Showing posts with label FW Beginners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FW Beginners. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Zebra Longfin Danio

Zebra Longfin Danio
(Danio rerio)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-75° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.0
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Purple, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised - USA
Family: Cyprinidae

The Zebra Longfin Danio is a long fin variety developed through selective breeding. The Zebra Longfin Danio shares the same characteristics of the hardy and popular Zebra Danio but enhanced with long, elegant fins. This variety of Danio rerio is either silver or gold with five uniform blue/purple stripes that stretch from the gill to the end of the tail. The flowing fins of the Zebra Longfin Danio accentuate the horizontal stripes to give this beautiful fish a refined and fluid quality when it is in motion.
Native to the Ganges region in Eastern India, wild Zebra Danios are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from fast-moving streams to slow-moving, nearly stagnant ponds. In the home aquarium, this member of the Cyprinidae family prefers a well-planted aquarium with large, open swimming areas. For the best care, keep the peaceful Zebra Longfin Danio in small schools with equally non-aggressive fish. Since they are omnivores, feed the Zebra Longfin Danio a varied diet of flake and frozen foods.

Male Zebra Longfin Danios are generally more torpedo shaped, while females tend to have a larger belly. Generally, male Zebra Longfin Danios spawn with and remain loyal to one female. A breeding pair should be placed in a breeding aquarium with fine-leaved plants for them to spawn over. Roughly 300-400 eggs are produced and hatch within two days. The fry should be fed small pieces of live foods, such as brine shrimp.


www.liveaquaria.com

Turquoise Danio

Turquoise Danio
(Brachydanio kerri)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 73-77° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.0
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Blue
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Asia, Malay Peninsula
Family: Cyprinidae

The Turquoise Danio, also known as the Blue Danio or Pearl Danio, is a slender-bodied, active, schooling fish ideal for the community aquarium.
Native to streams and pools, the Turquoise Danio does well with other Danio species and other peaceful fish of similar size. Kept with others in a school, this fish will be very active. The Turquoise Danio prefers a planted aquarium with plenty of swimming space available.

Turquoise Danio scatter their eggs in shallow water over a substrate of coarse gravel. After hatching, usually within 36 hours after spawning, the fry should be fed fine pieces of live foods. Sunlight may trigger spawning.

Turquoise Danios are omnivores and should be fed a diet of flake foods with plenty of vegetable matter, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Tiger Pleco (L-02)

Tiger Pleco (L-02)
(Peckoltia vermiculata)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-76° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Red, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae

The Tiger Pleco comes from the Amazon Basin of South America. It gets its name from the striped pattern it has on its body. Constant temperature and pH levels will help maintain this peaceful Plecostomus' health. Tiger Plecos make good additions to any community aquarium.
Planted aquariums with high aeration and water movement make for a healthy environment. Rocks and driftwood help to accent a natural habitat and provide hiding spaces to reduce stress for the Tiger Pleco. A 30 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for this species.

Breeding in an aquarium setting has not been successful yet, however, different methods are being used in the industry. The Tiger Plecostomus is an egg-layer, that tends to use plants and rocks as an anchor.

Feeding the Tiger Pleco is not difficult due to the fact that it is not a picky eater. Feeding off the bottom of the aquarium, it gets most of its nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Tiger Barb

Tiger Barb
(Puntius tetrazona)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.0
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Black, Orange, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised, USA
Family: Cyprinidae

The Tiger Barb is silver/gold with black stripes and orange accented fins. They are a very lively, playful fish that prefers to be in schools.

They prefer a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. The Tiger Barb is a very active fish that may pester or even nip the fins of larger, slower moving fish.

It is best, when trying to breed the Tiger Barb, to house a number of Barbs in the same aquarium until they pair off. After a pair has developed, the female will lay the eggs and the male will follow behind to fertilize. The fry will be free-swimming after about 5 days. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food.

The Tiger Barb needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetables as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Ryukin Goldfish, Assorted

Ryukin Goldfish, Assorted
(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: Orange, Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: China, Farm Raised
Family: Cyprinidae

The Ryukin Goldfish has a curved backbone, a fat belly and long feathery fins. It has a small, pointed mouth and the body is typically triangular in shape. There is a distinct hump on the back immediately behind the head. The Ryukin Goldfish comes in a variety of colors, including the Red/White, Calico, Red/Black and Red.

All goldfish are members of the carp group and are generally quite hardy. The Ryukin Goldfish will do well in a tank of 30 gallons of water or more with a fine gravel bottom and hardy, cold water plants, as well as backyard garden ponds of 180 gallons or more. Goldfish are diggers and will scatter the fine sand onto leaves, injuring thin and less hardy plants. Roots and well-rounded river rocks are a good addition to the aquarium.

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. The fry should be fed small pieces of live or prepared foods designed for egg-laying fish.

Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat all types of dried and live foods. Limit protein, however, to 30% of the diet. A Goldfish flake or pellet food will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Starry Night Pleco (L-59)

Starry Night Pleco (L-59)
(Ancistris sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae

The Starry Night Pleco comes from the rivers and tributaries of South America. The main color is black with small white spots covering the entire body, resembling stars. The dorsal fin and tail are outlined in white, and the nose and mouth area have long bristles. Starry Night Plecos make good additions to any community aquarium.

Planted aquariums with hearty, fast-growing plants, high aeration, and water movement make for a healthy environment. Rocks and driftwood help to accent a natural habitat and provide hiding spaces to reduce stress for the Starry Night Pleco. A recommended minimum tank of 30 gallons should be provided to house this fish.

The Starry Night Pleco has not been bred in an aquarium and little is known about their breeding habits.

Feeding the Starry Night Pleco is not difficult due to the fact that it is not a picky eater. Feeding off the bottom of the aquarium, it gets most of its nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Sparkling Gourami

Sparkling Gourami
(Trichopsis pumilus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, KH 4-8, pH 6.0-7.0
Max. Size: 1½"
Color Form: Blue, Clear, Green, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Cambodia, Farm Raised, Tank Bred, Thailand
Family: Belontiidae

The Sparkling Gourami is a petite gem of freshwater aquariums. With its gorgeous golden body speckled with flecks of iridescent red and fins adorned with blue and green spots, the tiny Trichopsis pumilus is simply stunning. In spite of its beauty, the Sparkling Gourami remains humble and peaceful towards its tankmates.
Native to the shallow rice patties of Thailand and Cambodia, the Sparkling Gourami can survive in the low water level conditions with diminished oxygen levels. Because it is adapted to close quarters, the Sparkling Gourami only reaches a total length of about 1-1/2". However, for the best care, this member of the Belontiidae family should be housed in an aquarium at least 10 gallons in size.

The Sparkling Gourami will thrive in an aquarium with a variety of live plants and rocks or driftwood amongst which it can hide. An aquarium with dark substrate or slightly tinted water brings out the best coloration of the Sparkling Gourami. The Sparkling Gourami can be kept with a variety of tankmates of similar size and temperament. While males can be territorial with each other, the Sparkling Gourami becomes timid around other, more aggressive fish.

The only way to differentiate the male from the female Sparkling Gourami is by illuminating the fish with bright light and looking for the ovaries of the female. When ready to breed, the male Sparkling Gourami builds a bubblenest and then begins to entice the female by swimming back and forth, flaring his fins and raising his tail. When this behavior is noticed, the water level should be reduced to 6 inches. After spawning, the female should be removed to a separate aquarium as the male may become aggressive toward her. The male Sparkling Gourami will tend the eggs until they hatch. After the eggs have hatched perform frequent water changes, especially during the third week, as this is when the labyrinth organ is developing. The fry should be fed infusoria and nauplii.

The Sparkling Gourami is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Rosy Barb, Male

Rosy Barb, Male
(Puntius conchonius)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 4-10, pH 6.0-7.0
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Red, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised, USA
Family: Cyprinidae

The Rosy Barb is one of the larger Barbs that can grow up to 6 inches in the wild. The male is red and gold with black spots near the rear and at the dorsal fin. The female lacks the red color and is mostly golden.
They prefer a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. The Rosy Barb is a schooling fish and enjoys being in numbers. If in a large enough school, they typically will not bother any other fish in the aquarium.

It is best, when trying to breed the Rosy Barb, to house two females with one male. Provide a coarse gravel in the breeding tank and after the eggs have been laid, remove the parents. The fry will hatch in approximately 3 days, at which time, they should be fed baby brine shrimp until large enough to accept crushed flake food.

The Rosy Barb needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetables as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Rio-Negro Pleco (L 135)

Rio-Negro Pleco (L 135)
(Peckoltia sp. platyrhyncha)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.5-7.4
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae

The Rio-Negro Plecostomus, also known as the Candy Stripe-Peckoltia, comes from the rivers and tributaries of South America. It is dark brown to black with irregular golden vertical stripes. The rays of the fins are also golden with black stripes. Rio-Negro Plecos make good additions to any community aquarium.
Planted aquariums with hearty, fast-growing plants, high aeration, and water movement make for a healthy environment. Rocks and driftwood help to accent a natural habitat and provide hiding spaces to reduce stress for the Candy Stripe Plecostomus. A recommended minimum tank of 30 gallons should be provided to house this fish.

The Rio-Negro Plecostomus has not been bred in an aquarium setting and little is known about their breeding habits.

Feeding the Rio-Negro Plecostomus is not difficult due to the fact that it is not a picky eater. Feeding off the bottom of the aquarium, it gets most of its nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Monday, June 28, 2010

Red Cap Oranda Goldfish

Red Cap Oranda Goldfish
(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: 10"
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Asia, China, Japan
Family: Cyprinidae

The Red Cap Oranda is one of several varieties of what is commonly known as the Goldfish, Carassius auratus auratus. The Goldfish originally came from parts of Asia, Japan, and China but now enjoys worldwide distribution due to controlled breeding programs. The Red Cap Oranda is typically a metallic-scaled fish. Resembling the Veil Tail varieties, the Oranda's distinction is in the "hood" that covers its head. In the case of the Red Cap Oranda, this hood is a predominant, bright red, while the body is an iridescent white.
All goldfish are members of the carp group and are generally quite hardy. The Red Cap Oranda will do well in a tank of 30 gallons of water or more with a fine gravel bottom and hardy, cold water plants, as well as backyard garden ponds of 180 gallons or more. Goldfish are diggers and will scatter the fine sand onto leaves, injuring thin and less hardy plants. Roots and well-rounded river rocks are appreciated.

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 omnivorous, and will eat all types of dried and live foods. Limit protein, however, to 30% of the diet. A Goldfish flake or pellet food will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Red & White Ryukin Goldfish

Red & White Ryukin Goldfish
(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: Orange, Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Asia, China, Japan
Family: Cyprinidae

The Red & White Ryukin is a striking fish with sophisticated markings. The interplay between the white and red/orange coloration is Zen-like in its simple beauty. The Red & White Ryukin, like all Ryukin goldfish, has a prominent arch or hump immediately behind the head. A curved backbone, a fat belly, long feathery fins, a pointed mouth, and a triangular body shape are other features that differentiate the Ryukin from other goldfish varieties.
As a member of the carp family, the Red & White Ryukin is generally quite hardy. They 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 Ryukin 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

Pink Convict Cichlid

Pink Convict Cichlid
(Archocentrus nigrofasciatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size
: 30 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Aggressive
Water Conditions: 68-73° F, KH 9-20, pH 6.5-8.0
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Pink, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Central America
Family: Cichlidae

The Pink Convict Cichlid is a pseudo-albino of the Archocentrus nigrofasciatus Convict Cichlid. Sometimes called Zebra Cichlid or Convict Cichlid, this fish is monotone in color, with the female having an orange patch on her stomach. The male is larger, monotone, has a steeper forehead and longer fins. As it ages, the male will acquire a fatty lump on the forehead. A striking addition to any aquarium, they are not recommended for the community tank due to their aggressive tendencies.
The Pink Convict Cichlid requires a minimum tank of 30 gallons with a gravel bottom, rocks and plenty of hiding places among the rocks or some inverted pots. Floating plants are recommended as a form of cover. Because of their aggressive nature, Pink Convict Cichlids should only be housed with other more aggressive fish of the same size or larger.

The Pink Convict Cichlid is a cave-breeder and will accept a range of water conditions. To promote breeding increase the water temperature to between 75-79°F. Some females will spawn between a cave and an open area. The Pink Convict Cichlid readily pairs and forms a patriarch/matriarch family and both the male and female will care for the young. The fry will respond to signals from both the male and the female.

The Pink Convict Cichlid is omnivorous and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Peppered Cory Cat

Peppered Cory Cat
(Corydoras paleatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 72-79° F, KH 2-12, pH 5.8-7.0
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Black, Green, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: South America
Family: Callichthyidae

The Peppered Cory Cat comes from the tributaries of larger river systems in South America, and is a peaceful bottom dwelling scavenger. The Peppered Cory Cat has black and dark green spots, with a white underside.
The Peppered Cory Cat requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places that provide relief from the light. A smooth sand or gravel substrate is needed because of the easily damaged barbels. They enjoy being in numbers, so a small school of six or more is ideal for these cats.

Breeding the Peppered Cory Cat is achieved by keeping a number of these cats together and allowing them to pair off. After spawning, the breeding pair should be separated from the eggs, or the eggs transferred to another system. The fry become waterborne in approximately 5 days, at which time, they should be fed baby brine shrimp and crushed flake food.

The Peppered Cory Cat is omnivorous and will require a well-balanced diet including freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, sinking catfish pellets, flake food, frozen, and live foods. Feed a quality flake and pellet food as well as frozen brine and live worms.

from www.liveaquaria.com


Pearl Gourami

Pearl Gourami
(Trichogaster leeri)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-86° F, KH 5-18, pH 6.5-8.0
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Clear, White
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Borneo, Malaysia, Sumatra
Family: Belontiidae

The Pearl Gourami is a peaceful fish that is also known as the Leeri or Lace Gourami. It is one of the most attractive, hardiest, and easy-to-keep gouramis. The body is stretched out and laterally compressed with ventral fins that are long and thin, having the look of feelers. It is covered with iridescent pearl and brown flecks that give it a mother of pearl appearance. There is a horizontal black line that runs from the lips to the tail, where it ends with a spot. The Pearl Gourami is a Labyrinth Fish. Fish in this group breathe directly from the air and must have access to the surface of the tank.
The Pearl Gourami requires a 30 gallon or larger tank with water approximately 12 inches deep, and a covering of floating ferns that may be used as hiding places. The substrate should be dark and the light subdued. The ideal tank mates for the Pearl Gourami would be similar in size and temperament. They should not be housed with aggressive tank mates, like Cichlids. They will hide in a corner, begin to loose color and may refuse to eat if kept with overly aggressive fish.

It is easy to tell the male from the female because he has extended, pointed dorsal and anal fins, and is more red. Prior to breeding, the pair should be fed live or frozen brine shrimp and worms for conditioning. The water temperature should also be raised to 80°F. When breeding, the water level in the tank should be reduced to 4-5 inches. The male will build a bubblenest under which spawning will take place. After spawning the female should be moved to a separate tank. The male Pearl Gourami tends to the eggs, and once the fry are hatched, the male should also be removed.

The fry should be fed liquid food or infusoria culture several times a day. At approximately two weeks, freshly hatched (or frozen) brine shrimp may be offered to the fry. When the fry reach approximately one month, fine flake foods may be offered. Water should be changed every two to three days, and as the fry grow larger, they should be distributed between several tanks to reduce lethal build up of wastes.

The Pearl Gourami is an omnivore and prefers both-algae based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide these fish with the proper nutrition.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus Catfish
(Otocinclus sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 74-79° F, KH 6-10, pH 6.8-7.5
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: South America
Family: Loricariidae

The Otocinclus Catfish is the algae-busting favorite of aquarium hobbyists. Even award-winning planted-aquarium experts like Takashi Amano will employ this tireless algae eater. The diminutive Otocinclus Catfish does a great job keeping aquarium glass and plants free of distracting green. Your aquascape and schooling fish will take center stage when the Otocinclus Catfish turns problem algae into delicious meals using its sucker-type mouth.
The Otocinclus is one of the smallest catfish in the Loricariidae family. Featuring a tan with a black peppered body, the Otocinclus Catfish is an attractive and functional addition to any freshwater aquarium. Originating from fast-moving rivers in South America, the Otocinclus Catfish should be housed in at least a 30-gallon aquarium with high filtration, good water movement, and high aeration. A planted aquarium with rocks and driftwood will provide plenty of hiding spaces to prevent the Otocinclus Catfish from becoming stressed. As a peaceful and very social fish, the Otocinclus Catfish prefers to be kept in small schools.

A planted aquarium with high vegetation and some algae will sustain the Otocinclus. However, if algae are not present, supplement with a vegetable-based flake or wafer food.


from www.liveaquaria.com

Neon Tetra Jumbo

Neon Tetra Jumbo
(Paracheirodon innesi)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 68-74° F, KH 4-8, pH 5.0-7.0
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Blue, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Farm Raised, Malaysia
Family: Characidae

The Neon Tetra is often described as the jewel of the aquarium hobby. It is easy to see why it is one of the most popular freshwater tropical fish. With their iridescent blue bodies and bright red tails, Paracheirodon innesi creates an exciting splash of color in any aquarium, especially when kept in schools of six or more.
Native to the clear water streams of South America, the Neon Tetra prefers densely planted systems with plenty of low light areas to hide. To best recreate its natural habitat, place rocks and driftwood amongst the plants for added areas of refuge. However, the Neon Tetra will tend to swim or remain suspended in the water column in schools to create a breathtaking display of color. Extremely peaceful, the Neon Tetra should be kept with similarly non-aggressive tankmates of a similar size.

This member of the Characidae family thrives in slightly acidic water with stable water parameters. To breed Neon Tetras, separate a pair into a "breeding tank" with no lighting at first, and gradually increase lighting until spawning occurs. Water hardness should be less than 4 dH and live foods such as mosquito larvae are great inducers. Be sure to remove the adults after the eggs have been laid, as the adults will eat them. The eggs should hatch within 30 hours.

Neon Tetras 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

Long Fin White Cloud

Long Fin White Cloud
(Tanichthys albonubes)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-72° F, KH 10-15, pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Southern China
Family: Cyprinidae

The Long Fin White Cloud Minnow is a long-finned variety of the White Cloud Minnow. Captive breeding has allowed the White Cloud to develop long fins that are appealing to the aquarist.
This easy to keep minnow will do well in the community aquarium with other peaceful fish. If kept in a school of eight or more, the Long Fin White Cloud will be more active and colorful.

Tanichthys albonubes spawns over plants in cool water. After hatching, about 36 hours after spawning, the fry should be fed small live foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp.

Long Fin White Clouds are omnivores and should be fed a diet of flake foods with plenty of vegetable matter, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Lemon Cobra Guppy

Lemon Cobra Guppy
(Poecilia reticulata)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-82° F, KH 10-30, pH 5.5-8.0
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Captive-bred in Asia, Central America to Brazil
Family: Poeciliidae

The Lemon Cobra Guppy is also called the Millions Fish and sometimes, simply the Guppy. It is one of the color variations of Poecilia reticulata guppy. The hardiness of the Lemon Cobra Guppy, as well as the fact that it matures quickly makes it an excellent fish for beginning hobbyists. The Lemon Cobra male has a striking metallic blue-green body with a solid yellow tail fin and dorsal fin.
The Lemon Cobra Guppy requires a tank with at least 20 gallons of water, and is very tolerant of changing tank conditions. Plants should be hardy varieties such as Java Fern and Java Moss that can handle the increased hardness in the tank. Other peaceful fish would make good tank mates.

The females in this pair are of an assorted variety; however, you can differentiate the males and females easily. The males are smaller in size, have brighter coloration, along with a bigger tail fin, and pointed anal fin. The females are larger in size with a duller coloration, have a rounded anal fin, as well as a pregnancy patch on the lower portion of the body. Ideally, the environment would have a covering of floating ferns and a breeding box to protect the fry. Adults may eat the fry if left to fend for themselves without the breeding box. The fry should be fed brine shrimp, micro food and pulverized flakes.

The Lemon Cobra Guppy is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide guppies with the proper nutrition.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Kenyi Cichlid

The Kenyi Cichlid, Metriaclima lombardoi, is an aggressive medium sized cichlid that originates from the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in Africa. The female is blue with black bars and the male turns to a yellow color as it matures.

The Kenyi Cichlid is ideally kept in a 50 gallon or larger aquarium decorated with plenty of rocks and caves in order to provide adequate hiding places for these territorial fish.

The male is sexually mature when the full yellow color is achieved, and reproduction in this species is considered easy compared to other cichlids. They are a mouth brooding species and the fry are released from the female's mouth in about 3 weeks after fertilization. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp and finely ground flake food.

The Kenyi should be given a diet containing vegetable-based foods. Feed a quality vegetable-based flake food, algae, and other foods designed for African Cichlids.

from www.liveaquaria.com

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Green Cobra Guppy

The Green Cobra Guppy is also called the Millions Fish and sometimes, simply the Guppy. It is one of the color variations of Poecilia reticulata guppy. The hardiness of the Green Cobra Guppy, as well as the fact that it matures quickly makes it an excellent fish for beginning hobbyists. The Green Cobra male has a vibrant green body with a snakeskin pattern. The tail fin is patterned with yellow and black.

The Green Cobra Guppy requires a tank with at least 20 gallons of water, and is very tolerant of changing tank conditions. Plants should be hardy varieties such as Java Fern and Java Moss that can handle the increased hardness in the tank. Other peaceful fish would make good tank mates.

The females in this pair are of an assorted variety; however, you can differentiate the males and females easily. The males are smaller in size, have brighter coloration, along with a bigger tail fin, and pointed anal fin. The females are larger in size with a duller coloration, have a rounded anal fin, as well as a pregnancy patch on the lower portion of the body. Ideally, the environment should have a covering of floating ferns and a breeding box to protect the fry. Adults may eat the fry if left to fend for themselves without the breeding box. The fry should be fed brine shrimp, micro food and pulverized flakes.

The Green Cobra Guppy is an omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods. An algae-based flake food, along with freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp will provide guppies with the proper nutrition.

from www.liveaquaria.com