7:42 PM

Zig Zag Yellow Tail Eel

Mastacembelus pancalus

The Zig Zag Yellow Tail Eel is a nocturnal predator and part of the Mastacembelidae family. Members of this family, also referred to as the Spiny Eel family, are not true eels. They are elongated, tropical, freshwater fish that have numerous spines preceding the dorsal fin.

Best suited for a larger species aquarium, a soft substrate is necessary for this fish. The Zig Zag Yellow Tail Eel likes to dig in the substrate and bury itself; this may uproot plants and rearrange decorations. A tight lid should be used for any long, slender fish, as they will often try and jump out of the aquarium.

Unfortunately, the breeding habits of the Zig Zag Yellow Tail Eel have not been documented.

A carnivore, live foods such as earthworms and black worms, as well as frozen bloodworms will work well for this species. Prepared tablet foods as well as krill and ocean plankton may eventually be accepted.

Ideal tank mates include: Similar sized fish (miscellaneous fish) with similar care level and aggression.


source: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+1911&aid=2640

7:40 PM

Silver Arowana

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

The Silver Arowana, or Arahuana, is known by many alternate names, sometimes making identification tricky. Scientifically, it is most often called Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, but one may also hear reference to O. vandelli, or Ischnosoma bicirrhosum. Among the group known as band fishes, the Silver Arowana is considered a true bony fish. Indigenous to the flood plains of the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Arowana can reach an intimidating 40 inches (3' 4") in the wild, and is often too much for all but the advanced freshwater aquarist to manage. It can survive short times out of the water by breathing air by utilizing its swim bladder.

The Silver Arowana prefers a 250-gallon tank with a fine gravel bottom, loosely planted, and soft, peaty water with lots of open space above for swimming. The aquarium must be fitted with a tight, heavy cover because the Arowana will jump, particularly when after prey.

After breeding, the male Silver Arowana is responsible for carrying the large eggs in his mouth where they mature in 50 to 60 days. When young, these fish are easily harassed by more aggressive species such as Cichlids. Knifefish, large Plecostomus, Catfish, and Ornate Bichirs make good tank mates for the Silver Arowana.

A carnivore, the Silver Arowana will eat other smaller fish, water fleas, mosquito larvae, and occasionally flaked and pellet foods.

Ideal tank mates include: Similar sized fish (miscellaneous fish), Plecos, and larger scavenger Catfish.

This species can not be shipped to the state of Florida due to restrictions placed upon the transport or handling of certain species by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.


source: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+1911&aid=2223

1:05 AM

Clown Loach

Botia macracantha

The Clown Loach is a scaleless fish and a bottom-dweller that originates from the streams in Indonesia.

The Clown Loach is a peaceful fish that enjoys the company of its own species, as well as other small and peaceful tank mates. It will school with others of the same age and size. The Clown Loach prefers caves, holes, and other places to hide, especially when it sleeps. Because it originates from streams, it would prefer currents in the aquarium.

Botia macracantha enjoys eating small amounts of food several times a day. Younger Clown Loaches will eat most prepared foods, while older ones may be more finicky. Prepared foods such as vegetable flakes or tablets along with meaty supplements such as live, frozen, or freeze-dried worms will provide this species with the proper nutrition.

source: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+1911&aid=2303