Aquarium and Fish Care

2017-09-22

ROSY BARB, Puntius conchonius, Barbus conchonius

The Rosy Barb Puntius conchonius (previously Barbus conchonius ) is one of the most beautiful of the freshwater fish. They have a silvery or coppery pink color with a green cast along the back, and the males will have more pink on their underbellies. They are hardy, undemanding, and fun to watch because they are constantly on the move. These qualities make them one of the most desirable starter fish.

An image of Puntius conchonius (Rosy Barb, Prachtbarbe, Praktbarb) (Photo: Wikipedia)

The color of these fish is always attractive but it most impressive when they are spawning. The males silvery color intensifies to a deep rosy red or a purplish red, and the fins get pink and black. Though usually referred to as a Rosy Barb, another common name they are known by is the Red Barb. They have also been developed in several ornamental varieties. Some of these include the Neon Rosy Barb, Long Fin Rosy Barb, Red Glass Rosy Barb, and Gold Neon Rosy Barb.

These barbs are a delightful choice for a beginning fish keeper but will make a dynamic display in any aquarists tank. They are peaceful and will do well in a community aquarium, with only an occasional nip on a tankmates fins. They do prefer cooler water than much other tropical fish, needing temperatures between 64-72° F (18-22° C). Be sure to select tankmates that will also thrive in a cooler tank.

Depending on the region they are from these fish vary some in appearance and size. They are one of the larger barb species so do need at least a 20-gallon tank. In the wild, they can reach lengths of up to 6 inches (15 cm). In the aquarium, however, it is more common for them to only reach about 4 inches (10 cm). Not only are they very active, they are great jumpers, so the aquarium needs to be covered.

When kept in a school, the males display an interesting behavior. They will continually swim around each other with their fins spread out, showing off their best colors. These fish are very prolific breeders but they will need a breeding tank with shallow water. They will happily spawn in water that is just a couple of inches deep.

The Rosy Barb has a torpedo shaped body and its tail is forked. It has only one dorsal fin. Lacking an adipose fin, a second dorsal fin to the rear of the first is a characteristic of all the Cyprinid fishes. This is a good sized fish reaching a length of up to 6 inches (15 cm) in the wild, though they generally only reach about 4 inches (10 cm) in the aquarium. They are mature at 2.5 inches (6 cm) and have an average lifespan of about 5 years.

The general coloration is silvery or coppery pink body with somewhat of a greenish cast along the back. Males are a more reddish color, especially on the underbelly and sides. There is a black spot just in front of caudal peduncle, and there may be some black along the top margins of the anal and dorsal fins. These fish will vary some in appearance and size, depending on the region they are from.

Size of fish – inches: 5.9 inches (15.01 cm) – In the wild, these fish can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm), but in captivity, they generally only get about 4 inches (10 cm).

Excerpt from an original article on Animal-World.com

2017-09-21

Do Not Get Confused With the Complicated Names of KILLIFISH Species

Many killifish species are assigned with complicated names as compared to the other species of pet fish. Sometimes their names consist of two or three words and a number. If you are not an experienced fish-keeper and you visit a pet fish store, you will be confused with the long names and numbers. But remember, there is a logic behind their names.

Let us take an example of ‘Baira 98′. You may not be able to understand anything by reading this name. However if you just inquire with the pet shop staff, you will find the rationale behind it. Baira is the name of the village in Africa from which this fish was discovered and the number 98 represents the year in which it was found. So the fish was found in 1998 in that village.

Sometimes there is no number assigned. In that case, it indicates that the fish might have been found in many places in the world and no specific year can be attached to it. So if you find a name ‘Northobranchius rachovii’, it will mean that the fish does not have any specific place or year to relate.

However, things are not that easy all the time. Sometimes the species is known with different names. Let us take the name of Northobranchius andersonius. When the famous explorer Anderson visited Africa in 1915, he had seen the species and he gave this scientific name. However, some other explorer went to the same place in 1920 and when he found the same species, he named it as ‘Northobranchius victorii’. The reason behind such remaining was the memory of his wife Victoria. Now the same species is known with two different names!

"Nothobranchius rachovii male" by Andreas Wretström, 2003. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is one more reason for the change of name. There is one system called taxonomy under which all species can be placed. As we explore new things, the mistakes in the previous names are revealed. The testing of DNA may suggest that the fish which was named Northobranchius is not belonging to those specific genera. However, it is belonging to some other genus from Africa. In that case, the name is changed but the old name will still remain on the records and it will continue. In fact it may continue for years unless someone takes it up as a campaign to change it to the correct genre.

For all these reasons, in the fish-keeping community, it is common to use the popular names or common names instead of scientific names. For example, Pseudepiplatys annulatus is called clown killifish and it is famous with the common name itself. In the same way, Aphyosemion cinnamomeum is called Cinnamon killifish and Aphyosemion austral is called Lyretail killifish.

Do not nervous by scientific names. Just ignore them and get familiar with the common names. Life will be easier that way!

Chintamani Abhyankar is a goldfish enthusiast and has been raising and breeding goldfish for many years. He is an expert on their care and an advocate for raising healthy goldfish the natural way. Article Source: EzineArticles

2017-09-20

GOLDFISH Care - What a Wonderful Way to Teach Children

Life is fast-paced. It is nice to actually stop and 'smell the roses' as the old saying goes. So busy rushing the children off to school, off to work, after-school activities, soccer, dancing, piano lessons homework, dinner, bath, bed. Does that routine sound familiar?

Many of us are living a whirlwind with no time to just stop for a moment, take stock and look at what is really wonderful in this world. I've found a little time spent relaxing, sitting together with the children, just watching our goldfish each day rewarding.

The goldfish market at Mongkok
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I want the children to grow up understanding commitment. Trends and fads can easily take over every part of our lives, from the groceries we buy, the clothes we wear to the home we live in. The term 'disposable society' creeps into our vocabulary all too frequently.

Our young children have the job of feeding our goldfish. The feeding ritual itself is a lesson for children. Not only the commitment to feeding the fish daily, but they learn that variety is important to the health of the fish. Even goldfish need their fruit and vegetables. A little zucchini and peas help to keep their bodies healthy, just like ours. Reinforcing the message of the importance of good nutrition.

They help with the weekly task of cleaning the fish tank. Being diligent with aquarium care and keeping the tank clean is vitally important to the health of the fish.

I love the deeper lessons our children are learning from taking care of their fish. Unlike cats & dogs these pets can't go to the door when they need to go outside or want to go for a walk. Goldfish are completely reliant on our diligence for their needs. If we let them down we possibly cut their lives short. Their lives are completely dependent on our care.

The great thing about goldfish is that they are relatively hardy, particularly the comet breed. These fish are very lively and add great color to the tank. The tails of the comet are 3/4 the length of the body of the fish and so look magnificent when added to an aquarium.

Overcoming society's 'disposable' attitude can be difficult. Children are conditioned from a very early age to 'throw away' things that are used, or imperfect.

All too often a goldfish meets an untimely end and is disposed of down the toilet. With diligence, attention and a little knowledge, this can often be avoided.

With care, we can nurse your pet back to health. A small hospital tank can be set up to isolate and treat the sick fish. It's a rewarding experience to see the fish recover and go back to his home with the other fish.

We go to the computer and research together. Setting up a breeding tank, learning and watching the cycle of life is another important lesson in caring and nurturing.

Keeping goldfish is a way of installing a caring attitude to nature. The lessons for our children are invaluable: commitment, responsibility, nature's life cycle and the importance of caring for life.

Apart from providing a wonderful addition to our home, these fish give our family so much more than the meager attention and care needed for their survival.

Martina J

For children, and those new to learning how to take care of goldfish, you may find this link helpful. http://www.howtotakecareofgoldfish.com

There you'll find information to help in choosing aquariums, food, and necessities for your aquarium. You'll learn about types of goldfish and how to identify goldfish illnesses as well as treatments. All the information and resources necessary to keep your fish healthy.

Article Source: EzineArticles

2017-09-19

Tips on KISSING GOURAMI Care

Kissing Gourami or Helostoma temminckii, are members of the familyHelostoma. Kissing gouramies inhabit the heavily vegetated, shallow, slow-moving backwaters prominent in Thailand and Indonesia. Most of the fish exported for the freshwater aquarium trade industry are commercially raised on fish farms throughout Southeast Asia.

Kissing Gouramis - Photo by Clevergrrl (cc)

All Gouramies and the popular tropical fish the betta fish are part of the suborder Anabantoideimore commonly referred to as anabantoids or labyrinth fish. Labyrinth fish evolved in low oxygenated environments. Part of this evolution included the development of lung-like organ typically referred to as a labyrinth. The labyrinth is inundated with blood capillaries allowing for the absorption of atmospheric oxygen into the blood system. The addition of this organ allows gouramies to survive out of water longer than most other fish. Kissing gouramies have evolved to the point where they need a combination of both atmospheric and dissolved oxygen in order to survive. This is why you will frequently see gouramies and bettas rising to the surface of an aquarium to gulp in air. This gives them the ability to survive in less than ideal water conditions for extended periods of time.

Kissing gouramis are one of the largest gouramies kept in freshwater aquariums. They will reach an adult length of anywhere between 7.5-12 inches even in the confines of an aquarium. These fish have laterally compressed, slightly rounded bodies. Their caudal fins are either rounded or concaved. Their most prominent feature is their mouths which protrude out characteristically outward from their face. Their lips are lined with horney teeth. Their jaw assemblies lack teeth. Kissing gouramies are commercially available in two colors. The one most commonly found in home aquariums are white.

White gouramies have a pearlescent sheen to their bodies with a pink or orangish tinge and transparent pinkish fins. There is also a dwarf variety available. Dwarf kissing gouramies are a mutated strain of pink gourami. They are frequently referred to as balloon gouramies because of their smaller more rounded bodies.

The kissing gouramies for a sale at the local fish store are quite young. Juveniles grow rapidly and will quickly outgrow a small aquarium. An adult kissing gourami requires a minimum tank size of 50 gallons. You will need a larger aquarium for a well-populated community tank. These fish have semi-aggressive temperaments. They generally mix well with fish of similar size and attitude. But they are prone to bully smaller, more timid tank mates. They are generally tolerant of conspecifics but males frequently challenge each other for dormancy. Said challenge consists of locking lips and engaging in a shoving match much like a deer will lock horns and attempt to force its challenger into submission. Kissing gouramies have a habit of enjoying digging in aquarium substrate. The best way to minimize this is by using larger, coarser gravel and larger rather than smaller rocks in your aquarium.

This is an omnivorous species. Algae make up a significant part of their diet. They are extremely efficient tank cleaners. It is recommended that you do not clean your aquarium glass during routine tank cleaning. These gouramies will use their toothed lips to scrape algae off the surfaces of your aquarium. This form of algae removal is commonly perceived as kissing. They will instinctively graze on most aquarium plants. Ineatable plants such as java moss and java fern work well with kissing gouramies. Aside from these, plastic plants are highly recommended. Algae pellets in addition to a good quality flake food make an excellent staple. They will also readily accept frozen and freeze-dried food products. Brine shrimp and tubifex make wonderful protein supplements. Kissing gouramies have an affinity toward blanched table vegetables. Lettuce leaves are an all-time favorite. Regular portions of vegetables will finish providing a well-balanced diet.

This fish thrives in water temperatures between 72-82 °F. They function fine in pH levels that vary slightly on either side of a neutral balance; 6.8-8.5. With proper care, a kissing gourami should live between 5-7years of age.

Breeding Kissing Gouramies

Kissing gouramies are sexually dimorphic. Males and females are virtually identical with the exception that females tend to be a little larger and have a slightly fuller body than males.

Proper diet and aquarium conditions will help induce the breeding cycle. A protein-rich live diet such as brine shrimp will help precondition your gouramies for spawning. Raising the water temperature up to 80 °F properly simulates the breeding season. Gouramies are more apt to breed in soft water conditions.

The breeding process is typically initiated by the female and takes place under the cover of floating vegetation. Lettuce leaves provide the necessary camouflage to perpetuate breeding. The breeding ritual begins by the couple circling each other. This quickly escalates to nudging each other, dancing and concludes with a frantic tail beating. Breeding commences when the male warps his body around the female and turns her upside down. The female will then release several hundred eggs. The male fertilizes the eggs as they rise to the surface. Gourami eggs are buoyant and will float.

Kissing gouramies are open-water egg scatterers. Unlike many gouramies, these fish do not build a bubble nest for their future offspring. Nor will they guard their eggs. Once spawning has occurred, the adults should be removed from the breeding tank to avoid predation. The same lettuce leaves that provided a suitable environment for spawning will now function as a breeding chamber of sorts. Gourami eggs will adhere to the lettuce. The eggs will hatch in approximately 24 hours. The lettuce provides a natural source of infusoria for the newly hatched fry. Fry will be free swimming in about two days. Free swimming fry can be fed finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Stephen J Broy

Jellyfish Aquarium Fish Tank

Pet Moon Jellyfish

EzineArticles

2017-09-18

How To Recognize FISH DISEASE Symptoms

When my son was small, one of the angelfish that lived in his aquarium suddenly became covered in what looked like a white film and after a few days, his fins started becoming damaged. After a few more days, the fish died and others started getting the same condition. It was not long before the aquarium had no fish in it and his fish keeping days were over.

English: A velvet infected fish. Clearly visib...

A velvet infected fish. Clearly visible on head.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At the time, we did not know what disease the fish had. I learned much later that it was probably a contagious and usually fatal disease called Columnaris. I did not investigate at the time, after all, they were goldfish and could have been easily replaced. But, what if it had been a koi pond or a much larger aquarium stocked with more valuable fish such as the aquarium my son-in-law has or the koi pond that is in our neighborhood. The end result would have been the same, but the loss would have seemed devastating. The possibility does raise the question "How do I know if my fish are sick?" for every fish keeper.

There are many fish diseases and all of them require medication, care and attention to cure. Most fish diseases are brought from outside sources when new fish are introduced into the aquarium. Many are caused by bacteria, parasites or fungus that thrive on poor quality water and a poor diet can contribute by decreasing the fish immune system. The easiest way to keep your fish healthy is to prevent disease in the first place. And good quality water and a proper diet are essential to preventing fish disease.

Realizing that there may be a problem in your aquarium is the first thing. But how do you know what the problem might be and how to treat it?

Every fish owner knows how his fish are supposed to act and will usually notice any unusual behavior or conditions. Unusual behavior, such as rubbing against rocks or gasping at the surface could be indicators of disease. Unusual conditions like small spots or patches on the fish are sometimes the first indicator of problems in the aquarium. If you suspect a fish is sick, get it out of the water and into a quarantine pool as soon as possible. Quarantine is necessary if you want to try to keep your other fish from getting sick. It is a good idea to keep a record of symptoms and your actions to treat the fish.

Somewhere in your fish keeping references, there should be a list of disease symptoms and treatments. Simple things, like fuzzy patches on the fish or around the mouth, a bloated appearance, or maybe, just losing weight. The list of symptoms is extensive, but the important this is that if you see something different about your fish, investigate.

The second issue is treating the disease to make the fish healthy again. There seem to be about as many drugs and disease treatments for fish as there are for humans. Most people do have a fish doctor in their list of contacts and a lot of the time you are on your own when treating a sick fish. Fortunately, there is a lot of free information available on the internet. And a lot of drugs used to treat the fish disease are available at most stores that sell fish.

Your references should include a list of diseases (with pictures) and possible treatments. I created a spreadsheet with information gleaned from a lot of different sources as a handy reference to help identify the symptoms.

Marshall Crum

Click here

EzineArticles

2017-09-17

WATERHYSSOP - Bacopa monnieri

WATERHYSSOP - Bacopa monnieri - Photo: Wikimedia

2017-09-16

FANCY GOLDFISH make a great pet

Fancy Goldfish - Photo by Dr._Colleen_Morgan

Goldfish have many advantages that pets that have legs don’t enjoy and they are a very low maintenance but a very therapeutically beneficial pet. You never need to take a goldfish for a walk early in the morning or even when it is raining. Sometimes you are just not in the mood for a walk even if the conditions are perfect. This is not an issue with goldfish.

Most pets are hideously expensive. The cost of raising an average size dog has been estimated by some studies to run into the tens of thousands of dollars which is a sum that few of us can really afford. In these hard economic times where everyone is trying to cut back on expenses and reduce spending around the house, your dog may not be such a great pet if it is almost as expensive as bringing up a child. Dogs are expensive to buy and the costs continue throughout their lives. They need to be inoculated and fed with expensive food and later in life when they need medical care that is a very costly proposition too.

Fish are cheap and easy to buy and so easy and absolutely painless to maintain that you could even give them as a gift to someone without wondering whether they will be able to take care of them and will not find them to be a burden. Dogs and cats can quickly turn into white elephants when given as gifts no matter how cute and adorable they are as kittens or puppies.

Fancy goldfish make an excellent indoor pet for a number of people with busy lifestyles and the craving for pets and some form of companionship but not the space in their homes or their lives to actively care for and raise pets like dogs or cats. have no such issues. Their short lifespans mean that you do not have to worry about long-term care for them. When they die you can decide if you want to get another batch and you are never stuck with them. This is also very important when you are going on vacation or leaving town for business. You do not have to worry friends with requests to come over and watch and feed your pets with goldfish and you do not have to worry about paying the exorbitant fees that kennels and doggy day care centers charge.

So get yourself some goldfish today. They make great pets and they are relaxing to watch.

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