The rainbow sharks blackish-green body is accented by colorful reddish-orange fins. Also known as the Red-finned Shark, or Ruby Shark, this fish is primarily a bottom, and mid-level dweller. They're happy eating most anything. Spinach, lettuce, tubifex worms, algae, and leftover fish food, make them happy.

The Rainbow Shark is a semi-aggressive fish, which can also be very territorial. It's suggested you have just one in the tank, and fish in similar size. Also, it's best to avoid combining the Rainbow Shark with other freshwater sharks, such as the Red-Tailed Shark and Black Shark. Here are a few more characteristics to consider:

• Grows to 6 inches
• Tank parameters: 73-80 F; pH 6.5-7.5; KH 10-15
• Minimum tank size is 30 gallons; 50 gallons preferred
• Requires moderate care
• The rainbow shark is an Omnivore

Rainbow sharks are compatible with most barbs, danios, loaches, plecostomus, and the gourami. You just have to make sure and leave them space to establish a territory.

Breeding the rainbow shark in an aquarium setting isn't done due to the sharks aggressive behavior. If you've got the room in your fish tank, and proper companions, the rainbow shark can be a fun fish to keep.

Many popular Swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) found in pet stores are hybrids, and come in assorted colors. Marigold, Black Nubian, Pineapple, Neon , Red Wag, and Red Velvet Swortails, are just a few commonly found varieties of this species. You might think the name comes from the sword shaped caudal fin protruding off the lower end of the male. Actually, the swordtail name is derived from the male's anal fin. You can determine the sex of the fish though, by the "sword" shaped fin. Male swordtails have one. Females don't. Notice the lack of this on the female swordtail in the picture. If you're interested in stocking the swordtail in your communty fish tank, keep the following in mind:

• Minimum tank size is 20 gallons.
• Tank Parameters: 65-82 degrees F; pH 7.0-8.2; KH 12-28.
• Swordtails are Omnivores.
• Peaceful fish perfect for community tanks.
• Grow to 4" in length.
• Easy to care for.

As live-bearing fish, the aquarium hobbyist can try their hand at raising fry. You can learn more about swordtail breeding here. These fish are able to reproduce in high numbers. Unfortunately, in the wild, they have become a nuisance in some countries where they were introduced to an area not indigineous to the species.

I've had the swordtail fish in my own aquariums. They are very pleasant, and swim quietly around. You could easily keep them with the Guppy, Dwarf Gourami, and I have even stocked them with Tiger Barbs.

Also known as the millionfish or fancy Guppy, these fish are an excellent addition to the non-aggressive community fish tank. Special breeding programs have produced unique color strains in the species. Native to Trinidad, and regions of South America, the fish was discovered in Trinidad in 1866 by Robert John Lechmere Guppy. Although he wasn't the first to write about this species, the name "Guppy" stuck. Here's a few characteristics and items to think about when purchasing Guppies:

• Minimum tank size 20 gallons.
• Easy to care for.
• Grows to 2 - 2.5 inches.
• 65-81 degrees F, ph 5.5-8.0, KH 10-30
• Come in many beautiful colors.
• Guppies are live-bearers.

Usually you can distinguish the difference between Guppy males and females by coloration, and fin formation. Generally, the males are smaller, yet have brighter colors than the females. Also, female guppies have a rounded anal fin, and a pregnancy patch located near the bottom portion of their body.

Because these fish are live-bearers, you can have fun breeding them in your aquarium. Be warned though, if you try Guppy breeding, adults will eat the fry if they're left alone. You'll want to set your fish tank up specifically for breeding, if you're going to attempt raising them. This requires an environment with floating ferns and a breeding box which will protect the fry.

I have never tried Guppy breeding, but have friends that have raised fry. If you decide to try it, get ready to have a large amount of guppies to take care of. You'll want to make sure you have prepared a home for them. A pregnant Guppy can drop as many as 200 fry.

I recently discovered a site devoted to the art of fish picture photography - Fabio Ghidini Aqua. Pictures of fish, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and aquarium equipment take on a whole new meaning under the lens of this Italian photographer.

Here are pictures of two types of the tetra species taken by Fabio. I added both the Neon Tetra, and Black Neon Tetra to my 37 gallon Eclipse aquarium. You can see why. Their bright stripes and colors make them a popular choice among fish tank enthusiasts. These schooling freshwater fish are best kept in groups.

The black neon tetra enjoys swiming with 4-6 of the same species. They eat fish flakes, and freeze dried blood worms, but like the Neon Tetra, their color will be most vibrant when fed a diet including brine shrimp.

Iridescent blue and red colors make schools of Neon Tetras appear bigger than their 2" frames really are.

I've highlited a couple of fish Mr. Ghidini has shot, but do yourself a favor and check out the rest of his fish picture portfolio. I bet you'll discover some of the beauty that sits in your own fish tank when you aren't looking.

Often tank bred in the U.S., the shade of this particular Freshwater Angelfish is black with lighter coloration on the fins. A fish in the Genus Pterophyllum, the species originated in South America, and belongs to the Family Cichlidae. Characteristics and living conditions for the Black Angelfish include:

• Minimum Fish Tank Size: 30 gallons is best.
• 75-82 degrees F, pH 5.8-7.0, KH 1-5
• The Freshwater Black Angelfish is semi-aggressive.
• Grows to 6" as an adult.

Because of the long fins, you'll want to avoid stocking the Black Angelfish with nipping fish, such as Tiger Barbs. The freshwater fish compatibility chart will give you a list of suitable tank mates.

Personally, I have tried keeping two angelfish in my tank, but they both died early. It may be because they were weak, or sick when I bought them. I will definitely try the fish again, as you can see by the picture of the Black Angelfish, they are an attrative fish.

Have you tried raising angelfish? Did you have good luck with them?

The Kuhli Loach (pronounced "coolie" ) is a scavenger that swims and plays at the bottom of the aquarium. You'll notice in the picture of this fish that it has no scales. The Kuhli Loach prefers fine sand or smooth gravel. It spends much of it's time slithering around rocks and through the substrate in search of food. Don't be surprised to find this fish burrowing into the gravel. A member of the Cobitidae family, it's generally nocturnal, and most active at night. Other aspects of the Kuhli Loach include:

• A peaceful, shy fish
• pH: is best between 5.9 - 6.5 for the Kuhli Loach
• Grows to around 3 - 4 inches
• Prefers 78 - 86 F degree water
• Not a schooling fish, but prefers company of others

A member of the genus Pangio, this fish is great for the beginning aquarium owner. With proper care, the Kuhli Loach can survive a number of years. Feed the Kuhli carnivorous foods. They also enjoy having freeze-dried bloodworms, and tubifex in their diet.

If you're looking for a fish that is a little different, the Kuhli Loach, and it's eel-shaped body is a fun fish to have. The freshwater fish compatibility chart can give you a good idea of tank mates for the Kuhli Loach.

An advantage to having a different type of Pleco, such as this beautiful Albino Bushy Nose, is that many won't grow as long as the common Plecostomus. They can grow a foot in length. A few characteristics of the Albino Gold Bushy Nose Pleco include:

• Fish Tank Conditions: 74-80 F, pH 6.5-7.4; KH 6-10
• Easy to care for
• Grows up to 4 1/2" long
• Bushy Nose Plecos eat algae, zucchini, and lettuce
• Originates in S. America
• Plecos are Bottom Dwellers

The Bushy Nose Pleco gets its name from the appendages that protrude around the mouth. They almost look like whiskers. I can tell you after having a Bushy Nose Pleco, that when you get to close to their face, they flare the whiskers out. I've seen them do it to other fish too. It makes them look scary, and is a good way to frighten another fish off that they don't want around.

The Albino Gold Bushy Nose is also known as the Yellow-Ancistrus. Plecos appreciate a well planted tank. Surrounded by Amazon plants, Hornwort, and Camboba, the Albino Bushy Nose will feel at home in the fish tank.

Your driftwood and aquarium walls will be clean after the Bushy Nose Pleco gets done with them. If you find an Albino Gold Bushy Nose as beautiful as Mr. Poopies, consider giving him a home.

]]> http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/10/albino-gold-bushy-nose-plecostomus-l-144/feed/ 12 http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/tiger-barb/ http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/tiger-barb/#comments Wed, 27 Sep 2006 01:19:42 +0000 Fish Tank http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/tiger-barb/ The colors really come alive in this fish gallery picture of a Tiger Barb, Puntius tetrazona, by K.Zadorozhny. I kept a school of 6 Tiger Barbs in my first freshwater fish tank. They are a fun fish to watch. I think Tiger Barbs have gotten a bad name of being aggressive fish. Keeping them in a group, does help them avoid getting into trouble.



Originally, I had two regular Tiger Barbs, as you see above. I schooled those with two Green Tiger Barbs, and two Albino Tiger Barbs. Unlike Tetra fish, who generally only school in their own group, ie. Neon Tetras will only school with Neon Tetras, and Black Neon Tetras wil only school with Black Neons; it doesn't matter with Tiger Barbs. Feel free to mix and match these fish. Some considerations to think about if you're looking to add the Tiger Barb to your aquarium:

• Tiger Barbs are best kept in groups of 5 or more
• Belongs to the Cyprinidae family
• Tank conditions most suitable include 73 - 79°F, pH 6.0 - 7.0, KH 4 - 10
• Maximum size is 3 inches

I kept my Tiger Barbs in a semi-aggressive tank. Other fish included Loaches, Gourami, a couple Plecos, a Redtail Black Shark, and Swordtails. I never saw the Tiger Barbs attack other fish. One thing they would do, which was quite hilarious, is chase each other around the tank. I'm not sure if it was just a game they played, or something else. They wouldn't do it often, but the Tiger barb in the lead would weave in and out of plants, twisting and turning everywhere. The others followed exactly behind. They would also periodically do face to face duels. Again, I'm not sure if this was to determine a leader, or just a game.

For breeding Tiger Barbs; let them pair off. The male Tiger Barb fertilizes the eggs once the female lays them. You'll want to feed the fry brine shrimp after they beome free-swimming. That takes about a week.
I fed my Tiger Barbs flake food and bloodworms. I also spoiled them with Brine shrimp. This will bring out the lovely red color you see in the photo. I highly recommend the Tiger Barb, if you want a fish that's fun to watch. I miss mine.

]]> http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/tiger-barb/feed/ 118 http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/blue-tetra/ http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/blue-tetra/#comments Fri, 08 Sep 2006 18:57:42 +0000 Fish Tank http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/blue-tetra/ To catch this fast-swimming Blue Tetra, Sakichin had to be quick with the camera. This blue fish, the Boehlkea fredcochui, will grow to only about 1.5 to 2 inches long as an adult. This makes it a great fish to keep in a small aquarium.



It's best to use plenty of plants with the Blue Tetra. They're most comfortable knowing there's a place to hide, and seek cover if needed. The color of the Blue Tetra can best be seen against a dark substrate. If you are just planning your aquarium, you'll want to choose plants, background, and gravel that show your fish off best.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing this fish:

• Tetra are best kept in groups
• Belongs to the Characidae family
• Tank conditions most suitable include 73 - 82°F, pH 6.0 - 8.0
• Maximum size is 2 inches

The Blue Tetra is an omnivore that will be quite happy eating eats fish flakes or blood worms . Soft acidic water is prefered by this tetra, especially when breeding.

Part of the Characidae family, the tetra has a small adipose fin that makes it different from most other fish. It's believed that the fin is much similar to an appendix in a human. The function is not known.

Stocking the Blue Tetra with fish the same size is best. They would do well with Barbs, Angelfish, Loaches, other Tetras, or non-aggressive fish in the community tank.

]]> http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/09/blue-tetra/feed/ 0 http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/08/chocolate-gourami/ http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/08/chocolate-gourami/#comments Tue, 22 Aug 2006 05:21:53 +0000 Fish Tank http://www.funfishtank.com/2006/08/chocolate-gourami/ Probably not as edible as a chocolate bar, this great freshwater fish picture by KooshKing is an excellent example of the Chocolate Gourami. An omnivore, the Chocolate Gourami is searching for the next taste of brine shrimp, bloodworms, or tubifex worms.



The Chocolate Gourami, unlike some of his fellow Gouramis, takes a little more care to keep happy. Keeping the water quality clear of ammonia, nitrite, and other deadly enemies is important for the health of your fish. Cloudy fish tank water just won't cut it with the Chocolate Gourami. This colorful fish is a little more vulnerable to bacteria and parasites that attack the skin. Still, this Gourami is a peaceful fish that would do well in the right fish tank with an experienced fishkeeper . Some things to consider about the Chocolate Gourami:

• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
• Adults can reach about 2 1/2"
• Tank conditions most suitable include 75-85°F, pH 6.0-7.0
• Best kept in pairs with a well planted tank: Java fern or Vallisneria spiralis are two choices that provide cover

The Chocolate Gourami is also a mouthbrooder. A mouthbrooder will hold their offspring in the mouth for extended periods of time. In the case of the Chocolate Gourami, the female may hold eggs in her mouth for two weeks without eating. Breeding is a very delicate process with this fish. Water quality and diet are important.

A rewarding fish to watch and care for, the Chocolate Gourami would do well with other peaceful fish such as Guppies, Danios, or Minnows

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