aquariumworld: September 2011

aquarium fishes

Boeseman's rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) is a species of fish in the Melanotaeniidae family. It is also known as Boesemani rainbowfish. It is endemic to Ayamaru River in a mountainous region of the Vogelkop Peninsula, West Papua. It is also available in the aquarium hobby, where it is prized for its excellent colors and peaceful demeanor. The colour pattern is completely different to most other forms of rainbowfish as it has a half orange-red rear and a blueish-grey or purple front which in some specimens is almost defined perfectly as though the fish has been dipped in paint from both ends. Melantotaenia boesemani will often grow to lengths that exceed 10 centimetres if given the right food and water conditions.

Black ghost knifefish require a medium sized tank of 30-40 US gal (95-110 litres) when smaller, though as they grow larger will require a much larger tank of around 75+ US gal [3]. A lid is needed as they have been known to jump out. Black Ghost knifefish get to a maximum size of 20" in the wild, but usually stop growing at 12" in home aquaria.They are very jealous of bigger Black Ghost knifefish and can be observed eating algae to grow. They should be provided with a shelter (such as a plastic tube or driftwood) in which to hide. They prefer a dimly lit tank as their eyesight is optimized for low light. To help them see, they are a weakly electric fish. They will eat smaller fish in the tank and are intolerant of conspecifics. As with other scaleless fish, they are vulnerable to parasite infestations such as ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis). They can reproduce in captivity, although reports of successful captive breeding are extremely rare.

The horseface loach or horsehead loach, Acantopsis choirorhynchos, is a freshwater and brackish fish in the loach family (Cobitidae). This bottom-dwelling fish is native to the swift, clear streams and rivers of mainland and archipelagic Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia through the Chao Phraya and Mekong river basins. It can also be found in flooded fields. A very similar species is the unofficially named longnose loach, Acantopsis octoactinotos, from which the horseface can be distinguished by the latter's down-turned (horse-like) nose. Additionally, the horseface loach buries itself in the bottom substratum (if silt or fine sand); the longnose loach does not. The horseface loach is fast moving; the longnose is rather slow. However, the longnose is more aggressive, regularly feeding on juvenile fishes.

The guppy (Poecilia reticulata), also known as the millionfish,[1] is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish species in the world. It is a small member of the Poeciliidae family [females 4–6 centimetres (1.6–2.4 in) long, males 2.5–3.5 centimetres (1.0–1.4 in) long] and like all other members of the family, is live-bearing.Guppies are native to Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Brazil, Guyana, Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela.[3][4] However, guppies have been introduced to many different countries on all continents, except Antarctica. Sometimes this has occurred accidentally, but most often as a means of mosquito control, the hope being that the guppies would eat the mosquito larvae, slowing the spread of malaria. In many cases, these guppies have had a negative impact on native fish faunas.[5]

The dwarf gourami, Colisa lalia, has an almost translucent blue color, with vertical red to dark orange stripes. In its native range it is dried for food, and it is also kept as an aquarium fish. It has become highly popular for aquaria. Dwarf gouramis from Singapore may carry dwarf gourami iridovirus. Recent research has shown that 22% of Singapore Colisa lalia carry this virus.[1]The dwarf gourami originally came from South Asia; it originates from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. However, it has also been widely distributed outside of its native range.[2] This fish inhabits slow-moving streams, rivulets, and lakes with plenty of vegetation.

Nothobranchius rachovii (Ahl, 1926) is a species of freshwater annual killifish from Mozambique. It can grow up to 6 cm (2.4").[1] It is popular among killifish enthusiasts, who raise them from eggs in aquaria. Aside from the typical orange and blue variant, there is Nothobranchius rachovii KNP Black, which has much darker colors, and was collected from the wild in Kruger National Park, South Africa in 1984,[2] and Nothobranchius rachovii var. Red, which has a red head with turquoise highlights.[3] The females of all varieties are more neutrally colored.

The Bala shark, Balantiocheilos melanopterus, also known as the tricolor shark, silver shark, or shark minnow, is a fish species of the family Cyprinidae, and is one of the two species in the genus Balantiocheilos. This species is not a true shark, but is commonly called a "shark" because of its torpedo-shaped body and large fins.These fish have a silver body with black margins on their dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic fins.They have big eyes to see better to catch their prey. The Bala shark will grow to a maximum length of 12 inches but takes a long time to do so.[2]

The Harlequin Rasbora a small fish belonging to the Family Cyprinidae, subfamily Rasborinae, which was originally given the scientific name of Rasbora heteromorpha. The specific name heteromorpha, translating from the Greek as "differently shaped", alludes to the fact that the body shape of this species differs from that of other members of the genus Rasbora, and as a consequence of this and assorted other factors (including the difference in breeding technique), the fish was assigned to a new genus, Trigonostigma, and is thus now known to science as Trigonostigma heteromorpha. The common name for this fish, Harlequin Rasbora, alludes to the black triangular patch upon the body, which is reminiscent of the patterns found on the costume of a Harlequin. The species is a popular aquarium fish, and is perhaps the best known of all the Rasboras. The species has been in circulation among aquarists since 1934 (Innes, 1966, p. 172).

Silver dollar is a common name given to a number of species of Metynnis, a tropical fish belonging to the Characidae family which is closely related to piranha and pacu. Originating in the Tapajós River basin in South America, this somewhat round-shaped silver fish with slight red-tinged anal fin is mostly found in tanks kept by fish-keeping hobbyists. It will grow to a maximum length of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches). The silver dollar is a peaceful schooling species that spends most of its time in the mid- to upper-level of the water. Its maximum lifespan is more than 10 years. A chin-layer, the adult fish will spawn around 2,000 eggs. This breeding occurs in soft, warm water in low light. Silver dollars natively live in a tropical climate in the sides of weedy rivers. They prefer water with a pH of 5–7, a water hardness of up to 15 dGH, and an ideal temperature range of 24–28 °C (75–82 °F). Their diet is almost exclusively vegetarian and in captivity they will often eat all the plants in a tank. They will also eat worms and small insects.

Abramites hypselonotus, or the marbled headstander, is a member of the family Anostomidae of the order Characiformes. Under normal fish classifying rules you would gather from its upturned mouth and long streamlined body that the marbled headstander is a surface dweller. In reality marbled headstanders, like all headstanders, inhabit the middle and lower portions of the aquarium.[2] In the wild, head standers are often found face down, tail up in narrow vertical rocky fissures.[3] Marble headstanders are generally identified by their pointed snout, diamond shaped body, brown markings on pelvic fin, wavy dark brown bands, and a dark line at the base of the caudal peduncle. The marble headstanders full adult size is roughly 5" (13 cm).[4]

Nannostomus (from the Greek: nanno = small, stomus = mouth) is a genus of fish belonging to the Lebiasinidae family of Characins. All of the species in this genus are known as Pencil Fish or Pencilfish, several of which have become popular aquarium fish due to their attractive coloration, unique shape and interesting demeanor. Most species are slender, pencil-shaped fish ranging in size from under 1" to approximately 2" in length. N. marginatus, N. rubrocaudatus and N. mortenthaleri possess a shortened, blockier outline reminiscent of pencil stubs. All but one species, Nannostomus espei, possess one to five horizontal black or brown stripes with gold or silver iridescence appearing dorsal to the primary stripe. Most also display red, orange or maroon highlights in their fins, and many have flashes of these colors on their flanks as well.

The freshwater hatchetfishes are a family, Gasteropelecidae, of ray-finned fish. The common hatchetfish is the most popular member among fish keeping hobbyists. The family includes three genera: Carnegiella (4 species), Gasteropelecus (3 species), and Thoracocharax (2 species). The most obvious trait of the freshwater hatchetfish is their enormously enlarged sternal region. This is accompanied by large pectoral fins and "extraordinarily powerful" associated muscles which "account for up to 1/4 the total body weight". "Quick beats of the pectoral fins" allow hatchetfish to "lift themselves half out of the water and glide along the surface ... Some species can even leave the water for short stretches"[1] Because of this ability to fly and tendency to jump, aquariums used to house hatchetfish should have a cover which is tightly sealed to prevent these fish from escaping.

Tetra are species of small freshwater fish from Africa, Central America and South America belonging to the biological family Characidae and to its former subfamilies Alestiidae (the "African tetras") and Lebiasinidae. The Characidae are distinguished from other fish by the presence of a small adipose fin between the dorsal fin and caudal fin. Many of these, such as the neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), are brightly colored and easy to keep in captivity. Consequently, they are extremely popular for home aquaria. The term tetra is not actually a taxonomic, phylogenetic term. Because of the popularity of tetras in the fishkeeping hobby, many unrelated fish are commonly known as tetras, including species from differing families. Even fish that are vastly different may be called tetras. For example, payara (Hydrolycus scomberoides) is occasionally known as the "sabretooth tetra" or "vampire tetra".

Catfishes (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers, catfish range in size and behavior from the heaviest and longest, the Mekong giant catfish from Southeast Asia and the second longest, the wels catfish of Eurasia, to detritivores (species that eat dead material on the bottom), and even to a tiny parasitic species commonly called the candiru, Vandellia cirrhosa. There are armour-plated types and also naked types, neither having scales. Despite their name, not all catfish have prominent barbels; members of the Siluriformes order are defined by features of the skull and swimbladder. Catfish are of considerable commercial importance; many of the larger species are farmed or fished for food. Many of the smaller species, particularly the genus Corydoras, are important in the aquarium hobby.

aquarium fish foods

Aquarium fish feed is plant or animal material intended for consumption by pet fish kept in aquariums or ponds. Fish foods normally contain macro nutrients, trace elements and vitamins necessary to keep captive fish in good health. Approximately 80% of fishkeeping hobbyists feed their fish exclusively prepared foods that most commonly are produced in flake, pellet or tablet form.[1] Pelleted forms, some of which sink rapidly, are often used for larger fish or bottom feeding species such as loaches or catfish.[citation needed] Some fish foods also contain additives such as sex hormones or beta carotene to artificially enhance the color of ornamental fish.

Dry foods Flake food is a type of proprietary or artificially manufactured fish food consumed by a wide variety of tropical and saltwater fish and invertebrates. It is ideally suited to top dwellers and mid-water fish though numerous bottom dwelling species consume flake food once it has settled on the bottom. Flake food is baked to remove moisture, ensuring a longer shelf life.[citation needed] Generally the more moisture a particular example of fish food contains, the more readily it will deteriorate in quality.[citation needed] Dry foods is also available as pellets, sticks, tablets, granules, and wafers, manufactured to float or sink, depending on the species they are designed to feed.

Pellet fish food is generally suitable for mid-water feeding fish and bottom dwellers. Mid-water fish usually prefer to swim in the middle area of the tank, though they may occasionally also investigate the bottom of the tank. Most mid-water fish prefer to have their food delivered to them in a highly visible form, such as that of fish pellets. Pellet fish food formulas usually sink quite rapidly, and will be able to be consumed by mid-water fish as they drop. Since pellets often descend to the bottom of the fishtank, they are also suitable to be used as a food source for bottom-dwelling fish. Most bottom-feeding fish prefer to browse the bottom of the tank for their food-based needs. An advantage of pellet based fish food formula is that it does not tend to deteriorate as rapidly once submerged in the water of the fishtank. Most flake fish food formulas break apart once they reach the bottom of the tank, and may slip underneath sand or gravel. This promotes growth of bacteria, as bottom-feeding fish may not be able to reach the food particles. Pellet fish food formulas are better able to retain their shape, and are more readily consumed by bottom-dwelling fish.

Worms Black Worms Blackworms are segmented worms typically raised on fish farms (hence significantly cleaner than Tubifex worms). Tubifex Worms Tubifex inhabit muddy, polluted streams and cannot be recommended as fish food because they harbor parasites and toxins, and have a low beneficial nutrient content. Always soak the worms in water for several days before feeding. Feed sparingly as uneaten Tubifex worms will burrow in the gravel and may die. Tubifex worms are only good to feed temporarily, if fish refuse all other foods. White Worms (Enchytraea) White worms are found in decomposing materials including compost piles and seaweed piles. White worms are fatty and should only be fed on an occasionally basis. White worms are commonly used to feed older fry. These worms can be cultured at home.

aquarium accessories

Tips On Choosing Aquarium Accessories In this article we will give you information and advice on building your own fish aquarium, and what aquarium accessories you will need. Once you’ve selected the size and style of your fish aquarium tank, you can workout the amount of gallons of water the item contains, you have to understand this specific to help you to ascertain how much pea gravel you will require and also what dimension of filtration system you’ll need for your tank. The general opinion is that you need to put one single pound of pea gravel to one gallon of normal water, this can end up being useful to the good bacterias you will need of which resides at the bottom of one’s fish tank. The one thing you need to perform before you decide to add the gravel is to clean it to ensure it is clean, this can take out virtually any detrimental bacteria prior to including it to your aquarium. Once the actual gravel is in your fish tank then you can start to place ones plant life inside, and also any other ornaments you’ve selected to add, however never over fill your aquarium with these items. You want a nicely well balanced looking fish tank if possible to help you enjoy ones brand new aquarium. Just before you start to incorporate the water you will have to get some chemical substances to help purify it, these types of chemicals will certainly clear away the chlorine as well as the ammonia that could harm ones fish. Your regional aquarium tank merchant should be able to advise you upon what type of substances you will require for the water within your specific area, you can now fill up the tank using water and add exactly what dosage of chemical compounds the merchant has suggested. You should also have a filter for the aquarium, all these filters tend to be graded to work upon the quantity of gallons of water there’s within your aquarium. We’d advise getting one which is graded marginally bigger than you will need, because this specific enables you to put extra fish in your fish tank later on. You can now select which fish you would like within your tank, you will find there’s wide range of various kinds of freshwater species of fish to choose from, check out your local shop and check out precisely what they’ve got throughout there tanks and attempt to imagine blending the various types together. Nevertheless be cautious while selecting your fish, many fish will never be happy with each other inside the very same tank, the store will need to counsel you what is the right variety you’ll be able to put together. Another thing you have to be aware of can be try not to over nourish ones fish, since the extra foodstuff will probably sink towards the bottom level in the aquarium as well as decompose which will have an effect on the good microorganisms that reside in your gravel. This particular beneficial bacteria is vital to keep your fish aquarium a proper environment for the species of fish. We would additionally suggest on switching the water in the fish tank monthly, but ensure you do not get rid of all the water make sure you keep a couple of inches on top of the particular pea gravel so you don’t affect the bacteria inside the pea gravel. There are many extra fish tank components of which will help you to maintain the aquarium, you will discover all these as you develop with your passion, but at this specific phase just sit back and take it easy and enjoy your current fish in the new fish tank. If you are looking for more information on how to build a fish tank aquarium and are looking for great deals on aquarium accessories then visit us at aquarium-accessories.org to learn more. Keeping Fish Tanks is a very rewarding hobby and add beauty to your home.

aquarium substrate - sand & gravel

Choosing a Substrate For Your Aquarium- Sand or Gravel? Aquarium fish tanks are beautiful mini-ecosystems that depend on their substrate to thrive. This holds bacteria that keeps ammonia levels down and anchors aquatic plants. When choosing a substrate for your aquarium, there are several questions you need to ask yourself: How much am I willing to spend? What substrates are best for my species of fishes? Is it difficult to clean? Does it look good? The two most common substrates are gravel and sand. These are economical and easy substrates to use. There are positives and negatives for having both, and it can be difficult to choose which one to buy. However, learning more about them will help you decide if you want sand or gravel. Gravel Gravel is probably the most common substrate used in fish tanks today. Here are the pros and cons of using gravel: Pros: Doesn't take long to prepare for placing in the tank- only a few minutes of washing and rinsing Won't affect the water chemistry Many different colors and sizes Debris from fish and plants isn't as noticeable as it falls between the rocks. Cons: Harder to clean Doesn't look as natural as sand Can scratch delicate bottom dwellers, such as corydoras Doesn't hold up plants as well Sand Sand isn't used in aquariums as much as gravel, but many aquarists prefer it. Gases can build up below the sand, so you will need to stir it up every once in a while so it doesn't become toxic. Here are the risks and benefits to having sand in your fish tank: Pros: Holds plants up easily as it is more compact than gravel Easier to clean (just scoop up the debris on the top and change part of the water) Looks more natural Can be a better choice for some fish, like bottom dwellers and those that enjoy digging Cons: Can take a while to prepare for the aquarium as it will have a lot of dust mixed with the sand that needs to be rinsed out thoroughly Debris from the water will land and rest on the surface of the sand, so you will need to clean it up often or it will look unclean Some types of sand affect water quality.

airpumps

Air Pumps Small air pumps are used in aquariums to pump air through a thin tube to a filter, to an aerating device, or to an air powered ornament. We don't recommend aquarium filters that use air pumps. We recommend aquarium filters with BIO-Wheels. Click here for more information about aquarium filters with BIO-Wheels. When your aquarium has a BIO-Wheel, it will fully aerate the water, and aerating devices such as air stones and bubble-wands are redundant and not needed to aerate water. So the only use for air pumps is to improve the appearance of an aquarium with an air store, a bubble-wand, or an air powered ornament such as a diver or a treasure chest that opens and closes. We consider air pumps to be ornaments and not essential aquarium equipment. Air line tubing that is about 1/4" in diameter connects the air pump to the devices, such as the ones discussed in the previous paragraph, that use air.

how to build an aquarium

How to Make an Aquarium 1 First off, you'll want to decide if you would like to have a freshwater or a saltwater aquarium. Freshwater tanks are easier to maintain, but saltwater fish are usually more exotic and colorful. 2 Determine what size you want. Aquariums come in all different sizes ranging from 5 gallons to 100 gallons and more. Of course, space in your home is a factor along with the weight of the aquarium. Make sure your floor can support the weight of the tank you select. Also, if you live in an apartment and you want to go with a huge tank, make sure your renter's rules allows for fish tanks and their maximum size. Many apartments don't allow water beds or large-scale fish tanks due to possible water damage. 3 Visit the pet store, and buy the aquarium with the proper specifications. Also, buy the accessories you need: pump, gravel, plants and filter. Most tanks come with these items as a package, but you're not going to get the highest quality of merchandise. Instead, go into the shop with a list of what you want after lots of research and don't get roped into buying stuff you don't need by pushy salespeople. Do not buy your fish yet though. This is important. Wait until you get your tank set up at home and you're sure the filter is working properly. 4 When you get the tank home, make sure it is balanced and secure where ever you set it. Get a carpenter's level if you have to. And make sure the stand or base it's on is rock solid. 5 Fill the tank with water, and start the pump. Ideally, you should let the water filter for at least 48 hours, but the longer the better. 6 Now buy your fish. Place the bag of fish into the aquarium. Leave them in this bag for at least 10 minutes so they can gradually get used to their new surroundings and the new temperature of the water. Then release them from the bag, and watch them swim.

aquariumworld

Saturday, September 24, 2011

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