Bucephalandra species

It appears Bucephalandra has become very popular in the aquascape hobby the past few years. Bucephalandra is a rheophyte that is found native to Borneo. It grows next to streams and fast flowing water and can be found attached to rocks. The plant has become very popular in the aquascaping hobby due to its unique properties when submerged underwater. It appears to have properties of Anubias barteri in that it grows via a rhizome. It also gives off very unique colours that change under different lighting conditions. This plant is very easy to grow but also grows extremely slowly.

This is a huge disadvantage as this plant is susceptible to becoming endangered as it cannot grow fast enough to replace those taken from the wild. However its price is coming down which may be a good thing as there is less demand and more plants kept in the hobby. At first I did not like this plant as it looks a little messy however the species has grown on me. Here are a few photos from my aquarium.

Bucephalandra brownie phantom

Favourite Anubias species

I thought i'd share some of my favourite anubias species. As for most of the plants i have kept over the years, I prefer miniature plants as they not only make the scape look a lot larger, they also do not take up much room. 

 This is anubias nana petite (or anubias barteri var nana). It is one of the smallest anubias species I keep and a personal favourite due to its size and colour. It can be glued onto driftwood using Loctite or the rhizomes can be buried. Contradictory to popular belief i have never lost this plant by burying the rhizome.

Next is white anubias. Not many plants are pure white like this one and another interesting perk is that it does not grow very large. This plant forms an amazing contrast to red plants and can be planted adjacent to them.

Next is Anubias pinto. This is larger than the white variant and has more green streaked through its leaves. I find this plant easier to keep compared to anubias white and also looks very beautiful. Currently this plant is rare and therefore quite expensive.

[EHEIM OPAL] Deep Blue Bolt

Hi everyone,

A very long time since my last update. I almost forgot about this blog until i was reminded of it this afternoon. Family commitments have kept me busy but i still have a love for this hobby. Here are a few recent pictures id like to share.

I have been breeding and fine tuning blue bolts for quite a while now. Here is a picture of one of the parents. Absolutely stunning.

They have been breeding for quite well for a while now but it has slowed considerably due to the recent summer heatwaves.

My black cherries have been getting darker and darker due to intense selective breeding as well. I have many happy new owners to share these with. Here are six selected for sale during last years auctions. Notice how their shells are so shiny they look like they have been waxed?