Basic HTML Version
25
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Name:
Bristlenose,
Ancistrus temminckii
Origin:
South America
Size:
15 cm/6”
Minimum tank size:
90 cm/36”, 90 l./ 20 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-8, Temp 24-28°C
Comments:
Bristlenose are good algae eaters and make a more suitable
choice than the common plec. The male fish develop the bristles that give
them their name, and mature pairs may breed in the aquarium. Feed on
sinking algae wafers.
Name:
Siamese fighter,
Betta splendens
Origin:
Thailand
Size:
5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size:
30 cm/12”, 15 l./ 3 gal
capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-8,
Temp 26-30°C
Comments:
Siamese
fighters are best kept in
small tanks with gentle
filtration, and away from
fish that may try to nip their
fins. They like to be warmer
than most other tropical
fish. Never keep males
together as they will fight
and may kill each other.
Name:
Neon tetra,
Paracheirodon inessi
Origin:
South America
Size:
3 cm/1
1
/
4
”
Minimum tank size:
30 cm/12”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-7, Temp 24-28°C
Comments:
Neon tetras are one of the world’s most popular aquarium fish.
They are a shoaling fish, so keep in groups of at least five, preferably more.
Don’t keep with large or boisterous fish as they may be eaten. Well-decorated
tanks suit them best, with live plants for cover.
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Name:
Cardinal tetra,
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Origin:
South America
Size:
4 cm/1
1
/
2
”
Minimum tank size:
30 cm/12”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-7, Temp 24-30°C
Comments:
Cardinal tetras are some of the most beautiful tropical fish
available. Best in shoals of six or more, they appreciate warm, soft, acidic
water with a low pH. Treat new arrivals with a whitespot treatment.
■
Name:
Discus,
Symphysodon spp.
Origin:
Amazon, South America
Size:
18 cm/7”
Minimum tank size:
120 cm/48”,
240 l./ 53 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 5-7, Temp
28-32°C
Comments:
Discus are beautiful, but
more demanding than most tropical
fish. Use RO water to create the soft
acidic conditions that they require.
Keep them warm and feed regularly
on frozen food and Tetra Prima. Tall
tanks are essential.
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Name:
Tiger barb,
Puntius tetrazona
Origin:
Sumatra
Size:
5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size:
75 cm/30”, 80 l./ 18 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-8, Temp 24-28°C
Comments:
Tiger barbs have a reputation for nipping fins. To counteract
this, keep them in large shoals and with no long-finned fish. Females are
deeper bodied and males have more colourful fins.
■
Name:
Rosy barb,
Puntius conchonius
Origin:
India
Size:
10 cm/4”
Minimum tank size:
75 cm/30”, 80 l./ 18 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-8, Temp 18-28°C
Comments:
Rosy barbs are hardy, colourful and suitable for unheated,
indoor aquaria. Male Rosy barbs are the more colourful. Long fin, Neon and
Glowlight versions are also available. Recommended community fish.
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Name:
Harlequin,
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Origin:
South-east Asia
Size:
3 cm/1
1
/
4
”
Minimum tank size:
45 cm/18”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 5-7.5, Temp 24-26°C
Comments:
Harlequins are great additions to the smaller community tank
and are always active. Keep them in groups of five or more against a
backdrop of bogwood and live plants.