Butterfly fish, butterfly fish or pantadon (Pantodon buchholzi) are the names of the same freshwater fish that lives in the tropics. This fish belongs to the Aravanidae family (Osteoglossidae), although more recently they were separated into a separate moth family (Pantodontidae). The freshwater butterflyfish is closely related to the Aravanidae and has no relation to the marine coral butterflyfish.
Butterfly fish lives in fresh, stagnant bodies of water with slightly acidified water. The homeland of this fish is the reservoirs of Western and Central Africa: the Zambezi River, Niger and Congo, Gabon, Uema, Benin, Jong Lake Chad. Inhabits creeks, streams, swamps, river basins, which are densely overgrown with plants, with a water temperature of +23 - +30°C. Sometimes it can be found in small lakes, which are hidden in the thicket of the forest.
The butterfly fish has a unique body shape and coloration. Its dimensions are small - up to 12 cm in length. The body is compressed on the sides, the head and back are slightly flattened from above. The pectoral fin is wide and large, similar to wings. There are four pelvic fins, they have long filamentous rays that are located under the pectoral fin.
The dorsal fin is short and located just in front of the tail. The dorsal fin has 6 soft rays, the anal fin has 9-15 rays, in males the rays from the middle of this fin, during the spawning period, form a copulatory organ in the form of a tube. The tail is long and pointed at the end, with two elongated rays.
The coloring of females and males is the same, although males look brighter. Top part the body of the fish has a brown-green color with alternating regular stripes and spots, while the lower part is colored yellow and has dark spots. The fins are brown-pink. The scales shimmer with a silver-golden color, are cycloid, large, and round in shape.
Most often, butterfly fish swim near the surface of the water, spreading their pectoral fins to the sides, which touch the surface, and lowering their abdominal fins down. It hides under the large leaves of aquatic plants. It is a nocturnal predator and can pick up fallen insects on the surface of the water or catch them.
It catches its prey in flight: it jumps out of the water and, with the help of large pectoral fins, soars across the surface of the water. This flight is reminiscent of the flight of a butterfly, which is why the fish got its name. The fish's body is well adapted to such flights: a vascularized swim bladder, which allows it to breathe oxygen from the air at the surface of the water; nostrils that protrude in the form of small tubes and wing fins.
The upper mouth has a large number of teeth and is well adapted for capturing prey from the surface of the water. The position of the eyes on the body allows them to constantly inspect the water surface. The fish can use its flight-jump in case of danger, escaping from predators. It can fly over the surface of the water at a distance of 2-3m. In addition to insects, this fish can also feed on small fish and crustaceans.
Butterfly fish exhibit sexual dimorphism. Males are brighter in color and smaller, and also have a deep cut in the anal fin, which can be used to distinguish a female from a male.
Fish breed in the spring. Spawning games usually occur in the evening or at night (in the dark) and last for quite a long time. The male swims slowly, circling the female in spirals in front of her, periodically copulating with her. The number of copulations is 5-10.
Sperm, introduced once by a male, most likely retain their vital activity for a long time, since subsequent laying of eggs sometimes occurs without secondary fertilization. Transformation with metamorphosis. As a result, this fish goes through the following stages: eggs, larva, fry, adult.
The eggs are large, dark brown in color, and contain fat droplets, thanks to which they float to the surface. The eggs hatch into larvae 48-64 hours after fertilization, after which they sink to the bottom. After the yolk sac disappears from the larva, it, already a fry, rises to the surface of the water. The fry are predators from birth and feed on very small live food.
Thanks to such a bright appearance and relatively simple conditions habitat, this fish came to Europe. This type of fish was brought from Africa to Europe in 1905. This fish attracted people with its unusual appearance and many wanted to keep it at home. For a long time Breeding it in captivity did not work, and only in 1912 did the Berlin aquarist Lehmann manage to obtain offspring. And now this type of fish has not lost its popularity among aquarists.
The conditions for keeping it in the aquarium are as follows. The butterfly fish feels comfortable and safe in a large shaded aquarium among floating plants with huge leaves that spread on the surface of the water. It is recommended to keep these fish in low, wide aquariums.
If you keep one fish, then an aquarium with a volume of 40 liters or more is suitable, but if there are several fish, then 70 liters, provided there are no other aquarium fish. The top of the aquarium should be covered with glass, and there should be a distance of 10 cm between the surface of the water and the glass. The water temperature should be 24-26°C, soft water with a pH of 6.5-7.0.
They take food from the surface of the water; they prefer various small insects - crickets, cockroaches, flies, as well as insect larvae and small fish. Before feeding, microdoses of vitamins and hormones are often added to such food. If such food is not available, it can be replaced with pieces of raw meat, shrimp, and shellfish.
You can also teach them to eat special dry concentrated food, but the fish may develop vitamin deficiency. Its signs are the fish lowering into the middle layers of water or to the bottom of the aquarium (if this is not fear or sleep).
Quite aggressive behavior towards fish that live in the upper layers of the water of the aquarium; if a neighboring fish fits into their mouth, they can eat it. Neighboring fish that occupy the middle layers and the bottom of the aquarium are treated neutrally. At the same time, butterfly fish themselves can suffer from other predators in the aquarium; their fins, with long rays lowered into the water, can be bitten.
They should be kept with large, non-aggressive upper and mid-level fish and bottom-dwelling aquarium fish. The vegetation of the aquarium is dense, but there should be empty areas of it. Breeding butterfly fish is quite problematic, since it requires constant care for itself and its offspring, but it is possible.
To do this, you need to lower the water level in the aquarium by a few centimeters (for 1-2 weeks), add soft acidified water to shift the pH to a more acidic side and increase the water temperature to 26-30 ° C. With the help of such manipulations you can induce spawning in fish under artificial conditions.
Spawning is the same as in natural environment accompanied by stormy mating games that last about a week. After several copulations, the female is usually placed in a separate aquarium with a capacity of about 50 liters. Fertilization is internal. As the female matures, she spawns from 80 to 220 already fertilized brownish eggs with a diameter of about 1.5 mm.
After the eggs rise to the surface, they need to be collected so as not to be eaten by fish, using a spoon and moved to the incubator. Incubation period lasts 48-64 hours, after which the larvae emerge from the shell, breaking it, and sink to the bottom.
There are cases when mature larvae cannot get out of their shell, in this case it is recommended to collect the eggs and throw them into the aquarium from a small height; hitting the surface of the water will help the larvae to free themselves. If this procedure is not carried out, the offspring will die by suffocation.
After complete resorption of the gall sac, the fry rise to the surface of the water and begin to eat. At first, they do not actively catch or search for food; they feed on small live food that floats up to the mouth.
At the beginning, it is recommended to feed the fry with small food cyclops, daphnia, which float on the surface of the water, and later mosquito larvae and fruit flies of fruit flies can be added to the diet. Juveniles become sexually mature between 12 and 16 months.
Microgeophagus ramirezi Chromis butterfly This fish has many names, more complete information about itYou can read here -
APISTOGRAM OF RAMIREZI
Squad, family: cichlids.
Comfortable water temperature: 24-32°C.
Ph: 5.8-7.5.
Aggressiveness: 20% are not aggressive.
Compatibility: only with peaceful and non-aggressive fish.
Personal experience and useful tips: A very beautiful little fish. Because of the “crown on its head” it is sometimes called a “goldfish”, although it has nothing to do with carp goldfish. It is also called an apistogram (but it is not a real apistogram).
Despite all the beauty of the fish, its disadvantage is that it is very demanding in terms of maintenance and is painful - “white semolina” is guaranteed if it is poorly maintained.
Description:
The body is slightly elongated, the head is large, the mouth is terminal.
The body color is yellow with a blue sheen. The front of the back is reddish-brown. The throat, chest and belly are golden in color. A black transverse stripe crosses the eyes. The whole fish is covered with iridescent blue, green dots and spots. The fins are transparent with a red border. Closer to the back of the head, the fin has a deep black color (crown). The length of the fish is up to 7 cm.
Recommended water parameters for keeping: hardness varies, soft is better, pH 5.8-7.5, temperature 24-32°C. Aeration, filtration and water changes 1/5 weekly are necessary. The fish are very capricious and comfortable water parameters, keeping conditions may vary. When purchasing butterfly chromis, you should check with the seller about the specific parameters in which the fish was kept. Otherwise, unfavorable hydrochemical conditions lead to diseases, especially bacterial infections and ichthyophthyriasis.
Feeding aquarium fish must be correct: balanced, varied. This fundamental rule is the key to the successful keeping of any fish, be it guppies or astronotuses. Article
Here.
Video about chromis butterfly
Butterfly fish
Butterfly fish is a fish with an original name that lives both in marine reservoirs and in fresh waters and aquariums. Depending on its habitat, it has different colors and body shapes. Yours unusual name The fish got it because of its bright colors and large fins that resemble wings.
Description of butterfly fish species
Sea butterfly fish is a small but very bright fish that lives in the wild. In their natural environment, these fish can be found between coral reefs, where their beauty is illuminated by the rays of the sun and clear water. Butterfly fish are considered one of the most colorful species on Earth, which is how they deserve their name. By structure sea butterfly fish They are distinguished by a flattened body and a long dorsal fin.
The freshwater butterfly fish is found most often in stagnant water, is widespread on the African continent and is inferior in brightness to its marine counterparts. The freshwater butterflyfish gets its name from its wide fins that resemble the wings of a butterfly. In addition, this type of fish can fly short distances over water. Such skills distinguish butterfly fish from other inhabitants of water bodies.
The pennant butterflyfish is also found in the wild among reefs and in deep channels. Adults lead a paired lifestyle, while young people prefer to live alone. The pennant butterflyfish has an original coloring. Her flattened tall body It is colored with white and black stripes, and the rear fin is yellow.
Aquarium butterfly fish is the most common freshwater fish. Its body resembles the shape of a boat and reaches 10 cm in length. Aquarium fish are not very bright in color, usually gray, gray-green or brown in color.
The aquarium butterfly fish has the same jumping ability as its marine counterparts. This is why it is recommended to keep the aquarium closed.
Butterfly fish do not like to live with individuals of another species. Small fish can be perceived by the butterfly fish as food, and with large ones it can enter into battles for territory. Don’t introduce fish that bite other people’s fins either, since in this case there will be nothing left of the wing fins. Species that live on the bottom (for example, catfish) are suitable as neighbors for the butterfly.
Aquarium butterfly fish are demanding on the volume of the aquarium. Usually this is an 80-100 liter aquarium for several individuals. Ideally, one fish lives in a 40-liter volume. The aquarium must be tightly closed with a glass lid without slits so that the fish cannot jump out of the water and cut itself.
Butterfly fish love warm water; the temperature in the aquarium should reach +25-30 C. As for plants, the fish need broad-leaved species. The water level should be low, then the fish will feel calm and spend most of their time between the thickets of plants.
The water should be changed every week by 15-20%, while ensuring good filtration of the aquarium. The soil for the butterfly fish is not of decisive importance, since it practically does not sink to the bottom.
Feeding is an important process in keeping butterfly fish. In nature, it prefers to pick up insects from the surface of the water, so it does not pay attention to food at the bottom. Food that is too small is also not suitable for feeding. You can use large flake food, and also add grasshoppers, flies, and cockroaches to the diet.
In aquariums with sea water also contain pennant fish and butterflies. These species are more vibrant in color. For example, a lemon butterfly fish with a bright yellow color can live in a marine aquarium.
Apistogram of Ramiresi
One of the most popular fish in our aquariums is the Ramiresi Apistogramma. Rumor has it that it was this small, beautiful cichlid that became the prototype of the goldfish from the film “About the Fisherman and the Fish.”
The extraordinary beauty and small size of the fish, peaceful disposition, allow them to be kept in both herbalists and cichlids, both by professionals and beginners.
Well, let's take a closer look at this amazing inhabitant of our aquariums.
Latin name: Apistogramma ramirezi, also carried Papiliochromis ramirezi, the modern correct Microgeophagus ramirezi.
Russian synonyms: Apistogramma Ramirezi, apistogramma Ramirez, apistogramma Ramiretz, apistogramma butterfly, chromis butterfly, ramirezki, apistogramma ramirezi.
Foreign names: Ramirezi, Ramirezi Dwarf cichlid, Butterfly cichlid Ram cichlid, Sudamerikanischer Schmetterlingsbuntbars, Sommerfuglecichlide.
Squad, family: Perciformes, cichlids, cichlids (Cichlidae).
Comfortable water temperature: 25-30° C.
"Acidity" Ph: 6-8.
Hardness dH: does not matter, preferably up to 15°.
Water for dilution: dH up to 10°; pH 6.5-7.0; temperature 25-27 °C and higher. kH minimum.
Aggressiveness: 10% are not aggressive.
Content complexity: light.
Compatibility of Ramirezi apistograms: Although they are cichlids, they are not aggressive. Even small, peaceful fish and even livebearers are favorably treated. As neighbors we can recommend: red swordtails, ternets, tetras, neons, zebrafish, all peaceful catfish, gouramis and laliuses, parrots, other non-aggressive cichlids and even discus and angelfish. Butterfly chromis get along with virtually all small or peaceful fish. Moreover, they treat aquarium plants favorably - they do not pinch, dig or uproot them. Of course, this property makes it possible to contain ramirezok even in luxurious herbalists.
At the same time, we should not forget that the Ramiresi apistogram is a cichlid, a kind of micro predator. And like all cichlids, it is characterized by territorial, intraspecific aggression. See article - compatibility of aquarium fish.
Not compatible: The apistogramma butterfly is definitely not compatible with large and aggressive fish - cichlids and catfish, piranhas and other aggressors. Not compatible with the entire goldfish family.
How long do they live: Apistogramma ramirez is not a long-lived aquarium fish and can live about 4 years in cool water - 25 degrees. And 2-3 years in warm water 27-30 degrees. At the same time, it is worth noting that these fish are heat-loving fish, they feel good in warm water, which actually allows them to be kept with the same heat-loving fish as discus. Ah, here in cold water Ramirezkam are uncomfortable, they often start to hurt. From my own observations, I can say that this is the case - almost like the apistograms of semolina butterflies))) Warm water is comfortable for these fish and, as is known, is not comfortable for ichthyophthyriasis. You can find out how long other fish live IN THIS ARTICLE!
Minimum aquarium volume for Ramiresi's apistogram: from 30 l., in such an aquarium you can plant a couple + small catfish and medium-sized neighbors. Under good conditions and in large aquariums, they sometimes grow up to 6-7 cm. See how many fish you can keep in X liters of aquarium HERE(at the bottom of the article there are links to aquariums of all sizes).
Requirements for the care and conditions of keeping the Ramirezi apistogram
Aeration and filtration are required, as well as weekly changes of up to 1/4 of the volume of aquarium water.
It is not necessary to cover the aquarium; the fish do not jump out of the reservoir.
They are not picky about lighting; it is advisable that one of the lamps in the aquarium lid be a special lamp that enhances the color of the fish (for example, Marin Glo), with such lighting all the richness of the colors of the apistogram will be clearly visible. Any variety from Vallisneri to Eleocharis parvula can be recommended as aquarium plants.
Decoration of the aquarium, at your discretion: stones, grottoes, driftwood and other decorations. The aquarium must have an open space for swimming. Shelters are not particularly needed.
Feeding and diet of Ramirez's apistogramma
The fish are omnivores and are absolutely not picky about food. They happily eat dry, live food and substitutes. Like many aquarium inhabitants, they love live food: bloodworms, brine shrimp, bark, cyclops, daphnia. The food is taken from the surface of the water and in its thickness; the fish do not hesitate to walk along the bottom, collecting the remains of the food.
Feeding any aquarium fish should be correct: balanced, varied. This fundamental rule is the key to the successful keeping of any fish, be it guppies or astronotuses. Article “How and how much to feed aquarium fish” talks about this in detail, it outlines the basic principles of the diet and feeding regime for fish.
In this article, we note the most important thing - feeding fish should not be monotonous; the diet should include both dry food and live food. In addition, you need to take into account the gastronomic preferences of a particular fish and, depending on this, include in its diet food either with the highest protein content or, conversely, with plant ingredients.
Popular and popular food for fish, of course, is dry food. For example, you can find food from the Tetra company, the leader of the Russian market, on aquarium shelves all the time and everywhere; in fact, the range of food from this company is amazing. Tetra’s “gastronomic arsenal” includes individual food for a specific type of fish: goldfish, cichlids, loricariids, guppies, labyrinths, arowanas, discus, etc. Tetra has also developed specialized foods, for example, to enhance color, fortified, or for feeding fry. Detailed information You can find out about all Tetra feeds on the company’s official website - Here.
It should be noted that when purchasing any dry food, you should pay attention to the date of its manufacture and shelf life, try not to buy food in bulk, and also store the food in a closed state - this will help to avoid the development of pathogenic flora in it.
In nature they live: small bodies of water in the tropics and subtropics of South America. Venezuela, Colombia and Bolivia.
Description:
The body of the ramirezi is ovoid, flattened laterally, with large eyes and a terminal mouth. The dorsal fin is long and high.
The general color of Ramiresi's apistogram is blue with a violet tint, the mouth and forehead are red. From the back there are several rows of dark spots that turn into incomplete transverse stripes. The larger carbon spot limits the eye.
A little history: This apistogram received its Latin specific name in honor of Manuel Vicente Ramirez, who collected specimens of fish of this species.
Varieties (types) of Ramiresi apistogram
There are quite a large number of breeding forms of this dwarf cichlid: balloon - electric blue - neon, gold, as well as veil and albino forms. Below is a photo of a selection of types of apistograms.
Breeding and sexual characteristics of Ramiresi's apistogramma
During spawning, especially males, acquire an intense blue-violet color. The male's abdomen is orange, and the female's is crimson. The first rays of the male's dorsal fin are black and elongated; the 2nd-3rd rays of the male's dorsal fin are usually longer than those of the female. In females, a black spot on the side is usually framed by sequins. Males are larger than females. Ramiresi's apistograms become sexually mature at 4-6 months, when they reach a length of about 3 cm.
Breeding and spawning of ramirez is not complicated; in fact, it is typical of the spawning of most cichlid fish. In fact, spawning occurs independently.
The big problem in breeding is the formation of a good pair of sires. The Ramirez apistogram is characterized by laziness and disgust towards the offspring; they either eat the caviar or leave it without care and attention. Caused by prolonged keeping of fish at home. Domesticated specimens are lazy and require a lot of puffing to get a caring pair of breeders. Everything else is not difficult.
Pairs are persistent and remain throughout reproductive age. For spawning, an aquarium of 15 liters or more is usually used, with coarse-grained sand, thickets of plants and an abundance of flat stone surfaces. The water in the spawning aquarium should be more acidic (0.1-0.3 units) and warmer by 1-2°C than in the general aquarium. The thickness of the water column is about 8-10 centimeters, because... V natural conditions Ramiresi apistograms spawn in shallow waters. It is necessary to ensure a weak flow of water.
The stimulus for spawning is the daily addition of fresh soft water.
The female lays a clutch (50-400 eggs) either on a flat, open surface, or on the inner wall of a grotto, cave, etc. After which both parents, especially the male, begin to care for the offspring. The eggs are sorted out and the dead are destroyed. The masonry can be moved from place to place.
The incubation period of eggs, depending on the water temperature, can range from 45 to 80 hours. Well, then the larvae appear, which feed on their own due to the yolk sac for 5-7 days. In the first days, the larvae are not mobile, then the male begins to move them into the pits.
Interesting video about Ramiresi's Apistogramma
Apistogramma Ramirezi - a fish that has many names and colors
Ramirezi's apistogram Mikrogeophagus ramirezi or butterfly cichlid (chromis butterfly), it is small, beautiful, peaceful aquarium fish, which has many different names.
Although it was discovered 30 years later than its relative the Bolivian butterfly (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus), it is the Ramiresi apistogram that is now more widely known and widely sold. Although both of these cichlids are dwarf, the butterfly is smaller in size than the Bolivian butterfly and grows up to 5 cm, in nature it is slightly larger, about 7 cm. 
It is worth noting that this fish has many different artificially bred forms, for example, veil, neon, blue neon, electric blue, albino, gold, balloon and others. But its diversity does not end there; it is also called very differently: Ramirezi apistogram, Ramirez butterfly, chromis butterfly, cichlid butterfly and others. Such diversity confuses amateurs, but essentially we are talking about the same fish, which sometimes has a different color or body shape.
Like these variations, such as electric blue neon or gold razmirezi, the result of incest and gradual degeneration of the fish due to intrageneric crossing. New, brighter forms, in addition to beauty, also have weakened immunity and a tendency to disease. Sellers also like to use hormones and injections to make fish more attractive before selling. So, if you are planning to buy a butterfly cichlid for yourself, then choose from a familiar seller so that your fish does not die or turn into a gray likeness of itself after a while.
The Chromis butterfly is much less aggressive than other cichlids, but it is also more difficult to keep and capricious. Ramirezi is very peaceful, in fact, it is one of the few cichlids that can be kept in a community aquarium, even with small fish such as neons or guppies. Although they may show some signs of attack, they are more likely to intimidate than actually attack. And this only happens if someone invades their territory.
Habitat in nature
The dwarf cichlid Apistogramma Ramiresi was first described in 1948. Previously, its scientific name was Paplilochromis ramirezi and Apistogramma ramirezi, but in 1998 it was renamed Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, and it is correct to call it all Microgeophagus Ramirezi, but we will concede to the more common name.
It lives in South America, and it is believed that its homeland is the Amazon. But this is not entirely true, it is not found in the Amazon, but is widespread in its basin, in the rivers and streams that feed this great river. She lives in the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia.
The chromis butterfly prefers lakes and ponds with stagnant water, or a very quiet current, where there is sand or silt at the bottom, and a lot of plants. They feed by rummaging in the ground in search of plant food and small insects. They also feed in the water column and sometimes from the surface.
Description
The Butterfly Chromis is a small, colorful cichlid with an oval-shaped body and tall fins. Males develop a more pointed dorsal fin and are larger than females, up to 5 cm in length. Although in nature the cichlid butterfly grows up to 7 cm in size. With good maintenance, the life expectancy is about 4 years, which is not much, but for a fish of such small sizes and that's not a bad thing.
The coloring of this fish is very bright and attractive. Red eyes, yellow head, body shimmering blue and purple, as well as a black spot on the body and bright fins. Plus different colors- gold, electric blue, albinos, veil. Note that often such bright colors are the result of the fact that either chemical dyes or hormones are added to the food. And when you purchase such fish, you risk quickly losing it. 
Difficulty in content
The butterfly is known as one of the best cichlids for those who decide to try keeping this type of fish for themselves. She is small, peaceful, very bright, eats all types of food. The butterfly is undemanding to water parameters and adapts well, but is sensitive to sudden changes in parameters. Although it is quite easy to breed, it is quite difficult to raise the fry. And now there are a lot of rather weak fish that either die immediately after purchase or within a year. Apparently it is due to the fact that the blood has not been renewed for a long time and the fish has weakened. Or it is due to the fact that they are grown on farms in Asia, where they are kept at a high temperature of 30C, and almost rain water.
Feeding
Chromis butterfly is an omnivorous fish; in nature it feeds on plant matter and various small organisms that it finds in the ground. In the aquarium, she eats all types of pressed and frozen food - bloodworms, tubifex, coretra, brine shrimp. Some eat flakes and granules, but usually not very willingly. You need to feed her two to three times a day, in small portions. Since the fish is quite timid, it is important that it has time to eat after its more lively neighbors.
The recommended aquarium volume for butterfly chromis is 70 liters. They prefer clean water with little current and high oxygen content. Weekly water changes and soil siphoning are required, since the fish stay mainly at the bottom, an increase in the level of ammonia and nitrates in the soil will affect them first. It is advisable to measure the amount of ammonia in the water weekly. The filter can be either internal or external, the latter being preferable.
It is better to use sand or fine gravel as soil, as butterflies love to burrow in it. You can decorate the aquarium in the style of their native river in South America. Sand, lots of hiding places, pots, driftwood, and dense bushes. You can put fallen tree leaves at the bottom to create an environment similar to nature.
Butterfly chromis do not like bright light, and it is better to put floating plants on the surface of the species. Now they adapt well to the water parameters of the region where they live, but the ideal would be: water temperature 24-28C, ph: 6.0-7.5, 6 - 14 dGH.
Compatibility with other fish
The butterfly can be kept in a common aquarium, with peaceful and medium-sized fish. By itself, it gets along with any fish, but larger ones can offend it. Neighbors can be viviparous animals: guppies, swordtails, platies and mollies, as well as various characins: neons, red neons, rhodostomus, rasboras, erythrozonus.
As for the content of Ramirezi's apistograms with shrimp, this is, although small, a cichlid. And if she doesn’t touch a large shrimp, then she will perceive the small thing as food.
The Ramirez butterfly can live either alone or in pairs. If you are going to keep several pairs, then the aquarium should be spacious and have shelters, since the fish, like all cichlids, are territorial. By the way, if you purchased a pair, it does not mean at all that they will spawn. As a rule, a dozen juveniles are bought for breeding, allowing them to choose their own partner.
Sex differences
The female from the male in Ramirezi's apistogram can be distinguished by its brighter abdomen; it is either orange or scarlet. The male is larger and has a more pointed dorsal fin. 
Breeding
Apistogramma Ramirezi in nature forms a stable pair and lays 150-200 eggs at a time. To get fry in an aquarium, as a rule, they buy 6-10 fry and raise them together, then they choose a partner for themselves. If you just buy a male and a female, then there is no guarantee that they will form a pair and spawning will begin.
Chromis butterflies prefer to lay their eggs on smooth stones or on wide leaves, in evening time at a temperature of 25 - 28° C. They also need a quiet and secluded corner so that no one disturbs them, since when stressed they can eat eggs. If the pair stubbornly continues to eat eggs immediately after spawning, then you can remove the parents and try to raise the fry yourself.
The formed couple spends a lot of time cleaning the chosen stone before placing the caviar on it. The female then lays 150-200 orange eggs, and the male fertilizes them. The parents guard the eggs together and fan them with their fins. They are especially beautiful at this time.
Approximately 60 hours after spawning, the larva will hatch, and after a few days the fry will swim. The female will move the fry to another secluded place, but it may happen that the male begins to attack her, and then he needs to be removed. Some pairs divide the fry into two flocks, but as a rule, the male takes care of the entire school of fry. As soon as they swim, the male takes them into his mouth, “cleans” them, and then spits them out. It is quite funny to watch how the brightly colored male takes the fry one by one and rinses them in his mouth, then spits them back out. Sometimes he digs a large hole in the ground for his growing babies and keeps them there.
Once the fry's yolk sac has dissolved and they are swimming, it's time to start feeding them. Starter food - microworm or ciliate, or egg yolk. You can switch to Artemia naupilia after about a week, although some experts feed from the first day.
The difficulty in raising fry is that they are sensitive to water parameters and it is important to maintain stable and clean water. Water changes should be done daily, but not more than 10%, since large ones are already sensitive. After about 3 weeks, the male no longer guards the fry and must be removed. From this point on, the water change can be increased to 30%, and you need to replace it with water passed through osmosis.
Bolivian butterfly
Most people try to follow fashion in clothing, behavior, and hobbies. To please her trends, many change their wardrobe style, manners, and their hobbies...
Fashion also exists in the aquarium hobby, when keeping certain fish is a general trend for a certain period of time. However, there are fish to which the current fad does not apply, which have always been, are and will be in domestic and foreign aquariums, which always have a wide circle of admirers. The South American dwarf cichlid, often called the Bolivian butterfly, is just such a versatile fish.
Dwarf cichlid: the secret of popularity
In principle, there is no secret: the high and constant popularity of the Bolivian butterfly is explained quite simply.
- Firstly, this exotic fish is not capricious, gets along well with other inhabitants of the aquarium, and is unpretentious in food. Maintaining it is not at all difficult, and even a beginner in aquarium farming can cope with it.
- Secondly, the size of the Bolivian butterfly allows it to be placed in a medium-sized aquarium (80–100 liters), the purchase of which will not cause such great damage family budget. By the way, the fish itself is very inexpensive.
- Thirdly, the Bolivian small cichlid itself is very attractive. She is able to decorate any aquarium not only with her coloring, but also with the interesting features of her behavior.
Description and characteristics
The Latin name of the species is Mikrogeophagus altispinosus. In the literature you can find another name - “Bolivian butterfly chromis”.
Its dimensions are quite small: the length in the natural environment rarely reaches more than 8 cm, and in aquarium conditions no more than 6–7 cm. Females, as a rule, are slightly smaller - about 5–5.5 cm. Despite these sizes, the chromis butterfly is the most authentic South American freshwater cichlid both in body shape and body structure.
If you look in profile, the shape of the fish’s body resembles an egg, the sides of the body are strongly compressed. The main background of the body is yellow, the chest and head are orange. Wide, pale gray vertical stripes run throughout the body, becoming visible in bright light. The eyes are bright black, with a black stripe above them.
This species is called a butterfly because of its large transparent fins.
The dorsal fin is high, it extends from the back of the head to the beginning of the tail. A graceful red stripe runs along its upper edge. There is a similar stripe along the edges of the lush caudal fin. The pectoral fin is pointed, its color is complex, as the rays change their color from blue to bright orange. The relatively large anal fin is pink or orange.
In a word, it is a rather bright fish, the color of which contains almost all the colors of the rainbow. The Bolivian butterfly lives 4–5 years, but some sources indicate a different lifespan - up to 7 years.
Sexual differences are expressed in the larger size of males and their brighter coloring. The fin rays of males are slightly longer than those of females.
Habitat in nature
Already from the name it is clear where the habitat of this cichlid is located. These are the rivers of Bolivia and Brazil. Channels with fast current the fish does not like it, it lives in slow and sometimes stagnant water, where there is a lot of aquatic vegetation, woody snags, and branches. There the chromis finds food for itself - aquatic insects, larvae, and juveniles of other fish.
After the first specimen for description was caught in Bolivia (in 1911), the fish was seen in the Brazilian rivers Rio Guapora (originating in Bolivia), as well as Igarapi (central Brazil).
The Bolivian butterfly does not swim to depth, preferring muddy or sandy shallow waters, well warmed up by the generous tropical sun.
There is no pronounced pack behavior; individuals can exist in schools or pairs, or alone.
The scientific name of the species went through several stages:
- it was first called Crenicara altispinosa,
- 65 years later (1977) the fish received the name Paplilochromis altispinosus,
- and now its name sounds like Mikrogeophagus altispinosus.
Features of keeping in an aquarium
There is nothing extraordinary in the content of microgeophagus. Even a novice aquarist who has become familiar with some of the rules, at least in theory, can cope with this.
Aqua system dimensions. You can keep a pair of dwarf cichlids in a 60-liter aquarium. However, in this case, there is a possibility of never seeing their offspring. The fact is that little “South Americans” will not just create a couple without the opportunity to choose.
Freedom-loving and independent microgeophagus choose a female for spawning independently from several options.
That is why most often a flock of 5-6 individuals of different sexes is organized, and for this you need a 100-liter aquarium. Least.
If the home aquatic system also contains other aquatic animals, then its volume should be even larger.
Water parameters. The Bolivian butterfly is a persistent fish; it is able to tolerate temperature fluctuations and changes in its parameters. But you shouldn’t mock such a cute creature; it’s better to create an optimal environment for it, as close to natural as possible. These conditions are:
- temperature from +22 to +28 degrees;
- water hardness ranging from 5° to 20°;
- acid-base balance 6–8 units.
Good filtration is essential and 20% of the water should be changed weekly.
Bottom organization. The soil substrate can be ordinary river sand or fine gravel (rolled). The fish can dig the soil in search of food, so the soil particles should not have sharp edges. However, there is no need to worry about aquatic vegetation: the chromis butterfly will not dig it up.
Decor. All kinds of shelters should be installed at the bottom of the aquarium: pieces of ceramic tubes, inverted ceramic cups or pots with holes, stone grottoes and caves, driftwood. These elements will serve as shelters for the fish.
Plants You can plant ones that take root in a tropical aquarium. If the vegetation floats on the surface of the water, then this is even better, since the ornamental fish prefers shaded areas of space.
The lighting should be dim, since bright light irritates the microgeophagus.
Feeding. There is no need to worry about nutrition: the dwarf cichlid happily eats both live and frozen food from bloodworms, tubifex, and coretra. Commercial cichlid food (pellets or chips) will also work. The main thing in organizing nutrition is to avoid overfeeding.
It is believed that these ornamental fish have some intelligence. Of course, they cannot tell their owners about their experiences, but they recognize their owners, and in some cases even take food directly from their hands.
Compatibility with tankmates
The small Bolivian cichlid lives quietly with other small cichlids. Peacefulness is in her blood. Even if there are isolated skirmishes over territory, they will not lead to any serious consequences.
But we must not forget, however, that the chromis butterfly is a predator. If you want to add, for example, a flock of micro-dispersed nevi (10 mm in size) to your aquarium, then you can say goodbye to them forever. It's not worth experimenting.
The caviar and juveniles of any ornamental fish will also be eaten with great pleasure.
Barbs, corydoras, gourami - these are the neighbors who can live quite calmly together with microgeophagus.
A little about the reproduction of individuals of the species
A breeding pair is formed at the request of the fish themselves. Based on what circumstances or personal qualities individuals create a married couple, no one knows. At least Bolivian butterflies do not reveal this secret.
Reproduction is possible in a community aquarium, but in this case the eggs and fry will be destroyed either by voracious neighbors or by the cichlids themselves. That’s why you need an equipped spawning tank with the parameters of the main aquarium. Spawning occurs under dim lighting conditions on a large leaf of an aquatic plant, on a flat stone or directly on the ground; The usual number of eggs is from 70 to 100.
Parents guard the clutch until tiny fry hatch from them. Immediately after this, it is better to move the breeders back to the main aquarium and start feeding the fry with dried egg yolk or microworms.
Experts say: it is not at all difficult to keep a small flock of Bolivian butterflies, and positive emotions when interacting with them are guaranteed. It is impossible not to love them, and in this case they will reciprocate.
Apistogramma - aquatic butterflies
Apistogramma are fish from the cichlid family that live in the waters of the Amazon. The apistogram got its name from the peculiarity of its appearance, which comes from the Latin for “a curved line on the side.” This fish has more than 100 varieties, many of which are the result of selective breeding. Apistogramma have remained popular inhabitants of aquariums for many years as unpretentious and beautiful creatures with good compatibility with many types of fish. Keeping them in an aquarium is not particularly difficult if the necessary hygiene measures are observed, and even inexperienced aquarists can breed fish.
Agassiza Natural types
The most popular include the following aquarium species fish: apistogramma ramirezi and its subspecies, apistogramma altispinosa, apistogramma kakadu, apistogramma agassica.
Ramirezi
Ramirez apistogram Apistogramma ramiresi or apistogramma ramires was named after the importer of fish for the aquarium trade, M.V. Ramirez. The fish has synonyms “chromis butterfly” and “microgeophagus”. The Ramirezi species is considered a widespread aquarium fish around the world; it can be recognized by its characteristic black stripe running from the eyes to the gill covers and its distinctive coloring.
Apistogramma ramirezi has a flat, elongated body up to 7 cm. On the sides there is a pattern with a broken line and rows of dark spots. Ramirezi can be colored in shades of blue with purple or gold tints. The Ramirez Apistogramma has a small head and a triangular spot near the eyes.
Cockatoo
Cockatoo The Apistogramma Cockatoo was so named due to its appearance, which resembles a cockatoo bird. The cockatoo fish has characteristic elongated rays on its dorsal fin, like a crest. Cockatoos can reach up to 12 cm in size and require a larger habitat. Along the powerful body of this apistogram there is also a dark stripe that breaks up into spots. Female cockatoos are smaller in size and have rounded anal fins, while males are larger with pointed anal fins. Cockatoos can have different colors, since there are not only natural, but also artificial forms. The cockatoo's apistogram can vary in color from golden to brown.
Agassiza
Apistogramma agassica or torch reaches a maximum of 9 cm and is distinguished by a specific tail shape in the form of a candle flame. This apistogram has different color variations depending on its habitat: yellow, red, white and blue. The fin on the back is dark with an orange border; the body is crossed by a lateral line. The fish has a rather aggressive disposition; it is better to keep it with active fish from the middle and upper layers of water.
Altispinosa
Apistogramma altispinosa is also called “Apistogramma Bolivian butterfly” in honor of its colorful appearance. This bright apistogram is popular due to its beauty and peacefulness. The fish has a flattened, egg-shaped body of a yellow hue with a large pale orange head. Males of Apistogramma altispinosa have a dark spot on the body that produces thin vertical stripes of gray color. Females have 2 paler spots in the middle of the body. The dorsal fin is tall and dark with a red outline. The long tail rays have a red border. Apistogramma altispinosa has large eyes with black borders, which are crossed by a black stripe.
Borelli
Apistogramma Borelli appeared in Europe in 1936 and gained popularity for its beauty and unpretentiousness. This butterfly is olive blue with a yellow head and breast. The breeding of selective species has given new forms of this apistogram: “opal”, “yellow-headed”, “red-headed”.
Selected species
Electric blue
Electric blue The Electric Blue species was bred from Ramirez's Apistogramma and looks great in an aquarium with a dark background. The size of the electric blue reaches up to 6 cm, the body color is neon blue, and the front part is orange-red. The brightness of the electric blue's color depends on the quality of the conditions under which they are kept and proper lighting.
Ramirezi gold
Apistogramma Ramirezi Gold is a colorful dwarf cichlid with original colors. Golden ramiresi painted lemon bright color with blue spots on the sides and tail. The male gold has an orange dorsal fin with high rays turning into a red tint. The golden female has a solid golden body. Ramirezi Golds have beautiful black eyes surrounded by a ruby ring.
Ramirezi blue neon
The Ramirezi blue neon species is also an artificially bred color form suitable only for experienced aquarists. Delicate neon lives for about 2 years in good conditions, it is kept in pairs or in a group where the number of females predominates.
Veiled
Veiled The veil butterfly has a chic appearance thanks to its long tail and rainbow colors. The Apistogramma butterfly is yellow-olive with blue and dark spots. The tail rays are outlined in purple and the unpaired fins are outlined in red. The male is larger than the female, reaches up to 8 cm and is brighter. The veil butterfly is a rather peaceful and unpretentious aquarium fish.
There are also less popular, but equally beautiful species, such as pandurini apistogramma, widget apistogramma, McMaster apistogramma, ramirezi balloon and others.
The Apistogramma has a calm and peaceful disposition; unlike other cichlids, it is not inclined to damage plants and dig soil, with the exception of the Apistogramma cockatoo species, for which it is better to choose soft soil. The size of the aquarium depends on the type of apistogramma, but with a height of 30 cm. A pair of fish of the type apistogramma ramiresi will get along in an aquarium of 25 liters, and apistogramma mcmaster requires an aquarium of 60 liters. Dimmed lighting is suitable. With a sufficient number of plants, driftwood and other decor, the apistogramma butterfly will feel quite comfortable.
Water parameters: acidity up to 7.5, hardness up to 12°, temperature 25°C. Change 20% of the water weekly and install a high-quality filter. The butterfly is very sensitive to the purity of water and is susceptible to infection with serious diseases.
Borelli Reproduction
Breeding Apistogramma in aquarium conditions is accompanied by the correct selection of pairs and stimulation of spawning. At this time, apistograms become quite aggressive, as they protect their offspring from strangers. For one pair of fish you need a container of at least 15 liters with a temperature of 27-28°C with soft acidic water.
Apistogramma ramirezi spawn starting from 5 months in an aquarium with a fine-grained substrate, flat stones or caves surrounded by bushes of plants. Apistogramma Ramirez has no parental instincts; they are capable of destroying their numerous offspring by eating them. Experienced aquarists recommend planting a couple of Ramires' apistograms in a separate 15-liter container next to the swordtail, which will stimulate the Ramires to take better care of the eggs. The female Apistogramma ramirez turns yellow during spawning and lays up to 200 eggs on a smooth surface. For the male Apistogramma, you need to install a shelter. The juveniles are fed brine shrimp, live dust and rotifers.
Ramirezi gold Electric blues spawn when they reach 3 cm in length, digging holes and laying eggs in them. Weak parental instincts of electric blue can cause the death of eggs, but good parents hatch tender larvae.
During spawning, female cockatoos turn yellow, lay up to 80 eggs and hide them in a chosen shelter. The male cockatoo guards the territory with its offspring for 3 days.
Bolivian Apistogramma matures by 12 months; it is better to place the breeders in a 60-liter species aquarium. The young butterfly is also prone to cannibalism, so older individuals are chosen for the pair.
Breeding of the Apistogramma Agassica species occurs by the age of six months in a general or separate aquarium. For the spawning substrate, you can take a flower pot or coconut shell. The female lays up to 300 eggs and aggressively protects them from other fish.
Feeding
Apistogramma are predators; in nature they feed on insect larvae, fry, and invertebrates. In the aquarium, all types of Ramirez's Apistogramma are fed with any live food; the fish prefer rotifers, daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworms. Consumed in ice cream, flakes and dry food.
Ramirezi blue neon Compatibility
Despite its cichlid origin, the butterfly is a non-conflict fish and tolerant of its neighbors. Ramirez apistogramma and cockatoo apistogramma get along well with rasboras, neons and angelfish. Apistogramma borelli and apistogramma agassica have excellent compatibility with characins and small barbs; apistogramma altispinosa, ramiresi balloon and neon can coexist with guppies and cockerels.
Apistogramma are one of the most beautiful aquarium fish, possessing many pleasant character traits. Every aquarist will find it interesting and educational to keep them in an aquarium and observe their habits.
CORAL REEF SWALLOWERS
A.TELEGIN, A.SUDARIKOV, M.OPALENKO Aqua Logo, Moscow
The Latin name of the large and very popular among marine aquarists family of Bristletoothed (butterfly fish) is Chaetodontidae, pronounced “chaetodontidae”. The family includes more than 120 species, which taxonomists classify into 10 or 11 genera.
Of these, representatives of the following genera are most often kept in marine home aquariums: Chaetodon, Chelmon, Forcipiger and Heniochus, and sometimes Hemitaurichthys. Much less common in captivity are butterflies belonging to the genera: Chelmonops, Coradion, Johnrandallia and Parachactodon. Butterflies from the genera Amphichaetodon and Prognathodes are very rarely kept in home aquariums. The genera Chaetodon, Heniochus and Hemitauricthys are included in the supergenus Chaetodon.
Previously, this family included angel fish(Pomacathidae), from which butterflies differ, in particular, in the absence of a characteristic spine on the lower part of the gill cover.
Most species of bristletooths live in the tropical zone of the Indo-Pacific, many on the coral reefs of the Red and Arabian Seas. In the eastern part Pacific Ocean Only 4 species of this family live, and
another 12 species are found in the Atlantic.
With the exception of a few species that have adapted to water conditions temperate zone or have mastered great depths, the vast majority butterfly fish They live near coral reefs and in relatively shallow water areas adjacent to them. These fish usually try to stay within sight of the bottom or directly next to it. They swim alone, in pairs or in schools of large or small sizes. Sometimes the same species forms flocks in some regions, but is found only in pairs in others. Often single or paired individuals demonstrate territorial behavior, actively defending a “span” native land"(sometimes very extensive) from the invasion of uninvited guests-competitors. Typically diurnal fish.
Photo of Pakistani butterfly (Chaetodon collare)
Among the bristletooths there are not very large fish. They have a high ovoid body, strongly compressed laterally, an elongated pointed snout and a small terminal mouth with thin bristle-like teeth. The word “snout” does not fit well with such elegant and sophisticated creatures, but this is how biologists usually call this part of a fish’s body. Butterflies are well suited for exploring crevices and depressions in search of small worms, crustaceans and polyps.
In the dorsal fin of fish of this family there are from 6 to 16 spiny rays and from 15 to 30 soft rays, and in the anal fin there are 3-5 and 14-23, respectively. The caudal fin has 15 branched rays. The body is covered with small scales extending onto the dorsal and anal fins.
Most species are distinguished by a bright, often multi-colored outfit. As a rule, coloring masks the true position of the eye. In most cases there is a dark stripe running through it. Often there is a spot on the back of the body that represents a “false” eye. This helps to disorient the predator, who finds it more difficult to predict the direction of escape of a potential victim in the event of an attack, and also to figure out which side is more convenient to swallow the prey. IN dark time day body coloring butterflies often fades, becomes dark and spotty, and is restored again in the light.
This. perhaps the most elegant reef family sea fish. Well, where there is elegance, there is tenderness, capriciousness, sophistication and sophistication. Perhaps none of the fish of this family can be considered a good training object for a beginner. You will have to look for such individuals in more “oak” families. Some butterflies are almost impossible to keep in captivity. Nevertheless, even among bristletooths you can find species that are relatively easy to keep and can live in good conditions in a home marine aquarium for five or more years.
Refined elegance, variety and demanding conditions of detention butterfly fish resemble orchids. Just like these flowers, they could become a collector's item for amateur aquarists.
Reproduction
External gender differences in butterfly fish weakly expressed or absent. They usually reach sexual maturity after the first year of life (Brockman, 2001).
Most species form family pairs, others stay in flocks all the time or unite in spawning aggregations only during the breeding season. Family pairs can be permanent, formed before entering puberty and maintained throughout life (Chaetodon ephippium, C.unimaculatus...) or temporary (Chaetodon lunula, C.ornatissimus, C.reticulatus...). Some species of butterflies (from zooplankto-phages), such as Hemitauricthys polylepis, H.zoster or Heniochus diphreutes, constantly swim in large schools.
In tropical waters, butterfly fish breed year-round, but some species in some areas spawn seasonally (Chaetodon railiaris. - in Hawaii - from December to April).
In species that do not have permanent married couples, the courtship process continues throughout the day, which usually involves one female and several males, or a group of fish of different sexes. By the end of the day, a pair is formed, and spawning occurs as dusk approaches. Males and females throw reproductive products, quickly floating to the surface of the water.
The eggs of bristletoothed fish are pelagic and small (diameter less than 1 mm). The eggs, equipped with a drop of fat, float in the water column for about 24 hours, after which transparent larvae 2-3 mm long hatch from them. The larvae have a characteristic bony shell on their heads, often with jagged spines, such
the spiny larva is known as the "hookfish" stage (tholichthys). They float passively in streams of water. In different species, the larval stage lasts from 19 to 57 days. The juveniles, usually only about 10 mm long, settle on shallow coral reefs and quickly acquire colors similar to the adults. The largest larva, more than 6-7 mm long, is found in the yellow tweezer butterfly Forcipiger flavissimus (Brockman, 2001).
In a number of species of butterfly fish, usually very close systematically, cases of the formation of sterile hybrids have been noted.
Today, breeding butterflies in an amateur aquarium is impossible. The authors have never heard of anyone anywhere managing to breed them in captivity.
Recommended aquarium and life support system
Butterfly fish should be planted in a stable aquarium with an established ecosystem (preferably at least six months after launch), equipped with a powerful filtration system. It is strictly not recommended to use these fish to run a biofilter. It is optimal if the life support system includes a foam separator column. If it is not possible to keep the nitrate concentration low enough, you can also install a denitrifier filter. A good addition to the system could be a “refugium” - a compartment separated from the species aquarium, in which conditions are created for the growth of algae and the reproduction of invertebrates - in addition to additional filtration, it will provide high-quality additives to the fish menu.
Aquarium volume - from 200 l (preferably more than 300 l). It is necessary to provide sufficient bottom area and free space for swimming. The scenery should contain a large number of shelters, incl. “caves” in which butterflies could hide completely if necessary.
Aggression and getting along with neighbors
Not all species of butterflies form pairs in a home marine aquarium. Most can only be kept singly, some in flocks (in aquariums with a volume of 400-600 liters or more). Often, as with many other brightly colored coral fish, individuals of the same species or bodies similar in shape and color are doomed to a mortal fight. However, in relation to other inhabitants of the aquarium, butterflies are usually moderately aggressive.
It is not recommended to plant butterfly fish together with fish with an excellent appetite (lionfish, groupers, moray eels...), since in this case it will be difficult to ensure a sufficiently high quality of water. Neighborhood with strong aggressive fish is also not desirable. More nimble neighbors in the aquarium often “eat” the butterflies and do not allow them to eat normally.
The relationship of butterfly fish to other members of its family and species greatly depends on the size of the aquarium. In large containers with a volume of 600-800 liters or more, most butterflies do not show aggressiveness, especially towards individuals of other species.
If the aquarium is not so large, more attention will have to be paid to “psychological compatibility”. Buy a pair or a larger group of butterflies of the same species only if these fish are already in this composition in the seller’s aquarium and their relationship is peaceful. If you want to plant butterflies of different species in one aquarium, then in order to reduce interspecific aggressiveness, this must be done gradually. You should start with small specimens, and then sequentially, at weekly intervals, plant larger and stronger ones (the optimal difference in length between “neighbors in turn” is from 2-2.5 cm). You can also, if the filtration system allows, plant several butterflies of the same size at the same time. Another possible (albeit rather “harsh”) option is to attach several butterflies at once to a fish that is characterized by increased aggressiveness - it will play the role of a policeman, and at the same time (due to the problem of choice) it will be difficult for it to cause serious harm to someone. one of the newbies. In general, such “pandering” is a creative process...
Almost everything butterfly fish are considered dangerous for certain sedentary invertebrate inhabitants of a reef aquarium. On average, butterfly species with a thin and elongated snout are less dangerous to coelenterates than species with a short snout. Long-nosed butterflies
("tweezers") - primarily yellow tweezer butterflies from the genus Forcipiger, and also (with major reservations) tweezers (Chelmon rostratus) can be placed in a reef aquarium.
“Short-haired” butterflies, as a rule, are more inclined to offend corals, anemones and other species of coelenterates, biting small polyps or individual tentacles of large polyps, and sometimes swallowing whole animals of a fairly small size (some anemones, etc.). In a reef aquarium, of these, perhaps only Klein's purple-spotted butterfly (Chaetodon klenii), hemitaurichts and individual representatives of pennant butterflies (Heniochus) are capable of behaving at all decently. In addition, “short-nosed” can attack other animals that have soft body extensions, for example, tridacnids, some gastropods, as well as hedgehog fish (Diodon spp.) and chaetodermis penicilligerus.
Even species of “short-nosed” butterflies that are aggressive towards their relatives, as a rule, do not perceive “long-nosed” ones as worthy of attack by competitors, and vice versa.
For large worms, incl. For sabellids and the like, which are often found in aquariums, most butterflies are not dangerous. Although some, such as raccoon butterflies (Chaetodon lunula), sometimes like to nibble on their large, beautiful corollas. Of the decorative worms, individual representatives of this family may affect small serpulids - worms with hard calcified tubes from the genera Protula (Feather Duster) and Spirobranchus (Christmas Tree Worms).
Most butterflies can be trained to feed on sea anemones of the genus Aiptasia (glass roses) and used to control these “weeds” in our aquariums.
Water quality
Butterfly fish are quite demanding in terms of conditions of detention. They need high quality water with stable characteristics. It is necessary to ensure good mixing of the water in the aquarium and high oxygen saturation.
Photo of Chelmon rostratus
Ammonium and nitrites. Butterflies do not tolerate high concentrations of ammonium and nitrites very well. If regular aquarium tests can detect the presence of these compounds, then your butterflies have already sensed them too. The maximum permissible concentrations of ammonium and nitrites for long-term keeping of butterflies can be 0.05 mg/l. For many bristletooths, 0.3-0.5 mg/l of these compounds is already a deadly dose; they will refuse to feed, change color and behavior, and eventually die. Individual tolerance depends on the general tone of the fish and its fatness. However, short-term (after feeding) increases in ammonium concentration up to 0.25 mg/l are, as a rule, not dangerous.
Nitrates. Nitrate concentrations of no more than 10-20 mg/L are generally recommended (Brockman, 2001; Mills, 2003). However, many species can withstand concentrations up to 40-50 mg/l, and some even up to 100 mg/l. Some butterflies tolerate higher concentrations of nitrates, provided that it grows slowly and gradually, and all other conditions are good.
At the same time, it must be taken into account that the high content of nitrates in aquarium water significantly reduces the immunity of fish.
It is strictly forbidden to allow a long-term increase in the concentration of nitrates to 200 mg/l or more.
Density and salinity. For bristletooths, we can recommend the same density levels as for most other fish of the coral reef zone - from 1.022 to 1.025 kg/l at a temperature of 25 ° C (such hydrometer readings correspond to a salinity of 29.8 to 33.7 ppm). For red sea species (Chaetodon semilarvatus, C.fasciatus) it is sometimes recommended to increase the density to 1.026-1.027 kg/l, but this is not at all necessary.
Temperature. The optimal temperature is 24-26°C (B.Fenner extends the recommended range even to 29.5°C). Short-term increases in temperature in hot weather summer days usually do not cause damage to species of this family. However, long-term and stable elevated temperatures can cause problems associated with a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the water and an increase in the metabolism of aquarium inhabitants.
Active reaction of water. The optimal pH level is 8.1-8.3. This indicator should in no case fall below 7.8 or exceed 8.7.
Nutrition
Food in nature. Butterfly fish do not tolerate fasting well, especially representatives of species with taller and flatter bodies. However the main problem- this is the diet. Finding a menu that suits their taste can be problematic.
The basis of nutrition for all butterfly fish is invertebrates. Most often, these are small benthic zooplankton (mainly crustaceans and larvae of some invertebrates swimming in the bottom layer), small polyps and tentacles of large polyps of coelenterates (corals, sea anemones...) and their mucus, as well as small worms and fish eggs. In addition, many butterflies slightly diversify the composition of their food with filamentous algae (however, it seems to the authors that butterflies most often swallow algae not on purpose, but in the heat of the hunt for invertebrates hiding in their thickets).
According to the feeding strategy among butterflies, five main groups can be distinguished (Brockman, 2001):
1. Species that primarily feed on stony corals - for example: Chaetodon trifasciatus, C.baronessa and C.ornatissimus.
2. Species that primarily feed on soft corals - for example: Chaetodon lineolatus and C.unimaculatus.
3. Species that primarily feed on small benthic invertebrates, but not corals (their diet is based on small worms and crustaceans hiding in crevices and depressions), for example: Chaetodon auriga, Chelmon rostratus and Forcipiger spp.
4. Species that feed exclusively on plankton - for example: Hemitauricthys spp., Heniochus diphreutes.
5. Species that feed on a wide range of food items of animal origin, as well as algae.
Marine aquarists, as a rule, are more interested in fish belonging to the 3rd and 4th categories. At the same time, species of category 5, on average, take root in the aquarium more easily than others.
Some species are extremely highly specialized. Avoiding food competition from the motley and diverse group of neighbors on the coral reef, they have developed a unique ability to feed on special types of invertebrates that are inaccessible to others. Let's say, some feed almost exclusively on polyps of corals of the genus RosShorog, others are attracted only to Goniasterea or Asgorog... At the same time, they become hostage to their advantage.
Feeding in an aquarium. Feed butterfly fish you need as much variety as possible, often and little by little - preferably at least two, and preferably three to four times a day. Almost all butterflies, with the possible exception of masked butterflies, Raffle butterflies and most pennant butterflies (except singularis), live well only where they are fed with love. The belly of your pets should be constantly filled, and more “live” stones should be placed in the aquarium. All other things being equal, young and actively growing fish, as well as emaciated and poorly nourished fish, need more frequent feeding - up to five or more times a day. In most cases, adult well-fed individuals can be transferred to a single meal.
As a rule, the basis of nutrition for bristletooths is food of animal origin. The size of food particles is usually small so that butterflies, which have a relatively small mouth, are able to swallow them whole. Pieces of gelled food can be larger - it is not difficult for butterflies to tear off individual pieces from them.
Frozen seafood is most often used: finely chopped mussels, shrimp and octopus tentacles, scraped squid mantle or fish fillet, shrimp roe... Many species prefer pieces of food in the form of long strips (including shrimp meat fibers) . But it should be remembered that cut food heavily pollutes water and soil.
Frozen natural food - small bloodworms (many butterflies eat ice cream better than live ones), adult brine shrimp, mysids... Most species of bristletooths do not eat frozen daphnia and cyclops.
Small natural live food - grown brine shrimp, live small bloodworms, eichitreus, tubifex (little by little), etc. - a good addition to the diet. Some butterflies (especially pennant butterflies) happily eat small (2-4 cm long) earthworms.
Dry artificial food for marine fish - flakes and small granules - as a rule, can also
used, but only as additional food.
In addition to animals, bristletooths must be able to consume food and plant origin(vegetarian additives in dry food, live filamentous algae in an aquarium, etc.).
Some types of food can be placed on “feeding stones”, which the fish will happily examine and pluck. Leftover uneaten food can cause deterioration in water quality, which is unacceptable when keeping butterflies.
Butterflies fish that come into the aquarium from nature often refuse to eat. In this case, live grown brine shrimp can be a good starting food. The tubifex, grindal worm and enchytraeus also help to “persuade” the fish to start feeding, but they die almost immediately sea water(they can be given on a saucer to make it easier for the fish to find and to make it easier to remove uneaten food). Bloodworms continue to live in a marine aquarium for quite a long time (a day or more), and sometimes with its help it is possible to feed fish that refuse to feed. Fresh opened bivalve molluscs are also a good starting food for adaptable butterflies that feed on bottom organisms.
Photo of white-feathered pennant butterfly
The abundance of live rock and algae in algae filters or refugiums creates good conditions for the reproduction and abundance of foraging invertebrates. This makes it possible to use similar compartments of life support systems in marine aquariums for fattening and rehabilitation of exhausted butterflies.
There are reports (Fenner) that gradually reducing water density to 1.018 kg/l over several days can stimulate the appetite of butterfly fish. The authors have not tried this method, and we have very serious doubts about its effectiveness.
Health, treatment of diseases, features of care
Delicate constitution butterfly fish is the reason for their relatively low resistance to diseases. In an aquarium, they easily become infected with cryptokaryosis, odio-Iiosis, glutenosis and some other diseases caused by protozoa and bacteria. Gill flukes can often be found on poorly quarantined fish.
Some authors note that butterfly fish of a number of species do not tolerate treatment with preparations containing malachite green and copper ions (Fenner). However, we have not encountered such problems. The main thing is that the quality of the water containing medicinal concentrations of these drugs is high, and the duration of keeping the fish in such conditions does not exceed two weeks.
The resistance of butterflies to fresh baths can be assessed as satisfactory or low. In cases where the condition of the fish raises any doubts, as well as when bathing pincer butterflies from the genera Helmon and Forcipiger, it is better to dilute fresh water with sea water.
It is very important to add vitamins and iodine supplements to the aquarium water or feed the fish. This helps improve immunity.
Be careful when transplanting and other manipulations with butterfly fish - they are easily and dangerously injured. The sharp, spiny rays of the dorsal and anal fins can cause painful hand pricks or fish getting stuck in a net. When planting in another aquarium, it is necessary to significantly increase the time of adaptation to the new water compared to most other reef fish. When packing in a transport container, it should be taken into account that the spiny dorsal and anal fins can pierce the polyethylene if the package is too small or there is no newspaper between its layers.
Choice of fish when purchasing
Butterfly fish are a difficult family to keep. Be responsible when choosing the right type. Read the recommendations; do not encourage sellers to supply fish that are beautiful but not viable in a home aquarium.
Do not buy butterfly fish, if you are not sure that the seller correctly and fully carried out the
muddy activities that the fish are adapted to living conditions in the aquarium and eat normally. The duration of overexposure should be at least 10-14 days (depending on the quarantine technology).
In the store, carefully examine the fish and monitor its behavior. If there is loss of color, redness of the mouth or the bases of the fins, you should not make a purchase. It is usually not recommended to purchase individuals less than 5 or more than 15 cm in length; such fish often do not take root well in the aquarium. It is best to buy young fish with a length of 6 to 8 cm. However, if the fish are well-fed and have already undergone proper quarantine and adaptation, the size does not have this of great importance. You just need to remember that juveniles need more frequent feeding.
In English-language (mostly American) literature and Internet sources, it is often recommended to purchase primarily species imported from the Hawaiian Islands, while reviews of Red Sea species are often negative character(Brockman, 2001; Fenner). It seems to us that the reason for this may be that the long duration of transportation of these fish to the United States from the Red Sea region has an extremely negative effect on their condition and ability to adapt. In Russia, the opposite is true - Red Sea reef fish species, as a rule, more easily adapt to captivity conditions and are less picky about their diet.
To be continued
Aquarium Magazine 2004 No. 5
Butterfly fish(Pantodon buchholzi), the only species in the family Pantodontidae, is a fish of very unusual appearance, very far from the appearance of its coral namesakes from the family Chaetodontidae. Pantodon received this name for its large, wing-like pectoral and long, thread-like ventral fins, similar to the legs of the winged insects of the same name, with the help of which it “takes off” butterfly fish They deftly push off from the surface of the water and make a soft landing.
Butterfly fish lives in the tropical waters of West Africa - its distribution range extends from the upper reaches of the Niger to the Congo Basin. In nature, pantodon usually stays close to the shore, under the shade of coastal vegetation, preferring quiet backwaters and avoiding fast currents.
It first came to Europe in 1905, and only in 1912 did the German aquarist Lehmann manage to breed this fish.
Butterfly fish in an aquarium
The size of the pantodon is not large, its length does not exceed 15 cm. By its nature it is an active predator. Inhabited in surface waters butterfly fish They hunt all kinds of insects and slow-moving small fish.
The hunt begins at dusk, when the heat subsides and a mass of mosquitoes and midges appear above the water. In twilight, the spotted color of pantodons perfectly camouflages them among aquatic vegetation.
During daylight hours, most of the day butterfly fish are located among plants floating on the surface of the water, resembling a fallen leaf on top, which is facilitated by their greenish-brown speckled color with a silvery tint, with blurry spots and stripes scattered across the body. Only on the chest and head does a yellowish color appear, and the membranes between the rays of the pelvic fins have a pinkish tint. And from the forehead, through the eye, under the lower jaw, a dark stripe runs.
Butterfly fish often called flying fish for their ability to jump out of the water and glide across its surface for a distance of up to two meters, in pursuit of flying insects or to escape danger.
In this ability they are similar to the Carnegiella or hatchetfish found in South America, but unlike the latter, they do not flap their large pectoral fins like their South American counterparts. In the normal state, the pectoral fins are not pressed to the body, but they are capable of folding upward.
Butterfly fish
Body structure butterfly fish unique. Like birds, the well-developed muscles of the pectoral fins are supported by a wide and flattened shoulder girdle. Thanks to this muscle structure, a real shaving flight is ensured. Fins are used butterfly fish only for gliding above the surface of the water, although when jumping out of the water it can make quick swings with them, thereby receiving a starting push. In flight, the fins are spread out.
Butterfly fish ideally adapted to living in the upper layer of water. The upper part of their body is flattened, while the lower part has a classic “fish-like” shape, which when viewed from the side makes the fish look like a boat.
Relatively large wedge-shaped head with a huge upward-pointing mouth. Large, fan-shaped fins and a pronounced ventral keel. The caudal fin is oval with a protrusion in the middle. The dorsal fin is not large, triangular in shape.
Any insect within reach immediately disappears into the mouth butterfly fish.
Unusual appearance butterfly fish attracts many aquarists.
Pantodons easily get along with many types of fish, except for the smallest ones. Good neighbors for them - different kinds catfish Butterfly fish Not only do they get along well with their neighbors, but living near the surface of the water, they fill an empty niche in the aquarium ecosystem.
Despite the fact that in nature fish live in soft water, the water in the aquarium can be of medium hardness, up to 15dGH, with a pH of 6.5-7.0 and a temperature of about 27°C; it can be briefly reduced to 20°C.
Aeration and filtration of water are certainly necessary, but it should be borne in mind that a strong flow of water can be one of the obstacles to their breeding. It is advisable to have a compartment with peat filler in the filter.
Diet of butterfly fish in an aquarium
In nature, menu butterfly fish mainly consists of various insects, both those that accidentally fell into the water and those flying near the water, which pantodons actively catch. Probably for this reason, in an aquarium they do not eat well the bloodworms and tubifex offered to them. The favorite food of pantodons in captivity is a variety of flying insects and their larvae. Which can, with the help of an ordinary net, be large quantities mine in summer time. This diet promotes good physical development of fish and prepares them for spawning.
IN winter time you have to make do with mealworms, their larvae and pupae, as well as dry food. But it is not recommended to constantly feed such food, since pantodons may develop avitaminosis, in which case they sink into the middle and lower layers of water, stop feeding and soon die. Similar symptoms can also occur when fish are kept in very acidic (pH<6) или щелочной воде (более pH>8).
Breeding butterfly fish in an aquarium
Breeding butterfly fish It’s quite realistic and possible even in a community aquarium. But it is better to use a specially prepared spawning tank for breeding. Which can be a shallow aquarium with floating plants (Azolla, Pistia, Salvinia), filled with soft (up to 2dGH), acidified with peat extract (pH = 6.3-6.5) water and a temperature of 28-30°C.
The water flow in the spawning tank should be weak so that strong ripples do not appear on its surface.
Spawning is seasonal, and in central Russia it coincides with the spring-summer period. A pair of spawners are planted for spawning; the male can be identified by the presence of a deep notch in the back of the anal fin, the rays of which are elongated and form a kind of tube, like the gonopodium of viviparous males. In addition, males are much smaller than females, whose anal fin has smooth edges.
Spawning occurs after long mating games and continues for several days.
A peculiarity of panodon reproduction is the internal fertilization of eggs. Like many viviparous species, once the sperm is injected, it is able to persist in the female's body, allowing her to lay viable eggs without re-fertilization.
Mating games usually take place in the dark. The male, circling around the female in a spiral, gradually gets closer to her, then at some point the female turns slightly to the side, at this moment the male quickly presses his anal fin to her anus - and the job is done. It is almost impossible to notice this moment, since it lasts a fraction of a second. The interval between copulations ranges from 3 to 12 minutes, the number of copulations is 5-10, sometimes up to 30.
Butterfly fish
Relatively large eggs float to the surface of the water and stick to floating plants, gradually the eggs swell to a size of 1.5-2.0 mm in diameter, during development, the color of the eggs changes from transparent at the very beginning to almost black before the appearance of the larvae.
Producers are indifferent to their caviar. The number of eggs laid ranges from 100 to 200 pieces. At the end of spawning, eggs are collected from the surface and transferred to a rearing aquarium, where they develop.
After about a week, the larvae hatch and immediately sink to the bottom. The larvae are very dark, about 4 millimeters long. They remain motionless for a few more days until their yolk sac resolves. After which the fully formed fry rise to the surface and begin to swim and feed. Raising fry in an aquarium is not a very simple matter, since they only pay attention to food moving near the surface.
Large fry butterfly fish They are immediately able to take a small cyclops, the main condition is that the crustaceans are mobile and do not sink to the bottom.
After ten days, the fry can already be given small bloodworms, smoothly lowering them to the surface of the water, where they continue to remain for some time, sufficient for the fry to pay attention to them.
The fry are not interested in food that has fallen to the bottom.
With such a menu, within a month the fry grow up to one and a half centimeters and become miniature copies of their parents. Now you can introduce coretra into their diet.
Sexually mature butterfly fish become by 12-18 months.
It is gratifying that this aquarium fish is Lately no longer a rarity. It became possible for aquarists to purchase pantodons, not to mention the opportunity to enjoy minutes of observing them.
Butterflyfish (Pantodon buchholzi) - estimated price in Russia
| Size | Average price per piece |
| Up to 3 cm (S) | 100 rub. |
| Up to 6 cm (M) | 600 rub. |
| Up to 8 cm (L) | 750 rub. |
Aquarists all over the world love these fish for their unusually attractive beauty, which is difficult to look away from. Not all representatives of the goldfish species can boast of such a magnificent appearance, which gives the telescope butterfly its truly luxurious tail fin. When viewed from above, it very much resembles a butterfly - hence the name of the fish.
Characteristic features of the appearance of telescopes
The telescope's eyes also have a special shape. In a sexually mature individual, unlike fry, whose eyes do not stand out in any way, they are protruding and can be spherical, cone-shaped and even cylindrical. In 6-month-old butterfly telescopes, the diameter of the eyeball can reach up to 5 cm. Another interesting characteristic feature of this fish - the axis of each of its eyes is perpendicular to the surface of the head, so everyone’s gaze is aimed in diametrically opposite directions. As for the body of the butterfly telescope, it gives the impression of being slightly inflated, since its shape is rounded. In an aquarium, the size of the fish reaches 12 cm in length, while in nature it is twice as large. Tail size in adult fish more sizes body and is divided into two symmetrical parts.
Telescopes are divided into two subtypes:
- scaly, with a metallic sheen in color, which, in turn, are plain and calico (multi-colored),
- scaleless, lacking shine in color.
The predominant color of butterfly telescopes is white and pink. If the color is monochrome, then it is either white or red with an unusually decorative scarlet tint. There are also telescopes that are completely black, sometimes with white or fins or speckled with red.
A good neighborhood for butterfly telescopes
Since these fish are schooling fish, since in the natural environment they survive due to a schooling lifestyle, it is not recommended to place them in the aquarium one at a time. Place them in your home aquarium in small groups, the optimal number of which is considered to be four individuals.
You should not populate an aquarium with butterfly tails with more active species of fish. Why? Because by their temperament they are not particularly agile, because of this, more nimble fish will leave them hungry, eating food due to their efficiency and agility. Butterfly telescopes require a quiet neighborhood, just like themselves. There is no point in introducing fry and small fish into the aquarium, because both of them face a common fate - to be eaten.
As for the proximity of aggressive fish species, this is also contraindicated, because they will spoil the butterfly telescopes all their beauty, because they will gnaw their fins.
Butterfly telescopes are very demanding in terms of contents.
They require regular, high-quality care, and they cannot live without attention to themselves. The main concern of the owner of an aquarium with bug-eyed fish is their eyes. They are the most vulnerable part of this fish species. The convex shape and specificity of their location on the fish’s head does not allow them to cover a full view of their habitat. This is what makes their movements so cautious and sluggish and leads to injuries to the eyes, torso, and fins. Interestingly, due to the structure of their eyes, representatives of this species often become malnourished because they simply cannot see food.
If telescope butterflies are provided with the required care and maintenance, then long-bodied representatives of the species can live up to 30 years, and the life of short-bodied ones is half as long.
Requirements for the volume of the aquarium, its aeration, filtration and decoration
Aquarium volume. For a group of 4 butterfly tails, the optimal aquarium size is 70 cm long and with a volume of 60 to 100 liters, based on a minimum of 15 liters and a maximum of 25 liters per individual. A special condition is that the aquarium must be closed with a lid. Keep in mind that short-body telescopes require more space, while long-body telescopes require less. The aquarium must be equipped with a lid.
Aeration of the aquarium. Butterflytails are very sensitive to the lack of oxygen in the water. To provide enough fish for them, purchase a compressor for additional aeration of the aquarium water.
Water filtration. In search of food, telescopes sink to the bottom and stir up water, raising turbidity. To ensure that the water in your aquarium with butterfly telescopes is always clean and clear, install an effective cleaning filter in it. It is important to pay attention to the following technical parameter when choosing a filter - the productivity should be at least three volumes of water in the aquarium per hour.
Aquarium interior design. For bottom soil, use coarse sand, small pebbles ranging in size from 3 mm to 5 mm and several smooth voluminous pebbles to give the bottom a voluminous relief. To avoid injury from telescopes, it is not recommended to decorate the aquarium with driftwood, grottoes and other similar decorations. Aquatic plants should be designed for water of moderate temperature, have a reliable root system and hard leaves so that fish cannot pull them out, quickly eat them and disturb the beauty of the underwater landscape. When planting in the ground, the roots should be protected with pebbles.
Water requirements
Compared to other types of goldfish, the telescope butterfly is somewhat more thermophilic. But at the same time, she cannot tolerate overheating of water, which affects her health. The optimal temperature for representatives of this fish species is 21–23°.
The chemical composition of water for butterfly tails must meet the following parameters:
- pH - 6–8 units;
- hardness - 8–20;
- salinity -12–15%.
Every week it is necessary to replace a third of the water in the aquarium with butterfly telescopes with fresh settled water.
If all of the above requirements are not met, the fins of the fish will begin to fray and a whitish coating will appear on them. The fish will return to normal soon after changing the water in the aquarium.
Butterflytails love bright light. With it, the fish look unusually advantageous due to the fact that the color acquires a special intensity and richness. As additional lighting for the aquarium, you can use fluorescent lamps with a power of 0.5 W/l of water in the aquarium.
Feeding regime and diet of butterfly tails
Diet. You need to feed the fish in the morning and evening. To prevent the food from quickly settling to the bottom and passing by the attention of bug-eyed telescopes, you need to pour it into the feeder. The daily diet should not exceed 3% of the fish’s weight. Simply put, give enough food so that the fish can eat it in one to five minutes. Remains of food must be removed from the water so as not to pollute the eco-environment of the aquarium.
You should not follow the lead of the voracious butterfly telescopes and give them as much food as they beg due to their gluttony. Overeating threatens them with obesity, which often results in reproductive dysfunction. The first sign that the fish has eaten too much is that it turns over with its belly up.
All types of goldfish lack a stomach. The entire digestion process takes place in the intestines. If the telescope constantly overeats, then the food does not have time to pass through the intestines and the process of decomposition begins inside it. As a result, gases are released, which begin to put pressure on the fish’s swim bladder, and constipation also occurs and the fish may simply die. This should not be allowed to happen. As soon as the first signs of overeating appear, immediately put the telescope on a starvation diet so that his intestines restore their function. In advanced cases, it will not be possible to save the fish.
Nutritious menu. For butterfly tails, the predominance of carbohydrates over protein in the feed is important. Thanks to this, the color of the fish becomes more expressive due to increased pigmentation. Pet stores sell special ready-made food for them, which satisfies all the needs of butterfly telescopes in nutrients and serve to enhance pigmentation. We recommend that you include Riccia, a plant feed additive made from duckweed, in your menu. It is necessary to prevent telescopes from eating the leaves of plants in the aquarium. Before putting dry food into the aquarium feeder, you need to soak it (granules for about half a minute, flakes for no more than 10 seconds).
How not to miss a disease at a butterfly telescope
When a fish is in good health, it is quite mobile, moderately active, has an excellent appetite, bright coloring, shiny scales and holds its dorsal fin strictly vertical. Any deviation from normal appearance and behavior indicates an illness in the fish.
As the disease progresses, more pronounced external symptoms appear:
- semolina-like coating on the body and fins,
- neoplasms resembling cotton wool,
- fins stick together
- the movements of the fish become jerky,
- the fish begins to rub against objects in the aquarium,
- her respiratory function is impaired,
- Redness appears on the fins.
All this suggests that measures need to be taken for treatment.