Cryptocoryne Bullosa

The Cryptocoryne plants have always been a fascinating aquatic plant for an enthusiast. They are add to any planted tank a certain feel that 'forest have been there since the beginning of time'. However keeping exotic Cryptocoryne like the Bullosa requires a certain experience. I first came across this plant thought to have gone extinct in the central region of Sarawak some years ago. In fact I cant remember if anyone have seen it prior to Japanese explorer, Yujii Sasaki re-discovering a patch of them back in the 80's. As usual wild collected specimens are robust with bullated leaves. The color of the leaves varies from dark green to brown to almost black depending on location. This plant can grow both in emmersed or submerssed form. I have kept them successfully propagated in ADA based aquariums while some of my friends report success with laterite based substrate.

Ambassis Interrupta

The Long Fin Glass Perchlet found in freshwater river of Matang, Sarawak was sampled from our last outing. I'd love to photograph a school of these fishes underwater swimming with Rasbora Caudimaculata and Rasbora Sarawakensis someday.

Unexpected but Pleasant Find

Sometimes I visit familiar locations of fishes to see for myself how the fish populations are like during different seasons. Today was one of those days, it had been raining a lot the last several days and isnt the best time for sampling. Kenneth and Mixrayon joined me today for an OJT trip somewhere in the wetlands of Matang. I wanted to show them several spots but mostly to collect a few more samples of fishes from these area. It was already late in the evening and throughout the day we were in between afternoon showers and the sun. The 3 of us were netting and suddenly we caught a few Glassfish. it was unusual as I have never seen them in that area. I'll try to get some photos up soon. I am not sure if they are Chanda Ranga as there are several different species of Chanda around.

Pseudogobiopsis Festivus

This freshwater Goby is relatively a new comer to the list of described fishes of Borneo. The Pseudogobiopsis Festivus (Larson, H.K., 2009) is an active fish that is loves clean clear cool water as it hails from hill streams. Although not much about this fish has been published yet, I am sure this will be another interesting pet for many aquarium keepers around the world. The adult male specimen display orange reddish filament fins and are rather attractive. Sandy or light gravel bed aquariums with some planting will suit these fishes. They are not shy and often will feed of your fingers.

Apologies for the poor quality photo, I have yet to capture a good shot if this vibrant active fish. Perhaps when I have better photo, I will repost again. Cheers!

Boraras Brigittae

Boraras Brigittae, commonly known as Chilli Rasbora from Kalimantan Barat is a very small red cyprinidae. They are so petite and pretty in their colors and makes great fishes for the small nano planted tanks or could be companions in shrimp tanks.

Betta Brownorum

Betta Brownorum (Witte & Schmidt, 1992) is found in several locations in Sarawak and Kalimantan Barat. This wine red betta specimen is from a fresh water peat swamp near Kota Samarahan, Kuching. Traditionally collected from Matang, these days the Sarawak's collection have dwindled severely. Almost all Betta Brownorums in the aquarium trade the last few years comes from Kalimantan Barat. I was on location in KALBAR last year to sample some and they each have slight difference although the same fish. The best conditions to keep these diminishing beauties are clean cool, peaty, soft and acidic waters (pH4.5-5.0, 25-26C) with heavy vegetation.

Parosphromenus Anjunganensis

Parosphromenus Anjunganensis (Kottelat 1991) is one of the liquorice gourami fish of Borneo. This little peaceful labyrinth fish from the Kalimantan Barat's black water streams spots reddish fins with metalic blue seams. Original pH 4.5-5.5, soft and cool temperature around 25C. Wabi-Kusa planting will be ideal for this fishes. They will eat baby brine shrimps and micro pellets.

Neocaridina Sp 'Sumatran Sunset'

Neocaridina Sp 'Sunset' Shrimp from Sumatra. pH6.0, 25C, kH0-3.