Finding Where the Fish Hides

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 30-11-2009

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Jeanie Smith asked:


Before you attempt to catch fish, you need to find out where they are. Remember that fish are found nearly everywhere there is water with sufficient levels of food, oxygen, and cover. You are certain to be within a relatively close distance to a body of water that has fish living in it. For an angler, this is good news. They are there – now you have to find them! 

All fish are different. Because of this, they do not all live in the same kind of waters. Fish tolerate different environmental conditions. Some of these include differing levels of salt, amounts of oxygen, types and amounts of food, water temperature, and hiding areas. The most distinguishing element of fish is salt. Some fish do not live in areas where there is a lot of salt.

On the other hand, some fish need salt to survive. There are also some types of fish that can live in both saltwater and freshwater.  Freshwater ponds, reservoirs, and rivers contain significantly less salt than the ocean. North America has a majority of freshwater bodies. Some of the fish that you will find in these freshwater bodies are the bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie, and bass. In contrast, many species of fish live in the ocean’s salty water. Thanks to their kidneys, these fish are able to keep the proper balance of salt in their body. The more popular saltwater fish are the bluefish, cod, sea trout, tuna, and flounder.  

Another factor that weighs heavily on where you will find certain fish is oxygen. All fish must have a certain level of oxygen to survive. Some fish, such as carp, survive on less oxygen than fish like trout. The living plants within a lake or stream directly affect the amount of oxygen in the water. They add oxygen to the water through photosynthesis. This process uses sunlight to make food. Oxygen also makes its way into water from the surrounding air.  You will find certain fish in certain bodies of water based on what kind of food is there. It is based on the amount and type of food available in a setting. All fish need to eat, so the amount of competition with other fish is a factor that determines which fish will be in certain areas.  

Fish prefer different water temperatures. Some fish are flexible. They have the ability to live in a wide range of temperatures. Other fish, however, need either cold or warm water to survive. Trout is an example of this. You will only find trout in cold water. Your best bet for finding a certain type of fish is to learn about the type of water it prefers. They are most often found in water that is close to their preferred temperature. We, as humans, can control one factor when it comes to where fish live. Water quality often determines where a fish will live and we have the means to ensure a high level of water quality. All fish must have water that has adequate levels of oxygen. Good-quality water will obviously support more species of fish than water that is polluted. Water that is stagnant, polluted, or lacking adequate oxygen simply cannot support a large group of fish.

While some fish, such as carp, live in water that is not very clean, most fish need a high quality of water in order to survive.   Discovering the places where fish live is the first step to successful fishing. Several factors come into play when looking for a fish’s habitat. Some of these are the levels of salt and oxygen found in water. Another factor is the temperature of the water. All fish are different. Because of this, it benefits you, the angler, to take the time necessary to find the bodies of water in which they live.



The Gasteropelecidae Fish

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 14-11-2009

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Jody Siena asked:


Tank maintenance is based on the fish type. However, today’s tanks have switches that enable you to change the water temperature. In addition, tanks today enable you to dim or intensify tank lights with switches. Water is purified via a filtration system. The quality of water is controlled by electronic devices. Automated features enable you to distribute food, as well as fertilize dosage. The water resistant tanks today come in a variety of shapes in size, and use electrical advanced solutions to maintain safety. In addition, tanks today enable you to stock plants and fish of all species. The lights today can be adjusted to accommodate most fish types. Still, fish are different in many ways. To understand this, you must have an overall ideal of what the 22,000 species prefer. The fish types include the freshwater fish, which its counterparts are Coldwater fish and the tropical fish. Seawater or saltwater fish is a different species, i.e. the fish prefer dissimilar water conditions and meals. In addition, the dangerous species on the market must also be learnt before you attempt to purchase these breeds. The dangerous species include the Piranhas. In addition, we have fish that fly, which is our next subject.

The fish that fly

Gasteropelecidae include the Hatchetfishes. The fish are marked for its pressed exceptionally deepen figure. This fish primarily habitats in the northern South America. The fish is also called the flying fish, since he is proficient in flapping his chest fins skillfully. The gliders can escape tank water and land fifteen feet away from the aquarium. Therefore, it is wise to keep a hood on your tank to avoid loss.

Akin to the Hatchetfish is the Carnegiella Marthae. This popularly known Blackwing Hatchetfish originated in the Amazons, Orinoco, Peru, Rio Negro, and Venezuela. The Hatchetfish from this breed grow at 1 and ¼ inches in size. The Hatchetfish are small fishes, which have a black chest. The ridge like parts or keel is also black. The tank species relate better in peaceful waters, or fish of his breed. The fish is small, and has a quiet and calm nature. Hatchetfish of this breed will accept all foods, and prefers soft water condition, yet will relate to insignificant acidy waters. The fish breeds similar to the Hyphessobrycon. There is no available information as to how the fish breed however.

Gasteropelecus Levis or the Silver Hatchetfish comes from the lower regions of the Amazon. This fish grows around 2 ½ inches in size. The silver colors of this fish are setoff by blue-blackish thin parallel stripes. As long as tank conditions are good this fish can habitat in communal tanks. The vigorous fish feeds in the same way as other Hatchetfishes. The water conditions are expected to be the same as other Hatchetfishes as well. This fish in particular has no records of breeding in aquariums.

Outside of the Hatchetfish rests the Family of Cyprinidae. This family includes the Carp-like fish and the Carps. The fish come from a large body of bony families, which spread out through the lands of North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. This classical fish have pharyngeal bones, which make up for teeth. A few types of Carp fish have a set of barbel fins, which make up for adipose fins. Carps grow up to 8 feet.

The Indian Mahseer Carp known as Barbus tor is the largest Carp breed. Carps are freshwater fish, which includes the family of minnows. The fish sometimes have round scales, which include soft fins. As well, the fish have toothless jaws. Minnows are freshwater baitfish akin to the carps.



Information on Harlequin Fish Care

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 11-11-2009

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Jody Siena asked:


Harlequin fish or Rasbora Heteromorpha groups come from Thailand, Sumatra, and the Malayas. The fish are smaller breeds, which grow around 1 ¾ inches in size. Harlequin fish is one of the aquarium keeper’s favorites, since the fish have colorful figures. The fish are shaped like wedges, which blue-black shades setoff its rosy pink and violet forms. Harlequin fish are easily trained; as well, the fish do well in communal tanks. The species however are beautiful formed and colored that residing in a sole tank could produce natural effects to your home area. The fish will dine on all foods, and prefers water conditions such as soft water, sensibly acid waters, and peaty waters. Harlequin fish are not much for breeding. The fish pair in well-conditioned waters, or peaty waters. The balance preferred is pH-6, pH-2, or hard water at 40-ppm. Harlequin fish mate while turned upside down at a leaf surface. The fish typically lay less than one hundred eggs, which are fry in one day. The Harlequin fish group is commonly referred to the Red Rasbora fish.

In addition to the Harlequin, is the Cobitidae family. This fish will help keep tanks clean by gnawing at algae. The scavengers are similar to Carps, in that the fish have teeth. This family of fish also has four barbel located in its upper jaw. The fish are akin to any European freshwater Cyprinids. Cyprinids are family to minnows and Carps, which the fish sometimes have round scales, softer fins, and toothless jaws. Spiny Loach is the family of Cobitidae. This fish composes bifid spines, which is located beneath the eyes. The bifid will erect from its folded, flat position if the fish is put to the test. Predatorily fish will not like the results produced by this fish in the event they decide to challenge the Spiny Loach. Spiny Loaches and Cobitidae fish tend to surface often to seek oxygen. The fish prefer to live in murky, mud-spattered waters. The murkiness and mud limits oxygen, which is why the fish surface often. Weather Fish is amongst the group of Spiny Loaches, which this fish will not adapt well to atmospheric situations, which cause stress.

The Loach fish include the group of Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus family. The fish come from the east parts of India and grow up to 3 ½ inches in size. The fish is popularly called the Half Band Coolie. The Coolie fish have bodies shaped like a snake, which the body covers yellow and black marks. You can find the sub-species of the Coolie family in the Kuhlii family. Kuhlii fish tend to fall into the Salmon category, since the fish may have pink bellies, as well as yellow and black marks. Coolie fish are communal tank fish, which have a peaceful nature. The tanks should be limited to plants, since this fish will hide in closed spaces. You should at deposits of compact decomposed organic debris at the bottom of the tank. (Peat) These fish tend to eat Tubifex and algae, which makes the fish a good cleaning system. As well, the fish will eat all foodstuffs. Coolie fish do not place a high demand on water condition, yet they tend to do well in moderate or neutral waters. The water temperature should remain at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to the Coolie fish is the Clown Loach, Tiger Botia, Siluridae, and so on. Over the Internet, you will find a wide assortment of information related to freshwater fish, which include tropical fish, Coldwater fish, sea, or saltwater fish.



Marine Fish

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 10-11-2009

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Rotem Gavish asked:


Marine fish are not domesticated animals, and will pursue their survival instincts in the tank, just as they do in the ocean.  Marine fish are found in oceans, estuaries, tidal pools or salt marshes. Almost all species of marine fish are caught in the wild. Marine fish are more colorful than freshwater fish, but also require more care. Tropical fish generally have very specific temperature requirements.

Clownfish are a popular species of marine aquarium fish Compatibility. All marine fish are tanked for a specified period of time for acclimation, in proper water parameters, under specific conditions to allow the easiest adaptation to aquarium life.  Marine fish are the hardest of all fish to keep. Most species of marine fish are sensitive to water conditions and do not adapt easily to a new aquarium, it is best to add the fish after the aquarium has been functioning for a few months. 

Fish that are reef safe are known to not nip at corals, and also do not usually eat crustaceans that may be kept in a reef tank, such as shrimp. Marine fish, also known as saltwater fish, require a simulated oceanic environment in the aquarium. There are nearly 15,000 species of marine fish, many of which are not compatible in the same tank.  For this reason, the compatibility of different species and genders within species needs to be checked before multiple fish are introduced to a tank.  Lionfish, for example, may eat gobies and other species, while Clownfish are likely to attack others of the same gender if one of the opposite genders is present.

There are many differences between freshwater fish and saltwater fish that may not be obvious to the beginner aquarist. Marine fish even more complicated to keep are tropical marine fishes. Marine fish are more colorful then freshwater fish, they are also more sensitive to water quality then freshwater fish. In most cases saltwater fish or marine fish are more expensive then freshwater fish. In general, marine fish consider being hard to keep and maintain while freshwater fish are easier to keep. Many of these fish also like tanks on their own so if you dream of having a well stocked tank with a multitude of species make sure you know which fish will live happily together before you put them in a tank.

For more free information visit us at: Aquariumpassion.com



Beginners Guide To Fish Care

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 06-11-2009

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Jody Siena asked:


If you own fish and aquariums, you should have already researched to know how to take care of your fish and aquarium. If you have not, then it is important that you research, asked questions, read materials, etc, which will help you provide proper care to your fish and tank.

If you plan to purchase non-marine and marine fish combined, you will need to consider a variety of details. The one thing you want to avoid is inserting aggressive and non-aggressive fish into the same tank. Unless you want to lose money, this is the best recommendation anyone can offer you. Damsels are aggressive fish, which the fish are typically starter fish. Fish owners tend to start with damsels, since the fish are inexpensive and require less maintenance and attention. It is recommended that you only put two of the same or similar fish in a single aquarium.

In addition to fish, you will need to purchase with your aquarium test kits, buffers, filters, gravel, floss, and so on. It is important to keep fish water fresh. If you have, saltwater fish you will need to add salt every two weeks. In addition, you can purchase fish that will adapt well to saltwater, especially if you have primarily saltwater fish in your tank.

How to maintain freshwater fish?

Common freshwater fish will adapt to nearly any type of tank. Saltwater fish tend to do well in reef tanks. Since freshwater fish will adapt to a variety of tanks, it is easier to take care of the fish. In fact, freshwater fish is recommended for beginners. In the category of freshwater fish are the tropical fish and the Coldwater fish. To help you get started we can consider aquariums.

Considering aquariums

The first thing you want to consider is the area you will place the aquarium. You want to make sure you have sufficient space at your home to spot the tank. You should never put fish aquariums near open Windows, or windows in general. The sunlight will cause photosynthetic organisms (Algae) to grow quicker. You will need to avoid spotting the tank near heaters, or doorways. It is important that you maintain room temperature when caring for fish. You can purchase dehumidifiers and humidifiers, which can help you, maintain room temperature. In addition, when you purchase your aquarium, make sure that you consider filters, floss, gravel, medicines, food, water, etc. You want to make sure that your plug sockets can handle the level of electricity required of fish aquariums.

How to choose filters?

Filters are categorized as chemical, biological, and mechanical. You can purchase external, internal, and under-gravel filtration systems to support your fish aquarium. If you are just starting out in fish care and aquarium care, avoid the under-gravel filters since it will require excessive maintenance, as well as the filters do not produce quality power. However, you can use under-gravel filters in conjunction with mechanical, biological, or chemical filters. It is recommended to learn the actions performed by each filtering system before joining under-gravel filters with another filtration system.

One of the most popular filters utilized is the internal filters. The internal filters include foam cartridge(s) and a diminutive box. The filters work to draw liquid from grills. The liquids are then filtered by the foam cartridge, which exits through the nozzles found at the top of the filters. Beginners could benefit from using the internal filters, since indicators will alert you when to clean or replace the filters. Valves work to produce oxygen, which adds to the advantages of using internal filters. The internal filters also have filtering pads, which remove chemicals while using polyester and/or carbon pads. The strong synthetic fabrics produce low moisture, which absorbs the chemicals. The filters are hardwearing, which means you will not have to replace the filters as often. You will need proper filtration for all fishes, including Tetra.



Upkeep Of The Loach Fish

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 02-11-2009

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Jody Siena asked:


Loach fish come from the family of Cobitidae, Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus, and the Botia Macracantha group. Online you will find helpful information that will inform you about the different types of fish, which in this article we will cover, a small selection.

Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus

Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus includes the various Loach families. Loach fish such as the Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus breeds come from India. The fish mature to 3 ½ inches in size. Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus is commonly known as the Half Band Coolie fish, which the off breeds include the European group. Half Band Coolie Loaches has a body like a snake. The body resembles an Eastern Coral Snake, in that the yellow and black shades offset a pinkish colored belly. Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus includes the sub-species and distinct species. Acanthophthalmus Semicinctus are generally communal fish, which have a calming nature. The tanks however should have minimal plants, as well as deposits of debris. (Peat) These breeds of Half Band Coolies tend to hide. The fish enjoy feasting on photosynthetic organisms, as well as Tubifex. The fish will eat all sorts of food, yet they require a clean water system. Half Band Coolie fish often do not stress water condition, yet the fish are inclined to moderate or neutral waters. The water temperature should remain at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Botia Macracantha is commonly known as the Tiger Botia or the Clown Loach fish. The fish grow around 4 ½ inches and size and come from Borneo and Sumatra. The fish have similar colors compared to the Tiger Barbs. The body color is golden yellow, which is offset by 3-shadowy bluish black stripes. The Botia Macracantha of this breed makes a nice friendly communal tank resident. However, these fish are skirmish to light and demands a place to hide. If you are looking for a hunter, thus the Botia Macracantha Tiger of Clown fish is your choice.

Water conditions

Botias enjoy moderate hard water, or alkalinity based water. It is recommended that you avoid acidity waters. In addition, the water temperature should remain at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and no higher than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not a breeding fish.

Siluridae comes from the family group of fish known as the Asiatic. The fish is also akin to the European catfish. These particular species is now one of the popular fish sold for aquarists’ usage.

In fact, the Siluridae rests more along the family side of the naked skin European catfish. The fish family from Asia typically enjoy climatic conditions, including flora, and faunas.

Into the bargain are the algae gnawers. The gnawers include the family group of Loach fish known as the European freshwater Cyprinids off breeds, such as the Cobitidae. The fish hunters are comparable to the Carp group, in that the fish have teeth. Cyprinids sometimes have four barbels, which is located around its upper jaw. Cyprinids are also kin to the minnows. The Minnows, Carps and sometimes the Loach fish have rounded scales, soft fins, and toothless jaws. The Spiny Loach compiles bifid spines, which is positioned just under the eyes. Spiny Loach’s bifid erects from a flat folded position when threatened. The Spiny Loaches request an area to surface, since the fish naturally live in murky, mud-spattered waters. The murkiness and mucky waters sets boundaries for oxygen intake. Amongst the spiny loach is the weather fish. These fish, like other types of loach fish do not take kindly to stressful waters.

In addition to the Loach, fish is the body of Glass Catfish. This group of fish is listed under the family of Kryptopterus Bicirrhis.



Aquarium And Fish Care – 30 Points Every Beginner Must Know

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 30-10-2009

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Abhishek Agarwal asked:


There are several hobbies one can have that turn in to real passion some day. One among them is maintaining an aquarium. This hobby though is a serious one as there is no room for mistakes else you shall land up harming or killing a living creature.

Thee right place to gather ample knowledge about your fish and their house that is the aquarium is the library next door, or the global network that is the World Wide Web or the internet.

There are several starter kits available online. You shall also come across loads of information on some beginner fishes to start with this interesting hobby.

But before diving in to this interesting field here are some essential tips to remember:

1. In order to maintain your fish tank well enough, you must understand the nitrogen cycle. This cycle involves nitrates, ammonia and nitrites. The fishes naturally produce these chemicals in the water they live in. Its your job to balance these chemicals so that the water remains healthy for your fishes to survive.

2. The beginners in this hobby find it difficult to balance the ammonia in the water. In that case you could consider banking on the starter kits available online. These kits contain additives like ammonia. Basically these kits supply you with a mechanism to artificially control the degree of ammonia in the fish tank.

3. These kits also guide you through or at times make available the apt beginner fishes. These types of fishes naturally produce ammonia in an adequate amount.

4. In case you are beginning with a coldwater tank, the best option would be to have a goldfish.

5. Make sure that your fish tank contains ample amount of plants. They not only beautify the fish tank but also purify the water in the tank by absorbing the chemicals & providing oxygen.

6. The water plants break down water and ammonia. Then these plants filter the ammonia & the bad or contaminated pat of the water that is the portion that contains bacteria.

7. Plants maintain the balance between all the chemicals in the fish tank as the fishes produce lot of ammonia.

8. When you are ammonizing your fish tank with the starter fish, be very sure of the quantity of food you are feeding to the fish. Remember that you should feed only small amounts of the food initially.

9. The food that remains settles down at the bottom and rots down finally. This rotten food develops severely toxic chemicals that can kill your fish. So try to maintain the least amount of remaining food. The trick to do it simply is to watch your fish while feeding them. Only put in the amount of food it consumes in the first 2-3 minutes, that to only twice a day. In case of food, also make sure to read through the label of the fish that you always get on the purchase of the fish.

10. Make proper use of the test kits and make sure that you check the ammonia level in the water at regular intervals that is every week.

11. Usually, a proper ammonization process takes about 5 weeks or longer.

12. Before purchasing the fish tank make sure that you purchase the right stand to place this tank well.

13. Remember, the fish tank must not be exposed to direct sunlight and heaters, else more and more algae would develop in the tank thereby killing your fish.

14. Make sure that the gravel you add to the fish tank is absolutely clean. In case you have purchased boiled gravel, rinse it well before adding it to the tank. Else, you must boil it first and then rinse it and then add it to the tank.

15. The right way of adding gravel to the fish tank is to initiate from the back of the tank and then coming to the front.

16. The height of the gravel you add depends on the type of fish and the type of filter you would use. This is more particular for the front of the tank. The gravel layer in the front of the tank must be very light.

17. In case you are using under-gravel filters, the front layer of gravel would be very low.

18. Ideally, installing the filters and heaters is the last step in preparing the fish tank. But in case you are considering using a powered filter, you must install the filter before adding the gravel.

19. After adding the gravel, the next step is to add plants and other ornaments. Make sure that you rinse these additives well enough in order to maintain the purity of the water in the tank.

20. Be sure to select only marine based plants.

21. Initially fill the tank with only half of the total required quantity. Make use of pre-treated water while filling the tank halfway.

22. Once you are done with all the additives you can fill it up with water fully.

23. After filling in the tank with all the water required, keep a regular check on temperature of the water with a thermometer.

24. Now finally, place the filters in the fish tank.

25. Goldfish can be added to your fish tank at the beginning of the ammonization process. In case you are planning to purchase any other, fish you must wait for a few weeks so that the ammonization process gets completed in the fish tank.

26. Also, be sure that you do not add any new fish to the tank until and unless the water in there is crystal clear.

27. Check that the ideal way is to introduce only one fish at a time, and gradually increase the number of fishes in the tank. You could also consider starting with 4 different types of hardy fishes, one of each type.

28. The right way to add a fish in the tank is that you must afloat the fish in a bag in to the aquarium for around 15 minutes prior to leaving them in the tank. This would help your fish get acclimated to the temperature of the water in its new home.

29. Make sure that you do not add the water of the fish bag in to the aquarium as this water might be contaminated, or would at times affect the temperature of the aquarium and the P.H. level of the water in there.

30. You must check that the aquarium has the right amount of lighting. These lights are teamed with a hood that can be fit over the top of the aquarium. The fact is that most of the aquariums these days come along with a hood. Actually, the hood keeps away the critters and maintains the fish inside the tank. The hood id also used to regulate the lights in the tank.



There Is A Vast Choice When It Comes To Fish Tank Fishes

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 27-10-2009

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Darren Lintern asked:


Aquarium stores will stock a wide variety of fish tank fishes. The most popular choice tends to be the tropical fishes. They are quite hardy and also breed easily. They will also find it easy to get acclimatized to the artificial aquatic environments. All that they need is the water heated to the necessary temperature.

The maintenance of fish tank fishes is not that difficult to get used to. Feeding time will consist of small black worms, dried fish flakes, small snails, frozen flakes, shrimps and clams. The feeding material is easy to location from your local pet or aquarium store. It can also be easy purchase online.

Some of the more common tropical fish tank fishes include, Arowana, Bala Sharks, Barbs, Barracuda, Betta (males and females), Catfish, Cichlids, Clown Loaches, Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Rainbow Fish, Tiger Fish (Black and White), White Clouds, and White Tip Shark Catfish.

Arowana can grow to a length of approximately 36 inches, so these fish are for very large aquariums. They are also know as the Dragon Fish, and can easily inhabit with Tinfoil Barbs and Catfish.

Bala Sharks can reach a length of 18 inches, and as it is a school fish, they should be kept in a group of at least five.

Barbs are small in size, ranging in length between 2 and 6 inches depending on species. They are colourful and active fish that are more suited for the community aquarium. This makes them one of the most popular types of tropical fish.

Barracuda can grow to a maximum size of 9 inches. However these fish are predatory by nature and tend to feed on smaller fish, and therefore should be kept with fishes that are bigger than them.

Cichlids can grow up to 12 inches, and otherwise know as Angel Fish. This fish can equally grow in both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, and come in very attractive colours.

Guppies can grow up to approximately 1.5 inches and again this type of fish is one of the most popular fish species in the world.

Rainbows are another variety of fish tank fishes. They are another attractively coloured fish, and make ideal companions for Mollies, Platies, Swordtails and Catfish.

Scavengers and Catfish are important fish tank fishes incorporate in your aquarium as they help in cleaning the tank by feeding on algae.

No fish tank is ever complete without Gold Fish and Koi. The Gold fish which includes Orandas, Fantails, Telescopes and Black Moors can make excellent fish. They will grow well in fish tanks and are also mild tempered, and can have a life span of around 20 years.

The Koi are beautiful fish that are only really suited for the larger aquariums. This is due to the fact that most of them will grow to 15 inches or more and have an average life span of some 15 to 20 years.



Discus Fish Tank Mates

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 22-10-2009

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thegendoikari asked:


Discus Fish Tank Mates

I believe that a Discus fish aquarium should be entirely geared toward keeping Discus fish, as other species generally do not require the dedication and environment that Discus fish need. The setup, plants and other inhabitants should be carefully chosen for optimal conditions, giving the Discus fish first priority. Discus fish are calm, timid fish who like to be kept in small groups of 5-8 fish, as like other schooling fish they need the security of a school around them. This also helps in reducing stress of acclimating to their new environment. Outside of other Discus fish, what tank mates you choose again entirely depends on the purpose.

If you want a nice display tank, Discus fish feel comfortable with small schooling fish such as characins. When Discus fish see the characins in the open, they are likely to come out sensing that they are safe to swim. I would recommend a large school of characins like Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetra and Rummy Nose Tetras. It emulates their natural environment and both flourish in the same water conditions. However, you can keep most peaceful slow moving South American fish and Dwarf Cichlids with Discus fish, so long as they don’t dominate or out compete for food and space. Many have had Dwarf Gouramis as well as Pearl Gouramis with Discus fish, though I would not recommend the larger more aggressive Blue and Golden Gouramis. Smaller peaceful catfish such as the Corydoras will get along well with Discus fish and do a great job as bottom feeders.

As much as I adore freshwater Angelfish I also would not recommended keeping them with Discus fish as they can grow large and bully the Discus fish, outcompete the Discus for food and carry diseases that Discus fish are particularly prone to catching. It can be done, but usually requires a much larger aquarium and a skilled aquarist. I’ve also known people that have kept Kribensis with Discus fish, but much like freshwater Angelfish I would not recommend that right away. One of my favorite fish is the Blue Ram (German Blue Ram, Ram Cichlid), a beautiful dwarf cichlid that will complement your Discus fish quite well.

For a breeding tank, only Discus fish should be kept and I would strongly recommend against adding anything else. While many love having Plecostomus and other algae eaters, they are notorious for latching onto Discus fish and sucking on their mucus covering, leaving the Discus fish vulnerable to stress and decease. That is not to say that the two have not been successfully kept together, but in my personal experience it has been nothing but issues. For a new Discus fish breeder it is best not to take unneeded risks, even more so with a fish as fragile as the Discus fish.

 

For more information visit this Discus fish guide.



Tropical Fish

Filed Under (Pets) by swapquot on 22-10-2009

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Rotem Gavish asked:


Tropical fish include fish found in tropical environments (found close to the equator) around the world, including both saltwater and freshwater species. The term tropical fish refer to only those requiring fresh water. Saltwater tropical fish referred as marine fish but to be accurate saltwater fish are truly tropical fish. Tropical fish are imported from there native waters as well as domestically bred. Keeping tropical fish is a great hobby. 

How do you decide which tropical fish is best for?  An important factor while purchasing tropical fish is the color. Another factor is that far too many people purchase poor health fish. It is very easy to see if the fish is sick, most of sick fish just don’t eat. Don’t be shy and ask the seller to feed the fish before you put your money on it. Sick fish with ich disease or fin rot disease for example are easy to noticed, “Waste” 5 minutes and check your future fish, its skin, behavior and its vitality. 

There are few rules we should remember while we keep our tropical fish, first rule is to be patient. A high percentage of people do not take the time to read, learn and study up on the hobby before getting started. Second rule is not to overload the system, placing too many new additions into the tank can cause ammonia and nitrite to rise. The third rule is to remember to maintain our tropical fish tank on a regular basis. By maintaining your tank properly (water changes, test water quality) you can avoid many problems.

There is also the attraction that once the tank is up and running the required effort needed to keep tropical fish is relatively low, in-fact there is hardly any restriction to one’s normal life.  Keeping freshwater tropical fish is the ideal starting point to this rewarding hobby and can be done so by almost any age group, even children (best start with the  family), with limited supervision. 

One advantage of keeping and/or raising tropical fish is the large international community that shares your interest.  Keeping tropical fish is a pleasurable hobby for families around the world. Critical part while you acclimate your new tropical fish is to not feed them for at least 24 hours and preferably 48 hrs. Fish tanks are a wonderful place to observe a habitat on a smaller scale. Tropical marine fish enjoy their temperature a little bit warmer at 80 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (26C). Tropical fish are very colorful and therefore very popular as aquarium fish. Tropical fish tanks have to be constantly monitored for presence of harmful bacteria, fungi, and algae. Tropical fish, just like other fish, have to be fed at least 2 to 3 times a day. 

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