Collection: Live Freshwater Fish

L333 Hypancistrus Pleco

• Species: Hypancistrus sp. L333
• Common Names: Yellow King Tiger Pleco, King Tiger Pleco
• Origin: Native to the Xingu River, Brazil
• Light Requirements: Low to moderate lighting
• Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys a mix of high-protein foods and plant matter
• Maximum Size: ~5 inches (12–13 cm)
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with other bottom dwellers
• Care Level: Moderate

Aquarium Setup:

The L333 Hypancistrus Pleco thrives in well-oxygenated aquariums with moderate to strong water flow. A setup with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, driftwood, and rock structures, is essential as this species prefers to establish its own territory. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is recommended to prevent injury.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 78–86°F (26–30°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderate (2–12 dGH)
• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a single specimen, larger if housing multiple

Growth and Maintenance:

L333 Plecos grow at a moderate pace and require high-quality water conditions. Regular water changes (at least 30–50% weekly) and a well-maintained filtration system are crucial, as they are sensitive to poor water quality. Strong aeration and good circulation help replicate their natural riverine habitat.

Diet:

Being an omnivore, the L333 Pleco benefits from a varied diet. Provide high-protein foods like frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, and carnivore pellets, alongside high-quality sinking wafers and occasional vegetable matter such as zucchini, spinach, or peas. Unlike other plecos, they do not consume much wood, so additional fiber is not a strict requirement.

Compatibility:

This pleco is generally peaceful but may become territorial toward other bottom dwellers, especially other plecos. It coexists well with peaceful mid-to-top dwelling species like tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish.

Breeding:

L333 Plecos are cave spawners. Males tend to guard the cave where the female lays eggs. Spawning is more successful in aquariums with a strong water flow and slightly warmer temperatures (around 84–86°F). Fry require a high-protein diet to grow properly.

Availability:

L333 Hypancistrus Plecos are popular among pleco enthusiasts and may be available as captive-bred specimens. Availability may vary depending on stock levels. Contact us to check for current inventory and place an order.

Disclaimer:

Due to variations within the species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

Red Lined Rasbora

• Species: Rasbora pauciperforata
• Common Names: Red Lined Rasbora, Least Rasbora
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Borneo)
• Light Requirements: Low to moderate lighting
• Diet: Omnivorous – prefers small live, frozen, and high-quality dry foods
• Maximum Size: ~2.5 inches (6 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish
• Care Level: Easy

Aquarium Setup:

The Red Lined Rasbora thrives in a densely planted aquarium with soft, acidic water and open swimming areas. Adding driftwood, leaf litter, and floating plants can help mimic its natural blackwater habitat. A dark substrate enhances its vibrant coloration. As a schooling fish, it should be kept in groups of at least 6 to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH: 5.0–7.0
• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (1–8 dGH)
• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (for a small school)

Growth and Maintenance:

Red Lined Rasboras are hardy and relatively easy to care for, provided their water quality remains stable. Regular water changes (20–30% weekly) are recommended. They prefer gentle water movement, so avoid overly strong filtration. A well-maintained, mature tank with stable parameters will encourage their best coloration and behavior.

Diet:

This species is an opportunistic feeder and enjoys a varied diet. Offer high-quality micro pellets, flake foods, and small live or frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Occasional vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes can support overall health.

Compatibility:

Red Lined Rasboras are peaceful community fish that coexist well with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Ideal tank mates include other small rasboras, tetras, gouramis, corydoras, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may see them as prey.

Breeding:

Breeding occurs in well-established tanks with soft, acidic water. They are egg scatterers, and spawning usually takes place among fine-leaved plants. Parents do not guard their eggs, so a separate breeding tank with mesh or dense plants can help protect the fry. Feed newly hatched fry infusoria and baby brine shrimp for best growth.

Availability:

Red Lined Rasboras are not as commonly found as some other rasbora species but are occasionally available through specialty aquarium stores and online retailers. Contact us to check stock availability.

Disclaimer:

Due to variations within the species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

Dark Marble Hatchetfish

• Species: Carnegiella strigata
• Common Names: Dark Marble Hatchetfish, Black-Winged Hatchetfish
• Origin: South America (Amazon River Basin, Peru, Brazil, Colombia)
• Light Requirements: Low to moderate lighting
• Diet: Carnivorous – prefers small live, frozen, and high-quality dry foods
• Maximum Size: ~1.5–2 inches (3.5–5 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful, surface-dwelling fish
• Care Level: Moderate

Aquarium Setup:

Dark Marble Hatchetfish thrive in a well-maintained, densely planted aquarium with floating vegetation, which helps them feel secure. They require a tight-fitting lid, as they are known for their ability to jump great distances when startled. Gentle water movement is ideal, replicating their slow-moving river habitats. Since they are schooling fish, they should be kept in groups of at least six to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (2–10 dGH)
• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (for a small group)

Growth and Maintenance:

Dark Marble Hatchetfish are relatively delicate and require stable water conditions with high oxygenation. Regular water changes (20–30% weekly) help maintain water quality. They are best kept in established aquariums with soft, acidic water conditions. Due to their preference for the surface zone, they should be housed with peaceful, non-aggressive tank mates.

Diet:

As surface feeders, Dark Marble Hatchetfish primarily consume insects and small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they should be offered high-quality floating foods such as micro pellets and flakes, as well as small live or frozen foods like mosquito larvae, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Avoid sinking foods, as they rarely feed below the surface.

Compatibility:

This species is very peaceful and does well in community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive fish. Ideal tank mates include tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, and dwarf corydoras. Avoid keeping them with large or boisterous species, as they can become stressed.

Breeding:

Breeding Dark Marble Hatchetfish in captivity is rare. They are egg scatterers and require soft, acidic water and fine-leaved plants for spawning. Providing a separate breeding tank with dim lighting and a protein-rich diet may encourage breeding behavior.

Availability:

Dark Marble Hatchetfish are occasionally available in the aquarium trade. They are more delicate than other hatchetfish species, so proper acclimation is crucial. Contact us to check stock availability.

Disclaimer:

Due to variations within the species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

Australian Land Hermit Crab (Coenobita variabilis)

• Species: Coenobita variabilis
• Common Names: Australian Land Hermit Crab, Coastal Hermit Crab
• Origin: Northern Australia, particularly along the coastlines of Queensland and the Northern Territory
• Light Requirements: Moderate (natural daylight cycles)
• Diet: Omnivorous (fruits, vegetables, proteins, and calcium sources)
• Maximum Size: Up to 4 cm (1.5 inches) in shell length
• Temperament: Social, best kept in groups
• Care Level: Moderate

Terrarium Setup:

Australian Land Hermit Crabs require a humid, well-ventilated enclosure with at least 10 gallons of space per crab. A deep substrate mix of coconut fiber and sand (maintained moist for burrowing) is essential for molting. Provide climbing structures, hiding spots, and multiple empty shells of various sizes for shell changes.

Environmental Requirements:

• Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
• Humidity: 70-80% (essential for gill function)
• Substrate Depth: At least 2-3 times the height of the largest crab
• Water Dishes: Separate dechlorinated freshwater and saltwater pools (with gentle slopes for access)

Growth and Maintenance:

Hermit crabs grow by molting, a process that requires them to bury themselves in the substrate. Ensure a stress-free environment by maintaining stable humidity and temperature. Avoid frequent handling, as excessive stress can lead to improper molting.

Care Tips:

✔ Provide Deep Substrate: Enables stress-free molting and burrowing behavior.
✔ Maintain High Humidity: Use misting or a moisture-retaining substrate to keep levels above 70%.
✔ Offer a Balanced Diet: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins (boiled eggs, shrimp), and calcium sources like cuttlebone.
✔ Encourage Shell Changes: Offer various shell types (unpainted and natural) to prevent competition.
✔ Monitor Social Behavior: Crabs are communal but may fight over shells—ensure an adequate supply.

Compatibility:

Australian Land Hermit Crabs are best kept in groups of at least two to encourage natural social behaviors. They should not be housed with aggressive or significantly larger species.

Availability:

Commonly available in pet stores across Australia. Check for ethically sourced crabs and ensure proper care before purchase.

Disclaimer:

"Due to natural variations within the species and age of the crab, your hermit crab may not look identical to the image provided."