculatus 505/08 cyanotilapia afra, Cobue 1005/08 Thorichthys meeki 10

AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �00805/08 cyanotilapia afra, Jalo Reef 1005/08 Aulonocara stuartgranti, Hai Reef 1004/08 Ancistrus sp. “unknown” 1004/08 Aulonocara sp.

“strawberry peacock” 1004/08 Pseudotropheus sp

. “Msobo higga reef” 1003/08 Archocentrus nigrofasciatus 503/08 Pelvicachromis pulcher 1002/08 Labidochromis caeruleus 1001/08 Melanochromis joanjohnsonae 10

Massmann, Brent Spawns:13 Pts:14010/08 Neolamprologus brevis 1010/08 Neolamprologus caudopunctatus 1010/08 Neolamprologus tetracanthus 1009/08 Iodotropheus sprengerae 1009/08 Maylandia greshakei 1009/08 Cyphotilapia frontosa, Burundi 2006/08 Maylandia callainos 1006/08 Ancistrus sp. “unknown” 1006/08 Aulonocara stuartgranti, Ngara 1006/08 Labidochromis caeruleus 1006/08 Neolamprologus gracilis 1006/08 Cryptoheros sp.

“honduran red point” 1006/08 Julidochromis transcriptus 10

Smaciarz, Rich Spawns:9 Pts:10508/08 Dermogenys pusilla 1505/08 Celestichthys margaritatus 1005/08 Tanichthys albonubes 1003/08 Lepidiolamprologus nkambae 1002/08 Pseudomugil signifer, Ross River 1502/08 Chlamydogobius eremius 1502/08 Aulonocara sp. “ngara” 1002/08 Pundamilia sp. “crimson tide” 1002/08 Simochromis diagramma 10

Stewart, Dave Spawns:10 Pts:9509/08 Archocentrus nigrofasciatus 509/08 Haplochromis latifasciatus 1008/08 Maylandia mbenjii 1008/08 Cynotilapia afra, Lumbila 1006/08 Aulonocara stuartgranti, Ngara 1006/08 Melanochromis joanjohnsonae 1006/08 Nimbochromis venustus 1006/08 Aulonocara jacobfreibergi 1006/08 Haplochromis sp. “ruby green” 10

06/08 Labidochromis caeruleus “Yellow” 10

Macmillan, Sue Spawns:7 Pts:7509/08 Limia vittata 1002/08 Oryzias javanese 1002/08 Nomorhamphus ebrardtii 1501/08 Limia sp. “tiger” 1001/08 Xenotoca variata 1001/08 Xiphophorus montezumae 1001/08 Xiphophorus alvarezi 10

Balfanz, Ken Spawns:5 Pts:7008/08 Betta fusca 1508/08 Corydoras duplicareus 1502/08 Danio roseus 1002/08 Lamprichthys tanganicanus 1502/08 Pseudomugil tenellus 15

Fries, Mike Spawns:6 Pts:7010/08 Pelvicachromis taeniatus

, Bipindi 1010/08 Neolamprologus multifasciatus 1006/08 Girardinus metallicus 1003/08 Julidochromis marlieri 1002/08 Chlamydogobius eremius 1502/08 Melanotaenia parkinsoni 15

Pham, Doug Spawns:5 Pts:5505/08 Archocentrus nigrofasciatus 505/08 Rhadinocentrus ornatus 1505/08 Betta edithae 1505/08 Archocentrus septemfasciatus 1002/08 Labidochromis caeruleus 10

Van Kempen, Bill Spawns:5 Pts:5003/08 Haplochromis sp. “flameback” 1003/08 Tropheops sp. “red moliro” 1003/08 Haplochromis sp. “44” 1003/08 Haplochromis sp. “ruby green” 1003/08 Iodotropheus sprengerae 10

Hanson, Greg Spawns:5 Pts:4006/08 Labidochromis sp. “zebra”

, Lundo 1006/08 Ancistrus sp. “mato grosso lda 08

(tank raised)” 1006/08 Neolamprologus multifasciatus 1006/08 Poecilia wingei 503/08 Xiphophorus hellerii 5

Allegree, Christina Spawns:5 Pts:4006/08 Ancistrus sp. “unknown” 1006/08 Poecilia reticulata 5

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May �008-Sept �008 06/08 Cynotilapia sp. “Hara”, 10 Gallireay Reef03/08 Aulonocara baenschi 1001/08 Xiphophorus hellerii 5

Albers, Jason Spawns:4 Pts:4005/08 Ancistrus sp. “unknown”

“Chocolate” 1002/08 Betta splendens 1002/08 Xiphophorus hellerii 502/08 Tateurndina ocellicauda 15

Skiba, Dale Spawns:4 Pts:3509/08 Danio roseus 1009/08 Gambusia affinis 1008/08 Nematobrycon palmeri 1001/08 Xiphophorus variatus 5

Srdar, Chris Spawns:3 Pts:3001/08 Sciaenochromis fryeri, 10 maleri island01/08 Labeotropheus trewavasae 10 “Red Top”, Kitumba01/08 Aulonocara sp. “sunburst” 10

Morrison, Steven Spawns:2 Pts:2502/08 Apistogramma baenschi 1501/08 Geophagus sp. “Altamira” 10

Orlaska, Clark Spawns:3 Pts:2510/08 Neocaridina denticulata 504/08 Ancistrus sp. “unknown” 1004/08 Pelvicachromis pulcher

“Super Red” 10Mathis, Jim Spawns:2 Pts:20

06/08 Aulonocara sp. “mamelela” , Undu Reef 10

06/08 Pseudotropheus sp. “Msobo”, 10 Maganga Reef

Fraley, Beth Spawns:2 Pts:2010/08 Labidochromis caeruleus 1004/08 Pseudotropheus sp. “acei” 10

Ancheta, Lenny Spawns:2 Pts:2009/08 Otopharynx lithobates 1004/08 Pelvicachromis subocellatus 10 “Moanda”

Moon, Sandy Spawns:3 Pts:2005/08 Neocaridina denticulata 505/08 Ancistrus sp. “unknown” 1005/08 Xiphophorus maculatus 5

Kruckenberg, Jenny Spawns:1 Pts:1509/08 Cyprinella spiloptera 15

Squires, Milo Spawns:1 Pts:1510/08 Betta albimarginata 15

Hirsch, Jim Spawns:1 Pts:1008/08 Puntius conchonius 10

Carter, Bob Spawns:1 Pts:1010/08 Ameca splendens 10

Hansen, Kim Spawns:1 Pts:1006/08 Melanotaenia lacustris 10

BAP Standings as of October, 2008

Participant Points SpawnsCarey, Randy 2565 191Mathis, Jim 2085 193Randall, Bob 1815 157Ancheta, Lenny 1425 118Smaciarz, Rich 1385 101Sarslow, Anchor 1175 96Nordby, Ken

& Sharron 1100 93Peterzen, Pete

& Carol 1055 88Hansen, Ron 1005 86Kruckenberg, Jenny 960 90Garrity, Paul 840 73MacNabb, Larry

& JoAnne 780 70Swanson, Brad

& Nancy 730 67Fries, Mike 700 63Wilson, Zack 700 54Chronakos, Tom 695 62Rees, Craig 655 62Gromek, Tom 645 63Ruzek, Kenneth V. Jr. 620 54Swanson, Jason 585 56Byers, LeeAnne 555 47Balfanz, Ken 540 43Nab Dahl, Barry 495 50Scepurek, Terry 480 45Hougen, Dean

& Teague, Cynthia 465 40Jolivette, Kris & Ted 425 35Ellickson, Dani 390 37Squires, Milo 360 31Lowe, Jay 350 33Lowe, Bette 340 34Macmillan, Sue 325 30Morrison, Steven 325 29

AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

2008 MAS Auction25 October 2008

Preview 10:00 amAuction starts at 11:00 am

Lutheran Church of the Redemption 927 E Old Shakopee Road

Bloomington, MN 55420 Questions, contact Auction Chair:

[email protected]

Berglund, Ken 320 29Van Kempen, Bill 295 27Weber, Robin 270 26Marchan, Edward 245 23Nystrom, Steve 230 22Turley, Paul 220 14Heinen, Shane 205 19Robertson, Terry 205 19McAninch, Carter 205 20Lucken, Robby 195 17Hallett, David W. 185 17Ekstedt, Chet 180 14Alegre, John N. 175 14Miller, Matt 165 19Engelking, Robin 160 13Ekstedt, Chuck & Rita 150 15Bradbury, Richard 150 14Kalvig, Peggy 150 16Massmann, Brent 140 13Hirsch, Jim 140 14Schoeler, Karl 135 14Routh, Bruce 125 12Johnston, Brian 125 12Steffensen, Jerry

& Shana 120 10Stemper, John 95 10Stewart, Dave 95 10Pham, Doug 90 10Methven, Paul 90 5Smith, Christopher 90 8Honsey, Amy 85 8Hansen, Kim 80 7Skiba, Dale 80 9Allegree, Christina 75 9Loh, Willie 70 5Robb, Chad 70 7Mechtel, Chuck 65 7Hanson, Greg 60 7French, Will 60 6Heyer, Jon 60 6Lowe, Mike 50 5Brobst, Curtis H. 50 5Philstrom, Richard K. 50 5Benson, Brandon 45 6Trembly, Lisa 45 5Meuret, Patrick 40 4

Albers, Jason 40 4Fraley, Beth 40 5Newton, Bruce 40 4Carter, Bob 35 4Rossa, Ron 35 4Bishop, Dava 35 4Srdar, Chris 30 3Orlaska, Clark 25 3Harris, Mike 25 3Hutchinson, Melissa 25 3Rankins, Ted 20 2Moon, Sandy 20 3Carlson, Jan 20 2Stowe, Chris 20 2Behler, David 15 1OGara, Debbie 15 1Helland, Brentt 10 1Brueland, Garrett 10 1Lover, Joe 10 1Beres, Daryl 10 1Lauer, Richard 10 1Severson, Tiffany 10 1Siegel, Bob 10 1Christopherson, Karen 10 1Dale, Andrew 5 1Doyle, Chris 5 1Kahler, Rachel 5 1

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Following the Rules: Dicrossus filamentosusAuthor: Zack Wilson

For the second time in eight years, I find myself watching a female filamentosus leading around fry. The first time was really a preperatory experiment; a challenge to prepare me for my true objective, Dicrossus maculatus. The Lyretail Checkerboard has had a reputation as being a challenging but not impossible species, similar to maculatus, but is much more readily available. I figured this would be a good starting point. Though I always had my eyes on maculatus, filamentosus are beautiful fish in their own right. Thing is, I constantly see posts from other dwarf-cichlid keepers inquiring about how to successfully raise this fish, and they are often met with less-than-encouraging answers. It seems that very few people are successful in inducing D. filamentosus to spawn and raise their own young. I had not originally given this much consideration and on my first attempt I succeeded in spawning them repeatedly within a span of a couple months. I finally moved on, having satisfied myself that the prescribed strategies would work. Several years later, I found myself wishing I could enjoy filamentosus again.

I guess I’ve been on a Dicrossus kick lately. It’s sort of been my thing in the last couple years. I finally did manage to acquire a nice group of maculatus, as well as a newer species, D. sp. “Tapajos”. It just seemed fitting, then, to revisit my first Dicrossus. The Lyretail is not really a hard species to obtain, and so it wasn’t long before I saw an opportunity come along that I decided to take advantage of. I picked up a group

of very nice wild-caught specimens and set them up in a nice tank where I could enjoy them. Within less than five weeks I again found them spawning, and again I found that the females were generally willing to guard and care for their own spawns. So how is this? These fish came from a totally different source, several years apart, and yet they displayed the ability and willingness to reproduce. So why do so many find it to be such an aggravating feat to get the parents to raise the fry? I’d like to claim some magical discovery or personal quality, but over the years I’ve developed the belief that it’s largely about how well one can follow the rules.

With many of the fish we are privileged to keep, there are other talented and dedicated hobbyists that have come before us. There are those who have done the work of discovering what does and does not work with a particular species. While filamentosus may not be a simple species to spawn, they are not impossible, and there are others who have published their findings on the care of this and other species. If one does their homework, they should be able to reproduce the results. Lots of people would say they are following the recommendations, but I have to wonder. There are times when innovation is called for, and there are many species still out there which are not so fully understood, but there are also times when following a prescribed set of guidelines produces the best result. If one takes a casual approach to reproducing what is recommended, and they try to incorporate too much of what they “know”, it is possible to miss something critical, and it might be just that that explains why they fail. When I set out to spawn D. filamentosus, I mainly relied upon the accounts given by Horst Linke and Dr. Wolfgang Staeck in their Tetra Press book Dwarf Cichlids . It was, at the time, the best book I had been able to lay my hands on. They gave detailed information not only about the natural habitat of filamentosus, but also tried guidelines for successful spawns. They cautioned that success was not guaranteed, but I figured it was the best I had to go on.

I like 20 longs for my dwarfs, and this is what I chose to set them up in. I decided to spare no effort in reproducing the ideal environment for my checkerboards. If, even under ideal conditions, success might be difficult, it didn’t make much sense to stray. I used a natural red flint sand for the substrate,

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May �008-Sept �008

with some plantings of anubias, Wisteria, and Java Moss. Some nice pieces of driftwood added some structure. Very soft water, with a conductivity below 3ppm was called for, as well as a pH well below 6. I started with raw RO water, thinking it made the most sense to eliminate everything that I might not want, and then I could add back what was necessary. After filtering through peat for a few days, the RO water was added to the tank. This by itself only got me a pH of 6.5 though. It was good, clean water, so this is where I started. Based on some past experiences, I’ve found that often my dwarfs are triggered to spawn by a progression into ideal conditions, starting with a period of heavy feeding and conditioning in conditions that aren’t necessarily meant to induce spawning. Call it simulating a progression into the rainy season, if you will. I began by feeding several times a day with small amounts of brine shrimp, live blackworms, some bloodworms, and bbs. In my most recent efforts I’ve actually switched to red wigglers (E. foetida) instead of blackworms, but otherwise conditions and care have been much the same. Frequent small feedings, several times a day, if possible, seems to really get the fish in spawning condition quickly. In most cases I find my dwarf cichlids itching to spawn with a week or two of heavy feedings of redworms.

Once the checkerboards looked good and plump, I began working towards the conditions set out as ideal in the books. The peat alone wasn’t dropping the pH below 6, so I began doing small, 10% water changes with water that had been treated with acid to reach a pH of 4. This slowly began to drop the pH in the breeding tank. Over the course of a week, the

pH slowly dropped down to about 5.0. At this point I was constantly monitoring the pH with an electronic meter. I had added a very small amount of carbonate buffer, but not enough to register on my tests. The TDS measured around 50ppm. The fish were looking great, and the male was spending much of the time out displaying to or chasing the females. Still no spawns though. I lowered the pH a little more, continuing to use water treated with small amounts of sulfuric acid. I also increased the temperature slightly to 81F. Then, after a little less than three weeks, eggs. Just like that. The pH was registering at 4.52. I crossed my fingers. Everything came off without a hitch. The eggs were very well-attended and they hatched after a couple days. I backed the temperature off a little, to prevent the fry from burning up their yolk sacks prematurely. In a week I had free-swimming fry able to take baby brine shrimp and really from there it was a simple matter of raising them up. They stayed with mom in the 20 long for over a month before I finally had to move them out. After this, more spawns came and I quickly accumulated a pile of checkerboard cichlids.

So, didn’t that sound easy? Okay, so maybe not entirely. It wasn’t without effort. But truthfully, in the end, I found this to be a formulaic process. I used the recipe, and it worked. Once I had met the parameters, it just worked. I’ve had plenty of species that, despite following recommendations, I’ve had to struggle, or wait long periods, to get fry. It may be that a piece of the puzzle was/is still missing. Sometimes there just isn’t enough information available (those are good times to innovate). When there is, though, use it! Be precise. If you’re having trouble, look again, and make sure you’re following all of the directions on the box. If you’re not, then you really can’t blame the fish. On the other hand, if you are following everything, and it’s still not working...well, then, maybe I do have magic water.

1� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Aquatic Plant - Sponsored by Clark Orlaska

First Place Nymphoides sp. var Tiawan

Shown by Clark Orlaska

Second Place Echinodorus “ozelot” (Ozelot Sword-

plant) Shown by Clark Orlaska

Third Place Anubias nana “petite” Shown by Dale Skiba

Division A - Community

Characins - New World - Sponsored by Clark Orlaska

First Place Erythrinus sp. “red” (Red Wolf Fish)

Shown by Zack Wilson

Second Place Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma

(Bleeding Heart Tetra) Shown by Eric Logan

Third Place Pristella maxillaris

Shown by Clark Orlaska

Cyprinid (Barbs)

First Place Puntius ticto (Ticto barb )

Shown by Bruce Cameroon

Second Place Puntius denisonni (Roseline Shark)

Shown by Dave Stewart

Third Place Puntius conchonius (Rosy barb)

Shown by Amy Marvin

AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Cyprinids (Danios & Any Other Varieties)

First Place Sawbwa resplendens

Shown by Carter McAninch

Second Place Devario sondhii (Red Danio)

Shown by Karen Bergem

Third Place Boraras brigittae

Shown by Carter McAninch


Labyrinth Fish - Sponsored by Rachel Kahler

First Place: Betta albimarginata - Shown by Milo Squires

No Entry No Entry

Betta - Aquarium Strains - Sponsored by Upper Midwest Betta and Livebearer Assoc.

First Place: Betta splendens (Red Cambodian Butterfly Doubletail) - Shown by Christina Allegree

No Entry No Entry

1� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Livebearers - Wild Type - Sponsored by Sue MacMillan

First Place Girardinus metallicus (Metallic livebearer )

Shown by Christina Allegree

Second Place Phalloceros caudimaculatus

(Dusky millions fish ) Shown by Carter McAninch

No Entry


Livebearers - Aquarium strains - Sponsored by Christy Allegree

First Place Xiphophorus hellerii

(Black & Orange Swordtail) Shown by Christina Allegree

Second Place Xiphophorus hellerii

(Red Hifin Lyretail Swordtail) Shown by Christina Allegree

Third Place Xiphophorus hellerii

(Red Sailfin Swordtail) Shown by Christina Allegree

Loaches & Their Allies

First Place Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki

Shown by Eric Logan

Second Place Chromobotia macracanthus Shown by Bruce Cameroon

No Entry

AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Community Tank - Sponsored by Ken Balfanz

First Place Community Tank


Second Place Community Tank

Shown by Robert Fink

No Entry


Division B Catfish Sponsored by Midwest Cichlid Assoc.Catfish - All Loricariids - Sponsored by Winnipeg Fish Forum

First Place Panaque suttonorum

(Blue Eyed Plecostomus) Shown by Karen Bergem

Second Place Hypancistrus inspector (L-201)

Shown by Lenny Ancheta

Third Place Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps

(sailfin pleco) Shown by Richard Bradbury

1� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Division B Catfish Sponsored by Midwest Cichlid Assoc.

Catfish - All Other Species

First Place Centromochius peruglae

Shown by Mike Fries

Second Place Mochokiella paynei

(paynes catfish) Shown by Carter McAninch

Third Place Synodontis petricola


Killifish - Aphysoemions

First Place Aphyosemion dargei, Mbam

Shown by Milo Squires

Second Place Aphyosemion australe

(Lyretail panchax) Shown by Margie Johnson

Third Place Aphyosemion splendopleure, Tiko


Division C - Killifish

AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Division C - Killifish Killifish - Fundulopanchax

First Place Fundulopanchax puerzli, dibenni

Shown by John Aldrich Jr.

Second Place Fundulopanchax spoorenbergi Shown by Jenny Kruckenberg

Third Place Fundulopanchax gardneri, Misaj

Shown by Craig Rees

Killifish - Peat Spawners - Old & New World

First Place Moema ortegai,Puerto Maldonado

Shown by John Aldrich Jr.

Second Place Nothobranchius foerschi

Shown by Craig Rees

No Entry

Killifish - All Other Varieties

First Place Micropanchax macrophthalmus


Second Place Procatopus nototaenia Shown by Milo Squires

Third Place Pseudepiplatys annulatus

(Banded panchax) Shown by Carter McAninch

18 AQUA NEWS

www.mn-aquarium.org

May �008-Sept �008

Division D: Cichlids: Sponsored by Midwest Cichlid Assoc.Cichlids - South American Excluding Dwarfs Sponsored by - Geokeeper

First Place Geophagus sp. altamara Shown by Steve Morrison

Second Place Geophagus brasiliensis

Shown by Steve Morrison

Third Place Krobia sp xingu orange spot Shown by Steve Morrison

Cichlids - Central American Excluding Dwarfs

First Place Geophagus crassilabris

(Panamanian eartheater) Shown by Steve Morrison

Second Place Thorichthys ellioti

Shown by Steve Morrison

Third Place Herichthys carpintis (Pearlscale Cichlid)

Shown by Ricq Pattay

Cichlids - New World Dwarf Cichlids

First Place Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

(ram cichlid) Shown by Steve Morrison

Second Place Mikrogeophagus ramirezi


Third Place Mikrogeophagus ramirezi


AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Division D: Cichlids: Sponsored by Midwest Cichlid Assoc.Cichlids: Lake Malawi Mbuna Excl. Dwarfs-Sponsored by Brent Massmann

First Place Maylandia zebra, Chilumba

(Zebra mbuna) Shown by Bob Randall

Second Place Metriaclima sp. “Sunburst”

Aurora group Shown by Bob Randall

Third Place Pseudotropheus sp. callinos

(Cobalt Blue) Shown by Bob Randall

Cichlids - Lake Malawi Haplochromis - - Sponsored by MCA-MN Chapter

First Place Tramitichromis intermedius

Shown by Bob Randall

Second Place Buccochromis lepturus

(Slender Tail Hap) Shown by Bob Randall

Third Place Protomelas sp “thick lips”, Mbenji


Cichlids - Rift Lake Mouthbrooders Sponsored by Jason Swanson

First Place Petrochromis sp. “Texas” Shown by Bob Randall

Second Place Pundamilia sp. “crimson tide”


Third Place Cyphotilapia frontosa, Burundi

(Humphead cichlid) Shown by Dave Stewart

�0 AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Division D: Cichlids: Sponsored by Midwest Cichlid Assoc.Cichlids-Old World Egg Layers Excl. Dwarfs-Sponsored by MCA-MN Chapter

First Place Pelmatochromis nigrifasciatus


Second Place Altolamprologus calvus

(Black Calvus) Shown by Dave Stewart

Third Place Neolamprologus pulcher

Shown by Jenny Kruckenberg

Cichlids-Angelfish-Aquarium Strains-Sponsored by The Angelfish Society

First Place Pterophyllum scalare

(Hybrid BlackCombtail Veiltail Angel) Shown by Steve Morrison

Second Place Pterophyllum scalare

(Gold Marble Angelfish) Shown by Charles Hawks

Third Place Pterophyllum scalare

(Gld Mrbl Ghost Combtail Veil Angel) Shown by Steve Morrison

Cichlids-Discus-Aquarium Strains-Sponsored by North American Discus Asso-

First Place Symphysodon aequifasciatus

(Checkerboard discus) Shown by Willie Loh

Second Place Symphysodon aequifasciatus

(Checkerboard discus) Shown by Willie Loh

Third Place Symphysodon aequifasciatus

(Leopard Discus) Shown by Willie Loh

AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Division E - Odds and EndsRainbowfish - Sponsored by Australia New Guinea Fish Assoc.(ANGFA) of

First Place Glossolepis pseudoincisus

(Millenuim Rainbowfish) Shown by Lenny Ancheta

Second Place Melanotaenia lacustris

(Lake Kutubu rainbowfish ) Shown by Dave Stewart

No Entry

Brackish and Marine - Sponsored by Northernlightsaquatics.com

First Place Pseudochromis porphyreus

(Strawberry Basslet) Shown by Becky Bachand

Second Place Cryptocentrus leptocephalus

(Singapore Shrimp Goby) Shown by Robert Fink

Third Place Ecsenius bicolor (Bicolor blenny)

Shown by Robert Fink

Goldfish and Koi - Aquarium Strains

First Place Carassius auratus

(Crown Pearlscale Gold) Shown by Robert Galvin

Second Place Carpio carpio (Kohaku Koi)

Shown by Robert Galvin

Third Place Carassius auratus (Wakin Goldfish)

Shown by Robert Galvin

�� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Division E - Odds and Ends Any Other Variety Fish

First Place Tetradon nigrviridis

(Green Spotted Puffer) Shown by Mike Fries

Second Place Chlamydogobius eremius

(Desert goby ) Shown by Carter McAninch

Third Place Mastacembelus cryptacanthus

Shown by Mike Fries

Family Breeder

First Place Tateurndina ocellicauda

(Peacock gudgeon ) Shown by Mike Fries

Second Place Betta sp. mahachai

Shown by Tiffany Severson

Third Place Poecilia reticulata

(Guppy ) Shown by Vince Meyer

Aquascape, emersed plants

First Place Aquascape, emersed plants (Mizu Boru No Amerikasugi)

Shown by Dale Skiba

Second Place Aquascape, emersed plants

(Rotala rotundifolia) Shown by Dale Skiba

Third Place Aquascape, emersed plants

(Anubias Nakajima) Shown by Dale Skiba

AQUA NEWS

www.mn-aquarium.org

May �008-Sept �008

Division F - Creative Aquascape, submersed plants

First Place Aquascape, submersed plants

(Bright Tank) Shown by Dale Skiba

Second Place Aquascape, submersed plants

(Fundulopanchex Prime) Shown by Dale Skiba

Third Place Aquascape, submersed plants

(Orbis Recolligo Minor) Shown by Dale Skiba

Artwork

First Place Artwork

(Koi & Lily Quilt) Shown by Karen Bergem

Second Place Artwork

(Decopage Purse) Shown by Karen Bergem

Second Place Artwork

(Needlework Pillow) Shown by Karen Bergem

Photos and Slides

First Place Photo

(Female Betta) Shown by Mike Harris

Second Place Photo

(Rubber Lipped Pleco) Shown by Mike Harris

Third Place Photo

(Split Tail Betta) Shown by Mike Harris

�� AQUA NEWS

www.mn-aquarium.org

May �008-Sept �008

Best in Division A - Community

Sawbwa resplendens Shown by Carter McAninch

Best in Division B Catfish

Panaque suttonorum (Blue Eyed Plecostomus) - Shown by Karen Bergem

AQUA NEWS

www.mn-aquarium.org

May �008-Sept �008

Best in Division C Killifish

Aphyosemion dargei, Mbam - Shown by Milo Squires

Best in Division D Cichlid

Geophagus sp. altamara - Shown by Steve Morrison

�� AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

Best in Division E Odds and Ends

tetradon nigrviridis (Green Spotted Puffer) - Shown by Mike Fries

Best in Division F Creative

Artwork (Koi & Lily Quilt) - Shown by Karen Bergem

AQUA NEWS

www.mn-aquarium.org

May �008-Sept �008

Geophagus sp. altamara - Shown by Steve Morrison

Reserve best in Show Award

tetradon nigrviridis (Green Spotted Puffer) - Shown by Mike Fries

Best in Show-Sponsored by MCA-MN

�8 AQUA NEWS

www.mn-aquarium.org

May �008-Sept �008

| 23 |

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AQUA NEWS

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May �008-Sept �008

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AquaNews May 08 - Sept 08

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