Most fish kept by aquarists are oviparous (egg-layers), but there are some exceptions - viviparous fish (or livebearers). A varied and rich diet enables fish to accumulate reserves of proteins and lipids, which help them form eggs and spermatozoa. This is the maturing phase. When the female’s ovary swells, she is ready to lay eggs. […]
In fact, these are not worms but the aquatic larvae of various species of nonbiting mosquitoes. They are also commonly used as bait in fishing. Although it is sometimes thought that they live in mud, they are actually found in the water of areas that are well endowed with organic matter. It is useless trying […]
These are ideal food items for carnivorous fish: they retain all their nutritional value and move around to attract the fish. They are a problem to keep as they only last a few days, but they can be frozen. DRIED DAPHNIAS These were once very popular - so many aquarists have started with them! Nowadays […]
Food must provide fish with the elements needed to “build” their body (proteins) and the energy (from proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) required for its smooth functioning. Feeding a fish properly ensures that it will grow satisfactorily, as well as facilitating its reproduction and helping it to combat disease. Quality and quantity are two important concepts […]
The biggest members of a species dominate the smallest ones: when the latter get bigger they are ejected from the territory. Dominance behavior has practical and social implications, as the dominator will have priority in food and the choice of a fish of the opposite sex. At the bottom of the social ladder, the most […]
BIOLOGY Swimming It is essentially the rear part of the body, particularly the caudal fin, which serves to propel the fish, while the other fins play a stabilizing and steering role. Of course, the more hydrodynamic a fish’s form, the more it is capable of setting off abruptly and swimming quickly, indispensable for catching prey […]
Countless aquarists have noticed that some of their fishes react more enthusiastically to their presence than to that of strangers. If they do “recognize” the person who looks after them, how do they do it? They are capable of distinguishing the special characteristics of the vibrations caused by the footsteps of such and such person, […]
Some aquarium fish have fins that are very different in shape or size from those that are found in nature. They are the result of patient breeding carried out by aquarists over a period of years. The visual effect is guaranteed, but the fish’s behavior is sometimes altered, especially its velocity when moving around. Fish […]