Cyprinus canius
Cyprinus canius is naturally found in standing or slow-flowing bodies of water on the Hindustan peninsula. The fish keep to areas densely overgrown with aquatic vegetation. Originally, these fish were classified as Barbus Gelius, but since 2013 they have been a separate species. These fish can be recommended for novice aquarists.
Cyprinus canius are golden in colour. The abdomen is silvery. The body has broad dark streaks. The first rays of the dorsal plumage are reddish and the rest are dominated by yellow. Mature females have a rounded abdomen, slightly larger and less intense coloration than males, although it is often difficult to distinguish the female from the male. The maximum size of the fish is 2.5 to 3 cm.
Cyprinus canius is a very peaceful and timid fish. They can be kept in a common aquarium with other species of peace-loving fish of similar size. Keep barbs should be a group of at least 8-10. Keeping such a number of fish requires an aquarium with a capacity of 60 liters. Keeping these fish in such a large group makes them less fearful, which leads to bright colours.
Densely plant a variety of plants. Floating plant shrubs placed on the water surface will serve as natural light filters, imitating the conditions to which Cyprinus canius are accustomed in nature.
Water parameters: temperature 18-24° C, hardness dH 1-10°. Filtration and aeration of the water must not be strong, as the fish prefer to swim in still water. Do not introduce barbs into an aquarium in which biological equilibrium has not yet been established, as these fish are very susceptible to changes in the water chemistry.
The fish feed on insects, worms and crustaceans in nature. In an aquarium, the fish can be fed with daphnia, Artemia, small bloodworms as well as various dry food. Fish need to be fed at least 2 times a day.
Reproduction
Like most fish of the carp family, Cyprinus canius does not take care of its future offspring. If the required conditions are maintained in the aquarium, the fish can breed in it without interference, but the fry in these conditions will be very few, because the producers immediately after spawning with great pleasure eat their eggs. To avoid this, you should transplant producers in the spawning aquarium at the bottom of which is placed separator screen or plant bushes of small-leaved plants. Lighting in the spawning tank should be dim.
Spawning takes place in the morning hours. Immediately after spawning, the producers are set aside. The fry hatch in 24-36 hours and begin swimming and feeding 3-4 days later.
The fry are fed with infusoria during the first days of life and then begin to give artemia nauplii.
The life expectancy of Cyprinus canius under aquarium conditions is about 3 years.
