Name the fish
November 2nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
What’s in a name?
Aquarium hobbyists normally use common names to refer to fish. Common names are sometimes given to fish on the basis of some
immediately apparent feature, so this can lead to different names being used for the same fish.
There is unlikely to be much confusion when purchasing fish such as neon tetras under their common name. However, if you
intend to research information on more unusual species, it would be useful to be familiar with their scientific names.
Scientific names are generally in Latin, and they aren’t exactly short and sweet. If that isn’t bad enough, names frequently
change as a result of new research and discoveries that may result in changes in their classification.
However, it is necessary to use scientific names to identify all living organisms can vary widely, and are also different
in every language.
For instance, the Zebra Danio is often know as the Zebrafish. There is also the striking Zebra plec/peckoltia from South
America (and a few similar species also being sold as “zebra/plec”). Then there are the Zebra cichlids of Lake Malawi
(of which there are several), and the Convict cichlid – which is also known as the Zebra cichlid.
How Scientific Names are Defined?
Scientific names conform to a universally accepted system whereby organisms are categorised under logical groups, according
to their similarity. This naming system has a single unique name for each species to avoid any doubt about which is being
discussed.
These names normally consist of two parts: the generic or genus name, and the specific or species name. A subspecies may
have a third part to the name.
There are two main reasons for the “two part” or “binomial” form of a scientific name:
* Because of the huge number of species of animal life and the need for each to have a unique name, a name consisting of
two parts allows names to be maintained at a relatively short length.
* The first part of the name also conveys information about the relationship of the species to others; it is the generic
portion or genus to which the species belongs. The second part of the name is the specific name and must be unique for that
genus (that is, it must be the only member of that genus with that part of the name).
Anyone can name a species, as long as they follow a set of universally accepted rules, and on the assumption that the
species dose not already have a name.
The three most important rules are:
* The name must be unique
* The name and description must be formally published in a way that is widely available.
* A specimen must be chosen to be the standard for that name, and lodged in a permanent collection where it is available to
other researchers for examination.
Although we may find scientific names confusing and difficult to pronounce, they allow positive identification of any
species we may wish to learn more about.
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Facts of the Fish
October 27th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Fish Facts.
Here are some interesting facts about fish:
* Fish have been on the earth for more than 450 million years.
* Fish were well established long before dinosaurs roamed earth.
* There are over 25,000 identified species of fish on the earth.
* It is estimated that there may still be over 15,000 fish species that have not been identified.
* 40% of all fish species inhabit fresh water, yet less than .01% of the earth comprises fresh water.
* The spotted climbing perch is able to absorb oxygen from the air and can crawl on land using its strong pectoral fins.
* Some fish like sharks do not possess an air bladder to help keep them afloat; they must either swim continually or rest
on the bottom to do so.
* Some fish make sounds by grating their teeth while others like certain species of catfish make use of their air – filled
swim bladders to do so.
* Fish have a specialized sense organ called the lateral line; it works much like radar, helping them navigate in dark or
murky water.
* The largest fish is the great whale shark which can reach up to 50 feet in length.
* The smallest fish is the Philippine goby that is less than 1/3 of an inch when fully growth.
* Some species of fish have skeletons made only of cartilage.
* Fish have excellent sense of sight, touch and taste, and many posses good sense of smell and “hearing”.
* Fish feel pain and suffer stress just like mammals and birds do.
* Tropical fish are among the most popular pets in the United States.
* 95% of tropical fish mortality result from improper housing and nutrition.
* Many tropical fish sold in the United States are harvested from the wild in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
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FAQs About Aquarium Fish
October 26th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
FAQs About Aquarium Fish.
Do fish have tongues? Can they hear? Do they sleep?
Stop scratching your head. We‘ve probed the annals of ichthyology to find the answers.
First of all, what is ichthyology? No, it isn’t some fungal disease that fish contract. The term refers to the study of fish.
Anyone who is really interested in fish can glean a deeper understanding of these aquatic creatures through books and other
informative resources on ichthyology.
Do Fish Have Tongues?
Most fish do have “tongue”. Their tongues, formed from a fold in the floor of the mouth, do not resemble the muscular
tongues of humans, and usually cannot be produced.
Some species of bony fish have teeth on their tongues, which help in the grasping of prey. The name of one genus of
argentinid fish, Glossanodon, literally means “tongue teeth”.
Can Fish Hear?
Yes, they can; but hearing abilities vary among species.
The sensory chambers of their inner ears are lined with sensory hair cells and each contains an otolith (ear stone).
When sound vibrations pass through them, the difference in frequencies between the dense otoliths and sensitive hair cells
are pick up by the auditory nerves.
Hearing is also facilitated by the swim bladders in some freshwater fish species like carp. The swim bladders of these fish
have series of small bones that are connected to the inner ears. These transmit vibrations to the inner ears, thus enabling
the fish to “hear”.
Do Fish Sleep?
This is a complex question. Deciding if a fish asleep depends on many factors, one of which is the definition of sleep.
In humans, the transition to sleep involves specified changes in the pattern of brain wave in the area of the brain called
the neocortex. As fish do not have the same degree of neocortical development as mammals, they do not display the
brain – wave patterns associated with sleep. So, as far as brain – wave patterns go, fish do not sleep.
However, if sleep is defined as a combination of a lowered metabolic rate, reduced physical activity, slower response to
stimuli and the assumption of a resting posture, then many fish do sleep.
Some species of fish like the parrotfish secure a suitable spot on the seafloor and secrete mucus to form a protective
envelop in which they spend the night, while others like tunas never stop swimming.
Perhaps the simplest answer to this question is: Fish can’t sleep because they don’t have eyelids!
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Fishkeeping
October 25th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
FISHKEEPING.
Tropical Marine Aquarium.
Tropical marine aquarium has the highest initial cost because the fishes are far more expensive than freshwater types.
Once set up and stocked, running costs are not prohibitive, but be sure to gain a year or two’s experience with freshwater fishes
before moving on to this aquarium system, as many tropical marine fishes require special care.
Coldwater Marine Aquarium.
Because only a little equipment is required for this aquarium system and the fishes can be collected for free, the coldwater
marine aquarium can be very cheap to set up and maintain. Although coldwater marine species tend to have dull colouring,
their intriguing habits make them just as interesting as tropical fishes. Many species quickly outgrow the tank and should be
returned to the seashore.
CHOOSING YOUR FISH.
Four Important Considerations.
Find out in advance which fishes are suited to your aquarium, and establish whether any species will require special care (such
as being fed live foods). Before buying your fish, take into account the following: aquarium suitability, physical health, ease of
care, and compatibility with other fishes.
Selecting Hardy Stock.
Start off properly by picking the hardiest stock for your aquarium tank. This is most important if you are planning your first aquarium
because it will take time for you (and your fishes) to become accustomed to your routine. Also, you fishes must be hardly enough to
survive any troubles that may arise as a result of your lack of expertise expert handling until you have gained sufficient experience.
What to look for in a fish?
Before purchasing a fish, check that it swims effortlessly and that it easily maintains it position in the water.
* If possible, check that the fish you wish to purchase is eating food readily.
* Fins of freshwater fish should be erect.
* The colour of the fish should be dense; where a pattern is formed there should be no blurring of adjacent colours.
* In species where the colour patterns are a special feature, patterns should conform to the expected “standard”.
Unhealthy Fish.
The best way to avoid buying an unhealthy fish is to recognize the outward signs of illness.
* Generally, avoid a fish that sulks in the corner of the tank, although it may be a species that is naturally shy.
* An unhealthy fish may swim with its fins held flat against its body.
* A fish suffering from an internal aliment may trial colourless excreta.
* Don’t choose a fish with boils, spots, lumps, open wounds, or split fins.
* Never buy a fish from a tank that contains dead specimens.
Jetlagged Stock.
A fish may have travelled for thousands of miles before reaching your local aquarist. A good dealer will often recommend that
you do not buy new arrivals straight away, as they may die from disease or stress. The dealer will be happy to reserve the fishes for you.
Considering the Size of your Fish.
Always try to find out what adult, or maximum aquarium, size a fish will attain before you buy it. The fish will attain before
you buy it. The fish may appear to be just the size you want in the dealer’s tank, but bear in mind that the fishes are all juveniles, and
their eventual size will be at least double their present size and possibly larger still.
compatible Companions.
It is vital to select compatible fishes for your aquarium. Many species naturally school and can become bored or aggressive if they are kept
in a tank without another of their own species. On the other hand, some fishes, which are happy to share tank space with different species of
fish, will not tolerate the company of their own species.
Feisty Fish.
Be sure that you do not introduce a carnivorous fish into your aquarium or you will soon notice the disappearance of all your smaller fishes.
Any carnivorous species should be kept in a tank on their own or else in a communal aquarium with other species that are a similar size.
Filling The Tank.
to make full use of all of the space in your aquarium, select a range of species to occupy the different levels of the tank. Not occupy the
different levels of the tanks. Not all fishes have the same habits; some are better adapted for feeding from the water
surface, others cruise about in mid-water, while a third group rarely leaves the floor of the tank. by selecting fishes from each of these levels
you can make full use of every bit of water depth in your tanks.
Considering Lifespans.
When stocking your aquarium tank, it is worth considering the fact that not every fish lives to the same age. Coldwater freshwater fish tend to live longest -
some Koi and Goldfish live for over 20 years. Some species are naturally short-lived. killifish, for example, may only live for a year. in general, the
larger the fish, the longer it will live. Avoid buying fish with a humpbacked appeareance uncharacteristic of the species.
The deformity is a typical sign of old age.
Tropical Freshwater Of Fish Characteristics
October 23rd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Tropical Freshwater
Tiger barb.
(Barbus tetrazona) Barbs are undemanding and easy to feed. Although barbs are generally peaceful, tiger Barbs tend to be
fin-nippers, so avoid mixing them with angelfishes.
Characteristics:
Size: 6 cm (2 ½ in)
Tank levels: Middle & lower
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous
Zebra Danio
(Brachydanio rerio) Strikingly marked by bright blue or purple stripes. This species is highly active in the upper levels
of the water. Selective breeding has produced both long – finned and veil – tailed varieties.
Characteristics:
Size: 4.5 cm (1 ¾ in)
Tank levels: Upper
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling
Diet: Omnivorous
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
(Tanicthys albonubes) A gold stripe, overlaid by blue lines, runs horizontally along the length of the body, where it
terminates in a dark patch surrounded by a burst of red. This tiny, omnivorous fish is highly active in the upper levels
of the tank. It is prolific spawner, which makes it an excellent choice for first attempts at breeding dish.
Characteristics:
Size: 5cm (2 in)
Tank levels: Upper
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous
Red Oscar
This red or Tiger Oscar is a popular pet despite its large size and voracious appetite. It will readily become hand – tame
if fed from fingers. It requires regular, thorough water changes. Juvenile Oscars have a marbled colouring.
Characteristics:
Size: 28 cm (11 ¼ in)
Tank levels: Middle & lower
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Carnivorous
Siamese Fighting Fish
(Betta splendens) Despite its name, this species is not aggressive towards other species and it makes an attractive
addition to your tropical freshwater community aquarium. However, the males, which are easily distinguished by their
spectacular fins, are aggressive towards other males of their own species, so keep only one per tank.
Characteristics:
Size: 6 cm (2 ½ in)
Tank levels: All
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivorous
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Observing Your Fish.
October 22nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Observing Your Fish.
Take every opportunity to watch your fish and get to know the behaviour patterns of each species. A regular observation
routine will help you in two ways: you will spot immediately if any fish are sick, and you will be aware of any tasks that
need to be done to keep your aquarium in good condition.
* Begin by checking regularly that all your fish are present. Don’t panic, however, the first time you can’t see all your
fish. Timid species can hide themselves very effectively.
* Watch out for aggressive traits, such as fin-nipping, but remember that some fishes will behave this way out of loneliness
if deprived of the companionship of their own species.
Introducing New Specimens.
Stress, which can lead to disease or death, is caused by bad handling or inconsiderate treatment, so it is very important
to develop a gentle but effective technique when handling your fish. When you purchase new fishes, add them to your tank
very carefully. There will probably be a notable difference in temperature between the water in the fishes’ bag and that in
the tank, and any such sudden change may stress the fishes. When introducing marine fishes into a new tank, you should
switch the aquarium lights off, but leave the room light on.
Catching fish.
Netting can be a terrifying experience for fish, so it is crucial to develop a gentle netting technique. When using a single
net, keep it constantly on the move. Using two nets will help speed up the process. Keep one net moving, and hold the other,
which must be large than the fish you are catching, stationary in the fish’s path. If you do not have a net, you can use a
transparent plastic bag to catch your fish.
Cleaning Tips For Your Aquarium.
For your fishes to thrive and your aquarium tank to look attractive, it is vital you carry out certain routine cleaning
tasks. You must keep the condensation tray clean to allow light to reach the plants. Remove dead leaves and scrape away
excess algae. Clean the filter as necessary.
Changing The Water For Your Aquarium.
Although an efficient filter will do much to maintain the water quality, help keep your aquarium clean by carrying out
regular, partial water changes. In a freshwater system, replacement of about 20 per cent of the water every 3-4 weeks is
recommended; in a marine aquarium you should change 25 per cent of the water every 2-3 weeks. Always use “sea-mix” when
changing water in marine tanks.
Ailments & Disorders.
It is crucial to detect disease in your fishes as early as possible. Prompt treatment may save the afflicted fish, and,
perhaps even more importantly prevent the disease from spreading to your other fishes, look out for any physical changes,
such as the appearance of abnormal growths, changes to the body shape or scales, or damage to the fins.
* Check if any fish are having trouble swimming. Swimming difficulties may indicate a swim-bladder disorder.
* Check for the presence of parasites.
Hospital Tank.
Keep a small tank for the treatment of sick fishes and for quarantining new arrivals. Try to create a reassuring
environment in the tank using plastic plants – real ones are killed by fish medications – and a hideaway. Always
thoroughly disinfect the tank and any equipment used in it between treatments.
Clubs & Societies.
If you wish to take your hobby further, enquire at your local aquarist or consult one of the many specialist aquarist’s
magazines available to find the details of your nearest aquarist society. These clubs will inform you – usually via a
quarterly new sheet – of regional shows and exhibitions, and can also provide you with up – to – the – minute specialist
advice on every aspect of modern fishkeeping.
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