We offer expert information for your saltwater aquarium fish, freshwater aquarium fish and steps for setting up a reef aquarium. Information and care sheets are available for many types of aquarium fish, invertebrates and aquarium coral which will help you become successful in maintaining your own aquatic animals. WHY ARE SOME FISH MORE POPULAR? 1) Males Can Change Their Sex When A Female Dies 2) Clown Fish Like Living Among the Poisonous Tentacles of the Sea Anemones 3) Their Beauty And Color Is Eye-catching In Any Aquarium Why Do Clown Fish Hang Out With Venomous Sea Anemonies? It's a great survival trait! The Sea Anemone and Clown Fish Exhibit What Biologists Call Mutualism Clown fish live among the tentacles of the sea anemone to increase the survival of both species. This mutual benefit is called “mutualism” by biologists. After the anemone paralizes its prey who has wondered within reach of its venomous grasp, its eats what it needs and leaves the rest for the clown fish to enjoy. The clown fish also eats the dead tentacles of the sea anemone, thus aiding in its continued health. Clown fish and certain damselfish are the only species of fish that can avoid the potent poison of a sea anemone. Usuually small group of clown fish live together among one anemone. This group of clown fish will consist of a breeding pair, along with a few non-reproductive,"pre-pubescent" smaller male clown fish. Clown Fish Are Fascinating Saltwater Fish- A sex-changing, beautiful fish living among deadly anemonies. A tropical saltwater fish, clown fish are known for their brilliant yellow or orange color, which is strikingly accented with white bars, patches, or stripes, They are one of the most popular and interesting salt-water species that you can raise in your own saltwater aquarium. Some species of clown fish grow as big as 18cm, with smaller species reaching only 10cm long. Another Survival Trait Allows Clown Fish Can Change Their Sex When More Females Are Needed Clown fish are hermaphrodites which can change their sex from male to female. If a female dies, a dominant male will become female in order to continue propagating more clown fish. Are Clown Fish Easy to Breed? Not really. Clown fish go through an extended period before they breed. They will form a mating pair but they do not rush into a romantic relationship. Sometimes it takes two or three years before the pair is ready to breed. Since they live up to thirty years, their physiology is in no hurry. During this long wait, they will eat a lot of food. In the ocean, clown fish consume hundreds of tiny organisms, called zooplankton, a day. Baby Clown Fish They are very tiny when first born. At day 15, the flea-sized fish get their first stripe. In their infancy, clown fish are not efficient feeders because they cannot chase their food, but must first bump into it before they open their mouth and swallow it. By day 30, they look like adults. Six months later, they are just big enough to sell. See our store for Clown Fish to Buy Freshwater Fish Are Easier To Raise Basic Requirements For Setting Up Your First Fish Aquarium If you are a beginner, it is better not to start with raising Clown fish because they require a saltwater tank. It is easier to keep the water within the desired parameters of a freshwater tank. There are many species of beautiful freshwater aquarium fish, and many color and form varieties within each species. The best choices for a beginner's aquarium are peaceful community fish such as those in the tetra, gourami, danio, livebearer, and rasbora groups. The needs of most peaceful community fish are similar enough that several species can live together. On the other hand, semi-aggressive or aggressive freshwater aquarium fish are more challenging to keep and greatly limit the diversity of species that can be kept in the same tank. As there are hundreds of varieties, a good starting point is to check our list of the peaceful community fish on this link "Community Fish." Knowing which aquarium fish are compatible is important. Learn about the behavior, adult size, habitat needs, and other information of the various species of fish. Check the care sheets in the "Care Instructions" link. The number and size of the aquarium fish that you can accommodate is determined by the size of the tank. A typical aquarium can support one inch of fish per gallon of water (1 cm of fish per 1.5 liters). For example, a 20-gallon tank may contain only 17 gallons of water due to water displacement by gravel and decorations. These 17 gallons could support four 2-inch fish and three 3-inch fish, or any other combination that adds up to 17 inches of fish. Overstocking aquariums is a common cause of aquarium fish death, as it can lead to rapid fluctuations in water chemistry and result in dissolved oxygen levels that are too low for many types of fish. Do not panic if you find fish dying during the first few weeks. The chemistry of the water in your tank may take some time to stabilize. Until it does, sensitive aquarium fish may not survive this imbalance. Types of Tanks Aquarium tanks are available in many sizes and shapes and range from the simple and low-cost to the very elaborate. The standard small tank holds 10 gallons (38 liters), but a slightly larger tank is easier to maintain because water chemistry will not fluctuate as rapidly in a larger volume of water. A 20- to 30-gallon (75- to 115-liter) tank is usually a good size for a beginner. Be sure to select a sturdy table or stand on which to place the tank and to position it near an electrical outlet and away from direct sunlight, heaters, and air conditioners. Every tank needs a lid to keep out dust and a light for easy viewing of aquarium fish. If you are not adding live plants, the standard fluorescent lights supplied with most aquarium hoods will be sufficient for viewing your aquarium fish. The light should be set on a timer and turned on no more than 12 hours per day, in order to mimic the natural light cycle. What Tank Equipment Do I Need To Raise Freshwater Aquarium Fish? All aquarium tanks need a heater and filter, and there is a wide variety available. A filter helps to keep the tank clean, aerate the water, and maintain proper water chemistry. Most filters utilize several filtration methods: mechanical filtration, which removes solids such as dead plants and solid fish waste; chemical filtration, in which activated carbon or another medium removes organic pollutants chemically; and biological filtration, in which beneficial bacteria break down ammonia and nitrite into less harmful substances. The three most common types of filters are those that are submersed entirely in the tank, filters that hang on the back of the tank, and canister filters that are usually housed in a cabinet under the tank. By far the simplest and most user-friendly for beginners is the hang-on variety, as it is mechanically simple, is easy to access for cleaning, and does not require complicated tubing and plumbing. A hang-on filter also provides adequate aeration (eliminating the need for an air pump), provided that it is large enough for the tank and is properly maintained. An aquarium heater is necessary in order to maintain the water temperature in the range that most freshwater aquarium fish prefer, between 76 and 80 F (24.5 to 26.5 C). A fully submersible heater, rather than the kind that clips on to the top edge of the tank, is preferable, as the non-submersible variety will break if it is accidentally dropped into the tank. Air pumps and air stones add pretty bubbles but are more decorative than functional. Although air pumps can help to add oxygen to the water, I would not recommend their use in an area that needs quiet, such as a bedroom, because they tend to be noisy. However, if your filter is not the hang-on variety, it may not provide adequate surface turbulence to aerate the water and you may need an air pump. Saltwater Aquarium Fish Require Other Types of Equipment Aquarium fish raised in saltwater tanks require three types of filters: a) Chemical filter with carbon; b) Mechanical filter with filter floss; c) Biological filter with ceramic rings. For raising saltwater aquarium fish you will also need a protein skimmer, a heater, live rock and sand, and a chiller is optional depending on conditions surrounding the aquarium. The salt chemistry balance is also essential. For additional information click the navigation link labeled "Saltwater." The Aquarium Scenery Designing the "aquascape" in the tank is the fun part of setting up your aquarium and a great opportunity for you to learn about the habitat needs and preferences of different fish. Generally, aquarium fish need places to hide and several objects or structures in the tank that help them divide the space into homes and territories. Aquarium fish placed in a brightly lit, mostly empty tank are more prone to stress and disease than fish living in a tank with plenty of structures and hiding places. A favorable habitat also promotes more natural behavior, and makes it more interesting to observe the natural interactions of aquatic life within the aquarium community. Caves, rocks, plastic plants, and driftwood are all good aquarium additions. Live aquatic plants are beautiful and beneficial additions to an aquarium, but be sure to check the specific care requirements of any plants you are considering. Two hardy live aquatic plants that will tolerate low light are Java moss (Vesicularia dubyana) and Java fern (Microsorium pteropus). Both of these plants do well when they are anchored to a piece of driftwood (tie them on with fishing line). Be sure that all aquarium additions are non-toxic and insoluble. Fresh Water Tank Scenery Cautions Many types of rocks, corals, and seashells are not appropriate for freshwater aquariums because they slowly dissolve, releasing minerals that negatively affect the water chemistry. Granite, slate, and sandstone are generally safe for aquarium use. Aquarium decorations can be anchored in the substrate, which may be gravel or sand, one to two inches (two to five centimeters) deep. Avoid painted substrates, as the paint often flakes off over time; and avoid very large diameter gravel, as aquarium fish can become trapped in the spaces between the gravel pieces. If using sand as a substrate, make sure that is intended for freshwater use. Many online stores sell sand for saltwater tanks that contains salts and minerals that will negatively affect water chemistry in a freshwater tank. Sand from a beach is not suitable since it will contain too much salt and organic material. For additional information on freshwater aquariums see link called "Freshwater." How Often Should I Clean My Tank? Tank maintenance includes changing 20 percent of water every two weeks. For complete information: Care Instructions INTERESTING RESEARCH ON THE PROPAGATION OF AQUARIUM CORAL Are Coral Impossible To Propagate and Keep Alive In Hobby Aquariums? NOT TRUE TODAY. We will use the current scientific research to discuss and dispel this and 2 other long-held ideas about aquarium coral that are no longer true. Significant technical advances in maintaining saltwater aquariums has made it possible not only to maintain many coral species in the home aquarium, and grow and reproduce them. (Definition: propagate is the process of creating new coral.) 1) Suppliers of Corals Are Depleting the Worlds Corals and Coral Reefs. No Longer True. Since Coral Reef aquariums contain live corals, a controversy exists which has the good intention of saving the ocean's coral reefs from poaching for profit. If coral is propagated and raised by fish hobbyist, the threat to the ocean's beautiful coral reefs are reduced. 2) Aquarium Coral IS Too Difficult to Raise in Home Aquariums. No Longer True. The long-held belief that they are difficult to keep alive in the home aquarium has become mute with increases in the knowledge about their specific needs for light and wave motion. Scientific advancements in equipment and knowledge of the aquarium coral's need for lighting intensity and duration requirements, and their water chemistry and wave motion needs has made even the most difficult coral, such as Acropora spp. is easy to culture and raise at home. You can also raise the zooxanthellae corals if you know their requirements for light intensity, spectrum and duration. Many fish hobbyists have focused on those species that contain zooxanthellae due to their ease of maintenance, but many of the azooxanthellate anthozoans are great in home reef aquariums. Knowledge is the key. 3) Aquarium Coral Is Difficult to Propagate in Home Aquariums. No Longer True. Studies have shown that corals will reproduce in aquariums. Some species such as the Pocillopora damicornis and Tubastrea spp., use asexual planulation and the formation of new colonies are easily made in your aquarium if you know the science behind it. Spawning is also easily made among the acroporids and other coral species. Corals in the antipatharian species, such as Wire Coral, will grow fast on a diet of live Artemia salina, and these can be propagated through cuttings. Today, fish hobbyists are learning that many non-photosynthetic soft corals can be propagated through fragmentation. Try the Dendronephthya, Scleronephthya and Stereonephthya, because they are especially easy. Conclusion: It is true that living corals are slightly more difficult to maintain in aquariums than are most saltwater aquarium fish, because they have requirements that differ from most freshwater aquarium fish. Understand their physical, chemical and biological requirements and you can expect to achieve success, not only in keeping them alive, but also propagating them at home. Copyright 2011. For additional information on the care, propagation, and how to create your own coral reef aquarium: Coral Care and Reef Aquariums References Delbeek, Charles J. Aquarium Sciences and Conservation, 2001 Delbeek, Charles J. Reef Aquarium Coral, 2005 Golstein, Robert J. Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook, 2007 Holbrook SJ, Schmitt RJ (2005) Growth, reproduction, and survival of a tropical sea anemone (Actinaria): benefits of hosting anemonefish. Coral Reefs, vol. 24. Mariscal RN (1970) The nature of the symbiosis between Indopacific anemonefishes and sea anemones. Marine Biology, vol. 6. Scott, Michael. A Pocket Expert Guide to Reef Aquarium Coral and Fish, 2006 We carry healthy freshwater and saltwater aquarium fish, invertebrates and live aquarium coral. We will also be carrying acclimation supplies, additives, air pumps, algae pest control, aquariums, cleaners, filtration supplies, fish nets, traps, etc. If you like this site, you will also enjoy our great Sister sites: Mini Horse Barn Native American Jewelry and Kachina Dolls Native American Art, Sand Painting, Native Pottery, Medicine Wheels, Navajo Flute Sacagawea's Life, Death and Birth Tribe Optical Communication and Emergent Computation Technology |
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The public’s attention became riveted on the clown
fish when the movie “Finding Nemo” came out.
Finding Nemo centers around a father's search for
his son, who is captured and placed in a dentist's
aquarium. The movie has catapulted the fish into
stardom. Although, the movie dropped from sight,
while clown fish became even more popular. Here
are the main reasons:
fish when the movie “Finding Nemo” came out.
Finding Nemo centers around a father's search for
his son, who is captured and placed in a dentist's
aquarium. The movie has catapulted the fish into
stardom. Although, the movie dropped from sight,
while clown fish became even more popular. Here
are the main reasons:
The sea anemone benefits from the swimming activity
of clown fish creating increased water circulation
around its tentacles. The clown fish has bright
coloration which serves as a lure, attracting other
fish to come within the reach of the tentacles of the
stationary anemone.
of clown fish creating increased water circulation
around its tentacles. The clown fish has bright
coloration which serves as a lure, attracting other
fish to come within the reach of the tentacles of the
stationary anemone.
Scientific Research
Articles:
Clown Fish
Sea Anemones
Seahorses
Coral Propagation
Articles:
Clown Fish
Sea Anemones
Seahorses
Coral Propagation