№ 425-429. Russian fauna. Aquvarium fishes.

The Red Tetra-minor (Hyphessorbrycon callistus minor var). Originates from the Amazon river (Paraguay). Length up to 4 cm. Has been bred in Russia for 40 years. Male species are more graceful and brighter than female ones, their fins have a cream border.

Labeo Tricolor (Epalzeorhynchus bicolor var.) Cyprinids. Originated in Thailand. Labeo Bicolor may reach up to 10-16 cm in length. Has been bred in Russia for over 25 years. Fish has got contrasting colour, velvet black body with ruby tail, or various colour labeos with white patches on the body and the fins, as well as half-albinos. Females are larger and lighter than males. Labeo Tricolor is a result of selection performed by Moscow selectionists.

Galina's Catfish (Synodontis galinae). Catfish family. Originated in the Nile river, may reach up to 15 cm in length. Has been bread in Russia since 1995. Females are bigger and fuller than males, and have got shorter odd fins. They communicate by using their air-bladder, and by producing sounds by the fins, as well as by bioelectric signals. They use their feather-like feelers to pick up insects and plankton from the water surface.

Botia kristinae. Comes from Laos. May reach up to 4-6 cm in length. Has been bred in Russia since 1994. Males are brighter and smaller than females. All botias have got sharp thorns under their eyes which open up when the fish is in danger. Botias have got intestinal breathing which helps them in case of lack of oxygen in water. The fish acts as a live barometer, since one can make weather forecasts by watching their behaviour.

Parrot Cichlasoma (Cichlasoma labiatum x C. severum albino var.) Originated in the Central and South America. May reach up to 10-15 cm in length. A hybrid. Has been bred in Russia since 1994. Males are brighter than females, their fins are long and pleated. This species is widely used in selection.