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.