Guppy
"Poecilia reticulata"
(syn. "Lebistes reticulatus")
A very suitable tropical fish for a beginner. Actually, guppy is my first love, and the first species that I was able to bred (when I was around 7). A very popular live bearer.
Wild Guppy - original species.
Original Habitat:
Brazil and Barbados.
Sex:
Male Guppies are luxuriously coloured. Their anal fin has been transformed into gonopodium. The males have slimmer and smaller size compare to their female counterpart.
Max Length:
Female Guppy might grow to 6 cm with male is smaller in size.
Temperature:
17 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Water:
This tropical fish are very adaptable and do well in very diverse water condition. But they love a water with pH close to neutral (7.0) and water which is not too hard (25 gH). You can occasionally add a small amount of iodine free cooking salt to ensure their healthiness.
Red Blood Guppy
Accommodation:
This tropical fish are not demanding which can easily kept in smaller aquarium. You could provide them with plenty fine leafed plants. They somehow look pale in bright substrate aquarium therefore a dark-coloured substrate is more desirable.
Characteristics:
Guppy are very lively tropical fish that are extremely tolerant. They can always be in peace term not only with their kind, but other as well, which makes them a very suitable mate in a community aquarium. Male guppy is a very passionate lovers that if you keep him with a single female, he may chase her to death. It is best to keep a male with several female - at least 2 female for each male Guppy. Their friendliness often makes them vulnerable, do not keep them in accompany with fin nipper (Tiger Barb) or other intolerant , aggressive fish. This tropical fish visit all zone in your aquarium but prefer the top zone in which they always searching for live food in the wild. They are also very strong swimmer.
Food:
This tropical fish are omnivores and do well with dry food diet. They are very happy to be fed on live food as well. The favourite is the mosquito larvae which they can consume in a lot.
Breeding:
Guppies are a very fertile tropical fish species. In each batch of mating, a single mum could produce a several cluster of 10-70 fry. The fry itself are very independent and can take care of themselves as soon as they were born. However, they are also seen as additional diet by the other inhabitants (including their parents). Therefore, some measure may be taken into consideration in order to increasee their rate of survival.
Should you want to let them naturally survive, you can just let the mother give birth to her fry in the original tanks. But make sure there are plenty of refuge - plants (Java moss, fine leafed plants, floating plants), rocks whatsoever. The fry will emerge and naturally join the community when they are large enough.
The other choice is to isolate the pregnant mother (which can be identified from her swollen stomach and black pregnancy spot - the gravid spot) into another tank or breeder tank. Remove the mother after she's done with her delivery. The fry can be raise with fine powdered food or recently hatched artemia.
A mum giving birth in a breeder box. She seem very relax.
Variants:
There are a huge number of different type of this tropical fish have been bred. They can be differ not only by their colouration, but their tail shape as well.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tiger Barb
Tiger Barb
"Barbus tetrazona"
These tropical fishes are very lively. They are also very tough and very suitable to anybody who are new to this hobby. There are many variants to this tropical fish species. The other two most famous variants are the albino (white-orange bands) and moss green variants.
Original Habitat:
Indonesia
Sex:
When this tropical fish are sexually mature, the female are slightly larger, plumper and less brightly colour compare to her male counterpart.
The original Tiger Barb (golden yellow with black bands)
Max Length:
6 cm.
Temperature:
23 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Water:
They are not demanding for the water composition. They'll be very happy as long as the water is clean, clear and rich with oxygen.
Moss Green Variant. These two seem to be sparring. A common view when you put them in small number.
Accommodation:
They are very comfortable in any community aquarium. They need an open space for swimming as they are very active swimmer.The existence of current is very appreciated. The colour of substrate have somewhat no effect on their colour even though dark colour substrate seem make the moss green variant more comfortable.
Characteristics:
They are a very active shoaling fish. They will do very well in a school with at least five specimens. When keep in larger number, they'll show appreciation by swimming close to each other with spectacular effect. They are robust though, and have the tendency to bully other smaller or weaker dweller. They are also very famous fin nipper which makes them unsuitable for Betta, Gourami, Angel fish etc which have antennae or long fins. They mainly swim in the middle zone.
Food:
This tropical fish are omnivores and will greedily takes both live and dry food.
The only suitable tropical fish video on the albino variant (orange-white bands). I wouldn't recommend you to keep them in a school less than five members though.
Breeding:
They can be very choosy when it come to mating. They need water at 5 gH, a pH somewhere at 6.0 to 7.0. The temperature is best to set at 28 degrees Celsius. The breeding tank should be placed in a sunny location. They can be very productive once they find your aquarium is an ideal place to breed.
You can see that they form a pair from the shoal. Place the breeding pair in a breeding tank which you have equipped with a grid which are about 2 cm above from the substrate. This will separate the eggs from their gluttonous parent when the eggs fall. They prefer to lay their eggs among feathery leafed vegetation. You must provide them with a cover to keep them in the water during the mating process. Remove the parent and the grid after the spawning. The fry can be raised with fine powdered food.
"Barbus tetrazona"
These tropical fishes are very lively. They are also very tough and very suitable to anybody who are new to this hobby. There are many variants to this tropical fish species. The other two most famous variants are the albino (white-orange bands) and moss green variants.
Original Habitat:
Indonesia
Sex:
When this tropical fish are sexually mature, the female are slightly larger, plumper and less brightly colour compare to her male counterpart.
The original Tiger Barb (golden yellow with black bands)
Max Length:
6 cm.
Temperature:
23 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Water:
They are not demanding for the water composition. They'll be very happy as long as the water is clean, clear and rich with oxygen.
Moss Green Variant. These two seem to be sparring. A common view when you put them in small number.
Accommodation:
They are very comfortable in any community aquarium. They need an open space for swimming as they are very active swimmer.The existence of current is very appreciated. The colour of substrate have somewhat no effect on their colour even though dark colour substrate seem make the moss green variant more comfortable.
Characteristics:
They are a very active shoaling fish. They will do very well in a school with at least five specimens. When keep in larger number, they'll show appreciation by swimming close to each other with spectacular effect. They are robust though, and have the tendency to bully other smaller or weaker dweller. They are also very famous fin nipper which makes them unsuitable for Betta, Gourami, Angel fish etc which have antennae or long fins. They mainly swim in the middle zone.
Food:
This tropical fish are omnivores and will greedily takes both live and dry food.
The only suitable tropical fish video on the albino variant (orange-white bands). I wouldn't recommend you to keep them in a school less than five members though.
Breeding:
They can be very choosy when it come to mating. They need water at 5 gH, a pH somewhere at 6.0 to 7.0. The temperature is best to set at 28 degrees Celsius. The breeding tank should be placed in a sunny location. They can be very productive once they find your aquarium is an ideal place to breed.
You can see that they form a pair from the shoal. Place the breeding pair in a breeding tank which you have equipped with a grid which are about 2 cm above from the substrate. This will separate the eggs from their gluttonous parent when the eggs fall. They prefer to lay their eggs among feathery leafed vegetation. You must provide them with a cover to keep them in the water during the mating process. Remove the parent and the grid after the spawning. The fry can be raised with fine powdered food.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Yahoo Answer Page
I am at level 2 when they offered me this badge. A happy Valentine's Day gift if I might say. In here I am trying to help solving problems. Mainly about tropical fish.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Cardinal Tetra
Cardinal Tetra
"Paracheirodon axelrodi"
One of the most popular tropical fish among the hobbyist. They are very similar to Neon Tetra. Their only differences between these two tropical fish are Cardinal Tetra have Dark Red Stomach and usually larger compare to Neon Tetra.
Original habitat:
Around the edge of the Amazon region, mainly in the Rio Negro and Orinoco rivers.
Sex:
The males are thinner compare to the female. Their colour are brighter. The females have fuller stomach.
Max Length:
5 cm.
Temperature:
24 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Water:
The ideal are soft or very soft (2-8 gH) and slightly acidic (pH 6).
Accommodation:
This tropical fish can be kept in smaller aquarium. However, due to their vigorous and enthusiastic nature, larger aquarium are a better choice. The prefer dark substrate. This alongside dense peripheral vegetation and floating plants will make them feel very happy. They also enjoy a little current in their aquarium but it is not a must. They do not like being in a brightly lit aquarium.
Characteristics:
This tropical fish can be very friendly both towards their own and towards other species. They are shoaling fish with the minimum number of 20. The larger the shoal, the better they feel. There are reports that Cardinal Tetra form a number of thousands members shoal in the wild. This are obviously impossible to be achieved in the aquarium.
Food:
They'll happily accept dry food and small live food.
Breeding:
The difficulties in breeding Cardinal Tetra lays on raising the fry process. The breeding process itself however, is not as difficult indeed. This is due the reason the fry are very sensitive and prone to disease.
It is advisable to sterilized all the equipment, tank and even the cover before being use for the breeding process. The other important precaution to take is that the aquarium itself should not be placed in a well lighted area. Both parents and fry prefer dimmer lighting.
If the fishes are ready to spawn, the male will pursue the female into fine-leaved plants. If the female is ready, she will allow the male to swim alongside her and together, the pair will release eggs and sperm.
Apart from the stringent requirements with respect to water chemistry, one of the major difficulties mitigating against success in captive breeding of the species is the nature of the newly laid and fertilised eggs. Cardinal Tetra's eggs are photosensitive (very sensitive to light) and will die if exposed to bright light. Consequently, after spawning, the fishes should be removed and the aquarium covered to darken it.
If the eggs are fertile and kept in darkened surroundings, they will hatch in approximately 3 days at 28°C. Free swimming fry remain photosensitive for at least the first 7 days of life and need to be introduced to increasing light levels on a gradual basis. During this time, they are approximately 4 mm in length, and require infusoria or liquid fry food. Newly hatched brine shrimp and other similar live foods such as sifted Daphnia can be fed to the growing fry at between 7 and 14 days of age. Growth continues at a modest rate, and the fishes assume full adult colouration only after a period of approximately 8 to 12 weeks, depending upon quality of food and aquarium water.
"Paracheirodon axelrodi"
One of the most popular tropical fish among the hobbyist. They are very similar to Neon Tetra. Their only differences between these two tropical fish are Cardinal Tetra have Dark Red Stomach and usually larger compare to Neon Tetra.
Original habitat:
Around the edge of the Amazon region, mainly in the Rio Negro and Orinoco rivers.
Sex:
The males are thinner compare to the female. Their colour are brighter. The females have fuller stomach.
Max Length:
5 cm.
Temperature:
24 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Water:
The ideal are soft or very soft (2-8 gH) and slightly acidic (pH 6).
Accommodation:
This tropical fish can be kept in smaller aquarium. However, due to their vigorous and enthusiastic nature, larger aquarium are a better choice. The prefer dark substrate. This alongside dense peripheral vegetation and floating plants will make them feel very happy. They also enjoy a little current in their aquarium but it is not a must. They do not like being in a brightly lit aquarium.
Characteristics:
This tropical fish can be very friendly both towards their own and towards other species. They are shoaling fish with the minimum number of 20. The larger the shoal, the better they feel. There are reports that Cardinal Tetra form a number of thousands members shoal in the wild. This are obviously impossible to be achieved in the aquarium.
Food:
They'll happily accept dry food and small live food.
Breeding:
The difficulties in breeding Cardinal Tetra lays on raising the fry process. The breeding process itself however, is not as difficult indeed. This is due the reason the fry are very sensitive and prone to disease.
It is advisable to sterilized all the equipment, tank and even the cover before being use for the breeding process. The other important precaution to take is that the aquarium itself should not be placed in a well lighted area. Both parents and fry prefer dimmer lighting.
If the fishes are ready to spawn, the male will pursue the female into fine-leaved plants. If the female is ready, she will allow the male to swim alongside her and together, the pair will release eggs and sperm.
Apart from the stringent requirements with respect to water chemistry, one of the major difficulties mitigating against success in captive breeding of the species is the nature of the newly laid and fertilised eggs. Cardinal Tetra's eggs are photosensitive (very sensitive to light) and will die if exposed to bright light. Consequently, after spawning, the fishes should be removed and the aquarium covered to darken it.
If the eggs are fertile and kept in darkened surroundings, they will hatch in approximately 3 days at 28°C. Free swimming fry remain photosensitive for at least the first 7 days of life and need to be introduced to increasing light levels on a gradual basis. During this time, they are approximately 4 mm in length, and require infusoria or liquid fry food. Newly hatched brine shrimp and other similar live foods such as sifted Daphnia can be fed to the growing fry at between 7 and 14 days of age. Growth continues at a modest rate, and the fishes assume full adult colouration only after a period of approximately 8 to 12 weeks, depending upon quality of food and aquarium water.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetra
"Paracheirodon innesi"
These blue beauty is one of the most popular fish. Beginner often prefer them for their astounding azure colour. Neon Tetra is different from Cardinal Tetra which has full red stomach. This little fish will never grow exceeding its Cardinal cousin but is tougher and easier to satisfy.
Original Habitat:
The upper reaches of the Amazon region, in small jungle stream.
Sex:
Males are slimmer. Female has fatter stomachs.
Max Length:
4 cm.
Temperature:
21 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Water:
Do well in various water composition. Prefer soft to medium-hard water with pH around 6 to 6.5.
Accommodation:
This tropical fish do excellently in a community aquarium, which does not need to be very large. Peripheral vegetation and some floating plants are appreciated. Dark coloured substrate will enable this tropical fish to display most of their colour. They also enjoy a little current in their aquarium.
Characteristics:
Neon Tetra is a shoaling tropical fish species. Larger shoal will provide more happiness and sense of security for these tiny beauty. It will also produce a spectacular sight in your aquarium. They always leave the other fishes alone and because of their cute size, they should never be mix with large, predatory fish. This tropical fish mainly stay in the middle zone.
Food:
They are easy to feed. They eat both dry and small live food.
Breeding:
To breed Neon Tetras, place a pair of this tropical fish species in a breeding tank without any light, and gradually increase the lighting until spawning occurs. Other inducers include mosquito larvae and a hardness of less than 4 degrees. Some also recommend letting the level of nitrates rise, then do at least 50% water change to simulate the fresh rain the tetras get in their natural habitat, the Amazon.You should sterilized every equipment that are placed in the aquarium, as well as the aquarium top. Because the adults will often eat newly-hatched fry, it is best to remove them as soon as the eggs have been laid. The eggs are especially sensitive to light. Eggs will hatch within 24 hours of the laying. Fry can be fed rotifers, especially infusoria and egg yolk for 1 to 4 weeks, followed by nauplii of brine shrimp, shaved cattle liver, and formulated diets. Fry will achieve their adult coloration at approximately one month of age. These tropical fish can spawn every two weeks.
Remarks:
Neon Tetra are unfortunately susceptible to a disease - "Neon Tetra Disease" which is no solution are available for them. In order to avoid this disease, one should exercise high hygiene precautions.
"Paracheirodon innesi"
These blue beauty is one of the most popular fish. Beginner often prefer them for their astounding azure colour. Neon Tetra is different from Cardinal Tetra which has full red stomach. This little fish will never grow exceeding its Cardinal cousin but is tougher and easier to satisfy.
Original Habitat:
The upper reaches of the Amazon region, in small jungle stream.
Sex:
Males are slimmer. Female has fatter stomachs.
Max Length:
4 cm.
Temperature:
21 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Water:
Do well in various water composition. Prefer soft to medium-hard water with pH around 6 to 6.5.
Accommodation:
This tropical fish do excellently in a community aquarium, which does not need to be very large. Peripheral vegetation and some floating plants are appreciated. Dark coloured substrate will enable this tropical fish to display most of their colour. They also enjoy a little current in their aquarium.
Characteristics:
Neon Tetra is a shoaling tropical fish species. Larger shoal will provide more happiness and sense of security for these tiny beauty. It will also produce a spectacular sight in your aquarium. They always leave the other fishes alone and because of their cute size, they should never be mix with large, predatory fish. This tropical fish mainly stay in the middle zone.
Food:
They are easy to feed. They eat both dry and small live food.
Breeding:
To breed Neon Tetras, place a pair of this tropical fish species in a breeding tank without any light, and gradually increase the lighting until spawning occurs. Other inducers include mosquito larvae and a hardness of less than 4 degrees. Some also recommend letting the level of nitrates rise, then do at least 50% water change to simulate the fresh rain the tetras get in their natural habitat, the Amazon.You should sterilized every equipment that are placed in the aquarium, as well as the aquarium top. Because the adults will often eat newly-hatched fry, it is best to remove them as soon as the eggs have been laid. The eggs are especially sensitive to light. Eggs will hatch within 24 hours of the laying. Fry can be fed rotifers, especially infusoria and egg yolk for 1 to 4 weeks, followed by nauplii of brine shrimp, shaved cattle liver, and formulated diets. Fry will achieve their adult coloration at approximately one month of age. These tropical fish can spawn every two weeks.
Remarks:
Neon Tetra are unfortunately susceptible to a disease - "Neon Tetra Disease" which is no solution are available for them. In order to avoid this disease, one should exercise high hygiene precautions.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Zebra Danio
Zebra Danio
"Brachydanio rerio"
Zebra Danio is a very suitable tropical fish for any beginner. You can see a long fin variant in this video
Original Habitat:
India, mainly in the east
Sex:
Male fish are thinner, more elongated and more intensely coloured.
Max Length:
5 cm.
Temperature:
18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Water:
Soft to Medium (6-15 gH) with ph7 (Neutral).
Accommodation:
A wide open space is necessary as these tropical fish a very fast and tireless swimmer. A cover is also a must if you don't want this tropical fish jump out from your aquarium. The also enjoy playing with the bubble that came out from the airstone in the aquarium.
Characteristics:
This tropical fish species is a shoaling type. A good shoal should consist at least 5 specimens. They are very lively and tend to occupy middle and top zone. Due to their active nature, Zebra Danio might not be suitable in a community tank with shy or calm inhabitants. However, they are always extremely peaceful towards other tropical fish species.
Food:
Zebra Danio is an omnivore type of tropical fish. The can live on with almost all diet ranging from live food (tubifex, water flea, mosquito larvae), varied dry food and even vegetables.
Breeding:
Zebra Danio is a free layer and like many other free layer tropical fish, they tend to eat their eggs. Therefore, in order to increase the chances of fry's survival, the parents fish is separated into a separate tank with similar water composition. It is best if the breeding tank is provided with dense leathery leafed vegetation and substrate spawner. Remove the parents as quickly as possible after they finish the spawning process. The fry can be reared with fine powdered food.
Variants:
Leopard Danio "Brachydanio "Frankei"" and long finned variants.
"Brachydanio rerio"
Zebra Danio is a very suitable tropical fish for any beginner. You can see a long fin variant in this video
Original Habitat:
India, mainly in the east
Sex:
Male fish are thinner, more elongated and more intensely coloured.
Max Length:
5 cm.
Temperature:
18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Water:
Soft to Medium (6-15 gH) with ph7 (Neutral).
Accommodation:
A wide open space is necessary as these tropical fish a very fast and tireless swimmer. A cover is also a must if you don't want this tropical fish jump out from your aquarium. The also enjoy playing with the bubble that came out from the airstone in the aquarium.
Characteristics:
This tropical fish species is a shoaling type. A good shoal should consist at least 5 specimens. They are very lively and tend to occupy middle and top zone. Due to their active nature, Zebra Danio might not be suitable in a community tank with shy or calm inhabitants. However, they are always extremely peaceful towards other tropical fish species.
Food:
Zebra Danio is an omnivore type of tropical fish. The can live on with almost all diet ranging from live food (tubifex, water flea, mosquito larvae), varied dry food and even vegetables.
Breeding:
Zebra Danio is a free layer and like many other free layer tropical fish, they tend to eat their eggs. Therefore, in order to increase the chances of fry's survival, the parents fish is separated into a separate tank with similar water composition. It is best if the breeding tank is provided with dense leathery leafed vegetation and substrate spawner. Remove the parents as quickly as possible after they finish the spawning process. The fry can be reared with fine powdered food.
Variants:
Leopard Danio "Brachydanio "Frankei"" and long finned variants.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Spotted Danio
Spotted Danio
"Brachydanio albinoleatus"
Original Habitat:
Southeast Asia
Sex:
Males are thinner with more intense colouring.
Max Length:
6 cm
Temperature:
21 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Water:
Suitable for most water composition. Not doing well in hard water.
Accommodation:
This tropical fish need a large space for swimming, dense vegetation and powerful aeration. A cover is necessary as they tend to jump often.
Characteristics:
Shoaling tropical fish. They are very friendly and leave other species at peace. Very lively shoal, they usually occupy middle and top zone. The shoal must consist at least 7 specimens.
Food:
They are not picky when it come to feeding time. Eats both dry and live food as well as vegetable food.
Breeding:
Isolate 3 males and 1 female in a separate breeding tanks with dense feathery leafed vegetation. Gradually increase the temperature to 26 to 27 degrees Celsius. Spotted Danio are free layers. Therefore it should be removed as soon as the spawning process is finished. The fry can be treated with fine powder food.
"Brachydanio albinoleatus"
Original Habitat:
Southeast Asia
Sex:
Males are thinner with more intense colouring.
Max Length:
6 cm
Temperature:
21 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Water:
Suitable for most water composition. Not doing well in hard water.
Accommodation:
This tropical fish need a large space for swimming, dense vegetation and powerful aeration. A cover is necessary as they tend to jump often.
Characteristics:
Shoaling tropical fish. They are very friendly and leave other species at peace. Very lively shoal, they usually occupy middle and top zone. The shoal must consist at least 7 specimens.
Food:
They are not picky when it come to feeding time. Eats both dry and live food as well as vegetable food.
Breeding:
Isolate 3 males and 1 female in a separate breeding tanks with dense feathery leafed vegetation. Gradually increase the temperature to 26 to 27 degrees Celsius. Spotted Danio are free layers. Therefore it should be removed as soon as the spawning process is finished. The fry can be treated with fine powder food.
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