Discus Fish and Dwarf Cichlids, Etc.

In order to provide more efficient and cost-effective service for our customers, we have decided to implement order minimums. Starting today, a $150 minimum fish order will be required at checkout.

We have been pushed to this by the slowing economy and the skyrocketing energy costs. We could sell lower-quality fish for a cheaper cost, but that is not what we’re about. You can get those fish at your LFS anytime. To maintain the service and quality our customers deserve an order minimum is a necessity. We have not increased our tropical fish shipping rates.

If you have any comments or questions, please comment below.

Sam
www.TwoFishGuyz.com

The Cousin “Once Removed” From Apistogramma

Taeniacara candidi are a very small and slender South America dwarf cichlid. Although they are little, the fish put on quite a show.

After being moved out of apistogramma, taeniacara candidi became the only member of their genus. They are originally found in Brazil between the Manus and Santarem in the lower to middle Negro river system. The males are the lookers in this genus and can develop extensive caudal and anal fins. Our strains typically display red, green and brown color variations. Their bodies are silver with horizontal lines running from the mouth to the tail. Sizes range between 2-3″ inches for males. The females are noticeably smaller with less color saturation on the fins.

Their diet is similar to most South American dwarf cichlids… live blackworms, brine shrimp, etc. We find that these fish, like the other dwarfs we sell, will also eat flake and pellet food. So just like every other fish, a varied diet insures health and long life.

In addition to the varied diet, water quality plays a vital role in maintaining an long-lasting candidi display tank. Frequent water changes are a must with these fish. Depending on the size of your tank and the quantity of fish in it - one water change every two weeks (or less) is necessary. Not only will it increase the odds of the fish spawning, it will help them mature and lengthen their lifespan.

Although a species tank is a sure bet to enjoy taeniacara au natural, these fish easily fit into a community setting. Of course, the community should be of like minded fish. Timid fish such as discus, corydoras and algae eaters are great additions to a candidi tank. Make sure there are plenty of caves and plants available for the fish to hide.

The great feature of the candidi is their size. You can easily have a community ten gallon aquarium with a pair of taeniacara candidi and some dithers like neons or cardinal tetra. Throw in a couple of corydoras and the tank is complete.

These are a very unique little fish. Give taeniacara candidi a try and you will be fascinated. Ours are a tank bred strain and sold in M/F pairs.

Apistogramma borellii opal are, in our opinion, the jewel of the borelli group. What makes them stand out is their stunning coloration, beautiful red cheeks and elongated dorsal and anal fins.

Like others in the borellii group, opals acclimate easily to most water conditions and they do fine neutral ph and hardness. They are also one of the more passive apistogramma, which allows for flexibility in aquarium size. These do well as long as each pair has about 15 gallons of space. I would go no higher than 3 pairs in a 55 gallon.

Apistogramma borellii will dine on a wide array of foods. It’s important to vary their diet and include lots of protein from food such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and even flake and pellets. With regular feedings and water changes, borellii have been known to breed fairly easily.

Wild forms are found in Paraguay, Parana and Uraguay drainages, as well as, Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina. There are so many color forms in the borellii group, it makes classifying species within the group very hard.

The borellii we have in stock are a tank-raised and are sold in m/f pairs. They are always one of our best-selling apistos.

They’re classified with numbers A101-A105.

This information is also located in our online tropical fish store and can be accessed here: http://www.twofishguyz.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=66

Apistogramma triple red cacatuoides are called triple reds because they have red coloration of the caudal, dorsal and anal fins. They are a classic apisto, responsible for bringing countless hobbyists into the dwarf cichlid realm. Triple reds are a good beginner’s apisto as they are quite hardy, easy to keep and breed.

Apistogramma cacatuoides originated in Peru, Colombia and Brazil and aquarists have created many different color forms through selective breeding.

The cacatuoides we stock are bred for superior coloration and size, by some of the best breeders in Europe. They are sold in m/f pairs, unless otherwise noted.

Apistogramma cacatuoides are classified with A numbers A200-A203.

This information is also located in our online tropical fish store and can be accessed here: http://www.twofishguyz.com/comersus/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=17

At TwoFishGuyz.com we love hearing from hobbyists.  We always are interested in hearing what dwarf cichlids they are breeding and/or trying to breed.

So, let us know what you’re working with, what’s got you stumped and what you’ve given up on. We want to hear your stories and learn your tricks of the trade. After all, the best place to learn about the hobby is from other hobbyists. Please take a few minutes and write a few lines to share with other dwarfs cichlid addicts!!!

P.S. We always accept trades for your juvenile fish - 1inch + and at least 15-20 fish. Send us an email and let’s make a deal!  twofishguyz @ gmail.com

Pelvicachromis: The Most Interesting African Cichlid You Never Owned

To most hobbyists, African cichlids are colorful, aggressive fish that will kill most tank mates. Such is the case with African rift lake cichlids. They mainly come from 3 lakes in Africa - Malawi, Tanganika, and Lake Victoria. Although most people initially think of the rift lake cichlids, there are numerous types of cichlids inhabiting Africa.

In my opinion, the most interesting and colorful cichlids are found in the flowing streams and rivers in Western Africa: African dwarf cichlids also known as Westies and West African Dwarfs. They are found within 150-200 miles of the coast in water similar to much of West Africa - relatively soft, usually 7-8 dGH and right about 7.0 ph. [Read more →]

Some of our local suppliers have come through with some great apistogramma. A few species we’ve had out of stock for a while and some we haven’t stocked previously. Like all of our apistos, they are sold in m/f pairs and males are over 1 in. in length, at least. [Read more →]

Easy To Keep Fish - Bred From Award-Winning Stock

Stendker is a trusted name in discus fish. It’s easy to see why…

The discus are fed a diverse diet on a revolving basis and are always hungry for more. They are generally not shy, as many are housed in each holding tank. Water changes are performed automatically, a few times daily. Under these conditions: high numbers, multiple feedings and water changes - fish start pairing off. As needed discus are moved tanks to best suited for their size and breeding status, etc. The pairs have babies and the cycle continues.

One benefit, especially for people in hard water areas is that these fish have hatched, grown up and in some cases spawned in hard water. The fish also absorb minerals from the hard water and grow into healthier adults. It really helps take the scare out of discus that is so prevalent in hobbyists. Discus have a reputation for being “trouble” fish that are hard to keep. That’s not the case with Stendker discus… [Read more →]

A New Shopping Experience on TwoFishGuyz.com

We’ve learned that one of the scariest things for hobbyists is buying tropical fish online - especially the first time. That makes sense, since being able to buy fish online is a fairly recent invention. Concerns regarding photos vs. reality, the safety of the fish, stress on the animals and duration of shipping are just some that we encounter on a daily basis.

Although we receive a large amount of emails from hobbyists, many have the same concerns and expectations for the fish they are about to receive. With that in mind we decided to create a new shopping experience on TwoFishGuyz.com. Taking into consideration requests, complaints and recommendations - our new store includes some great account features including: [Read more →]