Borneo Echo Streams

Exploring Sekayam Basin Pt. 1

2012-02-16T13:15:00.002+08:00

I was away the last few days on a short exploratory trip in the Sekayam basin as we are setting up a new Forward Quarantine Center. During my trip there I took opportunity to survey the area and the weather was perfect during this trip. The Sekayam River runs from the mountains near the border with Sarawak towards the south east and joins with the mighty Kapuas.

Some quick photos of plants and fishes sampled in this region

It was a very nice trip into this region and I will share more when able. Thanks for following.

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-06T10:56:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year to all of you. Here is Malaysia, just fresh after the 1st week of January the Chinese communities are preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration soon.

I spend the new year away at a beach resort this year with my wife and some close friends. We had a wonderful time together, reflecting upon 2011 and contemplating 2012 with refreshed zeal and excitement.

At Borneo Echo Streams, we aim to introduce fish breeding and cultivation on our village's social enterprise development program. This program have occupied much of my time and energy last year as we seek to convert our infrastructure of collection outposts to breeding capacity.

Also in the last year we signed an MOU with a Singapore higher learning institution to provide training and exposure to students on their aquaculture program. We hope that this exposure stint with us will raise the appreciation and skills of the next generation going into the industry.

I will update the blog again soon. It is still raining heavily here in most parts due to the monsoon season. Many parts of Kuching was flooded yesterday but today the sun is out in the morning as I write. However it appears that rain will arrive later in the afternoon.

Take care and God bless!

Cryptocoryne Nurii

2011-10-30T09:19:00.000+08:00

This beautiful Cryptocoryne Nurii from Pahang is one of my favourite plant. I love the tiger stripe markings and colors exhibited by this specimen. We also found a variant with extreme pink mutations at this location. More when I get home from my field trips. Have a great weekend.

Bucephalandra sp 'Sintang'

2011-07-18T22:11:00.000+08:00

I just returned home from Kalimantan Barat after going back and forth over the last couple of weeks. The first part of the tour, I covered the west of Kalbar while the second part I visited the eastern part of Kalbar. There are lots of interesting plants and fishes in these areas and I had opportunities to visit their natural habitats.

One of the most remarkable plants for planted tank enthusiast as well as plants hobbyists is the Bucephalandra species. It is an aroid plant and a distant relative of Cryptocoryne. They are rhyzome plants so just tying them to a stone of driftwood should anchor them for submersed or emersed environment. The plant requires low to moderate lighting and can make a nice alternative to Anubias Barteri Var. If keeping them in emersed form, please keep them in high humidity.

There are many forms of Bucephalandra from different locations in Borneo, each pretty in their own ways.

On Kalimantan Tour

2011-07-14T10:23:00.000+08:00

Hey guys,

I just got back from exploration trip in Bengkayang, Kalimantan Barat for a couple of days. New set of clothes and today I am off to Sintang, Kalimantan Barat with 3 other buddies. I havent had time to post videos and photos yet but I hope to do so by next week.

Cheers!

Mystus Bimaculatus

2011-06-27T22:41:00.000+08:00

Hey guys, sorry for the long web silence. I have been very busy with a number of projects here in BES. All of which is progressing steadily and we will share about them as soon as possible.

Along with photos, I plan to work on short videos here on this blog and the first step is unedited trial upload to see how this will work out. I think it will be exciting to see short clips of video from time to time on fishes, plants, exploration trips, special projects, people and life in Borneo.

In the meantime, I like to share a little about these little reddish catfish from Sumatra. For those of you keeping community tanks, please give them a try as they are easy and non demanding fishes. They are not frequently available as they are not easily sourced. They are from Sumatra but adapts readily to tank with pH around 6.0. They feed on micro pellets readily too.

Cheers!

Cryptocoryne Bullosa's spathe

2010-12-31T18:23:00.001+08:00

Just wanted to share a photo of the Cryptocoryne Bullosa's spathe which is short and spots bright red flower with dark ring colar. The plant in photo is under shallow fast flowing water. Cryptocoryne Bullosa was described by Engler in 1879 and can be found in central Sarawak. Depending on the locations where the specimens are collected, they sometimes exhibit slight differences. I once had a friend who mistook Cryptocoryne Uenoi for Bullosa but flowers often is the sure way to tell. The largest species of Cryptocoryne Bullosa is found in Northern Sarawak at one particular river where their dark leaves grows to the length of nearly 1 feet long. Needless to say this variety is in deep water and collecting them in rainy season is near impossible.

Happy New Year and may your 2011 be a good year from all of us at Borneo Echo Streams!

Cheers!

Puntius Rhomboocellatus

2010-12-01T16:07:00.002+08:00

I have not been posting the last few months on this blog as we were hampered by a long stretch of bad weather affecting many villages where we are developing our social enterprise. So in the lean months, we fall back to cultivating and fine horning our husbandry skills with our workers. But thank God for signs of change, so we are now starting to get fishes again.

One of my favorite barbs, the Puntius Rhomboocellatus is now available at BES. The fishes are beginning to show striking colors just after 2 weeks of quarantine and conditioning. These fishes often look so beautiful in contrast to green colors of Echinodorus Quadricostatus or similar foreground plants. I will post some other fish and plant updates soon.

Thanks for visiting.

Cryptocoryne Longicauda - Wild Emersed Form

2010-09-03T12:29:00.002+08:00

My recent foray into Sumatra took me to various locations of wild fishes and plants through Central Sumatra. We travelled extensively and found that in some old locations, the wild Cryptocoryne Longicauda exposed in open areas in a drying stream due to land clearing for palm oil plantations. I amazed at the form of these plants adapting to such harsh environment. These plants grow best in shadier streams. The pH of the water is around 5.0. The base of the stream is sandy with cool water flowing through some sections.

Bucephalandra Sp

2010-09-02T15:23:00.000+08:00

Bucephalandra Sp from Central Sumatra. Often seen besides mountain streams, near waterfalls, these plants require high humidity and make excellent ornamental plants besides your koi pond or water feature.

Cryptocoryne Villosa

2010-08-28T10:21:00.010+08:00

I am sitting here in KL LCCT awaiting my next flight to Kuching after spending a week in Sumatra with Joshua Siow. So while waiting, I decide I should update this blog with some news of our trip to Sumatra. Both of us visited some old known locations where Cryptocoryne Moehlmanii, Crytpcoryne Pontederifolia, Cryptocoryne Cordata Var Diderici and Cryptocoryne Jacobsenii were found 25 years ago. Many of the locations have been developed and the Crypts are now gone. At this location where we found Cryptocoryne Villosa, the old rubber plantations are now being cleared for palm oil plantation. This little stream will soon change as well and we are doubtful the Crypts will survive the dry season in the open. I plan to come back again and explore more of Sumatra in the coming months.

Climate Change and Developmental Impact

2010-08-20T09:53:00.000+08:00

It's been raining cats and dogs again in Kuching. We did have a few good sunny days in the last couple of weeks, enough for a couple of good field trips. At Borneo Echo Streams, we have been working the last few months on expanding our capacity for quarantine and breeding both in Kuching and in our villages. The weather change have impact and will continue to be unpredicatable as the world faces this phenomena. Rivers swollen due to heavy downpour when it was supposed to be the dry season.

Dvelopment of land has a major impact too as many developments are done at the cost of nature and the environment. Values of stability in nature is exchanged for developer's cost saving. Wetlands, a major natural source of cleaning our water is disappearing. Flora and faunas we know so little about are also dissappearing at alarming rate. Who knows if one of them holds the secret to the cure of cancer or some other illness.

For the poor farmers, things gets dicey as well. As I leave next week for a trip to Padang, Sumatra and the Mentawai Islands, the whole issue of how global climate change affects everyone remain in my thoughts. We need to think of new strategies to cope with these changes with view of long term sustainability. In the end, we have to all be better stewards of the wonderful resources of this planet. For hobbyist, the time for taking for granted what you have is gone. Take care and learn about the fishes and plants you are keeping. For those in the trade, sustainable and responsible practices will keep this trade healthy.

Cryptocoryne Auriculata

2010-08-16T12:33:00.000+08:00

Cryptocoryne Auriculata from central Sarawak can be grown both in submersed or emersed form. The water pH in this location is 6.3 with a temperature around 25C. The tiger stripe marking on this crypt is beautiful and they make nice potted plants best kept in high humidity environment.

Betta Rubra Spawning

2010-07-30T20:59:00.000+08:00

Betta Rubra are one of those lesser seen wild bettas in the circle of hobbyist. Many have seen photos of the red beautiful male in tiger stripes so I thought I will share a photo of a female specimen in spawning colors. As you can see the egg is ready for delivery and the male in courtship dance in the background. These beautiful bettas hail from northern Sumatra near Aceh. My first few Betta Rubras was sourced from a friend, Haji Baharuddin. Couple with some from another source, we are now breeding these little beauties.

Cryptocoryne 'Batang Ai' Sp

2010-07-30T20:36:00.002+08:00

The Cryptocoryne 'Batang Ai' Sp is still an undescribed species, first discovered by Michael Lo a couple of years ago. I am amazed by the sheer intensity of the leaf color. It has speckles of metalic sheen with magenta on it. The tiger stripes also enhances the beauty of this Cryptocoryne. Natural habitat is fast flowing river with low pH of 6.0. Temperature of 25C. This Cryptocoryne shares the habitat with Crytocoryne Striolata, Blyxa Aurbetii, Eleocharis Acicularis.

Out on a Raining Day

2010-07-30T19:53:00.002+08:00

Photo of Josh and Herman in action at a swollen river. It was raining at the time they got into the river. Josh had to dive for Cryptocorynes as the water was very high, while Herman was there as a decoy for crocodiles. Hahaha...I am just joking.

It has been months since my last posting as we went through a very strange season of excessive rain here in Sarawak. Much of our earlier field trip has been hampered by bad weather. So we took the opportunity to expand our quarantine facility as well as servicing local demands for planted aquariums. However last week, a couple of friends from West Malaysia came to Kuching and we went off on a 7 day journey sampling and collecting cryptocorynes and fishes in Sarawak.

Our initial plan was to visit the 2 locations of Cryptocoryne Zaidiana but it didnt materialize as our local contact there advised us not to go due to the high river water level and evening thunderstorms. We did spend days on all other different location in this ardous journey. Braving the heat of scorching sun, the rain that never fail to show up just when we are about to reach a location, swarms of blood thirsty mosquitoes, cuts and scratches climbing and rolling down steep river banks, we came home tired but happy with some Cryptocorynes and other plants. We also enjoyed the good local food along the way and I had the pleasure of catching the Live Telecast of Le Tour De France's race stage for the Tourmalet peak in a hotel room in Sibu. Overall the locations of some Cryptocorynes are in very good condition but some are dwindling due to polution or development.

Thanks for dropping by and I will update this forum more frequently now as I have several postings coming soon. Cheers!

Parosphromenus Sp 'Lundu'

2010-05-22T18:40:00.000+08:00

The raining season have kept us in Borneo in house much the last couple of months and until recently we are seeing some small breaks from daily thunderstorms. This week I managed to get some specimens of a unidentified Parosphromenus from Western Sarawak. Originally collected some years ago by regional fish enthusiasts, it was initially mistaken for Parosphromenus Allani, later clarified as a separate species. The fish in photo is still acclimatizing to new home and the colors are extremely beautiful in the wild. I will retake the photo in time. in the meantime I have several other photos of interesting fishes which I will share over the next few days.

Thanks for dropping by again and have a great weekend!

Breeding and Caring for CRS Shrimps

2010-04-15T16:53:00.002+08:00

The Crystal Red Shrimp (CRS) or sometimes called Red Bee Shrimp is a very popular pet with many aquarist around the world. The finest examples of these shrimps were bred and produced in Japan years ago but these days most serious hobbyist are able to keep and breed these shrimps at home too. Graded and valued differently, most agrees that the white pigments of the best CRS should be as solid as possible. I wont discuss grading here as that is a different topic altogether. What I like to share is how you could keep, breed and raise your CRS at home.

We use ADA's Amazonia Aquasoil as base in each CRS tanks as essential trace and colloids from this substrate leaching into the water seems to be produce the best results. Water should be very clean so I strongly advise anyone from keeping CRS in a new tank. We introduce CRS into tanks with matured filtration system after a minimum of 7 weeks cycling. ADA's Bacter 100 or Bacter Ball is used together with Green Gain in prepping such tanks. The ideal water condition are pH6.0, kH2-3 with temperature of 25C. Forget about breeding CRS if you are not committed to provide the right environment. CRS in a beautiful tank is a statement of your commitment and discipline.

Dont fret if your CRS's beauty deteriorate because conditions are not right. With some care improving the conditions, the shrimps will become better after some weeks. Keep the water well filtered, cool at 24-25C, Aquasoil based substrate and feed them well. Water should be changed weekly at around 25%. Add in some moss to the tank. Moss provides food for the shrimps as well as sponging up waste.

We add conditioners to the tank water each week when water is changed as supplements to the shrimps. As you know shrimp experience moltings regularly and the right conditioners support new shell colors and growth. We have had good results caring for CRS with products under the brand name Shirakura and Mosura.

With care, you will see your CRS optimized once again in time. Recently we had a whole bunch baby Snow Whites in our tanks and the parents are no SSS grade beauties at all. So I wish you all the best with your brood. Cheers!

Betta Taeniata

2010-04-09T15:56:00.001+08:00

The blue cheek Borneo Betta or scientifically named Betta Taeniata (Regan 1910) is a medium sized wild betta from our hill streams here in Sarawak. There are also some specimens collected from Kalimantan but they have slight difference of color on the body. As in the case of many other wild bettas, spawning season brings out their best colors. The male displays very strong blueish green opercle with blackish border on their anal and caudal fins. When stressed, it is very hard to distinguish the male from the females as their colors fade out. Betta Taeniata is part of the Betta Picta group. Make sure their water is clean and the tank have plenty of plants to keep them happy.

A short visit to the Mentawai Islands

2010-03-18T08:59:00.000+08:00

Sorry for being a little quiet the last couple of weeks. I was away in the Mentawai Islands (part of Indonesia) in the Indian Ocean, west of Sumatra. These cluster of remote islands offer their unique richness in bio diversity. Culturally, the Mentawai tribes share much similarity to the Dayaks in Borneo. Life on these islands in some places are still very untouched by the outside world. Life is basic with, water from well or rain, no electricity, and your BlackBerry aint going to work there. So there I was plastered with sunblock lotion and insect repellent (it's a Malaria infested area besides the regular earthquakes), adjusting and making the most of my time enjoying nature in it's pristine state.

There are interesting plants and fishes, among other animals on these islands from the shore to the mountains.

Cryptocoryne Bullosa

2010-02-24T11:18:00.001+08:00

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

2010-02-20T18:02:00.000+08:00

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

2010-02-18T22:08:00.001+08:00

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

2010-02-15T15:06:00.003+08:00

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

2010-02-10T17:17:00.001+08:00

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

2010-02-10T17:09:00.000+08:00

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

2010-02-03T02:58:00.000+08:00

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'

2010-02-03T02:22:00.002+08:00

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

Tonina Fluviatilis

2010-01-30T18:56:00.000+08:00

I love the green color on this beautiful stem plant from South America. Tonina Fluviatilis blossoms like a little star, that can be positioned in mid tank or background depending on the size of your planted aquarium. This little star demands CO2 injection, adequate lighting and cool water. With ADA's Amazonia II Aquasoil substrate system, they will be a rewarding visual treat for any enthusiast. Recommended for expert class.

Hemirhamphodon Kuekenthali

2010-01-29T12:24:00.000+08:00

These 3 spot forest Halfbeaks known as Hemirhamphodon Kuekenthali (Steindachner 1901) are live bearers that range from slightly brackish waters to freshwater hill streams of Sarawak. Surface fishes, they adapt readily to micropellet food but enjoys small live insects. They are able to adapt to wide range of water conditions but proper acclimatizing is nevertheless required (pH range from 5.5 to 7.5, soft to medium kH, temperature 25C). Our stock originates from mountainous streams, obtained through a program for eradication of poverty by empowering the villagers over the area though social enterprise development.

This week's incoming

2010-01-26T16:49:00.002+08:00

We are expecting a shipment of plants and fishes incoming this week. Drop by and check out our new stock.

Plants
Tonina Fluviatilis
Microsorium Pteropus Narrow Leaf
Microsorium Pteropus Windelov
Lileopsis Brasiliensis
Eloecharis Parvulus
Blyxa Japonica
Glossostigma Elantoides
Echinodorus Quadricostatus
Bobitis Heudelotii

Fishes
Crossocheilus Siamensis - Standard Algae Eater in our books. :)
Paracheirodon Innesi Var Diamond
Taiwanese Bumblebee Shrimp
Indian Red Nose Shrimp
Sumatran Sunset Shrimp - stunning orange
Crystal Red Bee Shrimp - High Grade
Botia Macrantha - Very nice condition
Pangio Kuhli - Very nice condition
Parosphromenus Anjunganensis - Hard to get now
Parosphromenus Ornaticauda - Hard to get now
Paracheirodon Axelrodi - Very well conditioned
Boraras Brigitae - Chilli Red
Boraras Merah
Nemacheilus Saravncensis
Sundadanio Axelrodi - Blueish Green
Axelrodia Riesei - Very beautiful
Dario Dario - very cute and pretty
Megalomphodus Sweglesi - for the Amanoistic tanks. :)~
Neritina 'Zebra' - Zebra Algae Eating Snails
Bumble Bee Snail - great algae eater
Yamato Shrimp - Must have for Planted Tank
Indian Dwarf Puffer - natural snail buster

We have lots of other exotic fishes and plants. Please ask if you cant locate them.

Chinese New Year Promotion!

Cheers!

Datnioides Quadrifasciatus

2010-01-24T11:51:00.001+08:00

The Four Bar Tiger Fish (Datnioides Quadrifasciatus) from the upper region of Kapuas river is a another beautiful fish from Borneo. The large adult Tiger Fish makes a great companion to the Asian Arowana or other similar large predator fishes.

Brachygobius Doriae

2010-01-03T18:01:00.001+08:00

The Brachygobius Doriae are very cute little gobies that recently caught my attention. Information about these fishes are sketchy and sparse although these fishes can be commonly found in the aquarium trade. These little colorful fishes that I observed loves shallow clear waters with sandy bed and have ability to 'adhere' to any surface againts water current. Unfortunately they are picky eaters and prefer to attack small live food like baby shrimps. They can also be territorial although small groups of them can be spotted lying together to ambush passing 'food'. Some of the BumbleBee Gobies are from brackish waters while others are from freshwater rivers.

Betta Midas - A Gold Colored Fighter

2010-01-02T18:59:00.001+08:00

A couple months ago I came across a bunch of wild Bettas from one of my trips into Indonesia. They are from the Anabantoide Group but I could see there was two types of fishes collected from the same area. After due quarantine and the fishes settling down in their new home, their yellow golden colors began to peak distinctly. This fish was described by Tan Heok Hui (Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, NUS, Singapore) in 2009.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T10:56:00.002+08:00

This is the last day of the year 2009, and it has been an eventful year for all of us here at Borneo Echo Streams Sdn Bhd. This year BES implemented steps to incorporate a large new section for fish and plant export that stems from our vision to introduce to the world the beautiful fishes and aquatic plants of Sarawak, Sabah and Kalimantan. We are working in the interiors of Borneo with communities to create opportunities to care for both human and nature through sustainable and responsible projects based on the exports of their products. We continue to work towards our goals and look forward in 2010 that Borneo's best and new ornamental tropical fishes and aquatic plants will also be the pride and joy of many hobbyist around the world.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, customers and readers and wish you a very Happy New Year. May the New Year ushers God's blessings for you and your family!

Cheers!

Betta Macrostoma

2009-12-24T16:48:00.000+08:00

The King of Wild Bettas, there is really not many wild bettas that is as beautiful and majestic as the Betta Macrostoma. These large mouthbrooders can grow till the size of 5 or 6 inches in the wild and should be kept in well filtered large aquariums with plants, driftwood and rocks. The ideal pH is 5.2 with a temperature of 25C. They will eat small shrimps, earthworms and high protein pellets. Weekly water change and monitoring of the water quality is essential to keeping these rare bettas in prime conditions.

Seasons Greetings!

2009-12-23T16:32:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May your holidays be filled with love, joy and peace. From all of us here at Borneo Echo Streams.

Betta Rutilans

2009-12-10T10:42:00.001+08:00

Betta Rutilans from Kalimantan Barat is one of the small Betta from the freshwater peat swamps in that region. Their wine reddish colors actually helps camouflage them in the shallow blackwater streams. Their habitat is similar to those of Betta Brownorum and other members from the Coccina group. They are generally bubblenesters but have been known to mouthbrood as well. They can be kept in community but needs lots of hiding places and space as fighting occurs during spawning condition.

Betta Dimidiata

2009-12-09T17:47:00.001+08:00

These Bettas have such beautiful long fins and just as the Krataois, their spawning colors can be really stunning. Sometimes found in the same area where we collect Betta Krataois, these fishes distinct themselves from the stouter Krataois and spots longer and large lancelot tailfin. These fishes will thrive in any Wabi-Kusa style aquariums with dense vegetations. I will try to post better photos as soon as possible.

Cheers!

Betta Krataois

2009-12-08T15:47:00.003+08:00

Betta Krataois is a member from the Dimidiata group was identified and described by Tan Heok Hui and Peter KL Ng in 2006. Krataois from Greek means strong and this Betta sure spots a stout strong body. This fish is endemic to the area at Sanggau in West Kalimantan. What distincts it from the Betta Dimidiata is it's shorter fins. This fish is extremely colorful during spawning condition and like most wild collected fishes from Borneo prefers soft cool and acidic waters.

I hope you are enjoying your visits to this blog as I work to bring more photos of fishes and plants from this region in the coming weeks.

Vesicularia Dubyana Moss

2009-12-04T17:35:00.000+08:00

One of the most popular plant amongst planted aquarium keepers are moss. They add colors and soften the look of the tank. Wrapped around rocks or driftwoods, they add to the beauty of the aquarium. In breeding fishes, they are essential too as fries often source infusoria derived from the moss.

In the tropical rainforest of Borneo, there are many types of moss found in our jungles, especially around the edges of waterfalls and mountain streams.

Perfect Balance of Nature

2009-11-24T10:18:00.003+08:00

The planted aquarium thrives on perfect balance of it's own ecological system just like nature. Most beautiful tanks shows harmony of life that balances everything. Shifts in the balance will show on your tank, calling for proper attention and measures to be taken. Excessive algae, plant meltdowns, sudden deaths of fishes or shrimps, plants discoloring, lack of plant photosynthesis all points to shift of this balance. It doesnt take rocket science to remedy them, just some care and right advice from your local planted tank specialist.

In my opinion, the planted aquarium is the best classroom for conservation and sustainable environment for our planet. Nature is elaborately comprehensive and perfect in it's creation. We are still learning things from nature and how it holds the answer and solution to many of life's problem; planted aquarium included.

A serious planted aquarium keeper will gain self discipline and greater appreciation for the stewardship of this planet we call home. Taking for granted things will always have severe consequences. Hopefully every planted tank hobbyist out there will pick this up as a way of life. Happy planting!

Carinotetraodon Salivator

2009-11-22T16:03:00.001+08:00

The Zebra Puffer is a stunning freshwater puffer from Sarawak. Ideal pH is 6.0 and this fish loves shrimps and snails. Their behavior is similar with other freshwater puffers. The male displays intense red coloration on the belly.

Betta Albimarginata

2009-11-22T15:28:00.001+08:00

I find these bettas from the Mahakam districts to be very pretty when they are are in spawning colors. Very easy to keep and breed as they readily take to pellets, frozen bloodworms or live larvae. Keep water in pH around 5.5, with moderate lighting. Breeding tanks should have lots of plants and hiding places for the male mouth brooder.

Betta Mandor

2009-11-22T09:58:00.000+08:00

Betta Mandor is part of the Foerschi group from Kalimantan Barat. These are wild bettas kept in our quarantine facility in Kuching. Ideal pH is between 4.5-5.5, water conditioned with blackwater extract is good when fish are stressed. Unfortunately large scale deforestration in their natural habitat will continue to deplete the wild population. Hopefully succesful aquarium kept fishes will continue to flourish all over the world amongst wild betta enthusiasts.

Nemacheilus Saravancensis

2009-11-21T19:14:00.001+08:00

This is a very gregarious fish that often isnt shy of people. Nemacheilus Saravancensis loach can be found in clean clear water streams of Sarawak. Natural habitat water pH is 5.5-6.0 with a temperature of 25C. Readily will take quality micro pellets and easy to keep in aquarium.

Betta Anabantoides Sp 'Midas'

2009-11-21T18:30:00.002+08:00

Betta Anabantoides SP from Kalimantan Barat, this yellow golden variant could be the newly indentified Betta Midas??

Carinotetraodon Borneensis

2009-11-21T18:25:00.002+08:00

This Redeye Pufferfish sometimes mistaken as Carinotetraodon Lorteti is a freshwater fish endemic to South western Sarawak. It is a colorful fish that adapts to environment. They are not as aggresive in group behaviour compared to the C. Salivator. They love snails and shrimps.

Sono Toki Wa Kare Ni Yoroshiku Movie

2009-11-18T18:02:00.002+08:00

Recently I watched this Japanese movie on DVD. It's a story about 3 childhood friends and the bonds between them even years after they went separate ways for 13 years. The story revolves around the guy who owns a beautiful little planted aquarium shop called Trash and the childhood sweetheart who mysteriously reappeared at his doorstep one night. Played by Masami Nagasawa, Takayuki Yamada and Takashi Tsukamoto, this movie is well produced and worthy of 'must watch' recommendation.

For planted tank enthusiast, you will see a lot of ADA setup tanks both planted as well as the Wabi Kusa style tanks. Very inspiring and refreshing. The only warning for anyone who doesnt understand Japanese, the English subtitles are probably written by the same person who pens ' Nature Aquarium Goods - Over the beautifully shining green pasture and in the green forest, joyously sail fish, fish. The support each other while playing leading parts by themselves. The picturesque scenery calms down our hearts. In the water is there a world'. :)

Cheers!

Puntius Kuchingensis

2009-11-12T18:23:00.002+08:00

Here is a Barb that is named after Kuching, the capital city of Sarawak. Puntius Kuchingensis (Herre 1940) is a barb that can be easily mistaken for Puntius Lateristriga when viewed casually in the rivers of Sarawak. When I first came across this fish some years ago, my friends from Singapore excitedly exclaimed 'there goes a school of T Barb (P Lateristriga)'. Later we learnt that it is a different Barb and equally beautiful.

Chocolate Guorami

2009-11-12T17:43:00.000+08:00

The wild caught Chocolate Guorami (Sphaericthys Osphromenoides) is another beauty that hails from blackwater streams in Borneo and several other locations in Indonesia. The male displays stunning red colors when they are about to spawn and these mouthbooders will benefit clean soft cool water in pH5.5-6.0. Use peat to condition the tank if you are planning on breeding these beauties. Ideal temperature of the water is about 25-26C. Feed fries with rotifiers and baby artemia when they are out. A school of these in a planted aquarium can be such a treat to behold.

Sundadanio Axelrodi

2009-11-03T11:07:00.001+08:00

Here is another small but exotic colorful fish from Kalimantan. The Sundadanio Axelrodi, sometimes referred as Rasbora Axelrodi Red from Kalimantan is actually greenish turquoise in color. One of my favorite alternative to the venerable Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon Axelrodi) of South America. These fishes hails from black water streams of Western Borneo and variants are found in other parts of Indonesia and Sarawak.

Parocrossocheilus Vittatus

2009-11-02T01:05:00.000+08:00

This cyprinidae is found in the fast water streams of Sarawak and is one great algae grazer. They have a distinguish bronze band above the black lateral line on their body. A distant relative to Thailand's Crossocheilus Siamensis, this Sarawak's Algae Eater has been known to clear up even black hairy algae.

A Garden in Your Home or Office...

2009-10-25T21:36:00.000+08:00

Any simple Nature Planted Aquarium has a soothing calming effect to a room. It brings a little of nature and life to our busy stressful life. The joy and reward of a planted tank often exceeds the effort to grow this garden under water. Often your Planted Aquarium will be a great conversation piece too as guests visit over.

Designing and setting up a succesful planted aquarium do require proper planning and it helps if you are able to consult with someone knowledgable. With proper support anyone can keep beautiful planted aquariums in their homes.

Thank you for visiting and may you have a wonderful planted tank in your home. One which will bring you much joy when you get home from work.

Cheers!

Betta Taeniata

2009-10-24T16:28:00.000+08:00

Betta Taeniata is one of the wild betta that is increasingly becoming harder to find as their wild population in known locations of Sarawak has decreased drastically over the last few years. The reason for the decrease is river polution as poor rural waste/rubbish disposal system here. This fish is a strong jumper and if you are keeping them, please ensure your tanks are properly covered. They thrived in clean clear soft water, pH6.0-6.2 and as most wild fishes in this region, keep the temperature around 25C. Heavy planting in the their tank and regular water change is a must.

Rasbora Sarawakensis

2009-10-24T09:55:00.000+08:00

Rasbora Sarawakensis has to be one of the most beautiful schooling fish endemic to Sarawak. This species comes from pristine clear water hill streams in the jungles. I love the blue metalic sheen line across the body as well as the subtle orange fins on these fishes. Very exotic and not always found on the aquarium mainstream trade, they make great school in your planted aquarium. Ideal pH 6.0. Feed sparingly and they love high quality micro pellets.

The Planted Aquarium

2009-10-24T09:02:00.000+08:00

This site is dedicated to the interest of planted aquarium and the beautiful flora and fauna in nature.

I hope to steadily share photos and thoughts with those who care about their aquarium. Please feel free to dropby and contructive feedbacks are always welcomed.

Thanks!