Hasselt's Bony Lipped Barb

Introduction


The scales of this juvenile are dotted with a reddish brown mark, giving a stripped appearance , with a dark spot occurs on the caudal peduncle.Adult fish are plain gray-green. The mouth has lips fringed with pimpy growths, and the lower jaw forms a scraper for algae.All fins contain yellow and red.

Common Name 



Hasselt's Bony Lipped Barb, Terbul.


Species



Osteocheilus hasselti.



Habitat 


Streams and rivers of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Sunda Island


Maximum Size


About 12"/30cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


70-100 gallons minimum.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature


22 - 28°C


pH


6.0 - 7.5


Hardness


  4- 15°H


Remark 


This fish is very active when young ,but like the Black Shark it grows large quickly and requires a great deal of space.

Black Shark

Introduction


The coloring on this mature Black Shark is gray-black: on adults it is deep velvety black.The juvenile has scales with red or gold centers, giving a speckled appearance .The species has a large ,triangular dorsal fin resembling that of a true shark

Common Name 


Black Shark, Genus labeo.


Species


Luciosoma setigerum


Habitat 


Various waters in Borneo , Java ,Sumatra,  Thailand, Cambodia.


Maximum Size


About 20"/50cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


70-100 gallons minimum.


Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature


22 - 28°C


pH


6.0 - 7.5


Hardness


  4- 15°H


Remark 


This peaceful species relishes supplemental green foods.

Apollo Shark

Introduction


Like the Maroon Shark, this fish features silvery flanks with a greenish tinge above the lateral lines and large scales.A black line runs from the head to the caudal peduncle, where it continues along the top edge of the large, deeply forked caudal fin.The bottom of the caudal fin is rays , and pectoral fins reach back to the pelvic fins.

Common Name 



Silver Apollo Shark, Apollo Shark, Silver Shark.


Species


Luciosoma setigerum




Habitat 


Streams and rivers in Borneo , Java ,Sumatra; also  Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 10"/25cm.


Minimum Tank Size 



A tank measuring 6' x 2' x 2'/180cm x 60cm x 60cm/540 litres should be the minimum size considered.



Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature  


75 - 81°F/24 - 27°C


pH


6.0 - 7.5


Hardness



  4- 15°H


Remark 


A large ,covered aquarium is required.

Maroon Shark

Introduction



The silvery brown flanks of this species have a greenish yellow tinge above the lateral line.Juveniles have a black band running from the head to tail that fades with the age.Pelvic and anal fins carry red, and the red caudal fin has black tips.The dorsal fin is relatively uncolored.

Common Name 



Sultan Fish, Ikan Jelawat, Mad Barb


Species


Leptobarbus hoevenii


Habitat 


Rivers in Borneo and Sumatra; also Laos and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 20"/50cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


At least 125 gallons.



Diet 


They are Omnivorous , so can eat most of the foods.Frozen flakes and live foods.A varied diet will ensure the fish develop the best colors and condition.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.0- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 


A roomy tank is needed for this large fish.

Ruby Shark

Introduction



The Ruby Shark has a slim gray body and dark-edged scales.A dark stripe runs from the snout to the center of the eye,and there is a dark patch at the rear of the caudal peduncle.The forked caudal fin carries red coloring, and the down-turned mouth carries two pairs of barbels.Males are slimmer with a black streak anal fin.

Common Name 


Ruby Shark,Green Fringe-lipped Shark

Species


Labeo frenatus


Habitat 


Stream throughout Thailand .


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank smaller than 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 


These fishes have down-turned fringe-lipped mouths. Flowerpots make ideal hiding places for them.

Red Finned Shark

Introduction



In the wild, the body of this ''shark'' is pale-brown, with a small dark patch at the end of the caudal peduncle and bright red fins.Many commercial , aquarium-bred , strains on general sale, however, shows the characteristics of albinism.They have a pale body  and red eyes.

Common Name 


Albino Rainbow Shark, Albino Red Finned Shark, Albino Ruby Shark


Species


Labeo erythrurus.


Habitat 


Stream in Thailand .


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank smaller than 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 


These fishes have down-turned fringe-lipped mouths. Flowerpots make ideal hiding places for them.

Red Tailed Black Shark

Introduction

The flattened ventral contour, the underslung mouth, and the high, triangular dorsal fin give this fish its distinctive shark-like shape. It also has the habit of patrolling the aquarium. The body is jet black, while the tail is red, Pectoral fins may be yellow-orange.

Common Name 


Redtail Shark, Labeo bicolor, Red Tailed Black Shark.


Species


Labeo bicolor.


Habitat 


Stream in Thailand .


Maximum Size


About 6"/15cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank smaller than 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 


Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 78°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 8.0.


Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 

It is quarrelsome with its own kind and others if there are no hiding places.

Siamese Flying Fox

Introduction

The body is torpedo shape and divided into distinct color sections.The top is brown-green and is separated by a pale yellow hand from the thick dark band which runs the length of the body.The ventral surface is silvery yellow.All fins carry trace of yellow, and the dorsal fin has black base.The down-turned is used to browse upon algae-covered rocks , but live foods are also eagerly taken.

Common Name 


Siamese algae eater, Siamese flying fox, Flying fox, Siamese fox, Lady's Fingernail Fish


Species


Epalzeorhynchus siamensis.


Habitat 


Stream in Thailand and Malaysia.


Maximum Size


About 5.5"/14cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


About 90cm with 150L.


Diet 

Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


65- 79°F/18 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 7.5.



Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 

The Siamese Flying Fox fish forages on tank-botton algae.It is generally peacefull , but intolerant of its own species.

Crossocheilus Oblongus

Introduction

The body is torpedo shape and divided into distinct color sections.The top is brown-green and is separated by a pale yellow hand from the thick dark band which runs the length of the body.The ventral surface is silvery yellow.All fins carry trace of yellow, and the dorsal fin has black base.The down-turned is used to browse upon algae-covered rocks , but live foods are also eagerly taken.

Common Name 



Crossocheilus Oblongus

Species

Crossocheilus Oblongus


Habitat 


Running rivers of Sumatra, Java and Malaysia; also Borneo and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 6.25"/16cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A group needs a tank measuring at least 48" x 18" x 18"/120cm x 45cm x 45cm/255 litres.


Diet 

Crossocheilus Oblongus is mainly herbivorous.A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a rivertank-style set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.


Water Temperature  


72 - 79°F/22 - 26°C


pH


6.5- 7.5.



Hardness


5 - 15°H


Remark 

This species has not yet been bred in aquarium, but males develop head tubercles when in breeding condition.It is easily confused with the flying fox which has more intense colors.

Copper-nosed Minnow

Introduction


The Copper-nosed Minnow  is slender and long with a greenish brown dorsal surface.The flanks are silvery blue, and the belly is silver.About a dozen blue indistinct , thin blue bars cross the body vertically. Triangular dorsal and anal fins are set well back, and pelvic fins are positioned almost halfway back.

Common Name


Copper-nosed Minnow, Opsaridium.


Species


Barilius christyi


Habitat 


Streams in tropical west Africa.


Maximum Size


About 5"/12.5cm.


Minimum Tank Size



30 gallons or larger.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



71 to 79°F (22 – 26°C) p


pH


6.5- 7.0.


Hardness 




5.0 to 10.0 dH


Remark 



This fast-swimming , schooling fish needs a large aquarium and enjoys live foods and floating insects.

Silver Shark

Introduction


 

The coloration of this shark is metallic silver with gleaming , well-defined scales.The triangular dorsal fin is held erect and , like the anal ,caudal , and pelvic fins, is edged with a thick black margin.

Common Name


Silver Shark, Bala Shark



Species




Balantiocheilos melanopterus


Habitat 


Streams in Borneo, Sumatra and Thailand.


Maximum Size


About 12"/30cm.


Minimum Tank Size 


A tank measuring 6ftx2ft x2ft with minimum 700 litres.


Diet 


They almost every tropical food but, like every fish, they benefit greatly from frozen, and especially live, foods. Daily meals of small live and frozen fare such as Daphnia, Artemia and suchlike will result in the best colouration and encourage the fish to come into breeding condition.


Water Temperature  



72ºF to 84ºF (22-29°C)


pH


5.8 - 7.8.


Hardness




5.0 to 15.0 dH


Remark 

The active Silver shark is capable of jumping out of an uncovered aquarium.