Samantha Hilber - Photos - Fishes I have kept

My home aquarium; 120 gallons. Currently is the home for 4 Hypsophrys nicaraguensis, 4 Archocentrus nanoluteus, 3 Rineloricaria sp. “Rio Yi” (whiptail catfish), 2 Panaqolus sp. (clown plecostomus), 6 Pristella maxillaris (Pristelle tetras), 5 Hemigrammus rhodostomus (Rummynose tetras), 2 Nematobrycon palmeri (Emperor tetras).

The return of the prodigal Gold-nugget catfish, Baryancistrus sp.; (s)he vanished among the logs and rocks for three months before reappearing.

Hypsophrys nicaraguensis female inspecting the algae grazing of a catfish on her ceramic breeding tunnel.

Hypsophrys nicaraguensis female guarding a (ceramic) tunnel with her egg in it. Breeding individuals have a central black spot instead of a medial strip.

A non-breeding Hypsophrys nicaraguensis female hiding from the breeding male and female, who keep chasing her away from their offspring. Non-breeding individuals have a black lateral stripe.

Hypsophrys nicaraguensis male guarding the (ceramic) tunnel with his offspring in it.

Interestingly, in many biparental cichlids, there is a divison of labor (as shown here). The female stay close to the nest and guards the offspring, while the male guards the territory.

Hypsophrys nicaraguensis female guarding her free-swimming offspring.

A small independent Hypsophrys nicaraguensis juvenile; probably about 3 months old and trying not to be eaten by all the bigger cichlids.