The beautiful Sunshine Pleco is native to the middle and lower Río Xingu. Juveniles and half-grown specimens live in water depths of 3.28–9.8 feet (1–3 m), while adults inhabit the very dark environment of deeper water. To replicate their natural environment, we keep our loricariid catfishes in a darkened room; the only light comes from one open door. Only during daily maintenance and feeding do we turn on a dim light. We are sure that this is a major element in our success, and not just with this particular catfish species. Obviously, it would be impractical for the average aquarist to keep fishes in pitch-dark rooms, but it is worth trying with species that have so far resisted attempts to get them to breed.
Freshwater Articles
Upcoming Article for Amazonas Magazine
Recommended reading list for the article, The Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria, East Africa, by Paul V. Loiselle and Jay Hemdal. AMAZONAS Magazine May/June 2012.
Nikon AW100 Coolpix underwater camera
Jay Hemdal tries out the Nikon AW100 Coolpix underwater camera for aquarium photography.
John G. Shedd Aquarium – Chicago
Jay Hemdal revists the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
2011 Regional Aquatics Workshop and a look back at RAW
Jay Hemdal presents a history of RAW; Regional Aquatics Workshops, an event for public aquarists
Solving the Unknown (time traveler cell phone)
Public Aquarist Jay Hemdal reminds us that sometimes the simplest answer is the best one.
Online Odds and Ends
Public Aquarist Jay Hemdal covers a diverse range of fish health and husbandry topics in this “odds and ends” report.
A Refinement of a Fish Length Estimation Method
Jay Hemdal attempts to recreate a laser size reference first seen on a deep submersible to create a more accurate way to measure aquarium inhabitants for growth studies and other purposes.
Underwater Photography in Aquariums
In-tank underwater photography can be a necessity in public aquarium settings.
Public Aquarists and the Haplochromine Cichlids of Lake Victoria, Africa
An introductory look at the plight of Lake Victoria’s endangered cichlids and the LVSSP.