Half-Banded Barb

Introduction 




Thin, incomplete dark line vertically cross the olive-green body of this hardy barb.Dark speckles generally appear on the dorsal surface.In the breeding male, all fins are red and streaked with yellow.

Common Name




Chinese barb, Half-Banded Barb.




Scientific Name


Puntius semifasciolatus




Species


Barbus semifasciolatus




Habitat



Streams, river and paddies in Malaysia; also in Hong Kong  and central and southern China.




Maximum Size 




3 in (7.5 cm)



Minimum Tank Size




At least 40" in length.




Diet  



Omnivorous, flake, live food, Algae and plants.




Water Temperature


Temperature 64-75°F (18-24°C),




pH




6.0-8.0




Hardness  




5.0-19.0°


Remark 



The half-banded barb is a popular aquarium fish and is now produced in quantity by fish farms in Asia and Florida.

Tinfoil Barb

Introduction   




The grayish brown color on the dorsal of this juvenile shades down to shining silver flanks with well defined scales.The triangle dorsal fin, which is black with a red base on adult fish, has a concave trailing edge.Pelvic and anal fins on mature specimens are bright red-orange , and the lesser-colored caudal fin has a black top and bottom edges.

Common Name




Tinfoil barb




Scientific Name




Barbonymus schwanenfeldii




Species


Barbus Schwanenfeldi





Habitat




Rivers and lakes in Borneo, Sumatra ; also Thailand.
 

Maximum Size 


14"/35.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size


 A tank with dimensions of 84" x 24 " x 24"/210cm x 60cm x 60cm/793 litres should be the minimum considered for this active fish.


Diet  


It is Omnivorous.For it to develop its best colours and condition offer regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia along with good quality dried flakes, granules and plenty of vegetable matter.


Water Temperature


72 - 77°F/22 - 25°C




pH


6.0 - 8.0


Hardness  


5 - 12°H


Remark 



This active fish needs space and plenty of green matter.It is an avid consumer of duckweed.

Golden Barb

Introduction


This slightly elongate fish has a narrow caudal peduncle and plump sides.The general body coloration is yellow, with silver on the ventral surface.There may be some short , dark, vertical streaks or marks randomly distributed over the body, especially on juveniles; but mark usually fade with age.Female golden barb are plumper.

Common Name 




Goldfinned Barb, Golden Barb,China barb


Scientific Name


Puntius sachsii,Puntius semifasciolatus    




Species


Barbus sachsi


Habitat


Streams in Singapore


Maximum Size


Maximum size is between 3 inches (8 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm)


Minimum Tank Size 


This species is very active and deserves a tank measuring at least 36" x 12" x 12"/90cm x 30cm x 30cm/85 litres.


Diet 


It is Omnivore, they will eat flakes, live and freeze dried foods such as brine shrimp, blood worms and daphnia.They can eat most of the fish foods offered.


Water Temperature


18 – 24°C / 64 – 75°F


pH


6.0 – 8.0



Hardness 



5 - 20°H


Remark 

Differences between this species and the Schuberti Barb are slight.It is thought that they might be related.

Roloff's Barb

Introduction



The dorsal surface of this barb is creamy, shading down to silver on the flanks.An indistinct line runs along the flanks, composed of dark streaks on the scales.Dorsal fins carry a prominent black tip.The head is pointed , and the eye is especially large.Females are plumper and duller.

Common Name


Roloffs Barb,Streak-scaled Barb


Scientific Name


Barbus Roloffi


Species


Barbus Roloffi


Habitat  


Streams in Thailand


Maximum Size


2 in (5cm)



Minimum Tank Size 


Tank should be 100 minimum with 63 litres of water.


Diet 


This fish is omnivorous.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C

pH 


6.5-7.0


Hardness 


5 - 12°H


Remark 



This rarely imported species may be the same fish as Oreichthys cosuatis, that was classified first, and it is widespread in India.

Five-Banded Barb

Introduction


Five prominent, vertical dark bands cross the body of this subspecies.The first passes through the eye, not quite meeting at the ventral surface.Most fins have red shading, usually at the base; this is less evident in the caudal fin and on this juvenile.Females are plumper and less intensely colored.

Common Name 


Pentazona barb, Five Banded barb


Species


Barbus pentazona joharensis


Habitat 


Streams in Borneo,Malaysia and Sumatra.


Maximum Size


About 2"/5cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/27 litre tank is ideal for a small group of these.Planted tank with plenty of cover for this timid shoaling species. Avoid overly bright lighting, or provide shade.



Diet 


It is Omnivorous.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature  



72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


5.0 - 7.0


Hardness


5 - 12°H

Remark 


There are several other subspecies of Barbus pentazona , which can be identified by differences in the bands.

Checker Barb

Introduction


The most distinctive feature of this yellow-brown fish is the scale pattern.On prime specimens, each scale has a dark edge and front portion,which together account for the ''checkered'' effect.A dark line marks the flanks and the area below it is often less speckled on the male.Male fins are usually edge with black, while the rays of the female are generally tinted yellow.

Common Name


Checker Barb


Scientific Name




Puntius oligolepis


Species


Barbus Oligolepis




Habitat


Streams and rivers in Indonesia and Sumatra.





Maximum Size 


A diminutive barb that is fully grown at around 2"/5cm.





Minimum Tank Size




A 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/27 litre tank is ideal for a small group of these.


 Diet 


 In nature it's mainly a benthic (bottom) feeder, consuming a variety of invertebrates and detritus. For the best condition and colours offer regular meals of small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia, along with dried flakes and granules.


Water Temperature 


Temperature 68 - 76°F/20 - 24°C best for this fish.


pH


6.0-7.0


Hardness 




2 - 10°H


Remark



Males display to each other.

Odessa Barb

Introduction

Two dark blotches mark the flanks of this pale greenish brown barb.Sexual differences are obvious, especially at breeding times, as the male has a broad band of red in the side and dark speckling in the dorsal fin.Like most egg-laying species, the female is generally plumper and less colorful.

Common Name


Ticto barb, Odessa barb



Scientific name


Puntius ticto     


Species   




Barbus ''odessa''




Habitat 




This fish does not occur naturally .It is named after Ukrainian town where it is reported to have fish been bred for the aquarium .




Maximum Size




Around 2.5 in (6cm)
 





Minimum Tank Size 




A tank measuring at least 36" x 12" x 12"/90cm x 30cm x 30cm/85 litres.


Diet 


Odessa barbs are omnivore and feed on plankton, insects and crustaceans. In the aquarium, they are usually very happy eaters as long as they are healthy. It is certainly easily-fed in the aquarium and will greedily accept just about anything offered.


Water Temperature


14 – 26°C / 64.5 – 78°F


pH
 

6.0 to 8.0


Hardness   




5 - 20°H


Remark 


This species may be closely related to , or variety of, the Ticto barb from South Asia.

Black Ruby Barb

Introduction


This barb has a stocky body with a high black and deep belly.The basic color is pale golden yellow with some iridescence.Three broad black vertical bars cross the body,rather  faintly on this juvenile specimen.A short, often indistinct, black bar lines between the eyes, and a thin, dark lines mark the rear edge of the caudal peduncle.In breeding males, the whole body becomes  suffused with a sooty , deep red-pink and head turn deep red-purple to black.

Common Name


Black Ruby barb, Purple-headed barb, Ruby barb


Scientific Name




Puntius nigrofasciatus 




Species 




Barbus nigrofasciatus




Habitat




Streams in Srilanka


Maximum Size 




2.4 in (6cm)




Minimum Tank Size 




Atank measuring at least 30" x 12" x 12"/75cm x 30cm x 30cm/67.5 litres.Planted tank with some open swimming space, avoid overly bright lighting, or provide shade with floating plants.


Diet   




Omnivorous, most foods accepted, include a vegetable component in the diet.


Water Temperature 




 69.8 - 79°F/21 - 26°C


pH



6.0-7.0. 




Hardness  


1 - 12°H




Remark


This fish spawns easily

Ember Barb

Introduction

Four broad, incomplete black bars cross the body of the Ember Barb.A thin black line also crosses the end of the caudal peduncle.The  hue of the male is sooty pink, which, when breeding , becomes a vivied pink-red , with black bars that almost merge.

Common name


Ember Barb


Species


Barbus melanympyx




Habitat


Flowing water of Malaysia and parts of  Indonesia .


Maximum Size


Some sources state that it can reach 150mm/15cm but typical adult size is around 65-75mm.


Minimum Tank Size


Very active and deserves a tank measuring at least 36" x 12" x 12"/90cm x 30cm x 30cm/85 litres.


Diet


Omnivorous so can eat most of the fish foods.



Water Temperature


23°C to 26°C


pH


6.8 to 7.2


Hardness


2 - 10°H


Remark


The appearance is similar to that of Barbus Arulius, but the male does not develop the dorsal extensions.

Spanner Barb

Introduction

Two black vertical bars cross of the body of this juvenile.A broad black line also tapers horizontally back across the caudal peduncle and into the central rays of the caudal fin.These markings resemble an adjustable wrench or spanner, earning this fish the common name,Spanner Barb.The pattern fades with maturity and the body takes on a sooty pink hue.

Common Name


T-barb, spanner barb


Scientific Name


Puntius laterstriga


Species


Barbus lateristriga


Habitat 


Widespread in South east Asian streams and rivers



Maximum Size


Capable of growing to 6/16cm to 7"/18cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


Really shouldn't be kept in a tank measuring less than 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet


Spanner Barb is Omnivorous.So can eat variety of worms, insects, crustaceans, plant matter and other organic debris.


Water Temperature


23°C to 28 °C is suitable.


pH


6.0 to 7.0


Hardness


1 to 10°H


Remark


The spanner barb can grow quite large in s spacious aquarium.

 

Golden Dwarf Barb

Introduction


Dark irregular patches appear on the golden brown body of this small active fish.The high-backed shaped is rounded by a deep belly, and it tappers toward a slender caudal peduncle in  which there may be red-gold coloring, especially in well-fed male.

Common Name

Golden barb, Geli barb, Dwarf barb, Golden dwarf barb

Scientific Name


Puntius gelius


Species

Barbus gelius


Habitat 


Streams and rivers in northeast India and Bengal


Maximum Size 




The ones most commonly seen in the trade tend to be fully-grown at only 1.6"/4cm, although some of the forms are said to reach 2"/5cm or more.


Minimum Tank Size  




An 18" x 15" x 12"/45cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/53 litre tank is easily big enough to house a small shoal.


Diet 




Small crustaceans and insects, dried food .


Water Temperature  


Around 21°C to 30°C


pH 


Happiest in slightly acidic to neutral conditions pH 6.0 - 7.0.

Hardness 


1 - 10°H

Remark 


This modestly size fish is highly active and prefers to shoal.It is an excellent subject for the species or small fish community tank and can withstand failry low temperatures.

 

Filament Barb

Introduction

The body of the maturing filament barb is contoured equally.Juveniles are slimmer and more elongate, and three broad vertical bars run along their golden brown flanks.In adults , these dark bars largely disappear,leaving only a dark blotch on the flanks above the anal fin.The body deepens and becomes a silvery green-yellow.Filaments also extend from the first few rays of the dorsal fin on prime adult males, hence the common name.There is no barbels present.

Common Name

Filament Barb


Scientific Name


Puntius filamentosus


Species


Barbus filamentosa


Habitat

Streams and rivers in southern India and Srilanka

Maximum Size



Attains six inches though normally between 5 and 6 inches.


Minimum Tank Size 


A particularly active species meaning a group would need a tank measuring a bare minimum of 48" x 12" x 12"/120cm x 30cm x 30cm/108 litres, preferably larger.


Diet

Omnivorous by nature (feeding on insects, worms, crustaceans and plant matter), most prepared foods like flakes and granules are accepted; frozen blood worms, mysis and river shrimp are relished.


Water Temperature


68 - 76°F/20 - 25°C


pH


6.0 - 7.0


Hardness


2 - 15°H

Remark

This fish is a prolific breeder that can withstand temperature as low as 59°F(15°C)

Branded or Lined Barb

Introduction


The branded or Lined barb's pale golden body is crossed horizontally  by a number of equally space dark stripes.The thickest  stripe runs along the mid-line of the body, with three thinner stripes above it and one or two below.The plumper female has a higher arched back, and her stripes are not as bold.

Common Name


Branded or lined barb,striped barb, eugrammus


Species


Barbus fasciatus


Habitat


Streams and rivers in Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo


Minimum Tank Size




A 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/70 litre tank is big enough to house a small group of these.


Maximum Size



The largest officially-recorded specimen measured just 2.1"/5.3cm.


Diet


Like many barbs it's a generalised omnivore in nature, feeding on a variety of worms, insects, crustaceans, plant matter and other organic debris.


Water Temperature




70 - 76°F/21 - 24°C


pH


4.0 - 7.0


Hardness


1 - 12°H


Remark


Except for the barbels , this fish exactly resembles Barbus lineatus.

Clown Barb

Introduction

The background color of this barb is a golden brown-pink leading to silver on the belly.Several equally spaced dark blotches appear in the flanks.Females are deeper bodied.

Common Name

Clown barb


Species

Barbus everetti


Habitat


Streams and rivers in southern India and Srilanka


Maximum Size

In the wild these fish can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm), but in captivity they generally only get about 4 inches to 5 inches.

Minimum Tank Size

It requires an aquarium measuring at least 80 com / 32 inches with a capacity of 114 L / 30 gallons or more.

Diet

It will accept most food including flake food.

Water Temperature

Temperature 26-29°C / 79-84°F

pH

6.0 to 7.0

Hardness

2 - 10°H

Remark

This fish is a prolific breeder that can withstand temperature as low as 59°F(15°C)

Dorsalis barb

Introduction

The fish body is symmetrical and generally more elongate than most of the barb.Colors vary from metallic bronze to blushing red, and the brown-green dorsal surface shades down the silver on the ventral region.The dark apex at the front of each scales is distinct.

Common Name

Dorsalis barb

Species

Puntius dorsalis

Size

Up to 10 inches (25 cm) usually 5 inches (13 cm)

Minimum Tank Size

55 gallons for a school.

Diet

Omnivorous, flake, Frozen, and live food.


Water Temperature

Temperature 68 to 78°F (20 – 26°C)

Habitat

Streams and rivers in Srilanka


pH

pH range: 6.5 – 7.5

dH 

dH range: 5 - 12

Remark

The species need an efficient filtration system to keep the water clear of suspended waste matter.

Lemon-fin Barb

Introduction

The body contour of this species is non-symmetrical, with the smooth curve of the dorsal fin.Colors with the age,from yellowish green to silvery gray, perhaps with brown tint.Scales are dark-edged, adding a reticulated effect.the bright yellow color of the fins gives the popular name.A bumpy snout is the characteristic of the young fish.Wild specimens may reach almost 20 in (50 cm).Four barbels are present.

Common name

Lemon-Fin Barb

Species

Barbus daruphani



Size 

Up to 10 inches (20 cm) in a home aquarium, 20 in (50cm) reported in the wild.

Habitat 

lakes in rivers in Thailand.



Minimum Tank Size

At least 125 gallons for young, public aquarium for mature specimens.

Diet

Omnivorous, flake, Frozen, and live food. Will eat anything.


Temperature

Temperature 72 to 77°F (22 – 25°C) pH range: 5.0 – 7.0; dH range: 5 - 15

pH

These fish are currently kept in water Ph 7.5 and Hard

Price

Around  8.95 $


Remark

The lemon-fin barb is popular fish in Thailand.It requires plenty of swimming space in aquarium

Cuming's Barb

Introduction

The body color of this barb is golden yellow, progressing downward to silver ventrally , with a tint brown on the upper surface.Black diamond marks appear on the shoulder and caudal peduncle.Specimens caught from different locations may have varying dorsal and pelvic fin colors: yellow-orange may replace yellow-red.As with most barbs, males are slimmer than females and have more vivid colors.There are no barbels.

Common Name


Cumings's barb

Species


Barbus cumingi

Water Temperature 



72 - 81°F/22 - 27°C


pH Range 


5.5 - 7.0.


Habitat


Hill streams in Srilanka.


Hardness
 

1 - 12°H


Minimum Tank Size  
 

A 24" x 15" x 12"/60cm x 37.5cm x 30cm/27 litre tank is ideal for a group of these.
 

Maximum Size


 A diminutive barb that is fully grown at around 2"/5cm.

Remark
 

Colors are best viewed  in an established planted aquarium.Use  the tough-leaved Crytocoryne plants for shelter, and bushier, softer-leaved plants , such as Cambomba to provide food and spawning areas.
 

Rosy Barb

Introduction

This long-finned aquarium-developed  strain takes its name from the coppery red metallic sheen on male flanks.Colors are intensified during breeding .A small dark patch make the body just before the caudal peduncle.The female fins have less colors and the body is plumper.

Scientific name:  

Puntius conchonius 
   
Common name: 

 Rosy barb     


Species


Barbus conchonius


Adult Size:


2-3 inches. Up to 6 inches in the wild. 


Max. size:  

14.0 cm / 5.5 inches

pH range:

6.0 – 8.0

dH range: 

 5 - 19

Avg. Price:  

$4 - $6 (BD$)


Habitat

Rivers in northeast India


Breeding: Type:

Egg layer.




Temperature range: 

 18 – 22°C / 64.5 – 71.5°F (Will accept higher temperatures but 18 – 22°C / 64.5 – 71.5°F is preferable)

Minimum Tank Size:


5 gallons


Remark

This prolific egg scatterer is ideal for the first-time breeder, but parents tend to eat the eggs, so remove them after spawning.It prefers a well furnished tank will floating plants for shade.

Arulius Barb

 Introduction

The brown-gray body is covered with three irregular and incomplete vertical black bands, reaching halfway down the flanks.A small black smudge appears at the dorsal fin's base.The dark-edged scales are marked with tiny iridescent dots, accentuated when the fish is viewed under side-lighting.

Common name

Arulius Barb, Tamiraparani Barb, Silas Barb, Longfin Barb

Scientific name:

Puntius arulius

Species

Barbus arulius


Habitat




Rivers in southern India


Size:

12 cm / almost 5 inches

pH:

6.0- 8.0

Temperature:  

19-25° C (66-77°F)

Hardness: 

tolerates most conditions

Remark:

This barb generally tolerates and breeds at any concentration of water hardness,producing an average of 100 fry.

FreshWater Aquariums

THERE ARE MANY MORE options to open a freshwater fish-keeper than to the marine aquarist.The freshwater keeper can recreate the conditions of a tropical river or lake,a background pound a hard-water Rift Valley lake, or a cold water stream.Whichever aquatic habitat you choose to create, water quality will be of great importance.Simulating the chemistry of location can be achieved using resins,minerals and sometimes peat in the mechanical filter system.These will soften, harden ,make alkaline , or acidify the water.Dilution by adding rainwater is one way to reduce hardness, while soft water can be hardened by adding limestone.The use of power filter will create the environment around the aquarium - a conditioned welcome by species accustomed to flowing waters.It is most important that there is high level of dissolved oxygen in aquarium water.This is best achieved by water aeration,regular water changes and general cleanliness.

Pea Gravel

SPECIAL NEEDS

Creating freshwater fish retreats for the fish using plants or rocks is extremely important, particularly for the more timid species.Some fishes will appreciate being shaded from overhead lights by floating plants.By adjusting the temperature or by offering plenty of live foods, the fish-keeper may stimulate breeding behavior.

 

 

Bog Wood

 

Congo Anubias

FRESHWATER HABITATS

THE PROPORTION of the fresh water fish in the world is very small -around two percent.Most of the world's water is in the oceans.But because of the diverse location , accessibility and differing qualities of fresh water , the variety of fresh water fish is vast.Fresh water fish can cope with a wide range of water locations, qualities ,temperature and this adaptability and resilience has made them hardy and very suitable for life in aquarium.


Types Of  The Fresh Water 

When water falls from clouds as rain, it is conditioned by the earth upon which it lands.This , in turns, effect the local fishes' tolerance of their water conditions.If water falls on granitic rock,its composition is altered very little and it remains soft.But when it permeates limestone,it absorbs calcium and make it alkaline and hard.Peaty soil will acidify water, as will the rotting vegetable typically found in slow-moving streams,including most aquarium fishes, such as barbs and rasboras,will, therefore ,tolerate acidify in their aquarium water.Lakes with no inflow or outflow of water from rivers,as in Rift Valley of Africa, have a high mineral content that must be emulated in captivity using commercial mixes.Estuarine waters are regularly altered by tidal additions sea water,and fishes from these environments , such as Mono and Scat, appreciate a small addition of salt in their water.By the time of rain water reaches the sea, it is of an entirely different composition.Once there, it evaporates and begins its journey back through the water cycle.

Rift Valley of East Africa

Effect Of  Temperature

Changes in temperate may also significantly alter fresh water habitats: where the volume of water is small, the differences between day and night temperatures is greater.More drastic fluctuations include the melting of mountain snows, which add cool water to rivers.

Fresh Water Of Mexico

Fish Food

FEEDING

The types and amount of food  offered to fish are crucial, as uneaten food will rot,upsetting tanks condition.Fish should never be feed more than they consume within a few minutes.Any food that is not eaten will simply left to waste,depleting the aquarium of vital oxygen.Fish will not starve if left for a week or so during vacations, providing they have been well feed beforehand.Fish foods fall in to two groups: dried or prepared foods and natural foods in the form of living creatures, seeds or fruits.Aim to match the wild diet of a fish as closely as possible.


DRY FOODS

Dry flakes

Multimillion-dollar businesses have been established to provide nutritionally balanced diet for all types of captive fish.Modern fish foods aim to closely match fish's natural diets.Whether fish are carnivorous , herbivorous or omnivorous , adults or fry, they are convenient foods available in several forms, including flakes, pellets,tablets, and liquids.In addition to proteins,carbohydrates and fats, fish require require vitamins and mineral just as humans do, and many manufacturers now add these during the production process.

Freeze-Dried  Brine Shrimp

 

Live Brine Shrimp

NATURAL LIVE FOODS

Mosquito Larve

Freezing and freeze-drying also means that live aquatic foods can be preserved.These are ideal, as living creatures, either waterborne or terrestrial , naturally contains all the nutrients that fish needs.They also make a welcome treat,if  offered only occasionally .Mosquito larvae can be collected from standing water, and bloodworms and water fleas are usually available from aquatic dealers.

Water Fleas

Fish Diseases

ONE ADVANTAGE of keeping fish is the small amount of time required for maintenance: a few minutes each day for feeding and perhaps an hour or so a week for cleaning.Periodic tests for water quality area advisable, especially with marine tanks, dedicated fish,or when breeding, but water hardness need not unduly worry the average keeper.

Fish diseases are usually initiated by stress, often caused by change in the aquarium enviroment or by pollution from over feeding or the decay of the carcasses of the dead fish.Fortunately, most ailments can be diagnosed, and many respond to medication or treatment .


TREATING COMMON AILMENTS


.White Spot:-  (Ichthyopthirius) Small white spots appear on the body and fins.It can be remedied with a commercial water treatment.The marine equivalent is Crptocaryon.


.Velvet:- Similar to white spot, but spots are smaller.All forms are caused by Oodinium parasites, which respond to treatment.


.Fungus:- (Saprolegnia)  The body has ''woolly'' growths; remedy with a salt bath, or , for freshwater fishes, a swab with a proprietary treatment.


.Mouth ''Fungus'':- This usually respond to antibiotics, which area available from a veterinarian.


.Skin and Gills Flukes:- Fish scratch against objects to relieve the irritation of skin flukes(Gyrodactylus).Gill flukes (dactylogyrus) cause fish to hang, with gills inflamed, at the surface.Commercial treatments are effective.



.Fin-Rot:- Often a secondary ailment due to acidic water, tissue between the fin rays is gradually eroded by bacteria.Changing the water may promt a recovery.


.Dropsy:- Scales stand out from the body and the fish becomes bloated;no cures are reliable , and fish are best destoryed.

Aquarium Setup

EVERYTHING that is placed inside a aquarium alters its balance, so every action of fish-keeper should be carefully considered.Fish needs plenty of space and oxygen, as well as carefully monitored feeding and water conditions.

CHOOSING A DEALER

A local aquarium shop is likely to share your water supply (and any related problems) , so there should be less stressed involved in establishing the fish in you tank.Try to monitor the shop's  fish stock over a period.Consider whether it has a fast turn because of brisk trade or because of stock is dying.Find


STOCKING LEVELS

A fish needs enough space to swim freely,but the size of the aquarium and the temperature of the water also effect oxygen content and will determine the  number of fish that can be held.The oxygen consumption of the four fish differs, partly because warm water fish carry less oxygen, so the recommended minimum size will differ accordingly.An aquarium measuring 24 in ((60 cm)) and 12 in (30cm) wide with a surface area of 28 in(square) ,(1800cm2), is roughly adequate for fresh water fish and all the marine fishes will consume proportionally more oxygen.

SURFACE AREA

The depth of the tank is not relevant to the oxygen content calculations;it is the surface area of the water that is important.Tropical marine species require 48 in^2  (300 cm^2) of water per inch (2.5 cm) of body length ; cold water fish require 30 in^2  (190 cm^2); and tropical freshwater fishes require 12 in^2 (75 cm^2) .The 24 in 12 (60x30 cm)  aquariums, therefore will hold  approximately 6 in (15 cm) of tropical marine fishes ( measured from snout to caudal peduncle ), 9 in ( 23 cm) of cold water freshwater fishes , and 24 in ( 60 cm) of tropical  freshwater fishes.