50 common fish species Appendix with Aquariology for the trade Part 1

Transcription

1 50 common fish species Appendix with Aquariology for the trade Part 1 Gerald Bassleer

2 Global Pets Community bv All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below. Global Pets Community bv PO Box BS AMERSFOORT NETHERLANDS

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4 This extra lesson material provides a description of fifty common varieties of aquarium inhabitants sold worldwide, supported with photographs. This will help you understand the fish and their appeal to hobbyists. Pairs People always want to buy fish in pairs, but this is only possible for some species where it is easy to see the difference between male and female (i.e., guppy or Colisa). As a general rule, male fish are more colourful and have bigger dorsal fins and tails. In many species, the difference between male and female fish cannot be spotted (i.e., Neon Tetra or Corydoras), while in some species it is difficult but possible (Ramirezi) or only possible when they are fully grown, as they will show specific patterns or specific behaviour. It is also possible to distinguish between genders if you have had specific training and have the required tools.fish that can be sold in pairs are identified as such in the list below. In most cases, it is advisable to sell/keep fish by two or more (pairs when possible) or as a group/shoal of five and more if the species lives in groups. No need to worry: more information is provided below. Fish families The list of fish is organized in fish families, with their common names. They are described with some short information and their scientific names. Scientific names are recognized the world over, while common names may differ per continent, country or province. Lately, many scientific names have changed, but in this lesson material the old names are used, as some of them are still used in the industry. In the list below, it is also indicated if a fish is an algae eater (A), bottom feeder/cleaner (B), needs a territory (T) or should be be kept as a nice group of fish or shoal (S). globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 4

5 The following fish families will be listed: Tetras small Salmonids Neon, Cardinal, Rummynose, Black Neon, Black Skirt or Widow Tetra, Hatchet fish Livebearers giving birth to baby fish Guppy, Platy, Molly, Swordtail Gouramies Labyrinth fish that take air from the surface Colisa, Tricho, Betta, Kissing Gourami Tropical carp Cyprinids Barbs, Rasboras, Red-tailed shark, Siamese algae eater, Chinese algae eater, White clouds/chinese Danio, Zebrafish Coldwater carp for non-heated, room temperature aquaria or outdoor ponds Goldfish, Oranda, Shubunkin, Sarassa, Koi Catfish these fish have whiskers Pleco, Ancistrus, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Glass or Ghost catfish, UD catfish Other popular families Clown Loach, Normanni Blue-eyes, Butterfly sucker, Rainbow fish Cichlids Some can be kept with other species (i.e., Ramirezi Dwarf Cichlid, Angelfish, Kribensis or Rainbow Cichlid), but some need to be placed with their own species (i.e., Malawi Cichlids) and some need specific water conditions (i.e., Discus). Cichlids are usually kept by specialist shops and hobbyists. More info in the follow-up course Aquariology for the trade Part 2. Invertebrates and dwarf amphibians Snails, shrimp, dwarf lobster, dwarf aquatic frogs GMO fish or fluorescent fish and painted fish GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms): fish with genes from another species (nonfish) that give them fantastic colours. Today in Europe it is illegal to import, breed or keep such fish. Painted fish are injected with colour dies, and also forbidden to trade in in several countries. globalpets.academy 5

6 TETRAS Tetras belong to the family of Characidae. They are small, colourful fish that live in groups. This means that you have to keep a good stock in the shop, as they are sold by ten or more (these fish prefer to swim in shoals). They mostly live at the top and in the middle of the aquarium, except for a few that prefer to live at the surface (i.e., Hatchet fish). Pairs cannot be selected. Most Tetras do not prefer too hard water and too high ph levels. They do not need a specific food. The ones described here do not grow bigger than 3-4 cm. The most popular ones are Neon Tetra and Cardinal Tetra. Neon Tetra Paracheirodon innesi This Tetra is one of the largest sellers in the world due to its neon coloured lighted line in the body. (S) Cardinal Tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi This Tetra is also called red neon tetra because it has a full red line from tail to head. This species is more fragile than the regular Neon Tetra, meaning that it needs more specific care, careful handling and good water conditions (preferably soft, slightly acidic water). (S) Rummynose Tetra various Rummynose Tetra is a common name for three different species: Hemigrammus rhodostomus (see photo), Hemigrammus bleheri and Petitella georgia; distinguishable by its red nose. This fish is also more fragile, like the Cardinal Tetra (see above). (S) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi This Tetra variety has a black neon line. (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 6

7 Hatchet fish various A common name for different species: marble hatchet (Carnegiella strigata) (see photo) is the most popular one, but there are also several silver hatchets Carnegiella meyersi, Carnegiella marthae, Gasteropelecus levis, Thoracocharax stellatus. They live in shoals at the surface of the water and need floating food. They do not like fast current or heavy movement of the water. (S) LIVEBEARERS The name livebearers tells us that this fish family give birth to small baby fish as opposed to lay eggs, like most other fish. This makes them so popular among hobbyists (especially children) since they can enjoy the birth of baby fish on regular occasions. We can easily distinguish males from females as the males have a much larger tail and fins, and more colourful bodies and fins. The males also have a sexual organ goniopodum (more details in the follow-up course Aquariology for the trade Part 2). Livebearers are usually sold in pairs or one male with two females. They mostly live in the middle of the aquarium and they prefer to live in hard water or water with additional (sea)salt. The most popular livebearers are the guppies. They eat a large variety of food, preferably with some extra algae. Guppy Poecilia reticulata The male guppies have beautiful coloured fins (and sometimes also bodies), while the females are usually grey with a little colour in the fins. Their fins also have a different shape (see the photo with the male on the right). They are available in many different colours and shops usually offer a good quantity of different colour varieties because they are the biggest sellers. Dwarf Guppy Poecilia wingei Also called Endler Guppy. A dwarf variety of the Guppy. Many different colour strains are available. Suited for nano-aquariums. globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 7

8 Platies Xiphophorus maculatus Also called Xiphophorus variatus. A species with a very large colour variation. Swordtails Xiphophorus helleri Also called Xiphos. Come in many colour variations. Since the adult male has an elongated (sword) tail, this species is called swordtail and this makes it easy to select pairs, but be careful: some non-mature males do not yet have the sword in the tail. Mollies various The most common ones are Poecilia sphenops or Poecilia latipinna (also called Sailfin Molly). The best known one is the Black Molly (see photo) but many colour variations are available. GOURAMIES Gouramies are also called labyrinth fish, as they have a lung-like organ so they can breathe air: they like to take air from the surface. We see this in particular with Betta splendens (Siamese fighting fish) that for this reason can be kept in a small bowl with little water. However, it is not recommended to keep these fish in this way as the water will quickly become polluted. They also need an aquarium with filtration. We have many different colour strains available, from Trichochaster lalius (Dwarf Gourami, formerly Colisa lalia), Trichopodus trichopterus (formerly Trichogaster trichopterus); to Trichopodus leeri (Pearl or Diamond Gourami), Trichogaster chuna (Honey Gourami formerly Colisa chuna) and the Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii), so-called due to its particular kissing behaviour. Most of the Gourami can be identified as male or female except for the Kissing Gourami. Be aware that males are aggressive when placed together. You should therefore only keep one male in your home aquarium. In the shop you can keep males and females in a group together, except for male Betta splendens, which must be placed in separate, small, temporary bowls (minimum 1 liter); female Bettas can be kept together. Gouramies eat a large variety of food and mostly live in the middle of the aquarium. globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 8

9 Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens The photo shows the male. Males are very aggressive against other Betta males and you can keep only one male in your aquarium. But females are also known to be aggressive. It is not recommend to keep them in small bowls but instead in aquaria of at least 5-10 liters with good filtration. If you want to keep pairs or together with other fish you must place them in a regular aquarium. (T) Dwarf Gourami Trichochaster lalius Formerly known as Colisa lalia. They become only 6 cm long, while many other Gouramies can easily grow to 12 cm. Different colour strains are available and males (right on photo) can be easily recognized by their colour pattern while females have a dull, greyish colour. (T) Three-Spot Gourami Trichopodus trichopterus Formely known as Trichogaster trichopterus. Several colour strains are available, the most well-known of which is the Blue Gourami (see photo, that shows a male). (T) Pearl Gourami Trichopodus leeri Also called Diamond Gourami; formerly known as Trichogaster leeri. Has a typical colour pattern. Especially adult males are splendid (see photo)! (T) Honey Gourami Trichogaster chuna Formerly known as Colisa chuna. The male has a honey-golden body colour (see male at the top of the photo), but several different colour varieties are available. This species can be sold in pairs and housed in a small nano-aquarium of at least 20 liters. (T) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 9

10 Kissing Gourami Helostoma temminckii Has a typically formed mouth and its behaviour (sparring among males) resembles kissing. The original wild variety has nice, flashy green colour, but the most common one is the pink variety. It is impossible to distinguish male and female, but males fight each other try to keep few and give them a territory (their own corner of the aquarium with some wood or stones) to avoid aggressive behaviour. They are good cleaners of gravel, stones, leaves, and often often excess algae. (T) TROPICAL CARP Also called Cyprinids. Barbs, Rasboras, Red-tailed sharks, Siamese algae eaters, Chinese algae eaters, White Clouds/Chinese Danios, Zebrafish. This is large variety of many different species. The most common and attractive varieties have been selected for this course. Some can become aggressive when there is a lack of food. Some of them live in groups of 6 or more. Lately many scientific names have changed, but I have adhered to the old terminology as some of these names are still used in the trade. In most species of carp males and females cannot be distinguished. Tiger Barb Puntius tetrazona Also called Sumatra Barb. Formerly known as Capoeta tetrazona. The most popular barb, a very active swimmer but can sometimes, especially when lacking food, bite on the tails and fins of fish. Available in different colour varieties. Try to keep as a small (5+ pcs) group. They like lots of different food, so give them plenty (more info in lesson 3, Fish food facts). (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 10

11 Cherry Barb Puntius titteya The males have a nice reddish colour (see photo) and this is one of the rare Barbs where we can select pairs. Try to keep as a small (6+ pcs) group. Not aggressive and suitable for small nano-aquariums since they remain small (maximum 3 cm). (S) Harlequin Rasbora Trigonostigma heteramorpha Formerly known as Rasbora heteramorpha. Most popular Rasbora due to its harlequin shaped blue/black triangle colour pattern. Preferably kept in nice shoals of 10+. Suitable for nanoaquariums. (S) Glolight Rasbora Trigonostigma hengeli Formerly known as Rasbora hengeli. Looks similar to the Harlequin Rasbora but has a different glo-light coloured body, smaller triangle shape and remains smaller. Looks very similar to Trigonostigma espei (formerly Rasbora espei) and is therefore often confused with this species. Good fish to keep in shoal of ten in a nano-aquarium. (S) Red-tailed (black) shark Epalzeorhynchos bicolor Formerly known as Labeo bicolor. They might fight among each other when kept with two only, so try to keep three or four and provide lots of hiding places. Only suitable for larger aquaria (150+ liters) with lots of hiding places: they prefer to have a territory. If not, they can also become aggressive towards other fish. globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 11

12 Siamese algae eater Crossocheilus oblongus and Crossocheilus langei Two species that look very similar and are sold as a same species (formerly known as Crossocheilus siamensis). This fish is very popular since it likes to eat lots of algae, including the red and black brush algae. Preferably kept with three or more. They are not aggressive and perfectly suited for the community aquarium. Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus) aymonieri Popular in aquaria since it is an algae eater and cleans the glass walls and other surfaces. When they get older they prefer to eat fish food and become lazy. White Cloud Tanichthys albonubes Also called White Cloud Mountain Minnow or Chinese Danio. Hardy fish that is easy to keep, a good fish to start the hobby of aquarium fish keeping. Preferably kept in groups of 6+. Can live in cold and tropical temperatures. (S) Zebrafish Danio rerio Also a strong fish that is good for the novice aquarist. Preferably kept in shoals of 6+. This fish is very popular for genetic studies. Here the photo shows the longfin variety. (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 12

13 COLDWATER CARP Coldwater Carp are suitable for non-heated, room temperature aquaria or outdoor ponds: Goldfish, Sarassa, Shubunkin, Fantails, Oranda, Koi. Do not keep goldfish or other coldwater carp alongside common tropical fish! Also tropical Fantails or Oranda are not suited to be mixed with tropical fish. Do NOT mix common Goldfish, Sarassa, Shubunkin or Koi with Fancy Goldfish or Oranda because the Fancy Goldfish do not move as fast and eat much slower: they would be out-competed and suffer from starvation resulting in disease and death. Fancy goldfish such as Fantails, Oranda, Pearscale, Telescope goldfish, etc. are not suited to be kept in an outdoor pond. Keep coldwater carp together. They can become very large (30+ cm). A few strong algae eaters (i.e. the common or golden Chinese algae eater or Ramshorn snail) can be added to the aquarium. Plecos or Ancistrus do well when the temperature does not go below C and if they receive supplementary food. Goldfish and Koi also eat algae in ponds, but it is better to prevent algae growth. All Coldwater Carp prefer to live in shoals. Goldfish Carassius auratus The best sold fish in the world and one of the first fish to be domesticated (in China, around 240 A.D.) for the aquarium hobby. Goldfish used to be sold at fairs, but this is now illegal in many countries because a too high risk of impulse purchase, without sufficient information and equipment on keeping and caring for the fish. Please do not keep Goldfish in a simple, small, glass bowl, but in a decent aquarium (or bowl) with filter, preferably a few together since they, as most carp, like to live in shoals. Should not be kept with tropical fish, only with other Coldwater Carps such as Sarassa, Shubunkin or Koi; preferably not with Fancy Goldfish (see above). Goldfish can be kept in non-heated aquaria or outdoors in ponds. Be aware that they can become 30+ cm! From this species many variety of popular fish have been bred: Red Comet Goldfish, Red & White Comet Goldfish or Sarassa, Shubunkin, Fantails, Oranda, Pearlscale, Ranchu, Telescope Goldfish, etc. A few common ones are listed below. (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 13

14 Sarassa Carassius auratus var. Also called Red & White Comet Goldfish: a red and white variety of Goldfish with a comet tail. (S) Shubunkin Carassius auratus var. A calico variety of common Goldfish, originally from Japan. (S) Fantails Carassius auratus var. A fancy Goldfish or Goldfish with a fantail; there are many different colour varieties. (S) Oranda Carassius auratus var. This fancy Goldfish is characterized by a prominent raspberry-like hood (also known as wen or headgrowth) that encases the whole head except for the eyes and mouth. There are many colour varieties. (S) Koi (Carp) Cyprinus carpio haematopterus Koi is a domesticated variety, introduced in Japan in the 1820s, of the Common Carp Cyprinus carpio. Koi varieties are characterized by their colour, pattern and scales. They have two barbels, which distinguishes them from the Goldfish. Competition and high prices makes some of them very expensive ornamental fish. Koi can be kept in large aquaria, but they do better in an outdoor pond. (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 14

15 CATFISH Catfish have prominent barbels that look like cat whiskers. This is a very large family (more than 2,000 species) and we list a few very common ones: Pleco, Ancistrus, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Glass or Ghost Catfish and UD Catfish. Pleco(stomus) Hypostomus plecostomus Also called Suckermouth Catfish. Very popular amongst hobbyists since it looks interesting as a young fish due to its shape and suckermouth hanging on the glass. They rasp over the bottom and decorations: cleaning up leftovers and algae, but grow (too) big (50+ cm) and should eventually be kept in a larger aquarium. They also need to receive food on the bottom, otherwise they die (this is a major reason for many losses among fish keepers). When they become larger and lack fish food they can also suck on larger fish (mostly at night) and cause lesions or death. Can be placed with coldwater fish when the temperature is not lower than C. Not suited for small aquaria! (B) Ancistrus various Also called Bristlenose/Bushynose Catfish. There are many species in the trade and most of them are categorized with L-numbers. The most common one sold by breeders is Ancistrus dolichopterus. They are popular due to their suckermouth and remain smaller (maximum cm) than Plecos. They are a good algae cleaner but often hide. The males can be recognized by their large bristles on the nose. Can also be kept with coldwaterfish as long as the temperature is not lower than C. (A) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 15

16 Corydoras various A catfish that has a typical look (names comes from the Greek for helmet skin). This family has 160+ different species, most of them categorized with C-numbers. Most popular are the tankraised varieties (see photo): Corydoras aneus (Bronze or Green Catfish) (l.), Corydoras paleatus (Mottled or Peppered Catfish) (m.), Corydoras aeneus albino (Albino Catfish) (r.). Corydoras panda has also become popular due to the availability from breeders. They are preferably kept in shoals of three or more, dwell on the bottom and clean the gravel. Make sure you give them enough fish food. Sometimes they come to the surface to gasp for air. They remain small (on average 3-4 cm) and are perfect fish for a community tank. (S) (B) Oto(cinclus) various Also called Dwarf Oto. There are about twenty different species and the most common one found in our hobby is the Otocinclus macrospilus (see photo). Otocinclus vittatus or Otocinclus arnoldi are usually wrong names in our industry. The Otocinclus remain small (3-4 cm) and do best in shoals of five to six. The eat algae all day long (not hairy algae) but they also need fish food to prevent starvation and attacks on other fish. (S) (A) Glass Catfish Kryptopterus vitreolus Also called Ghost Catfish (K. bicirrhis is wrongly used in the trade). As the names suggests, they are transparent and with a magnifying glass you can see the heart beating. Best to keep in small shoals (5+). They are sometimes difficult eaters that prefer to live on frozen food. They do not get bigger than 6-7 cm. (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 16

17 Upside-Down Catfish Synodontis nigriventris Also called UD Catfish. As the name indicates they swim upside-down, at the surface, plants or decoration. They are often confused with the Synodontis nigrita but this last one does not really swim upside-down. They are best kept with a few. They eat everything and are a good community fish. They can grow up to 7-8 cm. OTHER POPULAR FISH SPECIES Here I have listed several common species that belong to different families: Clown Loach, Normanni Blue-eyes, Beaufortia or Rainbow fish. Clown Loach Chromobotia macracanthus Formerly called Botia macracantha. This fish has bright striped (clown) colours and large spines below the eyes for defence or predation. Watch out when netting so they do not get trapped in the net or hurt your hands. It is a pretty sight to see them actively moving around, trying to eat everything they can get, playing dead or swimming upside down. They can become 15 cm and they do not like cool water but prefer temperatures of at least 24 C. When stressed by temperature fluctuations (warm to cold) they are prone to developing ICH or White Spot Disease (see lesson 3 for more info). Normani Poropanchax normani Also called Blue-eyes. Formerly known as Aplocheilichthys normani. A small (few cm) blueish fish with remarkable bright blue eyes that belong to the family of Killifish. Good fish for community and nano-aquariums, preferably kept in larger groups of ten and more that swim mostly in the middle of the aquarium. (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 17

18 Butterfly suckers various Beaufortia leveretti (top photo) or Sewellia lineolata (middle photo) or Gastromyzon borneensis (bottom photo). A recently introduced but already popular fish suited for community aquarium. A small (usually not more than 4-5 cm) sucking fish that likes to stay (stick) on plants or decoration, eating algae and other debris. Prefers good streaming water and to dwell on plants, rocks or stones (try to provide these!). (A) Rainbow fish Melanotaenia There are many different, nicely-coloured species of Rainbow fish (see photo). The most popular are Melanotaenia boesemani (photo of male), Melanotaenia lacustris, Melanotaenia praecox and 80+ others. The males have much brighter, flashy, usually a mix of rainbow colours and larger fins (Boesemani is the exception because it has a two-colour pattern). Very active fish that is best to keep in groups of 5+. They can become 8 to 10 cm. Good community fish but watch out: they like to eat shrimp. (S) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 18

19 CICHLIDS Some cichlids can be kept with other fish in a community (i.e., Ramirezi Dwarf Cichlid, Angelfish, Kribensis or Rainbow Cichlid), but some need to be placed with their own species (i.e., Malawi Cichlids) and some need specific water conditions (i.e., Discus). Cichlids are usually suitable for specialist shops and specific hobbyists. Make sure you have sufficient information! Ramirezi Mikrogeophagus ramirezi Also called Ram Cichlid. This is the most popular Dwarf Cichlid (there many, closely related Apistogramma species). The males (see photo) usually have much brighter colours, a few antenna on the first part of the dorsal fin and are bigger. Some females have a reddish belly. Golden and electric blue varieties are also available. Try to keep them as pairs and provide hiding places since they like to have their own territory. (T) Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare This Cichlid is available in many colours! A popular aquarium fish since the beginning of the 20 th century. Try to keep only a few in the home aquarium. They can be aggressive and should be given hiding places (preferably large plants) to have a territory. The difference between males and females is difficult to see. Adult males usually have bigger foreheads and the mating behaviour shows their sex. They can become 15 to 20 cm long and should be kept in larger aquaria with a higher water temperature (27+ C), like Discus. When large, they may try to eat small fish or shrimp, so make sure they get enough food. (T) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 19

20 Kribensis Pelvicachromis pulcher Also called Rainbow Cichlid. A Cichlid that definitely needs its own territory and enough space in a large aquarium; to prevent aggression towards other fish. The females (top photo) are usually smaller and rounder, while the males have more spots on their longer dorsal fin and tail. They are best kept as pairs and they can grow to 7 cm to 9 cm. Make sure to give enough food to avoid aggression towards other fish. (T) Malawi Cichlids various This is a large group of fish originating from Lake Malawi (East Africa) but now mostly available as 500+ species from breeders. Some of the popular ones are Pseudotropheus, Melanochromis, Maylandia, Aulonocarra and Labidochromis. They are a very attractive and active species that are very easy to keep. They are interesting for hobbyists because they are mouthbreeders, which means they incubate their eggs in their mouths as soon as they are laid, and frequently mouthbrooder fry become free-swimming after several weeks. However, Malawi Cichlids cannot be kept with other common tropical fish, only with their own kind of Cichlids. The photo shows a variety of species. They are preferably kept in hard water with higher ph. Lots of hiding material (i.e., rocks or wood) is needed to avoid excessive aggression among each other. Depending on the species, we can see a difference between male and female. Some become very big (20+ cm) so they need to be kept in larger aquaria. (T) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 20

21 Discus Symphysodon aequifasciata Due to their distinctive shape and bright colors, Discus are popular as freshwater aquarium fish. Many different colour strains are available from breeders. But they need special care with high temperature, soft and slightly acid water, special food and large aquaria and they can become 20+ cm. They are not suited for every hobbyist and you cannot keep them with all kind of fish, not with Livebearers or African Cichlids but with other South American fish such as Tetras, Corydoras, Dwarf Cichlids, Angelfish, Ancistrus, etc. It is very difficult to see the difference between males and females. (T) SHRIMP, OTHER INVERTEBRATES AND AQUATIC AMPHIBIANS Snails, shrimp, dwarf lobsters, dwarf aquatic frogs. Fish keeping has also introduced other species of animals that can live in our community aquaria. A few common species are discussed below. Snails various Snails have been popular for years, as they help get rid of algae. Apple snails or Ampullaria (Pomacea) used to be popular, but they also eat plants and are now illegal to keep in Europe. Nerritina varieties have been introduced with great success (on the photo Nerritina natalensis, also called Zebra or Tiger Snail). They are very good algae eaters and do not eat plants. There are several varieties available. Make sure you cover the aquarium well, as they tend to climb out and also give them sinking aquarium food to let them live longer. (A) globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 21

22 Shrimp various In our industry the interest in shrimp has been enormous since the Amano shrimp (also called Yamato shrimp or Algae Eating shrimp or Caridina multidentata (formerly known as japonica) (top photo) was introduced in the 1990s by the late Mr. Takashi Amano who introduced aqua-scaping (a new beautiful art of aquarium keeping). This shrimp still comes mostly from the wild. It is very popular since it is a good algae eater that also eats the more difficult black bush algae and red algae. Now many more varieties of shrimps are available, not only wild but also many tank-raised such as Red Cherry shrimp or Neocaridina heteropoda (middle photo). Also the Ghost shrimp or Palaemonetes sp. (bottom photo) is very popular in the USA. They are easy to keep as long as you give them lots of live plants and adequate food since they do not thrive on algae alone. Only experts can tell the difference between male and female. Be aware that some larger fish like to eat shrimp and shrimp are very sensitive to copper and ammonia. Shrimp are nice to keep in nano-aquaria. (A) Dwarf lobsters various Dwarf lobsters, also called Mexican Dwarf Crayfish, are more recommended to keep than common lobsters or crayfish, which usually become very large and aggressive towards other fish. Cambarellus patzcuarensis is popular as orange variety (see photo) but normally they have blueish-grey colour. They eat all sorts of different food, clean the bottom of the aquarium, and do not get larger than 4 cm. Males usually have somewhat more elongated claws. globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 22

23 Dwarf aquatic amphibians various One of the best choices for a 100% aquatic amphibian that remains small and can live in a community aquarium is Hymenochirus boetgeri or dwarf frog (see photo). Newts, salamanders, Xenopus frogs or axolotl are other amphibians but not a good choice, for different reasons, for our community aquarium. Dwarf frogs are nice to watch, they are friendly and eat many different kind of fish food. It is difficult for nonexperts to distinguish the difference between male and female. They do not become bigger than 4-5 cm. GMO FISH AND PAINTED FISH Genetically modified fish (GMO fish) or fluorescent fish and painted fish. These are fish with genes from other species (non-fish) that give them fantastic colours. GMO fish various In Asia and the USA they are very popular and nr. 1 sellers. GMO fish are genetically manipulated with genes from other animals. In Europe (2016) they are illegal to import, breed or keep in the absence of proof that they would be at no risk to other fauna. These fish have been used for scientific genetic studies and it is known that there is very little risk. Painted fish various Painted fish are injected with a needle with coloured dies (see photo). Personally I do not support this kind of cruel manipulation of fish with the risk of damaging the fish and losses while the colour only lasts for 6 to 8 weeks. It can only put our ornamental industry in a bad light. There already are so many nice, naturally coloured fish, why choose a temporary artificial methods to make more money? Do we care about fish or not? globalpets.academy info@globalpets.academy 23

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