2 Tropical Tank Fish To Add To Your Community - By: Paul Curran

The Pearl Danio and One-striped African Characin are 2 tropical tank fish to consider putting in your aquarium. Their individual needs and particular traits are described. Included are environmental conditions, feeding patterns, colors, temperament and how to breed.

One-striped African Characin - Scientific name: Nannaethiops unitaeniatus (Family: Citharinidae):

Really suited to the community tank. Resilient to a large variation in water temperature but about 23 degrees centigrade is fine. It is a hardy peaceful fish but a bit shy and is not particular about its food. It is also known as the One-lined African tetra and is originally from Equatorial Africa.

It can grow to nearly 8 cms with the male's maximum length being about 6.5 cms which is one way to see the differences between the sexes. Other differences are that the female is duller than the male, has more arched back and is fatter. The fins on both are quite erect and look very colorful when their environment regarding water quality is at its best.

The upper part of the body color varies from dark brown to a brownish red. This merges into a gold color on the flanks, fading into white or yellowish white below. A dark line is noted through the middle of the fish from the mouth via the eye to the tail. The caudal fin has a reddish tint with the upper part having more red color.

Breeding wise, this fish is not a problem. A water temperature of 26 degrees centigrade will be ideal and a great plant for the tank is the Miriophyllum. Note that you must remove both parents from the breeding tank after spawning has taken place. After a couple of days hatching will take place and the fry can be fed on infusoria and brine shrimps that have been just hatched.

Pearl Danio - Scientific name: Brachydanio albolineatus (Family: Cyprinidae):

This tropical tank fish likes to swim around the top part of the aquarium and is lively, so is ideal for a community environment. In addition it is undemanding regarding food diet and will also love to have small live food meals. Twenty-three to twenty-nine degrees Celcius is a good temperature range for your water and a good level of lighting will display your fish's colors at their best.

The pearl danio is a slender fish. The main color of the fish has a shiny appearance covering green, blue and pink shades under indoor lighting. The mouth leans upwards with the top lip having barbels. Sexing the species is not easy but the male is a bit smaller than the female and has a thinner body and is less rotund.

For breeding you will need three males and one female in the breeding tank. It is important to note that these fish are keen egg-eaters so a breeding trap or spawning mat must be used in a long tank with a maximum water depth of 13 cms. Separate the males and females before spawning and only give them live food. Place the female in the breeding tank a whole day before the males.

After the spawning about 20 sticky eggs may be produced and after 48 hours hatching will happen and fry will be swimming around after about 3 more days; and will grow rapidly.

There are other Brachydananio species and they are all excellent community aquarium fish. Amongst these is the Brachydanio nigrofasciatus, also known as the spotted danio, that is difficult to breed and there is also the Brachydanio frankei, another favorite.

About the Author

Author and webmaster Paul Curran provides a care information system for freshwater aquariums AND a FREE E-Course on how to set up and maintain a beautiful aquarium, have the healthiest, happiest fish around AND learn about more tropical tank fish

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Paul-Curran/93776

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