Wakin (pron. Way-Ken)
Scientific name: carassius auratus
Size: 25-45cm
Ph: 7.0-7.5
Gh: 180-250ppm (10-14deg)
Temp: 5-20 deg C
Tank size required: Any- 30 litre min.
Diet: Flakes, Pellets, Goldfish Dinner, Live Brine Shrimp & Black worm. Frozen Brine Shrimp, Bloodworm, Daphnia.
The wakin is a very hardy fish, ideally suited for fish ponds or aquariums. They are a rather odd looking fish when viewed from the side, having a deep rounded body, but from above these fish are gorgeous with their bright colour, long body and fantail. This makes them perfect for ponds where fish are predominantly viewed from above.
Wakin are ideally kept at approximately 15° C - 20° C, but they can tolerate temperatures from near freezing to the low thirties. All coldwater fish will benefit from variety in the diet and can help prevent unnecessary complaints such as constipation and swim bladder.
Wakins will live very happily with other goldfish such as Comets, Shubunkins and Fantails.
Wakins and Goldfish are capable of reaching the grand old age of 20years. Do not skimp on filtration, as goldfish are heavy feeders and produce a lot of waste. A power filter or at least a large box filter must be used to trap solid particles.
TROPICAL FISH OF THE MONTH
Odessa Barb
Scientific name: punctius ticto
Size: 5-7.5cm but can reach 10cm
Ph: 6.5-7.0
Gh: 180-220ppm (10-12 deg)
Temp: 20-28 deg C
Tank size required: 2 foot min.
Diet: Flakes, Pellets, Live Brine Shrimp & Black worm. Frozen Brine Shrimp Bloodworm, Daphnia and Beef heart.
The Odessa barb is a beautiful aquarium fish, but less well known than its famous barb relatives like the Tiger barb and the Rosy barb. Odessa barbs should always be kept in groups consisting of at least 4 Odessa barbs, preferably more. Keeping fewer Odessa barbs will usually result in very shy fish that spend most of their time hiding or sitting at the bottom of the aquarium. Odessa barbs are not as fin-nippy as their tiger barb cousins and are a much better suited to a community environment. A well planted aquarium is recommended, but an open area for swimming should also be included.
CHICHLID OF THE MONTH
Electric Yellow
Scientific name: labidochromis caeruleus
Size: 10-13cm
Ph: 75-8.5
Gh: 200-250ppm (12-14 deg)
Temp: 24-28 deg C
Tank size required: 2 foot min.
Diet: Flakes, Pellets, Live Brine Shrimp & Black worm. Frozen cichlid dinner, Frozen Brine Shrimp, Veggie Diet.
The Electric Yellow Cichlid is set apart from other African Cichlids by its striking electric yellow coloration. It injects an irresistible splash of bold colour to the cichlid aquarium, a peaceful and shy cichlid compared to other African Cichlids; Squabbles between yellows are rarely serious and resulting injuries are rare. Electric yellows shouldn't be kept in the same aquarium with other aggressive species of cichlids.
Keeping a group of about 6 electric yellows is best as long as you have the room in your aquarium. Ideal tank mates include other Lake Malawi African Cichlids and African Catfish of the genus Synadontis.
The Electric Yellow will act aggressively towards fish of similar body shape and colour perceived to be a threat for food and mate.
They will do best if you have provided plenty of tough plants, caves and rocks in your tank.
Fish And Plants 
