50 chapters
41 minute read
Selected Chapters
50 chapters
TROPICAL FISH HANDBOOK
TROPICAL FISH HANDBOOK
GOLDFISH AND 31 POPULAR TROPICALS ILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIBED “ Twice happy is the man who has a Hobby, He has Two Worlds to Live in. ” A book of practical information for the beginner, containing illustrations and descriptions of Tropical Fish, Goldfish, Scavengers, Turtles and Aquarium Accessories. Tenth Edition 1953 Copyright 1945 By GUENTHER L. SCHOTT New 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
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PREPARING THE BALANCED AQUARIUM
PREPARING THE BALANCED AQUARIUM
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
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PLANTS
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 : Ex
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MOSQUITO FISH: HETERANDRIA FORMOSA (Southern U. S.)
MOSQUITO FISH: HETERANDRIA FORMOSA (Southern U. S.)
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....
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
GUPPY: (below) LEBISTES RETICULATUS (Venezuela)
GUPPY: (below) LEBISTES RETICULATUS (Venezuela)
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 plant
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SWORDTAIL: XIPHOPHORUS HELLERI (Mexico)
SWORDTAIL: XIPHOPHORUS HELLERI (Mexico)
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
40 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HELLERI (below) (Gold, Red and Black)
HELLERI (below) (Gold, Red and Black)
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....
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PLATYPOECILIA VARIATUS (above) (Mexico)
PLATYPOECILIA VARIATUS (above) (Mexico)
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....
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MOONS OR PLATY PLATYPOECILIA (Mexico)
MOONS OR PLATY PLATYPOECILIA (Mexico)
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, exce
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SAILFIN: MOLLIENISIA LATIPINNA (Southern U. S., Northern Mexico)
SAILFIN: MOLLIENISIA LATIPINNA (Southern U. S., Northern Mexico)
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 t
58 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BLACK MOLLIENISIA: (Southern U. S.)
BLACK MOLLIENISIA: (Southern U. S.)
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. (See Sailfin ). Young are fairly safe with parents if ample floating plants are provided. “Mollies” are algae eaters. Black Mollienis
43 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MEDAKA: (above) ORYZIAS LATIPES (China)
MEDAKA: (above) ORYZIAS LATIPES (China)
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 rem
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ZEBRA: DANIO RERIO (Ceylon)
ZEBRA: DANIO RERIO (Ceylon)
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 prece
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PEARL DANIO (above): DANIO ALBOLINEATUS (Burma)
PEARL DANIO (above): DANIO ALBOLINEATUS (Burma)
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. (See Zebra .) Temperature and Temperament : Same as Zebra. Maturity : 6 to 8 months....
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
GIANT DANIO DANIO MALABARICUS (Malabar Coast)
GIANT DANIO DANIO MALABARICUS (Malabar Coast)
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. (see Rosy 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 la
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ROSY BARB: BARBUS CONCHONIUS (India)
ROSY BARB: BARBUS CONCHONIUS (India)
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
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BARBUS OLIGOLEPIS (below) (Sumatra)
BARBUS OLIGOLEPIS (below) (Sumatra)
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.)...
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BLOOD FIN: (above) APHYOCHARAX RUBRIPINNIS (Argentine)
BLOOD FIN: (above) APHYOCHARAX RUBRIPINNIS (Argentine)
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....
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SILVER TETRA: CTENOBRYCON SPILURUS (Br. Guiana)
SILVER TETRA: CTENOBRYCON SPILURUS (Br. Guiana)
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
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TETRA FROM RIO (above): HYPHESSOBRYCON FLAMMEUS (Brazil) TETRA FROM BUENOS AIRES: HEMIGRAMMUS CAUDOVITTATUS (Argentina)
TETRA FROM RIO (above): HYPHESSOBRYCON FLAMMEUS (Brazil) TETRA FROM BUENOS AIRES: HEMIGRAMMUS CAUDOVITTATUS (Argentina)
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 pla
50 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PRISTELLA RIDDLEI: (above) (Venezuela and Guiana)
PRISTELLA RIDDLEI: (above) (Venezuela and Guiana)
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....
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HEAD AND TAIL LIGHT: HEMIGRAMMUS OCELLIFER (Amazon River, S. A.)
HEAD AND TAIL LIGHT: HEMIGRAMMUS OCELLIFER (Amazon River, S. A.)
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. (See Pristella Riddlei .) Temperature : 72° to 80° F. Maturity : About 8 months
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FEATHERFIN: HEMIGRAMMUS UNILINEATUS
FEATHERFIN: HEMIGRAMMUS UNILINEATUS
Color : Like above Pristella Riddlei but has a black and white line down the anal fin. Breeding Habits and Temperament : like Pristella....
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
JEWEL FISH: HEMICHROMIS BIMACULATUS (Africa)
JEWEL FISH: HEMICHROMIS BIMACULATUS (Africa)
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
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ANGEL FISH: PTEROPHYLLUM SCALARE (Amazon River, S. A.)
ANGEL FISH: PTEROPHYLLUM SCALARE (Amazon River, S. A.)
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 beg
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BLUE ACARA: AEQUIDENS LATIFRONS (Central America)
BLUE ACARA: AEQUIDENS LATIFRONS (Central America)
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 f
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MOUTH BREEDER: HAPLOCHROMIS STRIGIGENA (Egypt)
MOUTH BREEDER: HAPLOCHROMIS STRIGIGENA (Egypt)
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
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ORANGE CHROMIDE: (below) ETROPLUS MACULATUS (India)
ORANGE CHROMIDE: (below) ETROPLUS MACULATUS (India)
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....
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THREE-SPOT GOURAMI: TRICHOGASTER TRICHOPTERUS (India)
THREE-SPOT GOURAMI: TRICHOGASTER TRICHOPTERUS (India)
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....
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BLUE GOURAMI: TRICHOGASTER SUMATRANUS
BLUE GOURAMI: TRICHOGASTER SUMATRANUS
Form and size like three-spot gourami but color light blue....
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DWARF GOURAMI: (below) COLISA LALIA (India)
DWARF GOURAMI: (below) COLISA LALIA (India)
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 guar
40 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PARADISE: MACROPODUS OPERCULARIS (South China)
PARADISE: MACROPODUS OPERCULARIS (South China)
average size Color : Body dark with vertical bars of deep red against bluish green background. Fins similar in color, caudal deep red. Female—shorter fins, color very pale during mating. Breeding Habits : Bubble nest builder. When pair have mated (frequently after the death of several undesirable females) the male builds a floating nest of bubbles. Male coaxes female under nest, winds himself about her, a gentle pressure expelling eggs. He then gathers eggs in his mouth and blows them into nest.
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BETTAS: SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (Siam)
BETTAS: SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (Siam)
average size Color : This attractive group (all hybrids of BETTA SPLENDENS) have many color variations, all exceptionally attractive. BETTA CAMBODIA: gold colored body—bright red fins. Those with most red in body known as BETTA RUBRA. BETTA CYANA—body and fins iridescent cornflower blue. Others often have various shades of blue, green, red and purple predominating. Females—subdued in color and lack long flowing fins. Breeding Habits : Bubble nest builders—Male builds floating nest of bubbles 3 t
57 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PANCHAX FROM MADRAS: PANCHAX PARVUS (India)
PANCHAX FROM MADRAS: PANCHAX PARVUS (India)
average size Color : Male, rich deep greenish olive, sides covered with rows of gleaming red and green spots, anal bright orange and red. Dorsal and caudal are of similar colors. Female—dull with light orange fins. Breeding Habits : Egg layers, spawn readily in small tank, riccia being a favorite plant for this purpose. Temperature : 72° to 80° F. Temperament : peaceful....
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
RASBORA HETEROMORPHA: (below) (Sumatra)
RASBORA HETEROMORPHA: (below) (Sumatra)
Color : Silvery copper with large blue-black triangle from dorsal to caudal base. Dorsal and caudal red. Scales above black triangle wider on male. Breeding Habits : Egg layers—Difficult to breed. Female swims upside down against leaf of Cryptocoryne, expelling eggs, most of which drop to bottom. Remove parents after spawning. Fry hatch in about 2 days and resemble zebra fry. Swim freely in about 5 days. Use 3 males and 2 females. Do not have aquarium in direct rays of sun. Temperature : 72° to
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CATFISH: CORYDORAS PALEATUS (South America)
CATFISH: CORYDORAS PALEATUS (South America)
Color : Shining olive green, towards the anal: yellowish to white. Body covered with dark spots changing according to the surroundings. Average size: 1 to 2 inches. Breeding Habits : Egg layer. Distinguishing sex marks: male smaller than female, and has pointed ventral fins, which are in the female, rounded. Best breeding results are obtained in a large aquarium. Two to three males for one female. Temperature 75 to 80 degrees. 60 to 500 eggs are carried by female in her ventral fins to a clean s
58 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
WHITE CLOUD MOUNTAIN FISH: TANICHTHYS ALBONUBES (China)
WHITE CLOUD MOUNTAIN FISH: TANICHTHYS ALBONUBES (China)
Color : Form and color similar to Pearl Danio but with gold and blue line from eye to caudal fin, dorsal and caudal fins deep red, male has white tip above red caudal fins. Breeding Habits : Average temperature 80 degrees. Eggs not adhesive. One female to two males, eggs hatch after two to three days. Remove parents after spawning. Tiny fry must be supplied with infusoria or better still, Brine Shrimp (see p. 27 ). Temperament : Peaceful and hearty, “called poorman’s Neon Tetra” since the bright
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
WHITE PARADISE: ALBINO PARADISE
WHITE PARADISE: ALBINO PARADISE
Color : Generally white and the red bars show faintly. Like most albinos their eyes are pink. Breeding Habits : Just like their original form, the Red Paradise. The albino color breeds true. (See page 23 .)...
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BLACK TETRA: GYMNOCORYMBUS TERNETZI (Paraguay)
BLACK TETRA: GYMNOCORYMBUS TERNETZI (Paraguay)
Color : Same size like Tetra from Rio but black in color. Breeding Habits and Temperament also like Tetra from Rio. (see page 16 .)...
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BLUE MOLLY: MOLLIENISIA SPHENOPS
BLUE MOLLY: MOLLIENISIA SPHENOPS
Color : Sphenops are found in various color schemes varying from jet black to pure light blue, very often blue body with scattered black spots. The caudal of male adorned with bright orange border. Breeding Habits : Heartier and more easily bred than ordinary Black Mollies....
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
LIBERTY MOLLY: VAR. SPHENOPS
LIBERTY MOLLY: VAR. SPHENOPS
Color : Body color of male and female light blue, but males dorsal shows “red, white and blue”. Breeding Habits : (see page 11 .)...
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
GOLD FISH:
GOLD FISH:
Veiltail History : The Gold Fish, the oldest and most popular of our numerous Aquarium Fish, was developed by the Chinese during the Sung Dynasty (960-1278) from the wild Carassius Auratus to the various varieties now familiar to us. In the year 1750 Madame de Pompadour imported the first Goldfish into France as showpieces for the ornamental waterpools in her vast gardens. In 1856, P. T. Barnum was sent by The American Museum to search for oddities in Europe and to study the then popular fad of
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TURTLES
TURTLES
Baby turtles are very easily kept as pets and require little care. While in captivity, Turtles will forget their time schedule and will not hibernate. Any round or oval bowl, an aquarium or a flat pan with a rim sufficiently high to prevent the turtle from crawling out, is an adequate home. In this container, place white or colored pebbles, and in the center a flat stone. Fill the container with clean water of room temperature (60 to 80 degrees, fahrenheit) but see to it that the stone is not co
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HEALTH
HEALTH
It is much easier to keep fish healthy than to cure them. Disturb your fish as little as possible. Fish in good health are active and keep dorsal fin erect. (Folded fins for a short period do not mean a sick fish.) Most fish ills develop from chills. Keep fish above lowest safe temperature. Young fry especially should be kept warm. Avoid extremes of temperature. Avoid sudden changes of temperature. Provide some type of aquarium heater for cold months. Do not crowd fish—be sure plants are thrivin
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FOOD
FOOD
Do Not Overfeed —Never give fish more food than they can clean up in ten minutes. Vary the Diet —Have several kinds of food on hand at all times. Dried Shrimp, Dried Daphnae, scrapings from raw beef, bits of canned salmon, bits of boiled spinach, finely crumbed graham cracker, bits of yolk of boiled egg, and most of the prepared foods are excellent but should be supplemented with some form of live food. Once a week they should be fed chopped earth worms or Enchytrae (White worms). Feed live bear
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DISEASE
DISEASE
Tropical Fish are naturally healthy. If kept in a healthy aquarium, fed properly and kept warm little or no trouble will be experienced. In short—IT IS EASIER TO KEEP FISH HEALTHY THAN TO CURE THEM. Practically all diseases are due to one of the following: UNHEALTHY TANK—water too acid or alkaline—lack of oxygen—decomposition of food—plants not thriving. IMPROPER FEEDING—Overfeeding, lack of live food, lack of variation in diet. CHILL—the cause of most fish ills. Fish is weakened and subject to
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ENEMIES
ENEMIES
Fish enemies are usually transferred to the aquarium by the introduction of new aquatic plants that are obtained from outside pools. To avoid fish enemies—AVOID USING PLANTS AND SAND THAT ARE OBTAINED FROM OUTSIDE POOLS OR PONDS. If you are suspicious of source rinse for a minute or two through a strong solution of salt water. This should kill all insects and not injure plants. Examine plants carefully for eggs. Fig. 6 shows larvae of Giant Beetle (Water Tiger). Fig. 7 , larvae of Dragon Fly. Bo
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
AERATION
AERATION
Replacing consumed oxygen by blowing a stream of very fine air bubbles through the aquarium water is frequently necessary in aquariums, where plants receive insufficient light or are not thriving, where the air surface is small (depth greater than width), where crowding is necessary, etc. Even in healthy aquariums, where plants are thriving, conditions will be improved by an hour or two of aeration daily. Many types of aerators are available....
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CONTROL OF ACIDITY AND ALKALINITY
CONTROL OF ACIDITY AND ALKALINITY
Due to the fact that in some localities the natural water supply is alkaline, in others neutral, and in others acid much has been written about controlling aquarium water. Many aquarists believe that a slightly acid condition in the aquarium is desirable. There are a number of reliable water testing sets available at very nominal prices. Most of the fish described in this book seem to thrive and breed better in slightly acid water (about pH6.8)....
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HELPFUL HINTS
HELPFUL HINTS
Get your experience from the more common varieties first. Half grown fish are best to buy—you are sure of obtaining young fish, and it is interesting to watch them mature. Fish ready to spawn: Females become heavier. Also on live bearers the dark spot near vent becomes larger and darker. Males chase females continually at spawning time. Labyrinth male builds bubble nest. Live bearers are easiest to breed. Eggs are hatched within the female’s body and the young are born alive. Female live bearers
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter