The Project Gutenberg eBook ofTropical Fish HandbookThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: Tropical Fish HandbookAuthor: Guenther-Lothar SchottRelease date: June 24, 2020 [eBook #62463]Most recently updated: October 18, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TROPICAL FISH HANDBOOK ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: Tropical Fish HandbookAuthor: Guenther-Lothar SchottRelease date: June 24, 2020 [eBook #62463]Most recently updated: October 18, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Title: Tropical Fish Handbook
Author: Guenther-Lothar Schott
Author: Guenther-Lothar Schott
Release date: June 24, 2020 [eBook #62463]Most recently updated: October 18, 2024
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TROPICAL FISH HANDBOOK ***
TROPICAL FISH HANDBOOKGOLDFISHAND31 POPULAR TROPICALSILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIBED
GOLDFISHAND31 POPULAR TROPICALSILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIBED
“Twice happy is the man who has a Hobby,He has Two Worlds to Live in.â€
“Twice happy is the man who has a Hobby,
He has Two Worlds to Live in.â€
TROPICAL FISH HANDBOOKA book of practical information for the beginner, containing illustrations and descriptions of Tropical Fish, Goldfish, Scavengers, Turtles and Aquarium Accessories.{Tropical lake scene}Tenth Edition 1953Copyright 1945ByGUENTHER L. SCHOTTNew York, N. Y.
A book of practical information for the beginner, containing illustrations and descriptions of Tropical Fish, Goldfish, Scavengers, Turtles and Aquarium Accessories.
{Tropical lake scene}
Tenth Edition 1953
Copyright 1945ByGUENTHER L. SCHOTTNew York, N. Y.
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
For the beginner, the happy family collection is of most interest. Here in one large tank he can observe the interesting habits, shapes and colors of a great variety of fish. If he desires he may remove them to separate tanks during breeding periods. The danger of cross breeding in the community tank is practically eliminated by the presence of a pair of each species.The following fish are discussed in this handbook, those marked * being recommended for the community tank.Bad tempered fish may appear in some normally peaceful species and vice versa.Also fish which may make trouble in a small aquarium may be peaceful in a large well planted one.Live Bearers(young are born alive) *Guppy, *Swordtail, *Moon or Platy, *Sailfin, *Black Mollienisia, *Helleri, *Mosquito Fish, *Platy Variatus.Labyrinth(breathe air taken from surface, bubble nest builders) Paradise, Bettas, *Dwarf Gourami, Three-Spot Gourami.Cichlids(Egg layers, guard eggs and fry) Jewel Fish, *Angel Fish, Mouth Breeder, Blue Acara, Orange Chromide.Danios(Egg droppers) *Zebra, *Pearl Danio, *Giant Danio.Barbs(spawn on plants like goldfish) *Rosy Barb, *Barbus Oligolepis.Characins(Deposit adhesive eggs on plants) *Silver Tetra, *Tetra Von Buenos Aires, *Tetra Von Rio, *Blood Fin, *Pristella Riddlei, *Head and Tail Light. *Featherfins, *Black Tetra, *Neon Tetra.Cyprinodontidae(Egg droppers) *Medaka, *Panchax.Cyprinidae(Egg droppers) *Rasbora.
For the beginner, the happy family collection is of most interest. Here in one large tank he can observe the interesting habits, shapes and colors of a great variety of fish. If he desires he may remove them to separate tanks during breeding periods. The danger of cross breeding in the community tank is practically eliminated by the presence of a pair of each species.
The following fish are discussed in this handbook, those marked * being recommended for the community tank.
Bad tempered fish may appear in some normally peaceful species and vice versa.Also fish which may make trouble in a small aquarium may be peaceful in a large well planted one.
Bad tempered fish may appear in some normally peaceful species and vice versa.
Also fish which may make trouble in a small aquarium may be peaceful in a large well planted one.
Live Bearers(young are born alive) *Guppy, *Swordtail, *Moon or Platy, *Sailfin, *Black Mollienisia, *Helleri, *Mosquito Fish, *Platy Variatus.
Labyrinth(breathe air taken from surface, bubble nest builders) Paradise, Bettas, *Dwarf Gourami, Three-Spot Gourami.
Cichlids(Egg layers, guard eggs and fry) Jewel Fish, *Angel Fish, Mouth Breeder, Blue Acara, Orange Chromide.
Danios(Egg droppers) *Zebra, *Pearl Danio, *Giant Danio.
Barbs(spawn on plants like goldfish) *Rosy Barb, *Barbus Oligolepis.
Characins(Deposit adhesive eggs on plants) *Silver Tetra, *Tetra Von Buenos Aires, *Tetra Von Rio, *Blood Fin, *Pristella Riddlei, *Head and Tail Light. *Featherfins, *Black Tetra, *Neon Tetra.
Cyprinodontidae(Egg droppers) *Medaka, *Panchax.
Cyprinidae(Egg droppers) *Rasbora.
The above illustration will assist the reader in locating the markings of the fish described in this book.
The above illustration will assist the reader in locating the markings of the fish described in this book.
Much of the future enjoyment of your aquarium will depend upon the care with which it is selected, and its proper location.
The aquarium should be rectangular, and the depth should not exceed its width. The larger the tank the more satisfaction you will receive from it—it is easier to balance, maintains a more uniform temperature, and allows space to add to your collection.
The principles of the balanced aquarium are very simple. Fish breathe oxygen (which they obtain from the water) and exhale carbon dioxide. Thriving plants absorb the carbon from the carbon dioxide and liberate the oxygen. This maintains a high oxygen content in the water necessary to maintain healthy fish. No balanced aquarium can be maintained without scavengers to consume bits of decaying food and plants. Fish, plants and scavengers depend upon each other in the balanced aquarium.
Aquarium should be located where it will receive one or two hours of direct sunshine daily and plenty of strong light all day. When aquarium is located cover bottom with one or two inches of well washed coarse sand. (For practical purposes sand may be considered well washed when water runs clear.) Be sure that aquarium has been carefully washed before introducing sand. Sand and aquarium may be washed in strong solution of rock salt—RINSE THOROUGHLY.
Now fill aquarium about half full of water and set in plants. Be sure that over one half your plants are excellent oxygenators. Vallisneria and Sagittaria should not have crowns buried when planting. Plant tall plants in back or in corners and smaller ones in front. You cannot use too many plants—BUT ONLY GROWING AND HEALTHY PLANTS LIBERATE OXYGEN.
Fill tank, pouring water on piece of paper floating on top or into cup submerged in tank to avoid uprooting plants. Allow water to stand 24 hours. Be sure it is the right temperature for fish it will contain. Add snails and scavengers. PROVIDE GLASS COVER as tropicals are noted for their jumping ability. Some type of heater should be provided for the aquarium, in order to maintain a uniform temperature during the winter months.
Fish may now be introduced, care being taken not to place too many fish in a new tank until plants have had sufficient time to multiply. The dissolution of uneaten food, dead snails, plants, etc., frequently produces more food than can be consumed by the plant life present. At this point Algae frequently steps in and the tank becomes green or cloudy and foul smelling.
To avoid this condition, avoid too many fish in aquarium, siphon off dirt on bottom frequently, remove plants that are not thriving, cut down light when thread algae becomes a nuisance.
Water in a balanced aquarium will remain crystal clear for months.
Always keep glass cover on aquarium. It helps maintain a more uniform temperature, and keeps fish from jumping out. It may be raised slightly but this is not necessary.
Always use net in handling fish.
Do not use pebbles in aquarium—food gets into crevices where scavengers cannot reach it—causing water to foul.
Always keep a thermometer in aquarium.
Avoid metals in aquarium. Lead is safe as it does not dissolve.
Rooted plants should not have crowns buried when planting—Fig. 1.
KEEP BOTTOM OF AQUARIUM CLEAN—remove all sediment with dip tube—Fig. 2.
To remove water—use either automatic siphon—Fig. 3—or siphon with rubber hose.
FIG·1
FIG·1
FIG·2
FIG·2
FIG·3
FIG·3
{Plants}
Anacharis: Fair oxygenator—planted or floating—needs abundance of light.
Ludwigia: Fair oxygenator. Leaves—top green, underneath red.
Sagittaria: Excellent oxygenators, three varieties: NATANS—long narrow leaves; GIGANTEA—broad stocky 8″ leaves; SUBULATA—(dwarf) 4″ to 6″ narrow leaves.
Cabomba: Little value as oxygenator—fanlike green leaves.
Hair Grass: Fair oxygenator—rapidly covers floor with 4″ grassy needles.
Southern Spatterdock: Ornamental—broad bright green leaves.
Vallisneria: Excellent oxygenator—15″ long—multiplies rapidly by runners.
Myriophyllum: Ornamental—excellent for spawn of adhesive egg layers.
Salvinia: Floating—¼″ leaves covered with velvety hairs.
Duck Weed: Ornamental bright green floating plant.
Riccia: Very fine bright green floating plant—valuable in spawning bubble nest builders, especially Dwarf Gourami.
Cryptocoryne: Leaves top dark green, underside dark red. Needs some soil, slow grower. Very decorative and necessary in spawning some species.
{Scavengers}
Melantho(Trumpet)Snail: Very active—multiplies rapidly—consumes algae.
Pond Snail: Very active and useful—a fast moving fellow.
Black Ramshorn Snail: Multiplies rapidly—excellent scavenger.
Coral Snail: Same as Ramshorn with coral red body, and shell.
African Snail: Good scavenger—light yellow brown—dark spots.
Australian Snail: Similar to Pond but bright scarlet in color—very active.
Catfish: (Corydoras Paleatus) most popular scavenger. Look for full description onpage 26.
American Salamander: Brown with red and black spots—vest yellow and brown.
ClamorFresh Water Mussel: Filters all floating matter from water leaving it crystal clear. Must have large tank or pool and several inches of sand in which to work.
Snails will eat eggs of egg-laying fish.To breed snails—place in separate tank and feed lettuce. Well fed snails lay an abundance of eggs, resembling a gelatin like mass attached to plants and glass. Fish will eat snail eggs. Salt will kill snails—when using salt treatment remove snails.
average size
average size
Color: Numerous black bands adorn gray sides—black horizontal line extends from eye to caudal. Red edged dark spot on dorsal.
Breeding Habits: Live bearers—Females produce several young every few days during breeding season. Young are hardy and mature in about 6 months.
Temperature: 65° to 75° F.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Color: Male—two males are never precisely alike. Every color of the rainbow is present, intermingled with irregular black spots and bars. Female—dull grayish green.
Breeding Habits: Live Bearers—mature females produce from 35 to 50 live young every 5 weeks. Presence of young is indicated by darkened area anterior to anal fin. “Heavy†females may be removed to separate vessel, heavily stocked with plants—particularly floating plants toward light. When young are born they seek safety among plants. Remove female to prevent her eating young. Young are ready to take fine food in a few hours. Guppy seem to thrive under fairly crowded conditions.
Temperature: Thrive and breed at 65° to 80° F.
Maturity: Males 2 to 3 months—Females 4 month. Males less hardy.
Temperament: Very peaceful. Males very active.
average size
average size
Color: Male—body blue green, red line on side. Large dorsal with reddish dots. Ornamental sword may be yellow, orange or green, edged with black. Female—resembles male in color, lacks sword. (Both male and female CRESCENT SWORDTAIL have black crescent at base of caudal.)
Breeding Habits: Live bearers—have 25 to 100 live young every 6 or 7 weeks. When female is “heavy†place her in large vessel heavily stocked with plants. Young swim from mother, seeking safety among plants usually at bottom toward light. Remove female—she will eat fry.
Temperature: 70° to 85° F. Breed best at 75° F.
Maturity: Breed at about 9 months. Male resembles female until full grown; then anal changes to reproducing organ and “sword†develops.
Temperament: Very peaceful. Due to rivalry, stronger male will bully others.
Mating a virgin female Swordtail and Platy male, the young inherit the general color of the male and body type of the female, often becoming larger than either parent. Some males develop short sword. A percentage of the offspring are sterile.
average size
average size
Color: Large dorsal, yellow with black edge, caudal reddish, body various colors intermingled. Female, similar to female swordtail in color and markings. Male has spot resembling gravid spot on female. Color and markings vary.
Breeding Habits: Live bearers (same as swordtails). Do not breed true to color.
Temperature: 72° to 80° F.
Maturity: 5 to 8 months.
Temperament: Peaceful, very hardy.
Color: RED MOON—deep rich red. GOLD MOON—gold body, red dorsal fin, BLUE MOON—blue body, black crescent at base of caudal. (Black Crescent may appear on Red and Gold Moons.) BLACK MOON—black body sometimes with greenish sheen, also found with red heads, (Black Helmet Moon), GOLD WAGTAIL—Gold body with black fins and black caudal. RED WAGTAILS—deep red body with black fins and black caudal.
Breeding Habits: Live bearers—15 to 30 young every 6 to 9 weeks. Breeding habits same as swordtails, except most young moons come to top. Cross breeding with swordtail common, producing beautiful hybrids (HELLERI) larger than either parent and assuming color of male (MOON).
Temperature: 70° to 80° F.Maturity: 4 to 6 months.
Temperament: Very peaceful. Fry must be kept very warm.
About one half size
About one half size
Color: Male—body olive green, black stitching; large dorsal fin (sailfin) lavender and orange spotted with black; caudal, orange and light blue. Female—similar to male but without large dorsal.
Breeding Habits: Live bearers—have 20 to 100 young at irregular intervals. All Mollienisia are hardy but females must not be moved to another tank when young are expected. This frequently causes young to be born prematurely and few will survive. Moving female or undue excitement at this time may cause death of female. Provide ample vegetation in tank. Sailfins are not very cannibalistic but it is always safest to remove fry for several weeks. Young are ⅜″ long when born.
Temperature: 45° to 85° F. Breed best at 70° F.
Maturity: 9 months.
Temperament: Very peaceful.
In breeding Mollienisia, no two varieties should be kept in the same tank as they will cross breed. Each variety should be provided with a separate tank. (This is also true of the moons). Only very careful intelligent selective breeding has produced the Black Mollienisia, later the Sailfin Black Molly, and most recently, Black Molly Sailfin with an orange bordered dorsal.
In breeding Mollienisia, no two varieties should be kept in the same tank as they will cross breed. Each variety should be provided with a separate tank. (This is also true of the moons). Only very careful intelligent selective breeding has produced the Black Mollienisia, later the Sailfin Black Molly, and most recently, Black Molly Sailfin with an orange bordered dorsal.
average size
average size
Color: Both male and female coal black.
Breeding Habits: Live bearers—15 to 25 young born at irregular intervals throughout the year. Young when born are large and black. Turn gray in a few weeks and then gradually turn black. Female should never be moved when young are expected—as this usually results in loss of young and frequently loss of female. (SeeSailfin). Young are fairly safe with parents if ample floating plants are provided. “Mollies†are algae eaters. Black Mollienisia have been crossed with Sailfins producing the beautiful BLACK MOLLIENISIA SAILFIN.
Temperature: 65° to 80° F. Breed best at 75° F.
Maturity: Good male becomes black in about 6 months. Female about 18 months. Breed at 9 months. Males less hardy.
Temperament: Very peaceful.
“Mollies†are heavy eaters, and largely vegetarians. Some algae should be present.
“Mollies†are heavy eaters, and largely vegetarians. Some algae should be present.
average size
average size
Color: Male and female light lemon yellow. Male slim like Zebra—sometimes called “Golden Danio.†Female—slightly heavier.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—these interesting and attractive fish are the easiest of the egg layers to breed. Eggs cluster about anal region of female like bunch of grapes. Here they are carried for several hours and later brushed off on plants where they become attached. Eggs can be easily seen hanging to plants. Fish seldom bother eggs but it is safest to remove plants containing eggs to another jar. Fry hatch in 10 to 14 days. Feed fry infusoria. Never have snails in tank containing fish eggs.
Temperature: 45° to 80° F. Spawn best at 70° F.
Maturity: Mature in about 6 mos.
Temperament: Very peaceful.
Color: Both male and female striped from eyes through tail with alternate lines of blue and silver. Underparts of male slightly yellowish—female silvery white. Female—deeper in body.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—non-adhesive eggs fall to bottom. Cover bottom of breeding tank with several layers ½″ pebbles or glass marbles, not over 3 inches of water above marbles. Place male and female (kept separate several days) in prepared tank. Spawning usually takes place within 24 hours. Spawning is preceded by very fast swimming. Remove parents after spawning. Fry hatch in 2 to 8 days. Feed fry infusoria.
Temperature: 45° to 80° F.
Maturity: Breed when 4 to 5 months.
Temperament: Peaceful, swim in school, constantly moving.(SeePearl Danio.)
average size
average size
Color: Iridescent mother-of-pearl and opal tints. Dull red line through center of body and tail. Female—slightly heavier.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—prepare aquarium same as for Zebra. Long tank best for both. As they snatch eggs when they turn, long tank eliminates many turns. Advisable to use two males to one female. (SeeZebra.)
TemperatureandTemperament: Same as Zebra.
Maturity: 6 to 8 months.
Color: Deep metallic blue with two horizontal stripes of yellow gold.Female—slightly heavier.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—very small semi-adhesive eggs deposited on plants. Fry need great amount of food. Remove parents after spawning. (seeRosy Barb.)
Temperature: 60° to 80° F.
Maturity: 8 to 10 months.
Temperament: Peaceful, but will attack small fish.
Danios (Zebra, Pearl and Giant) are always active, and are large consumers of oxygen, therefore are more susceptible to the effects of lack of sufficient oxygen in the aquarium. Being fast swimmers and especially fond of their own eggs, water in the breeding tank should not exceed 6 inches and they should be removed as soon as spawning is over.
Danios (Zebra, Pearl and Giant) are always active, and are large consumers of oxygen, therefore are more susceptible to the effects of lack of sufficient oxygen in the aquarium. Being fast swimmers and especially fond of their own eggs, water in the breeding tank should not exceed 6 inches and they should be removed as soon as spawning is over.
average size
average size
Color: Silvery green, dark spot at base of caudal. Male has black dash on dorsal and takes on rosy hue during spawning season.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—lay eggs on fine plants similar to goldfish. Stock aquarium well with fine plants like Myriophyllum or Cabomba, weight down ends with a stone. Separate male and female for a few days. Spawning usually takes place within 48 hours after pair is placed together. After spawning is completed remove plants containing eggs and place in tank free from other fish and scavengers. Fry hatch in about a week and should be fed with Brine Shrimp.
The following Barbs are prettily colored and easy to take care of. Their breeding habits are like those of the Rosybarbs.BARBUS SUMATRANUSBARBUS EVERETTI (CLOWN BARB)BARBUS SEMIFASCIOLATUS (HALF BANDED)BARBUS SEMIFASCIOLATUS var. Schuberti, (GOLD BARB)BARBUS NIGROFASCIATUS
The following Barbs are prettily colored and easy to take care of. Their breeding habits are like those of the Rosybarbs.
Temperature: 45° to 80° F. Spawn best at 70° to 80° F.
Maturity: Mature in about 9 months.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Color: Male—Large scales with blue-black spot, all fins orange-red with dark edge. Female—Duller in color with 4 or 5 black spots on sides.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—Stock aquarium with Cabomba. Male turns almost black during spawning period. Remove both parents as soon as eggs are deposited on fine plants. Fry hatch in about 72 hours.
Temperature: 70° to 80° F.
Maturity: 10 months.
Temperament: (Peaceful.)
average size
average size
Color: Iridescent steel blue with deep red fins. Sex determined same as Silver Tetra.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers. Use large tank, cover bottom with fine plants, and ample tall ones. Fish spawn at surface, some eggs adhering to tall plants, others falling. Remove parents. Fry appear in about 24 hours. Feed Brine Shrimp. Fry grow rapidly.
Temperature: 70° to 78° F.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Color: Steel blue body covered with very fine bright silver scales. Body very thin. Large black spot at base of caudal. Tetras are all easily identified by the small adipose fin between dorsal and caudal. Male slightly smaller with invisible processes on anterior tip of anal which catch in fine net. Sex is determined in this way.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—lay great quantities of adhesive eggs on fine plants. Plants or parents should be removed as soon as spawning is completed. Fry will make their appearance in a few days. Be sure there are no snails in tank with eggs.
Temperature: 70° to 90° F.
Maturity: 6 to 8 months.
Temperament: Very active. Not for community tank.
average size
average size
Color: TETRA FROM RIO—body bright silver—3 black bars near head; fins brilliant red edged with black; black edge on anal of male wider than on female. During mating season red runs well into body. TETRA FROM BUENOS AIRES—body bright silver, fins blood red. Large diamond shaped spot at base of caudal. Sex determined same as Silver Tetra.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers. Use 15 gallon tank, 6 to 8 inches of water. Stock tank heavily with Cabomba, Myriophyllum, or other fine floating plants, also a thicket on bottom. Semi-adhesive eggs are deposited on plants, some sinking to bottom. Best results are obtained with 2 males and 1 female. Remove parents after spawning is completed. Fry appear in about 3 days. Tiny fry hang on plants and sides of aquarium about 3 days. Tetras may not spawn immediately—have patience.
Temperature: 70° to 90° F.
Maturity: From Rio—8 months. Buenos Aires—10 months.
Temperament: From Rio—Very peaceful, Buenos Aires—Fairly peaceful.
average size
average size
Color: Silvery body, caudal reddish, anal and dorsal light yellow with dark spot. Difficult to distinguish sex.
Breeding Habits: Egg Layers. Spawn on fine plants, Myriophyllum or Cabomba—very small adhesive eggs, expelled 6 or 8 at a time, often fall to bottom. Sometimes as many as 200 eggs at a spawning. Remove parents after spawning.
Temperature: 72° to 80° F.; best above 75° F.
Maturity: About 1 year.
Temperament: Peaceful.
Color: Body translucent green, faint gold line through center of body, thin black line toward caudal base broadens into diamond shape. Gleaming gold spot on tail and brilliant red eye give fish its common name. Male smaller, more slender and has pointed instead of rounded dorsal.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers. Adhesive eggs are deposited on fine plants. Use 2 males to one female for best results. Fry hatch in 2 days. (SeePristella Riddlei.)
Temperature: 72° to 80° F.
Maturity: About 8 months.
Temperament: Peaceful. Young fairly hardy.
Color: Like above Pristella Riddlei but has a black and white line down the anal fin.
Breeding Habits and Temperament: like Pristella.
average size
average size
Color: Body bright scarlet blending to rich olive on back. Emerald dots (jewels) in irregular lines cover body and vertical fins. Frequently difficult to obtain mated pair.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—eggs are deposited on smooth stone or flower pot, to which they adhere. During incubation (about 30 hours) one parent stands guard, constantly fanning to circulate water over eggs. Fry are unable to swim first three days so parents make hollow in sand where fry are placed and guarded. After fry can swim, they form school with parents in center. Remove parents when fry are about one-fourth grown or sooner. Parents must not be excited or they will eat spawn or fry.
Temperature: 70° to 90° F. Fry above 75° F. Breed best at 80° F.
Maturity: 10 to 14 months.
Temperament: Very savage—male frequently attacks carefully mated female.
* * * * * * * *
To spawn Cichlids (Jewel, Angel, Orange Chromide, Blue Acara and Mouthbreeder) purchase several young fish—bring them to maturity together. When ready for breeding a mated pair will be found associating together and separated from the others.
Avoid disturbing Cichlids, any disturbance or noise may cause them to devour their eggs or young.
Reduced
Reduced
Color: Bright silver, black bars, body very thin. Black bars disappear when disturbed or frightened. Difficult to distinguish sex.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—very difficult to breed. Prefer sides of aquarium or Sagittaria Gigantea for depositing eggs. Eggs are fanned constantly by parents. Fry appear in about 8 days; guarded, and transferred from one plant to another or depression in sand, by parents. Fry swim in about a week and resemble thread like worms. Remove parents when fry begin to swim. Feed infusoria. Fry take shape of scalare in 3 to 5 weeks.
Temperature: 70° to 90° F. 85° for spawning.
Maturity: One to one and a half years. Growth depends upon quality and quantity of food and size of tank. Angel fish should have as much live food as possible, largest tank available.
Temperament: Peaceful. Easily frightened. Keep in large well planted aquarium otherwise they may dart against sides and kill themselves. Should be fed live food frequently. Large specimens are not recommended for community tank.
one half size
one half size
Color: Yellowish brown with several dark vertical bands. One of these bands widens in center of the body into a spot. Lines of shining blue dots cover the entire body. Dorsal, anal and caudal are wine red with rows of blue and blue-green spots. Both sexes similar, female slightly subdued in color.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—Mate fish of approximately the same size. Provide a clean flower pot for the fish to deposit their spawn. The adhesive eggs are placed on the inside of the flower pot and are then fertilized by the male. Eggs are fanned by the parents and fry appear in 3 or 4 days. Parents prepare a depression in the sand and taking the newly hatched fry in their mouths deposit them into these holes where they are carefully guarded by the parents. Young live in a swarm in this “nest†for several days. Then they swim freely and must be fed infusoria. Parents may be removed soon after fry swim freely. The Blue Acara is hardy, prolific, easily spawned, and the fry are hardy and develop rapidly.
Temperature: 70° to 85° F.
Maturity: Breed in about 8 months.
Temperament: Not peaceful—except with very large fish.
one half size
one half size
Color: Body light blue gray—fins yellowish—head very massive.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—deposit spawn in depression in sand. After spawning is completed female picks up eggs and carries them in her mouth. Water is circulated over eggs by a chewing movement. Female refuses food during period she carries eggs. Male should be removed as soon as female picks up eggs as he may bother her. Fry appear in about two weeks, but at the slightest sign of danger rush back into the mother’s mouth. This continues until fry are too large for the maternal jaw. Female should be removed when fry are about 5 weeks old. Because of “fast†while carrying eggs, should be bred but 2 or 3 times a year.
Temperature: 70° to 85° F.
Maturity: 12 to 14 months.
Temperament: Rather vicious.
Color: Golden orange, 3 blue-black dots on sides crossed by rows of small reddish dots. Dorsal brown, anal and pectorals dark. Sex difficult to distinguish.
Breeding Habits: Egg layers—Spawn on flower pot or stones placed in the aquarium. Fry hatch in about 4 days and are moved into pits in sand. Fry swim freely in about 6 days. Remove parents in about two weeks.
Temperature: 70° to 80° F.
Maturity: about 6 to 8 months.
Temperament: Usually peaceful in large well planted tank.
average size
average size
Color: Silvery olive with black spot in center of body, another at caudal base—the eye making the third spot.
Breeding Habits: Same as Dwarf Gourami.
Temperature: 70° to 85° F.
Maturity: 10 months.
Temperament: Not recommended for community tank.
Form and size like three-spot gourami but color light blue.
Color: Body light blue crossed by orange-red stripes. Large fins colored same as body. Female—subdued in color and fins (dorsal and anal) slightly rounded.
Breeding Habits: Bubble nest builders—male blows nest of bubbles on surface of water among floating plants. Female frequently assists, weaving bits of plants into nest. Female is coaxed beneath nest where eggs are expelled and fertilized. Male catches eggs and blows them into bubble nest. Remove female. Eggs hatch in several days. Male guards nest, blowing fry back into nest until they are able to swim freely, to prevent their drowning. Remove male when fry are 4 days old.
Temperature: 70° to 90° F.
Maturity: 8 to 10 months.
Temperament: Exceedingly peaceful and friendly.
Labyrinth fish prefer shallow water—spawning tank not to exceed 6″—tank for fry not to exceed 4″.