Congo Killies - PageSuite

EDITORIAL
AMAZONAS
Dear Reader,
Fishes from Africa play almost no role in the modern
aquarium trade today, unless they come from the
famous Rift Lakes. This, of course, was not always the
case. During my youth, the cichlids and the small
but very vibrant killifishes of Central and West Africa
were quite popular.
Killifishes were kept then—as they
are now—mostly by specialists, but they
were more commonly mentioned in the
literature and more often seen at shows
and auctions. Today, killifish enthusiasts
appear to operate much more under the
radar. However, our knowledge about
these colorful dwarfs is vast, and scientists
and amateur enthusiasts have contributed
much to it in recent years.
One of our editorial board members,
Olaf Deters, is very active in this sphere of
interest, so it was just a matter of time before
we chose killifishes as a cover theme.
We have intentionally focused on the genus
Aphyosemion because the name is well
recognized and there are many new and
exciting insights to tell you about. An African cover
story is quite unusual for us, but I hope you enjoy this
peek beyond the usual horizon.
When water plant enthusiasts gather, the question
of lighting will almost always come up sooner or
later. We have wanted to report on this topic for some
time, and in this issue we include hands-on articles
on the ever more popular LEDs. In the marine hobby,
this technology is already widespread and fast becoming
an accepted technology.
For a catfish buff like me, the breeding report on
the Pac-man Catfish, Lophiosilurus alexandri, is truly
a highlight. Similarly exciting is the story about the
Blue-Eyed Pleco, which is certain to start a lively discussion—and
not just among catfish followers.
When I look over this new issue, with its many
interesting stories that should excite a diversity of true
addicts, I cannot stop grinning! It is amazing what
both hobbyists and scientists have to report. Quite
the opposite of predictable, fishkeeping is far better
than reality television for most of us. I would much
rather spend my time in the fish room than turn into
a dazed sofa spud.
Enjoy the issue, and happy fishkeeping!
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