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Name:
Corydoras,
Corydoras spp.
Origin:
South America
Size:
5-10 cm/2-4”
Minimum tank size:
60 cm/24”, 60 l/14 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-7.5, Temp 22-28°C
Comments:
Corydoras
catfish are bottom scavengers that can be added in
groups to the community tank. There are hundreds of species available and
they all behave in a similar way. Sand is the ideal substrate for foraging as it
is soft and won’t damage their delicate barbles.
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Name:
Guppy,
Poecilia reticulata
Origin:
Trinidad
Size:
5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size:
45 cm/18”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6.5-8, Temp 22-28°C
Comments:
Guppies are universally popular because of the males’ colourful
tails and their willingness to breed. Females are larger, less colourful and
give birth to live young. Don’t keep with large, boisterous fish or fin nippers.
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Name:
Platy,
Xiphophorus maculatus
Origin:
Mexico, Belize
Size:
5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size:
45 cm/18”, 30 l./ 60 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6.5-8, Temp 24-28°C
Comments:
Platies are hardy and colourful and make great additions to the
community tank. They breed readily, and if you keep males and females
together you will soon have fry. Outnumber males with females.
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Name:
Molly,
Poecillia velifera/latipinna/sphenops
Origin:
Central America
Size:
7.5 cm/3”
Minimum tank size:
75 cm/30”, 80 l./ 18 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 7-8.2, Temp 24-28°C
Comments:
Mollies are hardy livebearers that come in Sailfin and Black
forms. They inhabit salty estuaries. Add salt to their tank to fight disease.
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Name:
Dwarf gourami,
Colisa lalia
Origin:
India
Size:
5 cm/2”
Minimum tank size:
60 cm/24”,
60 l./ 14 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-7.5,
Temp 24-28°C
Comments:
Dwarf gourami are
pretty fish that are suited to the
well-planted aquarium. They
need gentle filter currents and
can be kept with other small,
peaceful fish. Males are the
colourful ones in most cases, but
blue dwarf gourami may have
blue males and blue females.
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Name:
Zebra danio,
Danio rerio
Origin:
India
Size:
4 cm/1
1
/
2
”
Minimum tank size:
30 cm/12”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-8, Temp 15-25°C
Comments:
Hardy shoaling fish suitable for tropical tanks or unheated
indoor aquaria. Keep in groups of six or more. They like some filter current
and are often found at the water’s surface, flitting in and out of the current.
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Name:
White Cloud Mountain minnow,
Tanichthys albonubes
Origin:
China
Size:
4 cm/1
1
/
2
”
Minimum tank size:
30 cm/12”, 20 l./ 5 gal capacity
Water conditions:
pH 6-8, Temp 15-25°C
Comments:
These small fish are more temperate than tropical, and originate
in cool mountain streams. They are hardy fish, ideal for beginners or as an
alternative to goldfish in unheated aquaria. Keep in groups of six or more.
Patience is vital when you first stock an aquarium. You should never attempt
to fully stock a newly set-up aquarium.
Stress-free introduction
●
Turn off the aquarium lights
●
Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalise
water temperatures.
●
Now open the bag and gently pour in about 30% aquarium water.
●
Wait 10 minutes then repeat this process twice more at the same
intervals.
●
Carefuly net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium.
●
Dispose of the water in the bag. Do not pour this water into the aquarium.
●
If the new fish are the only ones in the aquarium, wait 24 hours before
initial feeding.
TIP
SPEND TIME OBSERVING YOUR FISH ON A DAILY BASIS
Introducing fish