Re: describing N taenia

[Frauley/Elson <fraulels@minet.ca>]

Ed Pon wrote:
> 
> >This is the first time I have heard of this new or different species of
> >Nannocara.  Can some kind soul describe the Nannocara taenia for me and
> >compare
> >its appearance and other characteristics with those of N. anomala.
>
Hi,
	I would say it is less spectacular than N anomala, but nicer than the
Linke photos. Females look like a smaller anomala, but males have the
female anomala shape, with a black (very black!) facial mask,
reddish-brown to burgundy stripes from the nose to caudal, over a cream
to liver colored body. The caudal sometimes darkens.
	The most entertaining thing about the fish is rapid colour changes.
I've seen males pass under a crypt leaf, starting in full coloration,
but coming out in drab female coloration. The changes are instaneous.
Generally, males and females can be hard to distinguish, except when
excited. My males have been in full colour for a week since my
accidental iron experiment. They're quite beautiful, for the first time
in 2 generations of keeping them.
	As a smaller fish, it's less aggressive to tankmates than anomala, but
they rip each other to bits if crowded. They like planted tanks, a lot. 
- -Gary