20/08/2025
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Heiko Bleher (1944โ2025), a true pioneer in the world of aquatics.
An explorer, ichthyologist, author, and photographer, Heiko dedicated his life to discovering and sharing the extraordinary diversity of freshwater species. His contributions introduced countless fish and plants to science and to the aquarium hobby, inspiring aquarists worldwide.
Through his discoveries, writings, and the many species that bear his name, Heikoโs legacy will continue to shape and inspire our industry for generations to come.
May he Rest In Peace.
Heiko Bleher (1944โ2025)
Heiko Bleher, explorer, ichthyologist, author, and photographer, passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 80. Known internationally for his lifelong pursuit of aquatic discovery, Heiko introduced countless species to science and to the aquarium hobby, leaving an indelible mark on both.
Born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on October 18, 1944, Heiko grew up in a family immersed in natural history. From an early age he accompanied his family on collecting trips, sparking a passion for aquatic life that would define his career.
Across more than six decades, Heiko Bleher traveled extensively in South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, documenting fishes and aquatic plants from some of the most remote waters on Earth. Many species were introduced to aquarists through his efforts, and numerous taxa were later named in his honor. These include Hemigrammus bleheri, the well-known rummy-nose tetra; Channa bleheri, the rainbow snakehead; Chilatherina bleheri, a rainbowfish from New Guinea; Kiunga bleheri, a striking blue-eye; and Phenacogrammus bleheri, an African tetra. His name was also commemorated at a higher taxonomic rank with the description of the genus Bleheratherina and the subfamily Bleheratherininae.
Heikoโs work reached far beyond the field. He was a prolific writer and photographer, contributing hundreds of articles to aquarium publications worldwide. He had a long and close relationship with Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine, where his writing and photography introduced readers to habitats and species they might never otherwise encounter.
Heiko Bleherโs legacy will endure in the species that bear his name, the countless introductions he made to the aquarium community, and the enduring fascination with aquatic life that he championed. His work ensured that aquarists everywhere could glimpse the extraordinary diversity of the worldโs rivers and lakes.
๐ท: Natasha Khardina
