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Herr Tillmann in Duisburg owns a very nice LFS, where I found Charax gibbosus for the first time in 20 odd years. He only had 3 (left?) which I couldn't resist.
A really intersting characin!

Hmmmm - a good find & a nice fish

hmm where is this post about super interesting Mike's fish gone?

Hi,

I've seen this fish at Tillman when I last visited this shop in august too. (only 3 as well) Spend quite some time in front of their tank doubting to buy them...

Good taste for fish, Marc

You may always come over and have a look at them. And at the same time you can watch some of your Gymnocorymbus bondi as well.
The good taste applies to you too, Arjan!

Talking of which: did you see my auchenipterids at Aqua Helmond yet?

worton[pl] wrote:hmm where is this post about super interesting Mike's fish gone?

Not sure why, but Mike apparently deleted the post (I can see deleted posts in the moderator view of the forum).

--
Mats

Uh, that's a shame

Anyway great fish you have found Marc

MatsP wrote:

worton[pl] wrote:hmm where is this post about super interesting Mike's fish gone?

Not sure why, but Mike apparently deleted the post (I can see deleted posts in the moderator view of the forum).

At first I didn't understand Worton's remark, but I get the picture now.
Too bad Mike withdrew his post for it's always a good thing to read about interesting non catfishes (I take it that was the subject of his post).
Mike, feel free to rejoin this thread with your observations/opinions!

I will expand a little on why this is a worthwhile species shortly. I'll also try to make a picture where the shape can be seen better.

You may always come over and have a look at them. And at the same time you can watch some of your Gymnocorymbus bondi as well.
The good taste applies to you too, Arjan!

Talking of which: did you see my auchenipterids at Aqua Helmond yet?

Well, that would be nice of course! Maybe some time next week? (I'll contact you with a PM).

As for the LFS in Helmond: Yes, I've "met" your catfish. They were hiding in a flowerpot, but I could take a reasonable good look at them. Great fish, although a bit damaged at the fins. According to the size of their mouths definitely not a wise asset for my SA-tank with Paracheirodon simulans...

MatsP wrote:

worton[pl] wrote:hmm where is this post about super interesting Mike's fish gone?

Not sure why, but Mike apparently deleted the post (I can see deleted posts in the moderator view of the forum).

Yes, after I submitted it I felt it might derail the thread, and I didn't wish to do that.

Hey,

hmm I haven't thought about that . Sorry Marc. However it was really, really interesting fish Mike. It would be nice to see this photo again ;) and Marc mentioned he doesn't mind . It was first time I've ever hear about so strange fish...

Marc, your characin somehow resembles me (a little bit but still) a prehistoric predator . It's mouth looks just nasty!

Regards.

The group of Glass headstanders/- tetras/- characins contains a number of species that show a lot of resemblance. They all have a hump on their neck and they all swim head down. Almost all have 2 black spots on their body. Yet they have different ways to obtain their food.
Some have teeth on the outside of their mouth in order to tear scales off other fishes (Roeboides).This apparently delicate fish is in fact a mean eating machine that you don't want in your community tank.
My Glass tetras were in a tank with other undamaged characins, so Alex and I could easily find out they weren't scale eaters and thus had to be Charax.
I've had a group of Charax tectifer in the past and would really love to keep a Charax species again. And although 3 can hardly be called a group, I didn't hesitate. It's their shape that I particularly fancy. And their behaviour as well.
A book said: "despite their looks these fish are very peaceful". True. They won't bite or tear pieces off other fishes, despite their clearly visible sharp teeth. But they don't hesitate to gulp away adult guppy females when mature.
If I could make a wish (for next Xmas??): Cynopotamus argenteus, which looks even meaner. Ever since I owned Mergus 2 (which is a long time), this one has had my keen interest. Never ever seen it for sale though. Keep wishing