Selection from the press Datz & Amazonas (June-August 2025): Tetras, Needles and Eternal Struggles with Algae

Datz June/July 2025 – selected articles

June issue of the magazine Datz is almost entirely dedicated to new species of tetras. This will certainly delight many aquarists.

Breeders Peter and Martin Hoffmann

The first article focuses on the genus Inpaichthys, particularly on the species Inpaichthys parauapiranga. I was particularly intrigued by the story of long-time breeders Peter and Martin Hoffmann, who embarked on breeding this rare and expensive species. The article is engaging and supplemented with photographs of adult fish as well as freshly hatched larvae. [1] 

The theme continues with an interview with Peter and Martin Hoffmann, who inform about the impressive number of 250 species bred and 200 species spawned. They confirm that the species they breed are favored by aquarists also because they are much better colored and last much longer than fish bought in stores. They also reflect on the likelihood of discovering new species.

They point out numerous findings of new species Nannostomus ("Cenepa", "Amaya"), which were reported by Dr. Vladko Bydžovský in the magazine Datz February/March 2024 and on ForAquarist. If you are interested in the species that have recently captivated the Hoffmann brothers the most, you will not be surprised to find that among them is indeed Inpaichthys parauapiranga. I must also point out that the fish mentioned by Dr. Vladko Bydžovský and bred Nannostomus trifasciatus, are noted as those for which long-term breeding has been unsuccessful. This is also due to the fact that they are not well documented anywhere. I cannot help but mention and recommend the new publication Drobnoústky a štíhlotělky by the same author. [2]

Hyphessobrycon eilyos

Another selected article in line with the wave of new discoveries regarding tetras presents the tetra Hyphessobrycon eilyos. In addition to a detailed description of breeding, the author highlights the sad trend of species decline in nature. The species Hyphessobrycon is at risk that at the current rate of habitat destruction, there will be more individuals living in breeding cellars than in the wild – especially in central Brazil. [3]

Competition between plants and algae

An interesting article examines how plants compete with algae. Author Andreas Spreinat delves into numerous experiments, reflections, and evidence for his claims to inform readers of his conclusions. In his results, he questions the claim that if you put fast-growing plants into a newly established aquarium, you will avoid algae.Personally, I can confirm his supported results regarding which plants are more prone to algae or even cyanobacteria than others (e.g. Cyratophyllum is such an example). [4]

[1] Hoffmann, Martin; Hoffmann, Peter (2025): Weitere spektakuläre Königssalmler: neue Arten in der Gattung Inpaichthys  - Datz, 78: 12-18.
[2] Wolf, Sebastian (2025): Die Vermehrung von Salmlern - ein weiteres Betätigungsfeld - Datz, 78: 20-29.
[3] Rausch, Rainer: Zur Nachzucht von Hyphessobrycon eilyos - Datz, 36-37
[4] Spreinat, Andreas: Zur Konkurrenz zwischen Algen und Wasserpflanzen: Begrenzen schnellwüchsige Wasserpflanzen das Algenwachstum wirklich effektiver als langsam wachsende?

Amazon July/August 2025 - selected articles

Right at the beginning, I was positively struck by the editor's welcoming remarks, who observed the organization of aquarium markets in Germany and enthusiastically noted how amazing it is how much of their time and finances enthusiasts are willing to invest in aquaristics. I also notice that more young people are joining the hobby, which is commendable.

Microphis deocata

The main theme of this issue is indeed a very interesting creature - Microphis deocata.  It is a rarity that catches the eye at first glance. The author of the article admits that it is only troublesome when it comes to dietary requirements. Anyone who decides on them must breed their own live food.

Syngnathidae (seahorses)  are often found in saltwater, but there are also freshwater members of Nerophinae that the author acquired. This subfamily also includes pipefish, and thus the breeding method is similar. A peculiarity of these fish is that the female, when ready to breed, expands her colorful body to signal her situation. They are not strong swimmers, so a smaller aquarium is sufficient. The article clearly shows the author's enthusiasm for these unusual fish and also includes a detailed description of breeding and beautiful photographs of small, slender creatures.[1]

Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi

West Africa offers a large number of beautiful fish, and the author admits that Pelvicachromis  was first acquired by him 30 years ago. In the meantime, the name has also changed from Pelmatochromis, which is no longer valid. He also clarifies their supposed aggressiveness. 

That it is a distinct species was described in collaboration with Anton Lamboj in 2014. The author details the breeding and rearing of this species in the article. Photographs of both parents with a small fry are impressive.[2]

The largest killifish exhibition in the world

Given that the fair is preparing for the International Killifish Exhibition in Prague, the article will definitely interest anyone who is curious about fish exhibitions. It is an event that is prepared over several days, and the author describes each of the activities, including the enthusiasm of the participants. [3]

Medaka

Because this species of fish has been talked about more and more frequently lately, I couldn't resist and started reading the article with joy. The author reflects on the fact that most fish reveal their beauty when viewed from the side, but Medakas are different. They are most beautiful when viewed from above. The article takes us into the history of breeding, describes the current variants of rice fish, and pauses with the author to reflect on the future of these "modern Medakas"  [4]

[1] Horvath, Gabor (2025): Eine echte Persönlichkeit: Die Schnuck-süßwassernadel  - Amazonas, 120: 10 - 19.
[2] Wilfried, Van der Elst (2025): Eine westafrikanische Schönheit: Pelvicachromis drachenfelsi  - Amazonas, 120: 26 - 33.
[3] Laudien, Tanja (2025): Die größte Killifischausstellung der Welt -Amazonas 120, 46 - 51
[4] Bitter, Friedrich (2025): Nur eine Frage der Perspektive! - Amazonas 120, 52 - 55.