LA

A:  Take a look at the cockatiels -- especially the hand-fed cockatiels.  They're not what I'd call difficult, but if you spend time with them they will learn quite a few words.  They come in a variety of colors, so they also come in a variety of prices.  LA
PS  The non-hand-fed cockatiels can also be taught quite a bit, they just take a little longer.  And they do cost less.

A:  Cockatoos demand a lot of your time.  They also cost more than most high school students can afford.  Parrots also cost quite a bit.  Since you know what you prefer, you realy should make your own selection.  I'd still recommend the cockatiels.  LA

LA

A:  Good point.  I wrote that $100 figure quite a while back.  Most of the Synodontontis have dropped in price a great deal over the last few years.  I'll have to go back and fix that reference.  Thanks.  LA

LA
Regular kribensis -- female.

A:  I'm not sure what you mean by "rare kribensis."  As far as I'm concerned, the standard krib is prettier than any of the other (and more expensive) kribs.  You may want to put several pair of them in a 90.  They spawn just fine in a 10.  LA

A:  I haven't seen a taeniatus for a couple of years, so I can't really send you any place to find them.  LA

LA

A:  New cichlids of any brand will occasionally go on a hunger strike when moved to new quarters.  I find that most large red devils will greedily accept the Hikari Massivore Delight pellets on their second day.  If he still turns up his nose at pellets, locate some two-inch crayfish.  Give him one per day.  LA

A:  Check into whatever it was that bit off his "tentacle."  Gouramis don't just carelessly lose them.  Something either ripped it off or it rotted off.  A good-size water change would also help.  LA

A:  I don't think water hyacinths can ever get too much sun.  They just grow faster in bright sun light.  Once they suck all the nutrition out of their water, they start turning a lighter green and then turn yellow.  Give them a tablespoon of Miracle-Gro when this happens.  They'll darken up again.  You'll enjoy their flowers when the temp hits 85 degrees.  LA.

A:  Sure.  LA

A1:  If you buy a breeder pair of discus, they may never breed for you.  Do not count your cichlids before they hatch.
A2:  If you intend to breed discus, you do not want to mix other species with them.
A3:  If you want to keep discus alive, you do not want to mix in African cichlids or convicts.  LA
PS  You may be ahead (at least $500) to skip the discus idea altogether. 

A:  Since you can't find a vet, find a small pair of electrical wire cutters instead.  Sterilize them.  Snip off the bump and wipe the wound with polysporin.  LA
PS  This ought to get me lots of email.

A:  I wouldn't worry about getting an impostor.  As long as you get an active, attractive fish at a good price, go for it.  Nearly all small catfish make great tank mates.  LA