Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co.

22/09/2023

Spotted Congo Puffer / Tetraodon schoutedeni

22/09/2023

L333 King Tiger Pleco / Hypancistrus sp.

21/09/2023

21/09/2023

Short Body King Pearl Jardini Arowana / Scleropages jardinii

21/09/2023

Greshoff’s Spiny Eel / Mastacembelus greshoffi

20/09/2023

Blackberry Silver Dollar / Myleus Schomburgkii Sp.

20/09/2023

L155 Adonis Pleco / Acanthicus adonis

19/09/2023

Tapajos Strigata Pike Cichlid / Crenicichla strigata

19/09/2023

Giraffe Catfish / Auchenoglanis occidentalis

18/09/2023

West African Lungfish / Protopterus annectens

17/09/2023

L165 Albino Sailfin Pleco / Glyptoperichthys gibbiceps

17/09/2023

🚨 20% OFF 🚨 Platinum Senegal Bichir / Polypterus senegalus

VALID FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS ONLY

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16/09/2023

Common Name: Platinum Senegal Bichir
Scientific Name: Polypterus senegalus “Platinum”
Other Names: White Senegal Bichir, Leucistic Senegal Bichir

The Platinum Senegal Bichir is a selectively bred variant of the Polypterus senegalus, renowned for its striking, nearly translucent, creamy or white coloration. Like its wild counterpart, it features the elongated body and the unique pectoral fin structure characteristic of the Polypterus genus, resembling the standard Polypterus senegalus in nearly every way besides color. The bright color and sleek appearance are due to a genetic mutation called Leucism, which is a partial loss of pigmentation resulting in white, pale, or patchy coloration of the body, scales and fins, but not the eyes. Unlike albinism, where there’s a complete lack of melanin production, leucistic animals can produce melanin but have it reduced in some way. As a result, leucistic animals might still have some spots or patches of color, or they might be uniformly pale across their bodies. Unlike albinos, most leucistic animals have normally colored eyes. The condition is caused by a reduction in multiple types of pigment, not just melanin. Platinum Senegal Bichirs have been selectively bred for the brightest coloration, making them a sought-after showpiece for many aquarium hobbyists. This variety of Senegal Bichir was once rarely ever seen available in the hobby, fetching top dollar whenever one would pop up. While still not often seen in the trade, over the years breeding efforts overseas have made the Platinum Senegal Bichir much more accessible and affordable than they once were.

Habitat and Distribution:
While the wild type, Polypterus senegalus, originates from freshwater habitats across West and Central Africa, the Platinum variant is primarily a product of captive breeding and doesn’t exist in the wild. Wild Senegal Bichirs are found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and floodplains.

Size and Lifespan:
Platinum Senegal Bichirs typically reach a size of about 12 inches in captivity. With proper care, these fish can live upwards of 10-15 years.

Diet and Behavior:
They are carnivorous, preferring a diet of meaty foods such as frozen blood worms, chopped raw tilapia, and protein-rich pellets. In the wild, they are nocturnal hunters. In an aquarium setting, they might become more diurnal but still display heightened activity during dawn and dusk. An important thing to note is that the color of leucistic animals can be influenced by their diet, but not in the same way as it would for animals with typical pigmentation. Leucism results from a reduction in all types of skin pigments, not just melanin. While they have reduced pigmentation, they aren’t completely devoid of it. For many animals, the food they eat can influence their coloration. For example, salmon get their pinkish-orange flesh color from eating krill and other crustaceans rich in these pigments. In the case of leucistic animals, their reduced pigmentation might make underlying colors from blood vessels or food-derived pigments more visible than in normally pigmented individuals. While the diet might not “color” the animal in the traditional sense, certain foods might impact the visibility of whatever pigmentation remains, or influence the overall hue of the animal due to the transparency of the skin or scales. However, it’s essential to note that the primary characteristic of leucism (the genetic mutation resulting in reduced pigmentation) will not be reversed or significantly altered by diet, but subtle changes in hue or visibility of underlying colors might occur.

Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding the Platinum variant is similar to the wild type. They are egg layers, and the male will usually guard the nesting area. It’s crucial to provide a suitable environment and diet for breeding conditions.

Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 55 gallons is recommended, with a preference for larger tanks as they grow. The substrate should be soft to avoid injury to their underbellies. Moderate lighting is adequate, and the inclusion of hiding spots using driftwood or caves is beneficial.

Ideal Tank Mates:
They can be housed with similarly sized fish that aren’t overly aggressive. Avoid keeping them with very small fish, as they might view them as food. They generally do well with their own kind and other bichir species.

Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. While they are hardy fish, their specific requirements and potential size make them more suitable for those with some experience in fish keeping.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.2-7.8
• General Hardness (GH): 5-20 dGH
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: < 40 ppm, but ideally much lower

Additional Information:

• They have primitive lungs, allowing them to breathe atmospheric air, so it’s not uncommon to see them occasionally surface for a gulp of air.
• As with all bichirs, ensure the tank is well-secured, as they are known to be skilled escape artists.

We're a small business based in Texas that specializes in rare freshwater fish from around the world. We focus primarily on a niche selection of exotic fish that aren't typically seen at your average aquarium shop, while striving to provide the best prices online. Our livestock is regularly updated,...

16/09/2023

L27 Rio Tapajos “Gold Thunderline” Royal Pleco

16/09/2023

Niger Catfish / Oxydoras niger

15/09/2023

MBU Puffer / Tetraodon mbu

15/09/2023

Black Widow Frontosa Cichlid / Cyphotilapia frontosa sp.

14/09/2023

Tiger Moray Eel / Gymnothorax polyuranodon

14/09/2023

Silver Arowana / Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

13/09/2023

Albino Threadfin Acara Cichlid / Acarichthys heckelii

12/09/2023

L152 Pineapple Pleco / Pseudorinelepis genibarbis

12/09/2023

Common Name: True Piraiba Catfish, Giant Catfish
Scientific Name: Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
Other Names: Lau-lau Catfish, Lecher

The True Piraiba Catfish is one of the largest catfish species in the world. It has a robust and elongated body, typically silvery-blue to gray in coloration, with a white underbelly. Its long whiskers, sleek appearance, and active behavior contribute to its status as a highly sought-after mesmerizing and majestic species.

Habitat and Distribution:
This catfish is native to the major rivers of South America, including the Amazon and Orinoco basins. It inhabits deep river channels, sandbars, and floodplain lakes.

Size and Lifespan:
True Piraiba Catfish can reach impressive lengths of up to 12 feet in the wild, although sizes of 4 to 7 feet are much more common. In captivity they tend to not grow nearly as large, but are still reported to reach an impressive 3 to 4 feet, and their lifespan can exceed 20 years with appropriate care.

Diet and Behavior:
Piraiba Catfish are carnivorous and are known to consume fish, crabs, and even smaller mammals. In captivity, they can be fed with large chunks of fish, shrimp, and commercial pellets. Despite their size and reputation, they are generally not aggressive but can be predatory with smaller tank mates.

Breeding and Reproduction:
There is limited information on the breeding habits of Piraiba Catfish in captivity. In the wild, they undertake migratory spawning.

Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Given their potential size, this species requires massive tanks or ponds, often beyond the scope of typical home aquariums. It’s difficult to determine the appropriate aquarium size for them, but if you’re asking yourself, ‘Is my tank large enough?’, the answer is likely no. A strong filtration system is essential, and the tank should have ample space for free movement. Substrate should resemble their natural habitat, with sand and rounded stones.

Ideal Tank Mates:
They should be kept with similarly sized fish to prevent predation. Examples of suitable tank mates include other large catfish, cichlids, and arowanas. Be sure to choose large peaceful tank mates and be mindful that while these catfish are generally not aggressive, anything that can fit inside of their mouth will most likely be viewed as food.

Difficulty Level:
Expert. They are quite easy to keep, however their enormous size and overall requirements make them suitable only for zoos, public aquariums, and the most advanced hobbyists with the resources to accommodate such a large species.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 5-20 dGH
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-10 dKH
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate:

07/09/2023

Bumblebee Jelly Catfish / Batrochoglanis cf. raninus

07/09/2023

Dojo Loach / Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

07/09/2023

Common Name: West African Lungfish

Scientific Name: Protopterus annectens

The West African Lungfish is an elongated, eel-like fish with a unique and prehistoric appearance. It's characterized by its four tentacle-like pectoral and pelvic fins, which it uses to move about its environment. Its body is covered in mucus, giving it a slightly slippery appearance. The fish is equipped with a pair of functional lungs, allowing it to breathe atmospheric air, making it one of the few fish species capable of surviving in oxygen-poor waters or during droughts. The West African lungfish possesses a fascinating adaptation to cope with the dry seasons common to its habitat: the ability to aestivate. Aestivation, often compared to hibernation, is a dormancy state; however, while hibernation is a response to cold, aestivation is an adaptation to prolonged droughts or extreme heat. When water bodies begin to dry up, the lungfish digs and burrows into the substrate. Once securely inside its burrow, the lungfish secretes a mucus substance, which subsequently hardens to form a protective cocoon around its body. This cocoon not only reduces water loss but also shields the lungfish from potential threats. Despite its dormant state, the lungfish continues to breathe. It achieves this by maintaining a small breathing hole or tube that leads to the surface, enabling it to access air using its lungs. Its metabolic rate also plummets during this period, allowing the lungfish to rely on its stored energy reserves for sustenance. Depending on the drought's duration, aestivation can last for several months or even years. Once the rains return and water levels are restored, the lungfish breaks out of its cocoon and resumes its active state. This incredible ability ensures the survival of the West African Lungfish in environments where the extended dry seasons would otherwise prove fatal to many aquatic species.

Habitat and Distribution: This species is native to a broad range of freshwater habitats in West and Central Africa, including slow-moving rivers, swamps, and marshlands. During the dry season or in oxygen-depleted waters, the West African Lungfish has the ability to aestivate, burying itself in the mud and encapsulating itself in a mucous cocoon.

Size and Lifespan: In the wild the West African Lungfish can grow up to 39 inches in length, while captive specimens will typically reach around 24 to 30 inches. With appropriate care, this species has a potential lifespan of 25 years, or possibly longer.

Diet and Behavior: The West African Lungfish is carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. In an aquarium setting, they can be offered a diet of pellets or frozen and live foods, such as fish fillets, earthworms, and shrimp. It's essential to provide a balanced diet to ensure optimal health. This lungfish is generally slow-moving and spends much of its time resting on the substrate.

Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding in captivity is rare. In the wild, during the rainy season, males create burrows where females lay eggs. Males then guard the nest and ensure the eggs get a consistent supply of fresh oxygen by creating water currents with his pectoral fins.

Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: A large aquarium is required for this species, with at least a 180-gallon tank recommended for an adult specimen. A soft substrate, such as fine sand, is essential, along with some hiding spots created using rocks and driftwood. Strong filtration and periodic water changes will help maintain a clean environment.

Ideal Tank Mates: Given their predatory nature, it's advisable to keep them with other large, non-aggressive fish. Small fish or invertebrates will likely be seen as food.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Their care isn't overly complex, but given their potential size and unique requirements, they are best suited for experienced aquarists.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH: 6.5-7.5
General Hardness (GH): 5-20 dGH
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-10 dKH
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate:

06/09/2023

Frecklefin Spiny Eel / Macrognathus maculatus

06/09/2023

Lapradei Bichir / Polypterus lapradei

06/09/2023