In the opening article for the September 2025 issue of AMAZONAS Magazine, Courtney Tobler explores aquarists’ first experiences with catfish and their diversity. This issue covers the care of lesser-known catfish species such as Brachyrhamdia, Caelatoglanis zonatus, and Hoplisoma rikbaktsa, as well as predators such as Parakneria loachs, Aristochromis christyi, and the conservation of cichlids in Lake Tanganyika.
Tobler says this issue aims to satisfy readers’ curiosity by bringing together science, stories, and fish. And he’s certainly right!
Aquatic Notebook
Protecting Freshwater Fishes In The American Southeast
This article by Alex Rose, focusing on freshwater fish conservation efforts in the Southeastern United States, really resonated with me. Rose describes the rich biodiversity of this region—nearly two-thirds of all freshwater fish in the United States live here—but also as a “hot spot” for rapidly disappearing species.
Fortunately, Rose also shares information with readers in her article about how private organizations like Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI) are combating these threats.
Sperm-Drinking In Corydoras Catfishes: A New Piece To The Puzzle?
Michi Tobler’s article in AMAZONAS Magazine highlights the diversity of fish reproductive behaviors while also focusing on the lack of understanding of basic fertilization mechanics. Tobler specifically examines the alleged “sperm drinking” behavior of Corydoras catfish, a long-debated topic among aquarists.
Tobler addresses the claim that this traditional T-position breeding actually involves female fish fertilizing eggs by swallowing sperm through their digestive tracts. He also outlines criticisms of this theory and recent scientific findings supporting this behavior. The solution to the Corydoras mystery awaits you in the September 2025 issue of Curious Catfish / AMAZONAS Magazine.
Brachyrhamida Catfishes: Mimicry, Mystery, And Missed Opportunities In The Hobby
This article by Anja Katzschmann perfectly illustrates why Brachyrhamdia catfish, a rare but highly interesting species in our hobby, are a “missed opportunity.” As Katzschmann points out, while easy to care for, their inability to successfully breed and their ability to mimic armored catfish like Corydoras make them both mysterious and alluring.
Field observations cited by Katzschmann show that young fish, in particular, tend to integrate into the shoal, demonstrating the crucial role mimicry plays in survival.
Caelatoglanis Zonatus: A Colorful Bumblebee Catfish From Myanmar
Another article by Anja Katzschmann introduces the wasp catfish, Caelatoglanis zonatus, a name I’d never heard of before, but the details in the article immediately piqued my interest. Katzschmann notes that this species originates from the Ataran River in Myanmar, the same region as well-known fish like Botia kubotai. Most striking is its striking resemblance to the Akysis vespa.
According to Katzschmann, this small catfish has contrasting colors, just like a “wasp,” and this resemblance is thought to be a case of mimicry.
An Unusual Cory Catfish: Care And Breeding Of Hoplisoma Rikbaktsa
Hans-Georg Evers shares firsthand experience with the aquarium care and breeding of Hoplisoma rikbaktsa, a rather mysterious species from Brazil. Evers stated that it was surprising that these fish, despite their small size, laid giant eggs that reached up to 2 mm in diameter.
Breeding this species can be achieved by simulating natural habitat conditions. Evers highlights the delicate structure of H. rikbaktsa, emphasizing the importance of good water quality and proper nutrition. The article also details how these fish differ from more popular species like Corydoras panda and are not suitable for beginners.
Doumea And Phractura: The Loach Catfishes Of Cameroon
Michel C.W. Keijman focused on African catfishes like Doumea and Phractura, which are relatively unknown in the aquarium hobby. Keijman explains that these fish, like their South American counterparts, are specialized for living in fast-flowing waters, and their body structure has evolved accordingly.
This article in the “Curious Catfish / AMAZONAS Magazine September 2025” issue of proves once again that our hobby is not just about popular species, but also contains many interesting creatures waiting to be discovered.
Dwarf Cichlids Of The Apistogramma Nijsseni Species Complex
Wolfgang Straeck sheds light on the fascinating world of Apistogramma nijsseni and a complex of closely related species, which we have been tracking for over 40 years.
What struck me most about Staeck’s article was how diverse and complex this species complex is. From A. nijsseni to A. baenschi, A. panduro to A. sp. ‘Amaya’, each species has its own unique characteristics. Staeck explains that the shy and potentially aggressive nature of these fish makes them more suitable for experienced aquarists. This article, with all the details from their discovery dates to their most distinctive characteristics, awaits you in the issuse “Curious Catfish / AMAZONAS Magazine September 2025”
Reportage: From Meghalaya, India: Pethia Shalynius
Ralf Britz‘s article introduces Pethia shalynius, a species that has quietly entered the aquarium hobby but exhibits incredible beauty under the right conditions. Britz’s field observations also revealed that these “gray mice” are actually metallic bluish-black creatures with blood-red tails that can appear in the early morning hours.
As Britz points out, their preference for cold waters and ease of care make them an ideal choice even for beginners. This article perfectly highlights why Pethia shalynius deserves the attention and why it’s important for aquarists to rediscover it.
Reportage: Taming the Ocelot Bumblebee Goby
Calvin Darling illuminates the world of bumblebee gobies, a species that holds a unique place in the aquarium hobby. Darling notes that this species, particularly the “Ocelot,” has unique patterns and is not well-suited to community aquariums due to its ambush feeding habits.
Darling’s experiences highlight the enjoyable and rewarding experience these fish offer when kept in a dedicated aquarium, even though special feeding methods like live food are required. The article demonstrates that despite the challenges these tiny creatures face, they are still special enough to be worth discovering and caring for.
Parakneria Shellears From Cameroon
Michel C.W. Keijman’s article introduces the rare but highly interesting species Parakneria abbreviata and P. cameronensis in the aquarium hobby. Keijman describes these fish as unique creatures adapted to flowing waters, with “eared” structures that allow males to cling to females.
Keijman notes that keeping these fish requires specific conditions, such as long tanks with strong currents and fine-grained food. He also recommends creating a biotope similar to their natural habitat by keeping them with peaceful catfish like Doumea or Phractura.
Aristochromis Christyi: The Malawi Hawk Cichlid
Wolfgang Staec introduced a rare but fascinating species, Aristochromis christyi, to the aquarium hobby. According to Staec‘s observations, these fish use a unique strategy of turning their bodies sideways when hunting, which distinguishes them from other fish in the hobby.
Staec notes that these imposing fish require aquariums longer than 1.5 meters and specialized foods like fish meat, making them best suited to experienced aquarists. He also recommends keeping them with more peaceful species like Aulonocara.
Innovating Puffer Breeding: Automation And Egg Collection for Tetraodon Schoutedeni
Matthew Proctor’s article presents an innovative approach to raising the rare and elusive Congo Spotted Pufferfish (Tetraodon schoutedeni). Proctor demonstrates how automated systems, including a specially designed compartmented aquarium and a 3D-printed egg collector, streamline the egg collection and fry feeding processes. He also illustrates his article with images.
Proctor’s article is a great example of how, with the right equipment and creativity, breeding even the most challenging species can be possible and shape the future of our hobby!
Guardians Of The Great Lake: Protecting Endemic Cichlids At Nkondwe Island
Michael Edmondstone highlights the threats facing endemic cichlid species in Lake Tanganyika and describes an innovative conservation project based on Nkondwe Island. Edmondstone explains how this project established Tanzania’s first freshwater protected area and provided a safe haven for endangered species.
This initiative is not only based on scientific data but also strengthens conservation by engaging local communities through activities such as waste cleanup and patrols. The article demonstrates that this community-centered approach yields positive results, known as a “spill-over effect,” as fishermen increase their catches around the protected area. Ultimately, this project presents a model worthy of replication, with the potential to both protect biodiversity and benefit local communities.
A comprehensive care guide for a special species, the Pao baileyi (Hairy Pufferfish), written by Kevin Kohen, awaits you in the September 2025 issue of Curious Catfish / AMAZONAS Magazine.
AMAZONAS Magazine is one of the world’s leading print publications for the freshwater aquarium industry. If you’d like to subscribe and read all the content, you can start your subscription here. We’ll be eagerly awaiting the next issue.
Cover Photo: N Akvaryum
Source:
- AMAZONAS Magazine / Last Access Date: 08.09.2025 / https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/
If you have read the September 2025 issue of Curious Catfish / AMAZONAS Magazine, please share your opinions and evaluations about this issue with us and other aquarists in the comments section below.
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