petadvisor.com
Sponsored Tropical Fish Results:
Pet Training » Exotic Pets » Tropical Fish

Tropical Fish: Species, Food, Aquarium And Care

By:

Published: January 22, 2008

Found in tropic environments, tropical fish fall into two broad classes: freshwater and saltwater. Tropical fish can live in fresh water or saltwater, but warm temperatures are mandatory for their survival. Tropical fish are best known for their dashing, colorful patterns and are the most favorite aquarium species throughout the world.

Tropical fish are interesting in their variety. The Anabantoid can breathe air from the surface of the tank when the oxygen level is low. These fish species include Betta, Blue Gourami, Kissing Gourami, Dwarf Gourami, and Pearl Gourami. The Catfish are best known for their scavenging ability. This species include the Chinese Algae Eater, Iridescent Shark, Corydoras Catfish, Otocinclus Catfish, and Zebra Pleco.

The Characins or Tetras are the larger group among tropical fish. These include very small categories and very large groups. Some of the popular aquarium types are: Black Neon Tetra, Bleeding Heart Tetra, Bloodfin Tetra, Head and Tail Light Tetra, Glowlight Tetra, Neon Tetra, and Piranhas. The wild species of tropical fish are collectively known as Cichild, and these are characteristically aggressive and territorial. The main classes are Angelfish, Discus, Firemouth Cichlid, Oscar, and Jewel Cichlid.

The largest group of tropical fish comprises the Barbs species genus, one that can also survive in a subtropical environment. The aquarium favorites are: Bala Shark, Gold Barb, Goldfish, Koi, Rainbow Shark, White Cloud, Zebra Danio, Red Tail Shark, and Tiger Barb. Tropical fish also include livebearers. The breeding of livebearers is easy, and it is important to keep the young away from adult fish. Popular livebearers include Swordtail, Guppy, Black Mollie, Mosquito fish, Sailfin Mollie, and Platy fish. Other tropical fish include Loaches, Butterfly fish, and Hatchet fish.

Tropical fish can be kept in a variety of aquariums, ranging from simple fish tanks to large elaborate tanks. Each tropical fish variety requires a specific type of aquarium with suitable environment settings. Generally, the aquariums must have necessary heating, ventilation, and filtering options. Most of the tropical fish can be kept in community aquariums which will hold many varieties. But some wild and aggressive tropical fish varieties can be kept only in species tanks which only house one type of fish.

Complete care and planning is required to keep the tropical fish healthy. It is best to keep the tropical fish in large fish tanks, and fresh water is a must. It is necessary to monitor and maintain water, hardness, nitrate levels, pH, temperature, and general algae levels in the aquarium. Placing plants, gravel, rocks, and wood will help the tropical fish to lead a healthy life. The aquarium should not be kept in direct sunlight.

A good diet is vital for tropical fish care. Dried fish foods available in pet shops are ideal for tropical fish. Tropical fish can also be fed on various worms, tubifex, and brine shrimp. It is best to give two or three small feedings per day. The tropical fish diet must include sufficient amounts of proteins, fat, and amino acids.

Tropical fish to be kept in home aquariums can be bought from reputable pet shops and aquarist dealers. Usually, the seller provides the necessary aquarium instructions and care tips. By purchasing the best tanks, supplies and food for the fish, they will undoubtedly make prosperous, healthy pets.


Sources:
"Tropical Fish." MSN Encarta Online Encyclopedia. 2007. 20 Jan.2008. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761560170/Trop ical_Fish.html

"Tropical Fish." Fish Tank Guide. 2007. 20 Jan. 2008. http://www.fish-tank-guide.com/fish/tropicalfish.h tml

Wilson, Bobby. "Tropical Fish Tips." EzineArticles. 08 April 2007. 20 Jan. 2008. http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Tropical-Fish-Tips&a mp;id=519520

"Tropical Fish Care Secrets and Tropical Fish Disease." Unique-Review.com. 28 Nov. 2007. 20 Jan. 2008. http://unique-review.com/reviews/tropical-fish-car e-secerets-and-tropical-fish-decease/
Featured Tropical Fish Products: