Hobbyist's Corner

Hobbyist's Corner: "The variation in the Anabantoid family is extreme. There are giants like the Osphronemus Gourami, growing to at least two feet in length, and then there's the very small Sparkling or Pygmy Gourami. Kissing Gouramis are vegetarian, compared to the predatory Ctenopoma from Africa. Most fish referred to as Gouramis and Bettas are bubblenest builders, but there are egg scatterers like the drab colored Anabas Testudineus, or Climbing Perch."



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Hobbyist's Corner

Hobbyist's Corner: "The Severum is another cichlid that will grow large but keep a cool temper. They make impressive show fish. They are slow and graceful movers with bright greens and yellows, and mated pairs of this fish will actually bond for life. 
   There are many more easygoing cichlids available, including (but not limited to) uarus, chocolates, keyholes, curviceps, kribensis, the dwarves (apistogramma, nannacara, crenicara, micro-geophagus), angelfish (yes, they’re cichlids too), and the almighty discus. "



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Hobbyist's Corner

Hobbyist's Corner: "You will find the wild-caught specimens like Blues and Putamayos as well as the new tank-raised varieties like the Cobalt Blues and Red Emperors to be colorful and showy. Several different sizes in each variety are usually available. 
   When water conditions are strictly monitored and properly maintained, it assures the quality and color of the specimens. If you like the "exotic" look of both color and body patterns displayed in a specialty tank you'll quickly become a discus enthusiast!"



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Hobbyist's Corner

Hobbyist's Corner: "Discus love plants. They provide much needed security and reduce stress, besides softening the water. There is always a good selection of plants for you to choose from. Amazon Swords, Java Fern and varieties of Cryptocoryne are a few that do well in the water conditions that discus like. Discus look their best when displayed in a well planted tank."



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Hobbyist's Corner

Hobbyist's Corner: "They prefer soft acidic water, but discus are somewhat tolerant of water quality, particularly if the heat is there. 
   At first, feeding might be a little tricky. Most specimens will really go for live blackworms and frozen bloodworms. Why not try out the new frozen foods that are made just for them? Pro Salt's Prodiscus and San Francisco Bay Brand's Discus Delight are excellent choices and are available in different sizes. "



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Hobbyist's Corner

Hobbyist's Corner: "Enthusiasts actively encourage other hobbyists to purchase a pair as discus are not difficult to maintain. 
   Discus can be very easy to keep and very long lived with just a little extra care. The key to success is actually very simple. First, start with the best quality of fish you can find, and then provide them with plenty of heat - 84 to 86 degrees or even warmer is not too hot."



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BizFinFAQs

BizFinFAQs: "Central Garden is undoubtedly the largest... at their various locations in the U.S.... Royal Pet Supplies in New York, maybe number two... Lee Mar in S. Cal. possibly third... they don't have "phony wholesaling", nor etailing>
I found two companies online that both claimed to be "one of the biggest", yet neither one seemed to be interested in answering their phones. As a future potential retailer/customer of theirs...this makes a very negative statement about what I can expect of them in the future.
OR, do most retail stores purchase direct from the manufacturers/vendors?

If so, how does one get in touch with them....I couldn't find a trade directory."



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