Thursday, April 29, 2010

Clownfish


Clownfish
are hands down the most popular fish in saltwater aquariums because of their striking coloration, interesting behavior, and general resistance.

Clownfish are among the most recognizable marine species - even children are familiar with its bright colors and bold white stripes (especially with the recent popularity of the animated film Finding Nemo). They are mostly found in the Indo-Pacific waters, where they form a fascinating symbiotic relationship with sea anemones

Clownfish live among the stinging tentacles of the anemone, but are not injured because of a secretion that covers their body. In this way, they are protected against predators and in return they keep the anemone clean from algae, debris and any leftover food.

Most species are small, more and more than 3 to 5 inches in length. They feed on algae, plankton and small invertebrates. Clownfish usually live in pairs or small groups of a dominant female, neutral male fish and several subordinates.

Keeping an anemone living in the aquarium at home is very difficult - but fortunately, Clownfish do just fine without. These fish are strong and getting along with most other marine species. Clownfish eagerly accept all types of food and they should be offered a varied diet of meat dishes and vegetables to both products. They can be kept in pairs or small groups, but it is better to keep only one type of species per tank to avoid quarrels.

Compared to most marine species Clownfish are considered "easy" to reproduce. These remarkable fish are hermaphrodites. Depending on their position in a group, a Clownfish will either 1) a woman, the largest and dominant fish or 2) a male reaches sexual maturity or 3) a neutral or immature fish. If the female dies, the male becomes a female, the other more senior male fish becomes sexually mature and everyone moves up the chain of command.

Clownfish are generally sold in "coupled" two or they can be purchased in groups and allowed to form their own female / male hierarchy. reproduction of fish is generally clean and prepare a flat surface where the female will lay her eggs.

The male will then fertilize the eggs and the pair stand guard until they hatch. After one week, the eggs hatch and the fry should be removed from their own tank. They will need to be fed small animals called rotifers until they are old enough to be fed baby brine shrimp.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Chromis


Chromis
Chromis are small colorful fish that live in schools and are part of the family ladies. As the ladies, what are some of the best fish for beginners marine aquarium.

Several types are bright, active and very fun to watch. They are found in coral reefs in the world, sometimes in large schools, where they feed on algae, plankton and small invertebrates. Most Chromis grow only 2-4 inches or more.

Chromis very well in the aquarium at the house and live a long time - some species can survive up to 15 years! They are very hardy and unlike most young ladies, they can be kept in groups without hierarchy between them to death. In fact, it is best to keep Chromis in a small school of 6 or more to enable them to thrive.

Their tank should be decorated with lots of rocks and caves to hide in. Chromis are also easy to feed and accepts all types of food they should be offered a varied diet of meat dishes and vegetables both based products to keep them in top shape.

These peaceful fish pose no threat to other fish and corals and should not be kept with aggressive or predatory cohabitants.

Chromis have been successfully bred in captivity, but it is not easy. After spawning, the male is generally supported and protect the eggs. After one week, the eggs hatch and the fry should be removed from their own tank. They need clean water and a very special diet of rotifers until they are old enough to be fed baby brine shrimp.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Cardinals


Cardinals
gaining popularity in the aquarium. Many cardinals are hardy fish that will delight the aquarium. If they are a little special, it is not difficult to meet their needs in an aquarium set up properly.

Cardinal may be described as the small fish with big eyes. Most remain small, increasing to a maximum of 2 inches and several species are brightly colored and decorated with stripes and spots.

They are usually found in groups of coral reefs worldwide. Being nocturnal creatures, they hide in caves during the day and emerge at night to graze. Their large eyes help them to find small crustaceans and fish in the dark.

Popular recreational fish because of their peaceful nature, the Cardinal are robust and can be safely stored in the reef aquariums. Being a bit shy by nature, they should be provided with lots of rocks and caves to hide and should not be kept with aggressive cohabitants. Cardinal will eat all types of food and they should be offered a varied diet of meat prices, such as brine shrimp, shrimp msyis, bloodworms, etc.

Out of sight, the male / female pairs is recommended. They can be kept in groups, if the tank is great, if men are fighting among themselves.

Several species of cardinal were bred successfully. It is very difficult to differentiate between the sexes, so that a group of fish should be maintained and allowed to form pairs.

Men will fight for territory and must be removed, except for the dominant male. Unlike many marine fish are Cardinal mouthbrooders; after spawning takes place, the male will collect the eggs in his mouth. After the eggs hatch, it will continue to hold the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for a period of several weeks.

When he finally released the babies, they are large enough to be fed newly hatched brine shrimp.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Butterflyfish


Butterflyfish
are some of the most popular fish in the hobby and, for the most part, rightly so. Although the majority of butterfly fish must be left in the ocean, a brand few excellent aquarium inhabitants.

butterfly fish, as their name suggests, like butterflies they Flitter about, flashing their beautiful colors and intricate patterns. Many species have stripes and eye-spots which are used for camouflage and confuse predators. No wonder they are sought by marine aquarists despite their price and requiring care.

These beautiful fish can be found in coral reefs worldwide, usually in schools or at least two. Most grow to no more than 6-8 inches although some types will reach a foot in length.

The most moth feed primarily on coral polyps and sea anemones, while others feed on zooplankton.

Butterfly should be purchased by more experienced aquarists. Many species have special dietary requirements and they are delicate fish that need large aquariums and water quality primitive. They should be provided with plenty of rocks and caves to hide in. Live rock should preferably be used so that they maintain a supply of algae and the flora and fauna to graze. Depending on the species, they should be offered a varied diet of meat and vegetables such as shrimp, shellfish, sheets of dried seaweed, and Specially formulated for preparation of a butterfly.

Compatibility between butterflies varies with species - some types can be very intolerant of their peers, and even fish research while others may remain in a group if sufficient space is provided.

The success of captive breeding of butterflies is very difficult. Spawning occurs when males and females release sperm and eggs in the water column above the reef. The fry then pass through a very complex stage larvae which makes them difficult to feed and breed in captivity.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Boxfish


Boxfish
cowfish and are considered by some fans for being too difficult to maintain. Although these fish do not require special attention in their diet and habitat requirements, they are personable aquarium specimens and fascinating.

Boxfish are comical little fish that really do look like a box! They have a rigid body cube is covered in bony armor hard. This provides excellent protection for these fish swim slowly, but they are also able to secrete a deadly toxin when they are in danger, the result could be a total wipe of the entire community tank, so choose carefully their cohabitants.

They are especially near coral reefs in the oceans around the world where they feed on algae, mollusks and crustaceans.

Their social structure is generally composed of single male harems of females and several. Some types of boxfish have several "horns" on their heads and they are also known as cowfish. In the home aquarium, fish-safe should be provided with several retreats formed by rocks and caves.

Because they move slowly, they do not appreciate the strong movement of water in the tank. Food should not be a problem because they accept all types of food. Included in their diet should be meaty and vegetarian food (mysid shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, dried seaweed sheets, etc.)

Like most marine fish of reproductive success of fish-safe is very difficult, even impossible, at this time.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Blennies


Blennies
It is difficult to generalize about. But something can be said with certainty: the right blenny bring personality and diversity to almost any tank.

Blennies curious looking little fish, with long thin bodies and large heads with cirrus (tiny growths of hair-like) near the eyes. Some species can be very colorful while others are dull and covered with spots and stripes to blend into their environment. They are bottom fish, and especially housing might be found in ponds and shallow waters of coral reefs worldwide.

Most feed on algae blennies and small invertebrates, but there are species that mimic and cleaner fish is taking a bite of fish unsuspecting others! Blennies are generally hardy fish, easy maintenance and does not require a large tank.

They require a lot of rocks and caves to hide in and where they spend much of their time. Where possible, live rock should be used so they have to graze on algae.

Blennies should be fed a variety of fresh and prepared foods that include both protein and vegetable matter.

Unfortunately, most blennies are very territorial and constantly fighting if more than one species per tank. They should be kept with other peaceful, non-cohabiting predators.

Blennies are difficult to breed in captivity. In general, it is not possible to distinguish between the sexes, although men sometimes will be larger and have better color than females. In general, they spawn in caves and guard the eggs until they hatch. After hatching, the fry go through several steps, including the planktonic stages before metamorphosing into their adult form.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Batfish


Batfish
are worthy of being considered the centerpiece of a marine aquarium set-up. Capable of being very personable, commitment and spirit, certain species are hardy enough batfish

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Basslet


Basslet
Fish are among the most colorful and peaceful pastime with a long history of success in captivity. They are fascinating to watch because of their particular penchant for registration as swimming, and they are robust.

Basslet are very popular among marine aquarists because of their bright colors, small size and ease of maintenance. Although they belong to the family of fish including giant grouper predators, basslet only reach a length of not more than 2-4 inches.

They are mostly near the western Atlantic, where they live in and around coral reefs and hunting for zooplankton and other small creatures. In the home aquarium, basslet should be supplied with plenty of rocks and caves where they will be in Dart at the first sign of danger.

They are generally hardy fish, but still require a good filtration and water quality high. Their diet should include a variety of high quality protein based foods such as mysid shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, etc.

Many species of basslet are very territorial and can be aggressive towards similar fish research, it is preferable to one house per tank (unless you have a large tank with many rock structures to fall back on). They should not be kept with aggressive species or predators, or they will probably end up as a little snack!

Basslet have been bred in captivity successfully, but it is not easy to accomplish. It is difficult to distinguish between the sexes, although some men will be larger and brighter color. After hatching, the fry go through a larval stage and need food and specialized care

Monday, April 12, 2010

Anthias


Anthias
Although they belong to the family of fish including groupers and voracious predators of the sea bass, Anthias are peaceful and feed on plankton and other small creatures.

Found in large schools near coral reefs, a group of more than a thousand of these little fish with their arch of brilliant colors, is very impressive! Vary in size, the largest species can reach a length of 6-8 inches, and some of the smaller species grow no more than 1-2 inches.

In general, males are larger and more colorful than females. They live in a complex social structure composed of a set of harems, which consists of one male and many females.

In the home aquarium, Anthias should be provided with lots of rocks and caves that resemble their natural habitat. They appreciate the strong water movement and will not do well without a good water quality.

Their diet should include a variety of high quality protein based foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, etc. and they are better fed several times a day. A group of Anthias can be maintained successfully if you have a large enough tank (75 gallons and more), otherwise it is better to have a single model to avoid territorial disputes. And they should not be kept with aggressive species, but require other peaceful tank mates.

As with most saltwater fish, the breeding success of Anthias is extremely difficult. These extraordinary fish are hermaphrodites, born to females with the dominant fish changing sex to men. If the male in a harem to die, or more dominant female will turn into a male and take its place, thus ensuring the continuity of the case.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Frogfish


Frogfish
and fishermen are certainly among the marine fish the more curious. While some people consider them ugly to a fault, others are fascinated by their unusual appearance.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Dwarf Angels


Dwarf Angels
Dwarf Angels, like their larger relatives, are also magnificent fish. They can provide much of the same attraction as the great angels, as in a smaller size (and, consequently, a smaller system).

Like gems, these brightly colored fish are prized by aquarists many novices and experts as well. Found in coral reefs worldwide, Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish are not only beautiful, but Hardy as well. Although they differ in size, the larger species can reach a length of 5-6 inches, while some of the smaller species not grow more than 1-2 inches. In the wild they usually live in pairs (although some species are solitary) and feed mainly on algae and other tiny plants and animal life in the coral outcrops.

In the home aquarium, dwarf angels must be provided with lots of rocks and caves to hide in. Live rock should preferably be used so they have a supply of algae and flora and fauna wild grazing. They usually accept all types of foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, but their diet should also include a large number of plant materials such as sheets of seaweed (nori) and other specially prepared foods for herbivores.

Although you may be tempted to keep more than a dwarf Angel, it is not recommended unless you have a very significant because these fish can be very territorial and quarrelsome towards each other.

Successful breeding of dwarf angels is extremely difficult. These fish are hermaphrodites, born to females with the dominant fish changing sex to men. Although males are generally larger than females, it is difficult to differentiate between the sexes.

Spawning occurs when males and females release sperm and eggs in the water column above the reef. The fry then pass through a very complex stage larvae which makes them difficult to feed and breed in captivity.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Angelfish


Angelfish are some of the best tropical marine fish available to hobbyists. In fact, it is difficult to imagine a saltwater aquarium, without at least one of these magnificent animals.

Large Angelfish are the royalty of the marine aquarium because of their spectacular color and showy personalities. Living among coral reefs worldwide, Angelfish is found in an array of colors and sizes, some species reaching lengths of 2 feet! Interestingly, several species have a completely different coloration and patterns in juvenile and adult forms.

One thing they all share is a thorn in the bottom of their diaphragm which can be used as a weapon. In their natural habitat they can usually be found in two to harems consisting of one male and several females. Angelfish feed primarily on algae, sponges and other tiny plants and animal life found among the coral outcrops.

In the home aquarium, large angels need large tanks with excellent water quality and lots of rocks and caves. They particularly appreciate a rock configuration and feed on algae and the flora and fauna.

They accept all types of high quality foods including meat shrimp mysis, brine shrimp and shellfish, but their diet should be primarily based on plant materials such as sheets of seaweed (nori), lettuce and preparations Specially formulated Angelfish.

It is best to keep only one Grand Angel by aquarium unless you have a very significant and keep Angels who are dissimilar in appearance and size. Otherwise, it will be constant bickering and stressful environment for all.

Large Angelfish Breeding in captivity is rarely accomplished. These fish are hermaphrodites, all are born to females with the dominant fish changing sex to men. It is quite difficult to differentiate between the sexes than by visual observation alone.

Spawning takes place when a male and female release sperm and eggs in the water column above the reef. The tiny larvae which are formed to pass through several stages of development are complex and extremely difficult to nurture and care.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

How to configure your freshwater fish tank


STAGE 1: Recognize the liability involved.
Learn to set up an aquarium is not so difficult, but there are several tips you should pass. Primary, you must understand a few things about an aquarium system. A tank of tropical fish is really like having a dog or a cat when it comes to the amount of effort on your part. To obtain a successful freshwater tropical aquarium you'll have to work. On one occasion, a week, or at most once every two weeks, you want to do some kind of maintenance on the tank. Most of the time you change the water scene. You will also feed your fish at least once a day. Creation and execution of an aquarium will cost money. There are costs such as frequent changes in the media filter, buy food, et cetera.

STAGE 2: Decide on an aquarium size.
It's a good idea to hold in mind that the variety of fish that you aspire to care for them before you buy an aquarium. Some fish do not grow an inch or two, while other types of tropical fish can grow 13 inches or twelve or more in length! Knowing what kind of fish you want to help you choose the size of the tank, they will require. If this is your first time with an aquarium, it can be a good idea to start with a 10 gallon aquarium or twenty years for now and keep some cash with smaller and more robust.

STAGE 3: move the location of the aquarium.
Set your aquarium in an area where light and temperature of the tank is not affected with external sources such as windows and mouths home heating. The sunlight that enters the area through an unshaded window could have an effect on the temperature of your tank. This can guide both the green algae problems for your tank to the road. Want to place your aquarium on a stand that will be able to continue its total mass. You also want to be sure the soil is capable of supporting the mass of the aquarium and stand. A decent basic rule for determining the mass of an aquarium is full of ten pounds for every gallon of water.

STAGE 4: Get your aquarium and equipment.
Now is an opportunity worthy of reaching a decision on the type of aquarium filter you wish to use. You'll also need a furnace capable of heating the tank size you have. Buy the gravel, plants, a power strip as well as additional decorations. A good rule of thumb for the amount of gravel you want is a 1.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water.

STAGE 5: The setup of your aquarium with stand.
Wash your tank with water! Do not apply cleaning soap or detergents. The soap residue left will be destructive for your tropical fish. If you use an under gravel filter (not recommended) now would be an opportunity to configure it well.

STAGE 6: clean gravel, plants and decorations.
Make sure you wash the gravel thoroughly before adding them to your tank. An easy way to execute this is to locate several of rocks in a colander after the rinse in your bathtub. Subsequently, the position of clean gravel in a clean container than 5 gallons for the transport of the aquarium. Following the addition of gravel you can place your plants and decorations.

STAGE 7: Insert the aquarium water.
To keep from messing up your gravel and plants, you can put a plate or saucer in the middle of your aquarium and direct the flow of water on the plate. Use water at room temperature during filling. To eliminate chlorine and chloramines, use something like Tetra AquaSafe meant for aquariums. Do not fully charge the aquarium until you are sure the layout of your decorations. Or, when you put your arm to switch things around the water will overflow. Doh!

STAGE 8: speed of installation.
Set your heater, but do not connect until the thermostat inside the heater is adjusted to the temperature of the water. This usually requires something like 15 minutes. Connect your filter as well as any additional hardware you have, after up out of the water tank just below the rim of the hood. Put your hood and the light of strategic considerations on the aquarium and then check your power cords to be sure they are free of water. My advice as with a loop drain on each power cords to be more alert. Plug all equipment in a power strip, then "activate" the aquarium.

STAGE 9: kill time, hang, hang up and then pull a little more.
I agree, you aspire to put in some fish. However, to do this correctly you should hold your fire until your aquarium has gone before adding fish. There are several ways to rush this process. If you use fish to cycle, seek a stronger case similar to the zebra Cherry barb.

STAGE 10: Set in tropical fish.
Just put in one or two fish at once. Adding a couple fish at a time gives your filtration system phase expected to take on the increased biological load that fresh fish to bring in. When you bring home fish can float the bag in the the tank for about 15 minutes so that the fish can acclimate to temperature and pH of the aquarium water. After 5 minutes of floating the bag you need to insert part of the aquarium water in the bag so that the fish can grow acclimated to the concentration of pH in the aquarium. This will reduce the amount of imposed stress on fish. Stressed fish often leads to fish dead or sick! Do not feed the fish in the initial day. They would almost certainly not swallow food the first day anyway. They become familiar with their house cool.