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Fishes CatalogueContents
1 Catfishes are an extremely varied and primitive group, they can be found universally wherever other fishes exist, although in general, they can endure far worse conditions than most other species, managing quite well in water that is muddy, short of oxygen, and suffused with bacteria. Being bottom feeders they can survive where many other species would perish. 2
Anabantids,
or Labyrinth Fishes The suborder of Labyrinth fishes is comprised
of four families, and are a very interesting group that have the ability
to breath out of water by means of a specially developed structure known
as a labyrinth organ. The four families of the suborder are as follows:
3 Cichlids are quite distinctive, with most species being deep, with a large head and eyes, well-developed lips, and a strong jutting jaw. In almost all species males can be distinguished from females by their pointed dorsal and anal fins, the females being more rounded. In nearly all cases the males are more colourful. Depending on the genus, the body shape varies from pike-like to disc-like form. 4 American Cichlids Their Naturally distribution occurs throughout Central and South America, and even Texas in the case of one particular species, and from the West Indies to Uruguay. Although this family are well known for being predacious and vicious, except for the genus Apistogramma and Nannacara (Dwarf Cichlids), Pterophyllum (Angelfish), and Symphysodon (Discus Fish), the great abundance of these fishes, along with their splendid colours and interesting breeding habits have made them a popular choice amongst aquarists. 5 Angelfishes The genus Pterophyllum consists of fishes that are disc-like in shape, but unlike the Discus fish, its dorsal and anal fins are well extended, and it has ventral fins that are very long and which look like feelers. 6 Discus Fish Undoubtedly the most respected and desirable of all Cichlids, and indeed all aquarium fishes, is the Discus, Symphysodon, often referred to as the King of aquarium fishes. Since their introduction in 1933 the keeping and breeding of Discus fishes has been the ambition of many fishkeepers throughout the world. 7 Lake Malawi Cichlids Generally, Lake Malawi Cichlids are easy to keep, being relatively hardy, and good spawners, although they do need very alkaline pH , hard water, and lots of room, with plenty of rocks and caves, especially the Mbunas. 8 Lake Tanganyika Cichlids It is from Lake Tanganyika that some of the smallest Cichlids can be found, growing no larger than 1¼ inches (3.5cm), these Cichlids are known as shell dwellers, and just as their name suggests, they live in snail shells, and have become very popular within the hobby. Another favourite is Julidochromis, there are only half a dozen or so species in this genus, but all have been imported and have become very popular with fishkeepers. 9 African Non-Lake Cichlids Unlike the Lake Cichlids, these other species normally require less extreme water conditions, and usually do quite well in water of normal hardness and with a pH of around neutral. 10 Characins The genera and species are very numerous in South and Central America, and to a lesser degree in Africa. By far the largest varieties are to found in the vast basin of the Amazon River, and this is the natural habitat of the majority of Characins commonly known as “Tetras”. Other Characoid fishes include the Piranhas and Silver Dollars, the Headstanders, the Pencilfishes, the Hatchetfishes, and the African Tetras. 11 LiveBearers are probably the most popular of all aquarium fishes, and as their name suggests, they give birth to live young. There are a number of families, but almost all of the species seen in aquariums belong to the family Poeciliidae (Pea-ci-li-i-dee) 12 Guppies All Guppies are of the same species, Poecilia reticulata, with the males of this beautiful species having every imaginable colour combination. The males will grow to about 1½ inches (3.8cms.), and the females will attain approximately 2½ inches (6.3cms.). It is quite possible that Guppies are the most popular of all tropical fishes. 13 Mollies There are three Molly species that are readily available, the Sailfin Molly, Poecilia latipinna, from the South East coast of the USA and along the Gulf of Mexico, the Giant Sailfin Molly, or Yucatan Molly, Poecilia velifera, which can only be found around certain regions of Central America, namely Yucatan, and the sphenops Molly, Poecilia sphenops, from Mexico, Central America and Northern South America. This latter species is one of the smallest of the Mollies, and only grows to about 3 inches (8 cms.), and although it doesn’t have the beautiful huge dorsal fin that the males of the other two species possess, it is easier to keep. 14 Platies There are two Platy species that are readily available, the common Platy, Xiphophorus (Ziff-o-for-us) maculatus, and the variegated Platy, Xiphophorus variatus. 15 Swordtails The Swordtail is a streamlined fish; the males grow to about 5 inches (12.5cms.), the females slightly less, they are expert jumpers, being found in fast-moving shallow waters that have well planted inlets to provide shelter and resting places. The sword is only seen in males, and is a characteristic long extension to the lower edge of the caudal fin. 16 Killifishes Egg-laying Tooth Carps, better known as Killifishes, are small and often extremely colourful fishes found on almost every continent, but most heavily represented in the tropics of Africa and America. They usually possess large dorsal and anal fins, and the caudal fins of the males in many genera are also large and lyre-shaped. The mouth is usually large and situated well forward, and the overall size of, these fishes rarely exceeds 3 inches (7.5cms.), they are expert jumpers. 17 Cyprinids or Carps and Minnows, form the largest family of fresh water fishes. The fish keeper could class them into two groups, Rasboras, Danios, and Minnows; in group one, this being the largest division of the Cyprinidae family, and Barbs, being the other group, which have always been the fishkeepers favourites, they are active, peaceful, and with bright colours. 18 Loaches are a Carp-like fish belonging to the Cobitidae family, and their natural distribution extends from Asia to Europe, including the UK, and into North Africa. They all display timid behaviour and are likely to spend most of the time hiding under flat stones or burrowed under the gravel. Most species are usually small with elongated cylindrical bodies. They are bottom feeders and will take most live and packaged foods. |
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