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LOOK ALIKE MBUNA CICHLIDS

  Pseudotropheus lombardoi (kenyi) mbuna cichlid and the Pseudotropheus demasoni mbuna cichlids, what is the distinct difference between the two? Both Kenyi and demasoni cichlids are African cichlids. Both are found in the lake of Malawi . To complicate matters even further the Cynotilapia afra also known in the hobby as Dog tooth cichlids do bare some resemblance when small as both. It should be noted that this fish too   is an mbuna and is also found in lake Malawi. Lets start with this cichlid, the afra cichlid or dogtooth cichlid, is a small species of cichlid fish from Lake Malawi in East Africa, where found in rocky habitats. The genus name roughly translates as dogtooth cichlid which describes the sharp, conical unicuspid teeth unique to this genus within the Lake Malawi species flock. I have never kept this fish and would love to get a few. For now I will settle with my stock of Kenyi and Demasoni. Physical description: The body is elongated and the forehead is steep. Males a
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AFRICAN CICHLIDS VS CENTRAL AMERICAN CICHLIDS

  Of late I have been hearing much being said about aquarium fish originating from African. These fish being popularized within the hobby are primarily from the Malawian river basin. Not much is said about fish stock from Central American Aquarium fish species. Today a comparative analysis will be done in part to explore the merit given to both group of cichlid fish species popularized within the aquarium hobby or fish keeping hobby. Let’s focus our attention on Central American fish species. First and foremost, it should be underlined in any literature on this topic that a wide variety of cichlid species originates from Central America. Several are popular within the aquarium hobby. The natural habitat of these fish species are characterized by volcanic lakes, flowing rivers and natural lakes and streams found in Central America. Unknowingly to many, some freshwater cichlids originating from Central America are known to adoptable to brackish environments. Like cichlids originating
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Native aquarium fish in Jamaica

  The value of Jamaican Gully fish In Jamaica, there are several water ways. These water ways originates both naturally and conveniently by humans. These waters exist in the form of manmade gullies, water drains, streams, rivers, and to some extent man made run off ponds design to collect excess water from land during heavy rainfall. Jamaica was originally called Xaymica by its past earlier ancestors, referred to as Caribs, Arawaks and Amerindians. Prior to the discovery of the West by the Europeans, the natives of the Caribbean including Jamaica had great interest in fishing, farming and hunting. After over 400 years, fishing continues to play a significant role in both the economic as well as the natural aesthetics of Jamaica. Angling as well as net fishing facilitates the bulk of Jamaica’s fishing industry. Interestingly, ornamental fish keeping is not considered much of a value today,   yet holding superb potential especially for the export market . In Jamaica there are severa
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Jamaica‘s Position within the ornamental fish industry, responding to Shane Willis Article

Responses to article, indeed the level of industry players within the Jamaican Ornamental fish industry is minute compared to other similar industry. It is a fact that Jamaica is located in the tropics. Facing numerous natural disasters ranging from flooding , tropical storms and hurricanes. Ornamental fish farms not re-established after natural disasters are poorly planned and structure. Lets look at Florida, It faces numerous tropical storms yearly, with thousands of persons loosing homes, assets and investment within the pan angle alone. Yet one of North America’s largest fish farming Industry is able to manoeuvre through these challenges.   Some of their pond setups are as large as half a football field, some might even be larger. Steps are taken to manage excess water flow as a result of flooding .   The absence of proper planning within an industry such as this will result in much disaster. In addition, their systems are so designed to have automation should in case the human
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Managing Issues within the Ornamental fish keeping Industry

  During the last posting I made,  I shared my inner most concerns about ornamental fish farming in Jamaica. This post is somewhat short in comparison to that one but still holds value personal thoughts. Today I share some possible ways in which identified challenges can be managed and farmers like myself experience success. It is first and foremost difficult to gain ground politically or economically within Jamaica without the support from the right organization and institutions. Most if not all the times these institutions are themselves manipulated by those already reaping huge benefits from the situation as it is. In an effort to manage the situation of distrust and disunity among the members of the ornamental fish farmers in Jamaica, I suggest reputable fish clubs be instituted. With each following, a mandated list of core principles and structural formation. It is being suggested that these fish clubs be sanctioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and fishery, allowing grants and
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What is holding back the ornamental fish keeping Industry in Jamaica?

  What is holding back the ornamental fish keeping Industry in Jamaica?   To some like myself looking from outside inside, the typical view would be this industry does not exist in Jamaica. You might be surprised at the heavy investments being made by large players within the industry both regionally, internationally and locally here in Jamaica. The openness if there is any such word, of this industry to new players within the market or new ideas and investments are considered closed and not open for admittance. Based on some research in which I have done, there are several private ornamental fish farms in Jamaica, growing, breeding, harvest and shipping ornamental fishes overseas. Some of the fish from these farms might just find themselves in some local petshops, why is so!?. The only reasons why this is so, is partly due to the imperfection identified in finange, colour and genetical structure of fish bred on these farms. This is a sad situation but as an enthusiast, fully eng
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ORNAMENTAL FISH KEEPING IN JAMAICA

  Ornamental fish keeping in Jamaica   Jamaica is the home to several ornamental fish. Some of which are kept in several regions as pets. I have visited my local rivers and have seen Jaguar cichlids, called dog teeth, Goby fish, mosquito fish, guppies, mollies, fire mouth and other fish species I have no idea of their actual names. A few fish keeping enthusiast like myself has taken the initiative to catch and keep some of these list fish species as pets and in some cases have breed and sold some to local pet-shops.   The current ornamental fish trade in Jamaica is considered either un organized or top secret to all whom are looking on as a willing participant within this internationally lucrative potential economical enterprise. Many small ornamental fish keepers do exist in Jamaica. Most have entered into the trade first as a hobby and have expanded their network as a business as time progresses. To me several potentials exits for this enterprise to be streamline against even t
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