Ranchu Goldfish, Red & White

Ranchu Goldfish, Red & White
(Carassius auratus

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 65-75° F, KH 4-20, pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Canton
Family: Cyprinidae

The Red & White Ranchu Goldfish is an exceptional example of fancy ornamental goldfish. Selectively bred and highly prized in Japan, the Red & White Ranchu Goldfish is gaining international popularity among goldfish enthusiasts. The appearance of the Red & White Ranchu Goldfish is remarkable. Most notable is the absence of the dorsal fin. This distinguishing feature is accentuated by a full, egg-shaped body. A prominent arch in the back terminates downward at a sharp angle for a curved, "tucked-in" body shape unique to the Red & White Ranchu Goldfish. As a branch developed from Lionhead Goldfish, the Red & White Ranchu Goldfish has a full hood that envelops the entire head with a raspberry-like growth. While this wide-eyed beauty may challenge the conventional notion of beauty, its stately presence and graceful nature make the Red & White Ranchu Goldfish an exquisite choice.
As a member of the carp family, the Red & White Ranchu Goldfish is generally quite hardy. It will do well in 30 gallon aquariums or larger, as well as backyard garden ponds of 180 gallons or more. In addition to a fine gravel bottom or well-rounded river rocks, the Red & White Ranchu Goldfish will appreciate hardy, cold water plants. Keep in mind that goldfish are diggers and will scatter the fine sand onto leaves, injuring thin and less hardy plants.

There appears to be a definite courtship ritual when goldfish breed. Breeding often results in up to 1,000 eggs, with fry hatching in five to six days. They should be fed small pieces of live or prepared foods designed for egg-laying fish.

Goldfish are omnivores and will eat all types of dried and live foods. However, limit protein intake to 30% of the diet. Goldfish flake or pellet food will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Tiger Oscar, Albino

Tiger Oscar, Albino
(Astronotus ocellatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Water Conditions: 72-77° F, KH 5-19, pH 6.0-8.0
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Thailand
Family: Cichlidae

The Albino Tiger Oscar is a stunning albino variety of the extremely popular Tiger Oscar. Irregular blotches or spattering of orange-red energize an opaque, cream-white body to dramatic effect. The eye-catching Albino Tiger Oscar is so visually dissimilar to the normally dark colored Tiger Oscar that it instantly becomes the center of attention and a topic of conversation.
The Albino Tiger Oscar requires a large, well-filtered aquarium of at least 70 gallons with a deep sand bottom and a few large rocks. It will dig up plants so any that are in the tank should be potted with the root surfaces covered with rocks. Using floating plants is a good alternative. The Albino Tiger Oscars is not as territorial as most other cichlids when full grown but will consume anything they can fit into their mouths. Though this hardy and easy-to-care-for cichlid is generally mild-mannered in nature, the Albino Tiger Oscar is best kept in a species tanks or with similar size tank mates.

A large tank should be used for breeding, if possible, as large as 100 gallons. The Albino Tiger Oscar will spawn in soft or hard water as long as it is clean and clear and has a temperature between 79-86°F. The Albino Tiger Oscar will pair to form a nuclear family. The female will then lay between 1,000-2,000 eggs on rocks that have been carefully cleaned. The eggs are opaque at first, turning transparent in 24 hours. The brood will be carefully guarded and cared for and the fry will be kept in pits and may even be covered. When they are free-swimming, the fry should be fed Cyclops. Sometimes the fry will cling to their parents. The male and female are difficult to differentiate but during spawning the genital papilla of the female becomes noticeable.

The Albino Tiger Oscar is a predatory carnivore with a hearty appetite. Oscars will eat a variety of meaty foods, including small fish and earthworms, Cichlid pellets, larger flake food, ocean plankton, bloodworms, and tubifex worms.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Mbuna Mixed Cichlid

Mbuna Mixed Cichlid
(Pseudotropheus sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Water Conditions: 76-82° F, KH 10-15, pH 7.8-8.6
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Assorted
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Thailand
Family: Cichlidae

Mbuna Cichlids are arguably the most recognizable of Lake Malawi African Cichlids. With their gorgeous jewel-like coloration and boisterous personality, they are truly prized among budding and seasoned cichlidphiles. This assortment of hardy Mbuna Cichlids from the Genus Pseudotropheus, offers a great way for hobbyists to enjoy these beautiful cichlids at a great price.
Provide a large aquarium with plenty of rockwork, caves, ledges and hiding places for Mbuna Cichlids. Recreating the shallow, rocky shores of Lake Malawi can be achieved easily by using limestone or any type of inert rock as the main aquascaping feature. An aragonite-based substrate is recommended in order to maintain the necessary high pH and alkalinity. These cichlids do not like bright lighting, and the aragonite should ideally be either mixed with or covered by darker gravel to reduce the amount of glare in the aquarium. A species tank or a biotope setup housing only Mbuna Cichlids creates an impressive display. This setup will be large, well-filtered and have many protected niches for males to claim and defend.

For the best spawning results the female to male ratio should be at least three females to one male. The female will spawn on a flat rock. She will then take the unfertilized eggs into her mouth and follow closely behind the male until he releases the sperm to fertilize the eggs. The female will then incubate the eggs for approximately three weeks before releasing the fry. The fry can then be fed newly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia, or crushed flake food.

In nature, Mbuna Cichlids feed upon the aufwuchs (organic sediment) covering rocks and wood. Provide a balanced diet of dried seaweed, spirulina and other plant-based flake and pellet foods. Supplemented their diet with meaty foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms

from www.liveaquaria.com

Synodontis Zebra Hybrid

Synodontis Zebra Hybrid
(Synodontis sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, KH 4-15, pH 6.5-7.8
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore

Origin: Indonesia
Family: Mochokidae

The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is a very ornate member of the naked catfish group. With a multitude of spots of various sizes, this sleek and attractive Synodontis catfish has a truly "wild" appearance. There is a notable delineation between the head and the rest of the body. The spots on the head are much smaller and greater in concentration, while the body sports larger, loosely spaced spots. This juxtaposition creates an interesting pattern that complements the lean angular body of the Synodontis Zebra Hybrid. This distinct combination of spots may shed light to the lineage of this attractive hybrid. Synodontis decorus, Synodontis ocellifer and Synodontis multipunctatus are just a few examples of potential candidates that may make up the Synodontis Zebra Hybrid.
A well-filtered aquarium, 50 gallons or larger, with a warm stable temperature and plenty of rocks and plants is a suitable environment. The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is a very peaceful tank member and appreciates having several hiding places. It co-exists well with larger Tetras and most African Cichlids similar in size.

When netting, one must be very careful of the spines on the pectoral fins which have serrated edges. These can become easily entangled in netting and may cause injury to the fish or hobbyist.

The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is an omnivore and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, and a good quality flake food.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Striped Raphael Cat

Striped Raphael Cat
(Platyodras armatulus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: KH 4-20, pH 6.0-7.5
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Brown, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Colombia
Family: Doradidae

The Striped Raphael Cat is a popular "larger" catfish full of desirable characteristics. The curious tadpole-like body shape and bold black and white stripes make the Striped Raphael Cat a visually striking fish. Inquisitive by nature, the peaceful Striped Raphael Cat is full of personality and a pleasure to observe when active. Hardy and easy to care for, this armored catfish sports an impressive set of chainsaw-like spines running along its lateral line. Pronounced, dagger-like dorsal and pectoral fins add to the arsenal of formidable defenses the Striped Raphael Cat has against predators. Due to these thorny defensive spines, extreme care should be used when netting the Striped Raphael Cat to prevent ensnarement.
The Striped Raphael Cat and other members of the Doradid family of armored catfish are often referred to as "talking catfish." When threatened, they produce a guttural croak or a series of percussive squeaks designed to intimidate. Thanks to its many defensive traits, the Striped Raphael Cat is mild-mannered yet confident in its endeavors. This peaceful catfish does well in aquariums 30 gallons or larger. The Striped Raphael Cat does equally well in community aquariums with peaceful inhabitants and aquariums housing larger more aggressive fish. Since the Striped Raphael Cat is nocturnal be sure to provide ample daytime refuge. A planted aquarium aquascaped with driftwood and rock to provide caves overhangs and tunnels create a great home for the Striped Raphael Cat.

Offer a variety of foods, including sinking pellets and small freeze-dried and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Royal Pleco (L-191)

Royal Pleco (L-191)
(Panaque nigrolineatus L-191)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
Max. Size: 1' 4"
Color Form: Brown, Gold
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae

The Royal Plecostomus is a handsome suckermouth catfish belonging to the Genus Panaque. A classic representative of this genus, the Royal Plecostomus is a stout, muscular fish with a distinct "tadpole" shape. Compared to other Loricariids, members of the Genus Panaque sport a truncated body with a pronounced anterior that gives them a "top-heavy" appearance best seen from the profile view. The Royal Plecostomus, also known as the Royal Panaque, Royal Black-lined Panaque or Broken Line Royal Pleco, has irregular black steaks set upon a deep mossy or cement colored body. This bold and eye-pleasing graphic pattern elevates this very attractive fish to royalty status among Loricariid enthusiasts. The distinct body shape, striking pattern and prominent eyes make the Royal Plecostomus a welcomed change from the usual and a peaceful addition to large freshwater aquariums.
Hailing from the rivers and tributaries of South America, the Royal Plecostomus has evolved to exploit fast-moving riparian environments with sunken bogwood (driftwood). Planted aquariums with hardy, fast-growing plants and high aeration and water movement provide a healthy environment. Be sure to aquascape with driftwood and rocks to provide hiding spaces for the Royal Plecostomus. The use of driftwood is essential since natural feeding behavior of the Royal Plecostomus revolves around foraging for food items growing on or encrusting driftwood. A recommended minimum tank of 125 gallons should be provided to house the Royal Plecostomus.

The Royal Plecostomus has not been bred in an aquarium and little is known about their breeding habits.

Feeding the Royal Plecostomus is not difficult since it is not a picky eater. However, plenty of driftwood should be used in the aquarium housing this fish. As previously mentioned, biological matter such as detritus and algae that forms on and inside of the wood itself makes up a major portion of its diet.

Supplement the diet of the Royal Plecostomus with foods that sink to the bottom of the aquarium such as a high-quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, sinking algae wafers, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex worms.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Buenos Aires Tetra

Buenos Aires Tetra
(Hemigrammus caudovittatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-82° F, KH 12-30, pH 7.0-8.3
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Red, Silver
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: China
Family: Characidae

The Buenos Aires Tetra is a South American fish that will make a great addition to any community aquarium. It has a slender silver body with red fins.
The Buenos Aires Tetra can be housed in an aquarium with other soft water fish. Tetras are a schooling fish that work well in groups of six or more fish of the same species. Artificial plants, rocks and driftwood help to enhance its natural habitat and provide hiding spaces. The Buenos Aires Tetra will eat most live plants, except Java Fern.

Buenos Aires Tetras breed occasionally in an aquarium setting and a hospital or "breeding tank" will be necessary. Slightly acidic water is best for optimal breeding habits. After the eggs begin to hatch, removing the parents will reduce the number of lost fry.

The Buenos Aires Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Marigold Wag Swordtail

Marigold Wag Swordtail
(Xiphophorus helleri)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-82° F, KH 12-30, pH 7.0-8.3
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Malaysia
Family: Poeciliidae

The Marigold Wag Swordtail demonstrates a classic color combination notable among the widely bred color varieties of the Xiphophorus helleri Swordtail. The bold color combination of yellow and black gives the Marigold Wag Swordtail a sophisticated appearance. The Swordtail is perhaps the quintessential community aquarium fish. The time-tested popularity of the Swordtail can be attributed to its ease of care, peaceful temperament, and wonderfully diverse fin and color varieties. The most common Swordtail varieties include: Red Velvet, Marigold, Black Nubian, Pineapple, and Neon Swordtail. The male Swordtail is especially prized for its namesake feature, the showy extension on the lower part of its tail resembling a sword.
The Marigold Wag Swordtail requires an aquarium of at least 20 gallons that is well planted with plenty of room for swimming. Because of its peaceful nature, the Marigold Wag Swordtail is well suited for the community aquarium. However, the male Marigold Wag Swordtail can demonstrate territorial aggression towards other male Swordtails so care should be taken when housing more than one male. Also, the Marigold Wag Swordtail is an accomplished jumper, so be sure to provide a secure cover for the aquarium.

The Marigold Wag Swordtail is a live-bearing fish related to freshwater aquarium favorites including guppies, mollies, and platys. As such, a female Swordtail can give birth to as many as 80 fry at one time. A spawning box is recommended, or if one is not available, provide dense floating cover to protect the Swordtail fry from potential predation by the adults. Unless it is your intention to breed Marigold Wag Swordtails, the male Swordtail fry should be separated once the sex of the fry is determined. The Swordtail can begin breeding as young as three months of age and can quickly overpopulate an aquarium.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail

Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail
(Xiphophorus helleri)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-82° F, KH 12-30, pH 7.0-8.3
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Malaysia, Singapore
Family: Poeciliidae

The Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail is perhaps one of the more playful and whimsical color varieties of the Xiphophorus helleri Swordtail. Through selective breeding, the Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail was developed to have eye-catching Red/Orange coloration. However, more notable is the black marking at the base of the body that resembles the silhouette of Disney's Mickey Mouse.
The Swordtail is perhaps the quintessential community aquarium fish. The time-tested popularity of the Swordtail can be attributed to its ease of care, peaceful temperament, and wonderfully diverse fin and color varieties. The most common Swordtail varieties include: Red Wag, Red Velvet, Marigold, Black Nubian, Pineapple, and Neon Swordtail. The male Swordtail is especially prized for its namesake feature, the showy extension on the lower part of its tail resembling a sword.

The Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail requires an aquarium of at least 20 gallons that is well planted with plenty of room for swimming. Because of its peaceful nature, the Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail is well suited for the community aquarium. However, the male Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail can demonstrate territorial aggression towards other male Swordtails. Care should be taken when housing more than one male. Also, the Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail is an accomplished jumper, so be sure to provide a secure cover for the aquarium.

The Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail is a live-bearing fish related to freshwater aquarium favorites including guppies, mollies, and platys. As such, a female Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail can give birth to as many as 80 fry at one time. A spawning box is recommended, or if one is not available, provide dense floating cover to protect the Swordtail fry from potential predation by the adults. Unless it is your intention to breed Red Mickey Mouse Swordtails, the male Swordtail fry should be separated once the sex of the fry is determined. The Swordtail can begin breeding as young as three months of age and can quickly overpopulate an aquarium.

The Red Mickey Mouse Swordtail is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods and algae, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Rainbow Platy

Rainbow Platy
(Xiphophorus maculatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-77° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.0-8.2
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black, Red, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Malaysia
Family: Poeciliidae

The Rainbow Platy is a beautiful yellow, red, and black color variety of the popular Xiphophorus maculatus Platy. Through selective breeding, platies are now available in a wide range of new color and fin variations. The Rainbow Platy is a great example of an atypical color variation.
The Rainbow Platy adds brilliant color to the aquarium and are very easy to keep. These features make it a great fish for beginners and accomplished aquarists alike. The Rainbow Platy requires an aquarium of at least 10 gallons that is densely planted with hardy plants like Java Fern and Java Moss. The Rainbow Platy is a very peaceful fish and makes an excellent addition to the freshwater community aquarium. Any other peaceful fish can be housed with them.

The Rainbow Platy is a livebearer capable of reproducing at three to four months of age. The male is smaller and more brightly colored than the female, and can be distinguished by his gonopodium. The fry will most often reach maturity in a community aquarium.

The platy is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods and algae, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Gold Mickey Mouse Platy

Gold Mickey Mouse Platy
(Xiphophorus maculatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-77° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.0-8.2
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Malaysia
Family: Poeciliidae

The Gold Mickey Mouse Platy is a beautiful, orange and black color variety of the popular Xiphophorus maculatus Platy. An iridescent black tail contrasts a bright orange body and a small blue spot behind the eyes. Through selective breeding, platies are now available in a wide range of new color and fin variations. The Gold Mickey Mouse Platy is a great example of an atypical color variation.
The Gold Mickey Mouse Platy adds brilliant color to the aquarium and are very easy to keep. These features make it a great fish for beginners and accomplished aquarists alike. The Gold Mickey Mouse Platy requires an aquarium of at least 10 gallons that is densely planted with hardy plants like Java Fern and Java Moss. The Gold Mickey Mouse Platy is a very peaceful fish and makes an excellent addition to the freshwater community aquarium. Any other peaceful fish can be housed with them.

The Gold Mickey Mouse Platy is a livebearer capable of reproducing at three to four months of age. The male is smaller and more brightly colored than the female, and can be distinguished by his gonopodium. The fry will most often reach maturity in a community aquarium.

The platy is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods and algae, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Painted Platy

Painted Platy
(Xiphophorus maculatus)

QUICK STATS

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-77° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.0-8.2
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Malaysia, Singapore
Family: Poeciliidae

The Painted Platy is a beautiful, orange, yellow and black color variety of the popular Xiphophorus maculatus Platy. Iridescent black sides and a brilliant golden profile appear as though an artist personally painted each fish. Through selective breeding, platies are now available in a wide range of new color and fin variations. The Painted Platy is a great example of an atypical color variation.
The Painted Platy adds brilliant color to the aquarium and are very easy to keep. These features make it a great fish for beginners and accomplished aquarists alike. The Painted Platy requires an aquarium of at least 10 gallons that is densely planted with hardy plants like Java Fern and Java Moss. The Painted Platy is a very peaceful fish and makes an excellent addition to the freshwater community aquarium. Any other peaceful fish can be housed with them.

The Painted Platy is a livebearer capable of reproducing at three to four months of age. The male is smaller and more brightly colored than the female, and can be distinguished by his gonopodium. The fry will most often reach maturity in a community aquarium.

The platy is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods and algae, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

from www.liveaquaria.com