THE MOST COMMON AQUARIUM FISH
The concept of prevalence and popularity of aquarium fish includes categories of availability, ease of maintenance, unpretentiousness and external attractiveness. Thus, the popularity of a particular fish is often not determined by its size or species, but the authority and demand for it among aquarists. And today there is a certain "rating" of the prevalence of aquarium fish.
The most popular and widely known is the goldfish (Carassius auratus). It is also the most frequent resident in freshwater aquariums, and is represented by a large number of forms and color varieties. Breeders have bred such species as the comet, vuale-tail, telescope, orand, lionfish, shubunkin and others. Goldfish are very beautiful, quite large and agile, and are also often overfed because of their good appetite.
Another common species is the common ancistrus (Ancistrus dolichopterus) and the golden ancistrus, also known as the sticky catfish or sucker. Aquarists love this fish because it cleans glass, plants and decor from plaque. In addition, the ancistrus is very friendly and easily gets along with other fish species, except for large cichlids, arowanas and piranhas.
Very spectacular look in aquariums flocks of blue, red and black neons (Paracheirodon innesi). This species is quite demanding of its neighbors, large fish are happy to eat them. But they can be combined with other varieties of characinids: minnows, terns, danio rerio.
Equally attractive are fish called guppies (Poecilia reticulata). They are often introduced to beginner hobbyists because of the widespread belief that these fish are unpretentious to keep. But poor conditions can actually only tolerate guppies without a breed, while the pedigree fish are capricious and demanding to water and food. Thanks to the fact that breeders have bred colorful guppies with different fin shapes, an aquarium with such a flock becomes a real highlight of any interior.
The Sumatran barb (Barbus tetrazona) is easily recognized even by those who have never had an aquarium. This fish is affectionately called "barbos", it is very active, and in some cases can behave aggressively. Barbus likes to be in motion, the aquarium with him just like boiling. Calm down this extremely energetic fish can only after a busy lunch, when it hides somewhere in the corner of the aquarium. In large aquariums Sumatran barb grows to 5 cm or more.
Another common species is the fighting roosterfish (Betta splendens). But it needs a large aquarium so that the fish can show itself in all its glory.
An original and amusing representative of the world of aquarium fish - Botia clownfish (Botia macracantha). This fish public, poorly tolerates solitude, so contain it exclusively in groups. She lives in the bottom layer of water, active mainly at night. For a comfortable life in the aquarium botsiyu need a lot of shelters, snags and pebbles, among which the fish create a kind of dens and consider it their main place of residence. This is important to consider when rearranging the aquarium.
It is also very common to combine Pterophyllum scalare and Trichogaster leeri gourami in aquariums. Scalarias look great among snags and plants. These fish are large and can grow to up to 20 cm high. She may also grow long "whiskers", modified pectoral fins. Traditionally, the color of scalaria is silver with dark longitudinal strips. But to date, breeders have bred various colored subspecies, the so-called "koi" scalarias of red, orange and yellow hues. The latter are usually smaller in size than their silver congeners.
Gourami pearl also looks great in aquariums overgrown with plants, among snags. Large and mottled are the males of this species. When they contain it is important to note that the gourami are sensitive to changes in temperature, particularly if it falls below 22 ˚ C. But at temperatures above 29˚C, gourami spawn.
Both scalarians and gourami are paired fish, so it is recommended to have 3-4 specimens of each species in one aquarium.
The discus fish (Discus) are known as the kings of aquariums. Their natural color is represented by shades of brown, artificially bred and other colored varieties. This fish is very shrewd, quickly becomes accustomed to the owner and can eat right out of his hands. Dyskus like to live in clean, warm water in a spacious aquarium. It is also distinguished by its rather complex behavior, which is a pleasure to watch.
Interestingly, the exotic piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is also a common species of aquarium fish, although its beauty borders on the real horror. Perhaps the fish became popular because of this contrast. Around the piranha there are many rumors and legends, most of which are fictitious. For example, it is believed that the piranha is extremely bloodthirsty and voracious. In fact, this fish does not eat much: one individual is satisfied with 30-40 grams of meat for two days in normal conditions. Moreover, the piranha gets along perfectly with small haracin, livebearers, barbs, and no risk to the life of the latter does not arise.
