Malta Fish Breeders

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Malta Fish Breeders

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25/12/2025

Merry Fish-mas to all our breeders and aquarists!

18/08/2025

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Heiko Bleher (18 October 1944 –17 August 2025) — a legendary ichthyologist, adventurer, and explorer who dedicated his life to uncovering the beauty of freshwater habitats. From discovering Hemigrammus bleheri and countless other species to inspiring generations of aquarists with his passion, Heiko’s legacy will live on in every fish we admire.

Photo: Heiko Bleher at Victor Grech 's fishroom in 2018.

17/08/2025

Weekend read

Scientific names

Scientific names for fish (and all living organisms) are given using the binomial nomenclature system, which was formalized by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. This system follows internationally agreed rules—specifically the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for animals.

Here’s how it works for fish:

1. The Name Has Two Parts

Genus name – Always capitalized, italicized (or underlined if handwritten). Groups closely related species.

Species epithet – Always lowercase, italicized. Distinguishes one species from others in the same genus.

Example: Sphyrna lewini

Sphyrna = genus (hammerhead sharks)

lewini = species epithet (the scalloped hammerhead)

2. Naming Rules

Latin or Latinized form – The name is usually derived from Latin or Greek words, but can also honor a person or place, as long as it’s Latinized.

Uniqueness – No two animal species can share the exact same genus-species combination.

Type specimen – The describer must deposit a preserved example (holotype) in a recognized scientific collection.

3. Who Gets to Name a Fish

The person(s) who formally describe the species in a peer-reviewed scientific publication have the naming rights.

The description must include:

Diagnostic features (what makes it different from similar species)

Measurements, counts (fin rays, scales, etc.)

Comparisons with related species

Details of where it was found

Holotype specimen location

Next week we'll give you some examples.

27/07/2025

Weekend Read

From Mating to Fry: Understanding Livebearer Reproduction

The process of developing livebearers in female fish (e.g., guppies, mollies, platies, swordtails) refers to internal fertilization and gestation that results in the birth of live, free-swimming young instead of laying eggs. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process in female livebearing fish:

1. Mating and Internal Fertilization

Males have a gonopodium: a modified a**l fin that acts like a copulatory organ to deliver s***m to the female.

The male inserts the gonopodium into the female’s ge***al pore and releases s***m.

Fertilization occurs internally, and s***m can be stored by the female for several months, allowing multiple broods from one mating.

2. Embryonic Development

Fertilized eggs remain inside the female’s body.

Embryos develop in the o***y or ovoviviparous sac depending on species.

The embryos receive nutrients either from the yolk sac (most common in livebearers) or, in rarer species, through a pseudo-placenta (matrotrophy).

3. Gestation Period

Lasts 3–6 weeks typically, depending on the species and water temperature.

During this period:

The female's belly becomes more rounded or boxy.

You may see the gravid spot darken behind the a**l fin (where the fry are developing).

Females may eat more, be less active, or isolate themselves.

4. Parturition (Birthing)

When ready, the female releases fully developed live fry into the water.

A single brood can include 5 to over 100 fry, depending on species, age, and size of the female.

Birth usually happens over a few hours.

5. Post-Birth Behavior

No parental care: Most female livebearers do not protect their young.

In fact, they may eat their own fry if not separated or hidden.

Fry instinctively hide among plants or substrate to avoid predation.

20/02/2025

Happy World Aquarium Day! 🌊🐠✨

Today, we celebrate the beauty and tranquility of aquariums and the incredible hobby of fishkeeping! Whether you're an experienced aquarist or just starting out, let’s appreciate the mesmerizing underwater worlds we create and care for.

Share your favourite aquarium photos. Let’s spread the love for this amazing hobby!

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas to all of you!!

26/10/2023

Well done to Peter Gatt on completing his first registered breeding project with his Angelfish.

03/09/2023

Well done to Jesmond Buttigieg on completing his first breeding program - Lemon bristlenose plecos.

20/07/2023

Well done to Matthew Mifsud on completing his second breeding project.
The Red head cichlid, Vieja melanura is not a common sighting in our tanks but an interesting fish for those having a large tank.

07/07/2023

Another breeding project by Peter Gatt.

03/07/2023

Well done to Matthew Mifsud for completing his first breeding project. Do you remember those Oscar fry? Today after 12 weeks they look more like their parents.

26/06/2023

Exciting announcement! In addition to fish breeding, we're now accepting projects for aquatic snails, shrimps, and crayfish breeding. Join us to explore and share knowledge in these fascinating areas of aquatic life!

Address

Ħamrun

Telephone

+35679063449

Website

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1559387934325681/?ref=bookmarks

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