08/18/2025
To remembering a legend in my industry. Heiko Bleher, a true pioneer.
If you're into the aquarium hobby, then most of you likely know of him and if you don't, take the time to be thankful for what he has left all of us. From bringing us such things as the Rummynose tetra aka Hemigrammus "bleheri", named after him. He was the first to collect and introduced the altum angelfish. Even one of my favorites, the rainbow fish, Melanotaenia boesemani aka Boesmani rainbow. He's discovered many of the rainbows we know of to date which I believe is upward of a 100 species. Ever heard of (Hyphessobrycon amandae), aka the Ember Tetra. Heiko named this fish in honor of his mother, which also has a history in the aquatic industry. She discovered many of the aquarium plants you see today, lets take a moment to remember her as well, as without her there is no Heiko.
I grew up reading articles of his in practical fish keeping magazines and tropical fish hobbyist magazines. I remember like yesterday when i was much younger, grabbing the latest magazines from fish stores. Checking out all the new species that were being discovered, as well as articles updating our knowledge on some others.
So thank you Heiko Bleher and your mother for bringing to us hobbyists the knowledge, tools, and courage to be successful in this field. Im sure many of us will do our best to pass on this wisdom. Rest in peace Heiko, and my condolences to the Bleher Family as you navigate this time. God Bless you all.🙏
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Heiko Bleher (1944-2025) 🫶🏼 One of the greatest
"It was with deep dismay that I received the news today that Heiko Bleher has passed away.
Heiko was a true adventurer and explorer all his life. His passion for aquaristics and his expeditions to all corners of the world are legendary. He leaves a big gap, because he showed us how beautiful and fragile our world of fish and the nature of the tropics is.
Let us celebrate him and be grateful for his countless pictures, articles and publications. They are for eternity.
I wish his family and friends much strength and my heartfelt condolences."
Oliver Knott
