Aquatic Life (info & tips) - Aquarium Hunter

How Many Glofish in a 5-gallon Tank? The Ideal Tank & Mates!

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Care Guides, Info and Tips, Tetras (Care Guides), Tropical Freshwater (guides), Uncategorized October 25, 2021September 22, 20235-gallon tank, glofish, glofish tank

It’s no surprise that the colorful Glofish catches your eye! Many new aquarium enthusiasts are drawn to the fish that could potentially become a new addition to their aquarium. Not just the fluorescent colors that make these fish attractive, but the minimum care they require makes them perfect for beginner aquarists. This article will help you determine how many glofish in a 5-gallon tank that you can keep.

We will also look at the requirements for caring for glofish, tankmates and the different types of glofish available in pet fish stores.

What is a Glofish?

Glofish don’t occur in nature. They are a genetically modified (GMO) fish .

Singaporean scientists found a way to take a florescent green gene from a jelly fish and introduce it to the genome of an embryo of a Zebra Danio fish, creating a glowing green fish.

Having success with developing a unique fish that glows green, the scientists then found other bright colored genes from other creatures, such as a red coral, and following the same procedure managed to develop other danio fish colors.

Today, these little guys come in a variety of florescent colors to include; green, blue, red, yellow, purple, and pink.

Not only have they developed these colors for the Glofish Zebra Danio, but they have been successful in creating awesome colors for other aquarium fish species.

The popularity of these fish has grown more and more, especially with people who want killer displays where they use blue ultraviolet lights to bring out the glow!

The most common glofish species are Glofish Tiger Barbs, Glofish Rainbow Sharks, Glofish White Skirt Tetras, and Glofish Zebra Danios.

How many glofish are recommended per gallon of water?

That ‘inch per gallon’ rule was not, and will never be true regarding all types of fish. Imagine having a 10 inch fish in a 10-gallon tank!

It is important to use common sense when populating your aquarium. Every fish species is different and has different requirements and glofish are not any one specific species. Many considerations need to be thought about when setting up a tank that will include glofish such as:

Considerations

Schooling fish needing the comfort of a group of fish to be content.
Fast swimming fish requiring wide-open areas to swim.
Aggressive or territorial fish who cannot be to close to one another.
The size the adult fish will grow to.
Water parameters may differ between different species in the tank.
Compatible tankmates.

How Many Glofish in a 5 Gallon Tank? Let’s Consider Each Glofish Species

How many Danio GloFish in a 5-gallon tank?

Danios grow to 2.5 inches. With the 1 inch per gallon rule, you would only have two danios. The problem with that is, Glofish Danios are very active, social schooling fish.

They need to live in a school with more than just one other individual, and they need space to dance around the tank.

Zebra Danios like to occupy the surface areas of the tank, with a tendency to jump. A lid is essential with this species.

Danios like a flow or current in the water, that replicates the streams of their natural habitat. Using your filter pump to generate a current will suit them well.

Keeping danios with say a glofish betta would not work. For one, the betta does not handle currents and bettas become stressed when they don’t have space to move.

Although Glofish Danios are hardy and can tolerate substandard water quality, they do require warm water between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. So an aquarium heater is essential. Ideally, give them a pH between 6.5 – 7.2 and water hardness between 3 – 8 dkH.

A 5 gallon tank really is far too small for a school or Glofish Danios. You will be fraught with problems keeping the water healthy and the fish will become stressed without having space to move. This will only lead to disappointment.

Having only two danios in the 5-gallon tank would not look impressive, as the aim with keeping glofish is to see them displayed in a school flashing multi-colors as they swim about.

Our recommendation would be a 20-gallon tank with a school of 6 to 10 Glofish Danios. This would look awesome and the fish will do so much better.

How many Glofish in a 5-gallon tank? The Rainbow Shark Glofish

Even a 10-gallon tank is not enough for one Rainbow Shark. At the very least you would require a 30-gallon tank.

Rainbow sharks grow quite large (6 inches long) and are aggressive towards the timider fish. They cannot be kept in confined spaces. Rainbow sharks are best kept with other fish that can match their traits. Glofish Tiber Barbs would be a great match for Rainbow Sharks.

Sharks are bottom feeders, and they do a great job fossicking around rocks, substrate and plants keeping the tank clean. Rainbow sharks require caves and places to hide away. They are a hardy species of fish and will tolerate water that is not at its best.

Rainbow sharks enjoy a temperature between 75 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH range of 6-8 and water hardness 5-11 dkH.

We recommend a 40-gallon tank for one fully grown Rainbow Shark. The tank would need to be long, rather than tall, as these fish like to swim left to right scavenging the substrate, not up and down.

How many GloFish Tiger Barbs in a 5-gallon tank?

Tiger Barbs are semi-aggressive schooling fish. They are not fussy when it comes to water parameters. A temperature between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, pH range of 6 – 8 and water harness between 4 – 10 dkH.

A 5-gallon tank will not suffice for Tiger Barbs. A school of six would require at least a 20-gallon tank. These fish grow in no time and will reach three inches long, filling the tank space quickly.

Tiger Barbs are fast swimming fish often seen chasing each other around the tank. Without space they will develop social problems.

If housed in a 30+ gallon tank, you would be able to incorporate tank mates with a small school of Tiger Barbs. Choose tank mates that can match their vigorous behaviours, not timid fish with long fins. Tiger Barbs will not be able to resist nipping them!

Glofish Tiger Barbs would look impressive darting around in a school. Just ensure the tank is large enough!

How many GloFish Tetras in a 5-gallon tank?

Unlike the Tiger Barbs, GloFish White Skirt Tetras, are peaceful fish that grow to 2.5 inches long. They live in schools and for them to be happy in your aquarium a school of at least five or six fish would be best.

These tetras are very hardy fish and can tolerate water conditions that may not be optimal. A temperature range between 75 to 80 degree Fahrenheit, pH 6 – 7.5, and water hardness range of 5 – 20 dkH.

They can be shy, so add some plants to the aquarium to provide them with plenty of places to hide and rest. Ensure space for them to swim around in their school.

The tetra glofish is a great beginner fish and in our view would be the easiest to keep out of all the glofish species.

A 5-gallon tank would not be suitable for this schooling species. A minimum of 20-gallons would accommodate a small school of tetras on their own.

How Many GloFish in a 5-Gallon Tank? The Betta Fish Glofish

You would be able to keep one male betta in a 5-gallon tank or two female bettas.

Betta fish are aggressive towards each other, especially males. They don’t cope well in confined spaces with other fish.

Bettas are very forgiving when it comes to water parameters. They have a labyrinth organ on top of their head that allows them to breath air from the water surface if there is a lack of oxygen in the water. Having said this, they do require care, and having a good tank filter and a heater will ensure they enjoy a longer healthier life.

Glofish Betta Fish prefer a water temperature between 75 – 81 degrees Fahrenheit, pH range of 6.5 – 7.5 and a water hardness range of 3 – 5 dkH.

Bettas like places to hide away, so plants and ornaments make great additions to the tank. Their long fins inhibit movement when there is too much water flow in the tank. Water flow through filters will need to be adjusted down or locate the filter behind an ornament in the tank.

Betta fish don’t do well with more aggressive fish such as Tiger Barbs and Rainbow Sharks. These guys may end up nipping the fins of the betta fish.

Bettas can cohabitate a community aquarium, so long as there is enough room for them and plenty of places to hide away if they need to.

Final Thoughts

Glofish are genetically altered fish with fluorescent genes that have been bred in captivity. Depending on the species, they are easy to take care of and tend to get along with numerous tankmates.

The size of the aquarium depends on the species of Glofish and how many to be kept. Try always to use large tanks. Our topic with this article for this artic was to answer the question: ‘how many glofish in a 5-gallon tank?’ Although a 5-gallon glow tank, as marketed by the Glofish company, would look amazing, it really is not a suitable option!

If interested read our article ‘How many glofish in a 10-gallon tank?

Ultimate Betta Fish Tank Setup Guide – Quick and Easy Steps

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Betta Fish (guides), Betta Fish (info and tips), Blog, Care Guides, Info and Tips, Uncategorized October 21, 2021September 25, 2023betta fish, betta fish tank, bettas

Betta is beautiful fish. They are full of bright colors and fantastic fins and are an excellent choice for beginners and advanced aquarists. Despite their popularity in the fishkeeping hobby, many aquarists are not familiar with their care. Providing your Betta with a suitable tank will allow him to flourish and lead a healthy lifestyle. This detailed article explains how you can set up and create the perfect Betta Fish Tank Setup.

Get the Perfect Betta Fish Tank Setup

Setting up your first Betta Fish Tank Setup can be intimidating, but it should not be frightening. This article covers the essential steps to take when projecting a betta fish tank.

Get to know a little about Betta fish

The “Siamese fighting fish” is undeniably unique. For over 150 years in Thailand, children have collected them in rice paddies in the rain and put them to watch them fight.

As the popularity of these competitions grew, the emperor began to control and tax the fish. Fish began to be exported to Europe in the 1890s, being an immediate success.

Betta Fish Tank Setup: Comparison Table

What makes your pet unhappy?

Betta fish tanks require filtration, warm water, enrichment like plants and caves to explore. They won’t be healthy or happy living confined in a vase with no plants and unstable water quality.

While it is common to find and obtain Betta fish in pots and micro spaces without filtering or heating, this practice is abhorred by experienced aquarists.

Researchers have identified the three most common welfare problems for Betta fish kept as pets; Tiny tanks, poor water quality, and fungal and bacterial infections are the leading causes of severe problems for Betta fish.

Those causes can all be solved with a well-designed and well-maintained aquarium. Fish are smart enough to experience boredom and depression, so working to improve your pet fish’s well-being is critical.

In 2016, a study on fish cognition found that fish perceive and have more cognitive abilities than other animal populations; because of this, animal enrichment and a stable environment are prerequisites for maintaining any animal.

The most common myth

It is also believed that Betta can thrive in tiny tanks. They will not survive for long. If you are thinking about purchasing a small tank, you’d better reconsider.

A Betta can survive this small but won’t last long enough. To avoid animal suffering, you should obtain a nice tank set up with everything your Betta fish needs.

Betta fish temperament

Male bettas tend to attack each other. Betta fish are highly territorial among them, but they coexist well with other fish species. Male betta fish are known to attack even their mirror image.

Known as the “Siamese fighting fish,” male bettas instinctively show off and fight other brightly colored fish they encounter. Betta fish must not be kept with any other Betta (even females).

Should Betta fish have tank mates?

It is possible to keep Betta fish with other fish; some Betta fish even show a lot of interest in being among tank mates, but you must take precautions.

Males are desirable targets for aggressive fish, thanks to their long fins and bright colors. Even small schooling fish can be a constant annoyance on a Betta fish. The compatible option is small, gentle fish such as corydoras, endlers, rasboras, and khuli loach.

Feeding Betta Fish

Betta fish are carnivores that feed on insects and larvae. In some places, you can provide them with pellet or fish flakes, explicitly formulated for them.

These foods may contain protein and everything else that satisfies their needs. Betta fish also love live or fresh snacks such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, micro worms, and suchlike.

How much to feed a betta?

It would be best if you fed your fish several times a day in small amounts. Provide an amount to be consumed quickly, with no leftovers; leftover feed degrades water quality.

Betta fish tank setup: Size Matters!

It’s a myth in aquarium hobby that betta fish are happy in tanks as small as a gallon or in glass bowls, with no equipment to ensure stability and good water quality.

Ideally, your betta fish tank setup should have a storage container of at least 5 gallons. Wild Betta fish can have a territorial space of up to three square meters, so larger tanks will closely mirror their natural environments.

In a large tank, pH and temperature fluctuations are less frequent, and you won’t need to change the water as often. A large tank makes it easy to add many plants similar to those found in natural fish habitats.

The bigger the tank, the happier the fish will be, as it will have a much better quality of life, environments to explore and hide.

With your betta fish tank setup, choose length over height

As long as your tank has a minimum volume of 5 gallons, they will be satisfied with a filter and heater. Betta fish are not keen on having a very high water column, preferring more lateral space to swim and explore.

A wider tank than a taller one is a great choice, as it will provide your fish with much greater well-being.

Clean the tank and check for leaks

The first thing you should do when setting up your Betta Fish Tank Setup is to check for leaks. Fill the tank with water and carefully rub the inner side to remove dust and packaging material.

Do not use any products or cleaning solutions; these types of products can poison your fish. When cleaning is finished, attach the necessary equipment and fill the aquarium with water.

Please make sure the aquarium is stabilized on a properly leveled support; otherwise, it can lead to leakage or break the bottom.

Pick the right place

The most crucial factor you should place in a tank is where to put it. If you place your aquarium in direct sunlight, a little extra bright light can create overgrowth algae and lead to hot spots in the overall temperature of the aquarium.

Keep the tank away from windows and heat lamps somewhere out of direct sunlight and away from drafts; you can position the tank in indirect natural light without significant problems.

Decor: Plants, Hides, and More

A habitat that looks as natural as possible is perfect for displaying your Betta’s natural behavior. Tank decoration is vital to them!

Choose large plants, caves, or natural logs to simulate your fish’s wild home. They like to lie on a sheet and need comfortable spaces to hide, swim and sleep. Also, choose soft-leaf artificial plants over hard or sharp plastic ones that can hurt your fish.

Stay away from any sharp or rough decoration or anything that could damage your pet or ruin your fish’s tail. Use decorative objects to provide hiding places and shaded areas for your Betta.

Live plants, in addition to giving more natural air to the assembly, help in the nutrient cycle and gas exchange in the aquarium.

Bettas do need a heater

The water temperature in the Betta’s water tank should never drop below 69 F. Ideally; the water temperature should remain between 77 to 84 F, which is the average for most other tropical fish.

The heater always needs to be used because Betta fish are highly susceptible to thermal shocks, and in case of parameter fluctuation, they will be exposed to various diseases.

Do Bettas need lighting?

Your Betta has the exact lighting requirements as you. He needs to know how to distinguish between day hours and night hours.

Without distinguishing between day and night, the fish will end up losing track of space and time; you will not know the times to eat, rest, etc.

The ideal is for the tank to have lighting that can have its intensity controlled and programmed, but any lighting will do the job.

Betta fish do not like too much light, keep the light at medium to low power and set up shaded areas in the aquarium; open spaces can be shaded using decoration or plants, especially floating ones.

Do Betta fish need a filter?

Filtration works by pulling water and debris through different sponges and other materials. The filter flows water through the tank to prevent it from stagnating.

If you choose a filter that has a powerful flow, the current generated will throw your Betta around the tank, and it will be stressed. The ideal filter will have an adjustable flow so you can provide the right environment for your fish.

Betta likes very low flow. Even if you use a filter, you will still need to do weekly water changes to maintain safe water quality for Betta fish. Bettas live in the still waters of flooded forests in their natural environment. Without a filter, water will have a high load of pollutants much faster.

A filter is necessary for the maintenance of any aquatic animal, being a vital and central piece in any aquarium, mainly in a Betta tank.

Install your filter

Not all filters are the same – therefore, different types require different installation methods. Ask your trusted fish store for advice on the best type of filter for your aquarium and how to proceed with the installation; carefully read the product packaging.

For smaller Betta’s tank, a Hang on type filter is generally used, which hangs on the tank’s back wall and is considered an external filter.

We also see internal sponge-type filters, which use a piece of sponge attached to an air outlet. In larger aquariums, we have external filters such as sump and canister, as the most common.

Biological filtration

Biological sponges encourage beneficial bacteria to grow in your tank. These bacteria make up the nitrogen cycle that breaks down decayable material and protects the water from getting too polluted. The biological filter is the most crucial part of an aquarium.

The nitrogen cycle

For the nitrogen cycle to work correctly and efficiently, you will need a filter system with a biological medium (sponge, ceramic, etc.) that will harbor many beneficial bacteria.

Biological media allow a high water flow and a large contact surface, allowing beneficial bacteria organisms to grow and flourish inside.

The nitrogen cycle is crucial to the health of Betta aquariums. You must have a biological filter system that provides a wide area for organisms to live and grow for best results.

Chemical filtration

Activated charcoal is the most popular medium for chemical filtration in the Betta tank and does the job very well. Activity charcoal has the capability of eliminating some chemicals responsible for unpleasant colors and odors in water.

Mechanical filtration

Mechanical filtration in Betta’s tank is used to remove particles from your water columns, like debris and uneaten food from your fish.

You must change or wash the mechanical filter cartridges every month or so, depending on the size of the tank and the filter.

Every week after a water change, you can pass a vacuum filtered bucket through the cartridge to remove debris from the tank that blocks the filters and interferes with water flow.

Picking A Substrate

When choosing a substrate for a betta tank, you have to be sure it is not too sharp or rough. It’s all your problems before your Betta is stuck in the ground or injured on the substrate.

Large gravel can trap some debris that will end up polluting the Betta’s tank water, producing more ammonia. If you add plants, it will be more productive to avoid the sand.

Although it’s not essential, it’s always nice to also pick a natural-looking substrate. So it feels nice and natural. And as a positive benefit for you, he will make the colors pop!

Other supplies for an ideal betta fish tank setup

Some of the best staple foods include betta pellets or freeze-dried worms. Water tests are necessary to ensure a healthy and stable aquarium; have good tests for accurate results, low-quality tests are not enough to assess accurately.

Keep a maintenance routine up to date. Purchase a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other toxins from tap water and a cleaning siphon to facilitate water change and substrate siphoning.

Should your Betta’s tank have a lid?

Your Betta’s tank should be tightly capped; Bettas are excellent jumpers; in nature, they jump from puddle to puddle. In the aquarium, they won’t hesitate to take giant leaps towards the ground.

Wild bettas are incredibly even jumpers! They use this ability to move from puddle to puddle during droughts, which means your goldfish isn’t afraid to jump out of their tanks.

Fill it up!

Your Betta can breathe the same air like you and me, using an organ known as a labyrinth. The labyrinth is an adjunct breathing organ, sometimes used by fish; this is one of the reasons for the myth that bettas do not need filters and live in any quality of water.

Don’t fill an aquarium to the top, as your fish could drown, as strange as it sounds. Remember that bettas are excellent jumpers, leave the lid closed with a breathing space.

Finally, introduce your Betta to its new tank

The final step to set up your aquarium is, of course, adding your new fish. If he’s the only fish in the tank, there’s no need to use a quarantine.

Your Betta will arrive in a bag with water from the store. Float the bag with the fish in the future aquarium until the temperature equals; This takes about thirty minutes, be patient.

After the temperature stabilizes, open the bag and, little by little, put the water from the aquarium inside the fish bag; when the water volume has doubled, discard the water from the bag and place the fish in its deficient aquarium.

Never put water from the pack in your aquarium; this water may be carrying pathogens and other things you don’t want in your aquarium.

Final Thoughts – Betta fish tank setup

Betta fish are fantastic animals that deserve proper treatment. Follow this guide, and you will have a satisfied Betta Fish Tank Setup who will be a loving companion for many years to come.

Have a water change at least once a week to keep the environment healthy. Be sure to monitor pH, ammonia, nitrate levels and properly clean your tanks.

I hope this simple tutorial helps you create a great, stress-free, fun environment for your new flaky friend.

[Quick Signs] How to Tell if a Molly Fish is Pregnant?

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Care Guides, Info and Tips, Mollies (Care Guides), Tropical Freshwater (guides), Tropical Freshwater Fish (Care Guides) September 29, 2021April 4, 2022breeding mollies, mollies, Molly Fish, Molly Fish Pregnant

[Quick Signs] How to Tell if a Molly Fish is Pregnant?: A pregnant molly fish develops swollen stomach and black spots near the center of her abdomen. In some circumstances, it may begin to get aggressive and eat more. Near the laboring stage, Mollies tend to hide away and stop eating. Before your fish get pregnant, there are several essential things to consider, like know what you can do to protect her fry. Here we provide a detailed guide about the How to Tell if a Molly Fish is Pregnant?

Should I separate pregnant Molly?

It is best to take the pregnant molly fish from the main tank and isolate it in another well-maintained, mature aquarium during birth. Some people have used the fish breeding box to separate the fry from other animals, but they remain in the same aquarium. You don’t have to purchase a separate tank filter and heater by this method, but it may be very stressful for mom. After some time, it’s possible to place your baby molly fish in the main aquarium.

How does Molly fish breed?

Molly fish are livebearers, and instead of laying eggs, they produce live fish. A female molly retains fertilized eggs to hatch within her body and only releases them into the tank after it hatches. Incubation time differs for molly species but is around 40 to 60 days on average. This difference also occurs in the production of chicks, where Sailfin Molly can give birth to up to 50 baby molly fish, while Giant Sailfin up to 200 and Black around 120 fry. Adult Mollies will eat the fry. Male Mollies stress the females by their ongoing efforts at pursuit.

How do I identify a pregnant molly fish?

A few days before birth, she develops a swelling underneath the genital pore, making her shape relatively square and the surface of the gravid spot enlarged.

How do I tell if my Molly Fish is pregnant?

Mollies are livebearers. You will notice behavioral changes as the Molly keeps clear of other fish in water and moves slowly. Those changes are a vital sign if you see a dark triangular spot near the anal vent or a protruding belly.

Spotting the condition and the “Gravid Spot.”

The ‘gravid spot’ is a dark spot near the base of the anal fin caused by the stretching of the peritoneal walls. It is also identical to a womb, but the egg is not attached to the mother’s body, unlike mammals. Each egg is fully equipped to produce nutrients provided by the mother on which the embryos can thrive. The relationship between mother and fry it’s been a study topic for a long time.

How long are Molly fish pregnant?

Mollies are livebearers like guppies as they are the same genus but different species. They can keep their babies for about 6-10 weeks. Sometimes, it is better to leave the new mother alone in a separate tank for exceptional care and safety. During pregnancy, you can check the proper development of the fry through the female gravid spot.

Is Molly Fish about to become pregnant?

You may initially find it intimidating to breed these animals but don’t worry; it’s effortless and rewarding. This article can provide a quick and easy guide on looking at the signs of molly pregnancy.

How long does it take for a girl to give birth?

Molly fish will likely have a gestation period of between 6 and 10 weeks. Female mollies usually mature at 3 to 4 months. They get the first pregnancy and continue the cycle repeated; they can give birth to hundreds of fry throughout their entire life. In some cases, a gestation period has lasted more than ten weeks.

Molly Fish and the fry

After several weeks of pregnancy, a female molly can give birth to something between 20 to 60 fry. Unfortunately, like nature’s rules, Molly fries are prey to other fish or even their parents, and not all molly fry will grow into adults. Mollies are also easy to raise, keep in their tanks, and easy to care for. Here is all the information you need to know from Mollie on its previous posts. Read more about keeping pet fish on this site.

How do mollies fish act before giving birth?

Your molly fish will give you indications it is trying to give birth. You’ll know about this attitude as they try to be comfortably on the tank. They will try to be isolated and settle down in a peaceful and cooler water area. You’ll notice she doesn’t care about swimming. Female Molly can display aggressiveness right before birth. Your mollies should continue to show some signs even until the last minute.

The eyes of the fry and signs of imminent birth

As eggs are incubated, their eyes are sometimes visible at the thin walls of the gravid spot. To support the development of the egg, the maternal body enlarges, growing deeper and broader. The following day after birth, the female Molly develops a slight bulge in the underside of the gills, which has become square for him in this area.

The birth process of new fry

At birth, the fry sinks a few inches under the water but quickly straightens out and hides to a cover, like the vegetation. If they don’t appear right away, they sink beneath rocks, driftwood, ornaments, or even the substrate; and take refuge on it. They sit motionlessly and slowly start the life out of the mother.

Molly Fish Babies

Since Mollies carry live eggs, they do not lay eggs but rather release the live baby into the water. Unfortunately, the babies aren’t given parental care and are as likely to be eaten by the parents as the other fish in the aquarium. A breeding box will assist you with keeping your molly fry fish once the mother gives birth to them. Once the fry is released, they automatically fall into a different compartment away from the mother, where you can hold them until you catch and bring the adult fish into the main tank. Make sure to offer small pieces of food that fry may eat. Once they’ve grown enough and can cope with themselves, you can move them to the mains display.

Do Mollies eat their babies?

As with all of the fishes, cannibal behavior is standard. Mollies who give birth don’t take care of their babies and can even eat them. Small fry fish are usually fragile, making them vulnerable to the attacks of any predator. You may need to remove fries and keep them at another tank for safety reasons; you must take care of them separately for their wellness. Because the fries are weaker and smaller than other fish, they are suitable as fish meals. It may be necessary to protect your small fish from predation.

How do I save Molly Fry?

If you want to keep the fry in the same aquarium as the parents, increase the number of hiding places, and leave an area (if possible the entire tank) densely planted, a few babies molly will be leftover. In the case of putting them in a separate aquarium, set up a tank with everything the fry needs; anticipate the birth and get the aquarium already cycling to receive the offspring is a great idea; to do this, you must install some equipment and follow some basic steps known to any aquarists.

Feeding the fry

After the fry is born, most will feed on commercial fish flakes, just like their mother. You can also make some preparations to feed your molly fry as soon as they birth; homemade rations generally degrade the water a lot; when offering this type of food, perform a partial water change soon after feeding.

How do I feed molly baby fish?

Once the female has given birth, remove the fry and bring them to a new aquarium. You should feed the fry quality food such as baby brine shrimp, baby fish meal, quality flake, or pellet ground into a fine powder—feeding in small quantity and high frequency.

Molly fish eat anything.

The young born babies are tiny about the size of pellet food, and molly female can eat their babies after they’ve given birth; that’s why we keep them in a separate tank. Mollies fish are greedy, eating almost anything that fits inside their mouths. Breeding a fish provide an immersion in aquarium keeping hobby and provides a fantastic learning experience for young and older persons.

Tell me the best way to feed a baby Molly fish?

Your baby molly needs an abundance of good quality food to grow to adulthood. Crushed fish flakes will give your baby a healthy source of nutrition. You can also feed it baby brine shrimp. Crush some fish flakes until a perfect texture so the fry can swallow them. If you properly feed your baby fry, they shall be mature in some months. You’ll be capable of adding them to the larger tank. They can also be free and protected from attacks by other fish.

How long do I need to separate my baby mollies?

You have to remove baby Mollies from the main aquarium before they sink into the jaws of other fish. You can keep fish in different tanks anywhere from four to six weeks. After eight weeks of age, a fish will fit in an adult tank. The keeper must make sure that your fish are appropriately sized before releasing them in the main aquarium.

Conclusion

The easiest way to see if Molly is pregnant is by paying attention to the gravid spot. The fish will also display other signs of pregnancy. If you want to breed Mollies fish, then there are things that you should keep in mind. It was all easy to accomplish, and the best results were obtained, separating the mother and the fry in another tank later. You get all you want to know reading this guide How to Tell if a Molly Fish is Pregnant?. It would be best if you did some research before begin to breed fish.

[Must Read] Best Fish For a 20-gallon Tank (With Pictures )

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Beginners (info & tips), Blog, Care Guides, Equipment (info & tips), Info and Tips, Tank Set-up (Care Guide), Tropical Freshwater Fish (Care Guides), Uncategorized September 27, 2021September 21, 202320-gallon, fish for a 20-gallon tank

Embarking on a journey into the world of aquariums? Explore our guide to discover the best fish for a 20-gallon tank, ensuring a thriving and balanced aquatic ecosystem.

There are a lot of freshwater fish species kept as pets for people across the globe. This type of animal is fairly more economical than other small animals and does not require much maintenance.

A 20-gallon tank is an interesting aquarium size for a novice hobbyist and the more experienced ones. It provides an excellent volume for the care of several species besides occupying little space.

Factors That Influence How Many Fish You Can Keep In 20 days.

The idea of 1 inch of fish per gallon is a bit old and useless. When stocking a 20-gallon tank, you got to be accurate; the tank configuration will influence the number of fish you can keep.

If you want to have multiple species in your aquarium, other factors may come in. A good selection of fish and tank companions is the best choice for any aquarium.

Make sure the animals you are keeping together have the same preference for water conditions.

How many fishes in a 20-gallon tank?

There are various types of species that can be kept in a 20-gallon fish tank. In this article, I’ll present some freshwater fish and stocking ideas for your 20-gallon tank that you can apply or customize for your setup.

How many fish can be in a 20-gallon fish tank?

A 20-gallon fish tank has a lovely size for keeping some fish but stay away from overpopulating it. Too many fish will cause stress and water deterioration, resulting in sick, strained fish.

How many fish can you keep in a 20-gallon tank?

You should be able to fit around 15-20 small fish for a 20-gallon tank. A goldfish can overgrow, so these kinds of fish are not for this size of the tank.

How many fish can a 20-gallon tank hold?

Usually, people think of a certain number if they’re tempted to keep a certain quantity of fish from their tank. Instead, make sure to spend time researching the fish you plan to keep.

Learn their needs and temperament and try to figure out how they fit together with tank mates. This is especially important when you’re trying to select the right fish for 20-gallon tanks.

During your research, you will also need to consider the different parts of your tank. Some fish occupy the upper part of the water column, some in the center and others in the bottom.

How many fish for a 20-gallon aquarium, stocking ideas

A container of 20-gallon water has 20 1-inch fish per gallon of water. Remind yourself that the length of fish described in this article will be the maximum length you can comfortably keep in a 20-gallon tank with the best environment and the proper maintenance.

Big fish for your 20-gallon tank

If you have a big fish in your tank, I suggest thinking about buying a larger tank. Those are fish which you should avoid.

Best fish for stocking a 20-gallon tank – ideas & combinations

A 20-gallon tank is a mid-size tank, so you’d want to be careful what fish you fish and what type to keep. The best fish we have found for a 20-gallon aquarium is the fish you can keep in small low-tech tanks.

Which fish is best for a 20-gallon tank, and how many can you fit

A 20-gallon tank is ideal for a beginning enthusiast because it offers plenty of options of fish to choose from. You can keep all sorts of aquatic fish and plants. We give you some of the most excellent fish you can keep in your 20-gallon tank in this guide.

Guidelines for stocking your 20-gallon tank

However, in some aquariums, owners overstock their tanks often. It can be considered certain factors for measuring safe stocking levels.

Guidelines

Generally speaking, your guideline for stocking your aquariums is about its filtration system and common sense about physical space for fauna to swim, hide and have a peaceful corner in the aquarium. For this, perform tests to assess the aquarium’s water quality, know the efficiency of filtration, and find out if your aquarium is full of fish.

Stocking your freshwater aquarium

A 20-gallon aquarium allows you to keep many live plants and various beautiful freshwater fish, and exciting animals. I listed some of the most fantastic fish for a 20-gallon tropical tank. Every fish, critter, plant, and decoration in a tank play a role in the health of the aquarium. The goal of making these micro-ecosystems is to build one that requires as little effort as possible to keep going.

Livebearers

Livebearers are freshwater creatures who give birth to tiny fry. These fishes may be the most commonly encountered within an aquarium, with most coming from the family Poeciliidae.

It includes guppies, mollies, swordtail, platys, and others. One benefit of keeping livebearers is that they’re easily bred. There are many species where the males fight each other when trying to mate.

Bettas

Bettas are slow-swimming fish. They most often swim on the top of the tank. Shrimp can also live with betta fish, but you have to provide them with hiding places not to become a meal for the fish.

Siamese Fighting Fish can thrive in a 20-gallon aquarium. Choose peaceful but quick-moving fish for tank partners; avoid fin nippers.

Tetras

Neon tetra fish are most widely used for aquarium fishing. Tetras generally have tiny, compressed, and brightly colored bodies. Other than Neon Tetra, Black Neon Tetra can also do well in 20-gallon tanks.

They’re easy to rear. It’s best to keep them in schools of at least six fish. Other tetra species include the Rummynose Tetra, the Black Phantom Tetra, and the Glowing Light Tetra. Tetras can make an essential part of the aquarium.

Cichlids

You can keep dwarf cichlids in a 20-gallon tank. Angelfish, Discus, and other cichlid grow pretty massive and rapidly to be held in a 20-gallon tank. Dwarves can get territorial during the breeding process. It is not uncommon to keep Rams and Apistos in these sizes of tanks.

Dwarf Gourami

Dwarf gouramis are the only fish in this list I’d consider semi-aggressive. In general, they are mostly peaceful and can offer superb communities fishing.

If there are two, they can fight, or you may bully either partner. To reduce the chance that this happens, try to avoid using two males in the same tank. It is also a good idea to provide an area in your aquarium so that a bullied animal can hide.

Can you list the best fish combinations for a 20-gallon tank?

In general, when filling your 20-gallon tank, try to have one or two bigger “centerpiece” fish and fill the rest with a class of smaller fish and a few bottom dwellers like snail or shrimp.

In general, twenty-gallon tanks should be a perfect size for a novice tank owner. And always remember that it’s crucial to understand the nitrogen cycle and how to maintain healthy water conditions for your fish.

Danios

Zebra Danios are exceptionally active fish that generally stay in the upper areas of an aquarium. They are native to South Asia and rely on a large tank because they love swimming and chasing other fish.

Other Danios can be kept in 20 gallons of tanks, including Danio Marginatus, Pearl Danio, and Celestial Pearl Danio. These fish can also fight with other fish, such as guppies and others, so be aware when stocking up your aquarium. The danios zebras are happier in groups with five to six fish.

Swordtails

Swordtail’s appearance is almost the same as those of platies. In an aquarium situation, you need a male for every two females. It reduces the stress on the female when the males start harassing them.

Shrimp

Aquarium shrimp can add a fun element to your aquarium as they come in multiple sizes and colors. They also molt as they grow that inevitably makes them shed exoskeletons. They are scavengers who eat anything, including animals and plants (dead or alive).

Otocinclus

Otos are cute little shoaling fish that go into glasses into a 20-gallon tank. They are little plecos that remain small, and you can keep a small group in a tiny tank. You might want to enhance his diet with algae wafers. The fish are the best algae eaters for small tanks.

Barbs

Barbs usually live in schools in soft, acidic water. Most barbs are fin nibblers and don’t like long-finned fish. Barbs can even kill other fish. They are a very active type of fish.

Rasboras

Rasboras are possibly the best kind of fish for small community tanks. These fish also originate from freshwater habitats in Southeast and South Asia. Due to their peaceful nature, they are excellent tankmates. Also, these fish shows unique breeding and shoaling habits, all with fantastic color. These examples of common Rasbora species regularly held in aquariums are Red-Lined, Pygmy and Harlequin.

Corydoras

Cory catfish are an excellent addition to any tank. They will eat leftover fish foods that get lost in the tank. They’re big-bodied schooling fish.

Tell me the biggest fish you can put in a 20-g bag?

You want to keep fish less than 6 inches in size. Fish has to have space in the tank to swimming and also relaxing. Avoid keeping large numbers of fish in a small tank.

Additional factors

Any extra addition to the tank will reduce the amount of space that is available to the fish. Plants and gravel could also impede the flow of water in the tank.

Always add filtration and aeration. But you shouldn’t rely too much on such aid, as any blackout will be disastrous; keep an eye open.

Fish You Shouldn’t Keep In A 20-gallon tank.

There is also lots of fish that should never be kept in a 20 gallons tank. It’s not acceptable to fill tanks with large cichlid or other large fish.

Angelfish are territorial species that have a semi-aggressive temperament and can kill smaller fish. In addition, Common plecos grow faster even as juveniles as they can occupy all the tiny tanks in a short time.

Goldfish can die prematurely in small aquariums.

Best live plants for a 20-gallon tank

Planting Vallisneria in your 20-gallon tank is the best way to turn your nano aquarium into an aquatic jungle. Amazon’s Sword is a good option for nano tanks.

Sagittaria dwarf has a grass-like appearance. A lot of Wisteria species can make excellent places of cresting for fish. It flourishes with liquids or tablets of fertilizers and tends to take over the underwater landscape as it can propagate via side shoots. It is easy to take care of.

Size considerations

Many times the fish bought in the pet store are youngsters that will grow more. Check the average size of each fish when mature, and use this measurement to figure how much space the fish need. It’s not unusual for a fish to double in size pretty quickly.

Specific needs

Most fast swimmers need more area than slow swimmers, even though they tend to be active all the time. You’d better give your fish plenty of room to eat, which helps protect the peace by decreasing the number of unpleasant encounters.

Some large fish will produce more waste than much smaller fish and can alter your storage capacity or tank filtering ability as well, when in a 20-gallon tank.

Lights for a 20-gallon tank

Lighting is critical to fish to maintain the day and night cycle. Although there are plenty of lights available, it is better to turn off their tanks at night. Adjust in the minimum of 12 hour light and 12-hour dark.

Fish tank filtering system in a 20-gallon tank

That filter is the critical component in every tank. Filters keep good bacteria and make sure to keep the water free from pollutants for longer. The best the filter system, the healthier the fish, and the less maintenance is needed.

20-gallon tank water heater

A simple water heater offers a better quality of life to the 20-gallon fish tank residents. The heater is essential to keep the temperature stable; the fluctuation of this parameter and others can cause a drop in the fish’s immune system, causing diseases and other pathologies present in the tank to appear. It’s easy to set up a thermometer when looking for a quick and easy way to monitor the temperature.

The last step is adding water.

Once you have assembled the basic structure with the tank, heater, filter, lighting, plants, logs, and other decorations, it’s time to fill it with water.

Depending on the substrate you use, the water can get murky the first time you fill the tank, and you might have to wait for patience till the debris settles in.

If you add some fish to your new tank – without cycling it – you’ll have to perform numerous water changes; otherwise, you will have a big ammonia problem. Before adding fish, keep your tank going (while full of water) for 2 to 4 weeks for the bacteria to attach themselves to your filter so that they can carry out the nitrogen cycle and be able to maintain a good quality of water in your aquarium.

Good luck with your aquarium!

A 20-gallon aquarium includes stocking options outside of its 10,000-gallon capacity. If you want big fish or many fish, you will probably be better off getting a 55-gallon tank or bigger.

Or if you’re going to set up a small community with some beautiful fish and maybe some excellent plant, having one this size will probably suffice. This article is not meant to supplement diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or a qualified veterinarian’s formal guidance.

Final thoughts

A 20-gallon tank is a perfect aquarium for any beginner. It provides a chance to care for different animals without taking too much space. Always ensure to keep track of the size of the fish species when stocking.

In any case, ensure it is the right environment for the species of your choice. Set up and decorate the aquarium correctly with a heater, filter, plants, and everything else you want.

Remember to make space available for the animals to swim, hide and rest whenever they want. Use common sense when populating the tank, and know the habits of the fish you want to keep; this will help you choose which area of the aquarium to occupy.

Keep your maintenance routine up to date, keeping your water always in perfect condition; that way, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Best Amano Shrimp Care Guide – Everything You Need To Know!

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Care Guides, Info and Tips, Shrimp (guides) September 19, 2021November 27, 2023Amano Shrimp, aquarium shrimp, Caridina multidentata, shrimp

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata), a resistant, easy-care freshwater shrimp species, making a terrific addition to the cleaning crew of the aquarium- constantly removing algae and wastes from the tank.

If you’re looking for a bold active little shrimp that has character, is easy to keep and tough as they come, the Amano Shrimp may be the one for you. These social crustaceans make the perfect ‘cleaning’ crew for any tank!

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Appearance

This translucent dwarf sized shrimp is fascinating to look at as you can see all its organs inside!

Males are smaller than females, growing to about an inch long. They will have a row of black dots running down their sides.

Females, being twice the size of males, will have a row of black dashes down their sides and will quite often be carrying eggs.

Where did the Amano Shrimp originate from?

Amano shrimp originates from Japan, Taiwan and China; inhabiting freshwater/brackish swamps and mangroves. This is where the Japanese aquascaper, Takashi Amano, collected and then presented this intriguing species to the planted aquariums of the world. Today this little shrimp has become popular amongst aquarium enthusiasts.

A curiosity, is that until 2006, the shrimp’s scientific name was Caridina japonica. Scientists changed this to Caridina multidentata.

Character and Tankmates

Amano Shrimp are peaceful inhabitants and will not create problems in the aquarium so long as they are kept with appropriate tank mates.

Being social community shrimp, Amano like to live with other Amano shrimp. A 20 gallon tank, keeping about six shrimp (with even numbers of males and females) would be ideal.

Identifying the sex of shrimp when they are juveniles is difficult, so if buying young shrimp from an aquarium store you’ll have to take pot luck with their gender.

Amano Shrimp are very gregarious and are not shy in coming forward, especially when food is on offer! The only time they will hide away is during their molt. During this time, their shell is very soft and they’re vulnerable to predators.

You will soon notice a ‘hierarchy’ develop with your shrimp group. The larger ones will take charge and will be first to take their picking of shrimp food granules. Although not aggressive, they can be bossy!

Selecting the appropriate tank-mates is important, as any aquatic creature with a large mouth will be a threat to them. Do not house them with medium to large fish such as cichlids, goldfish and larger barbs. They will co-occupy a community aquarium with peaceful nano-fish such as guppies, tetras, cories and smaller live bearers.

Some people ask if they do well with Betta fish. In a small tank with little cover they may be harassed and possibly eaten. However, in a large, planted tank, Amano should be fine with bettas.

Water and tank requirements

A group of 5 or 6 shrimp can be housed happily in a planted aquarium that is no smaller than 10 gallons. Smaller than that will lead to social problems with the fish, resulting in them feeling stressed.

It is advised to keep about one shrimp for every 2 gallons of water.

Include ornaments, driftwood, and live plants; this helps create hiding places and areas to be explored by the shrimp.

They enjoy a well lit aquarium and are adapted to flowing waters. To encourage their natural behaviors, you may like to use your aquarium pumps and filters to generate a current.

Being probably the hardiest shrimp of the freshwater shrimps (arguably hardier than the more colorful shrimp species), the Amana Shrimp can live within a wide range of water parameters. Although they prefer the cooler end of the spectrum, they will live happily in water between 65 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

pH needs to be within 6.5 to 8.0 and they prefer a harder water. If your tank water is soft, try adding crushed coral into the filter or substrate.

Amano are susceptible to ammonia levels and chlorine in new water to tanks. To ensure success with them, it is recommended that you cycle the tank for six weeks with a good biological filter before introducing your shrimp.

Molting

When crustaceans grow they need to shed their exoskeleton. During this time the shrimp is at its most vulnerable stage, and tend to hide away until their new exoskeleton has hardened.

If you spot any dead-looking white/clear shrimp in the tank, it will not be a dead shrimp, but rather the exoskeleton that has been shed. However, if you spot what looks like a cooked (pink/orange) shrimp lying on its side at the bottom of the tank, it likely is one that has died.

It is important that shrimp have a diet rich in minerals to ensure they grow healthy strong skeletons.

Aquarium Cleaning Machines! What do Amano Shrimp Eat?

Many aquarists introduce a group of Amano to their tanks to keep the algae away. Amano love eating algae and do a wonderful job eating the micro-filament algae off plants and rocks in the tank.

They are great vacuum cleaners as well. Any escaping food that gets stuck within crevices are quickly found by the eager shrimps and devoured.

The little guys are innately lazy! If they’re too well fed, they will ignore the algae in the tank.

Aquarists should not assume that shrimp will solve all their algae and waste problems in the aquarium. They do a great job cleaning the algae off leaves in a planted aquarium, but don’t clean the algae from the glass sides of the tank, nor will they consume the older heavy growths of algae.

When it comes to commercial food it is easy- they are not fussy eaters and will eat almost eat anything! They are omnivorous, so having a varied diet of both animal based and algae based food is best.

Being aggressive eaters, they will often get to the food sinking to the bottom of the tank well before the fish. Quickly they will gather a food pellet up and dash away to eat it. It is better to scatter food, allowing them to each to find a pellet without arguments.

We recommend the Fluval Shrimp Granules as it has a good amount of minerals and is best suited for crustaceans. It comes in granules that conveniently sink to the bottom of the aquarium.

In addition, shrimp will eat vegetables such as cucumbers, squash, zucchini, and spinach. Vegetables should be blanched, and don’t leave them in the tank for more than an hour, as this will start to pollute the water.

Escape Artists

Any small gap in the lid of your aquarium will be an opportunity for these little guys to escape. They are known for it and will do so. Ensure you have a tight-fitting lid!

Breeding Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp are incredibly difficult to breed. This is mainly due to the shrimp lava requiring salt water to live and grow, whilst adult shrimp wouldn’t last more than a few minutes in salt water.

How they breed in the wild

In the wild, the male fertilizes the eggs, and the female carries them for four to five weeks. During this period, the female can be seen wagging her tail to fan oxygenate the eggs. At the five to six-week mark, she will release the larvae.

Shrimp lava are dragged by the current into the saltier waters of river estuaries. When they reach adulthood, the shrimp return to freshwater upstream to live.

You may see females in your tank carrying eggs, however, these will not survive when they hatch unless they are immediately placed into salt/brackish water.

Amano shrimp, available in aquarium fish stores, are generally wild caught shrimp, not captive bred.

Amano shrimp won’t cross breed with other shrimp species.

Captive breeding

If you’re up for the challenge, captive breeding is possible. It is reported that breeders keep adults in a 40 gallon (150L) breeding tank with sponge filter and tall plants. The pH is maintained at around 7.0, and the temperature stabilized around 77F (25C). Feed with pelleted food.

Larvae will need to be relocated to brackish water as soon as they hatch. As they grow, the water can be gradually diluted with freshwater.

Under these conditions, the larvae began to metamorphose into post-larvae after 20 days. It takes about six months for a complete cycle from hatching to adulthood.

Cost and Life Span

They are inexpensive ($3-5/each). To buy a group of six Amano shrimp will cost about $15 to $35.

You would expect your shrimp to live between 3-5 years, a little longer if their water temperature is kept at the lower range and the tank is well filtered.

Final Thoughts

Amano Shrimp are tireless eaters, helping keep the tank free of algae, and excellent community tank members, being compatible with smaller aquatic tank-mates. Being easy-care, hardy animals that will entertain for hours as they roam around the aquarium feeding, interacting with others, and creating their little homes. This small invertebrate is a great choice for any peaceful aquarium!

The Ultimate Red Tail Shark Care Guide

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Care Guides, Freshwater Aquarium Sharks (Care Guides), Freshwater Fish (info and tips), Info and Tips, Tropical Freshwater (guides), Tropical Freshwater Fish (Care Guides) September 15, 2021April 4, 2022aquarium shark, Red Tail Shark, sharks

Red Tail Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a tropical freshwater fish native to Thailand. It has been detected in the clear waters and floodplains in the basin of Chaos Playa; nowadays, it is classified as extinct. It is famous for its striking appearance with a completely black body with vibrant forked red tails. In captivity, you should expect your fish to grow to 6 inches, with the majority staying around 5 inches. It should probably live to about six years old. It’ is an omnivore; it will eat anything you put into the tank and should not be confused with the rainbow shark.

Summary of species

The Red Tail Sharks (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) is a freshwater fish from Thailand. The species has been declared critically endangered. The majority of their body is black except their red caudal fin. The Red Tail Shark population was highly condensed in Bueng Boraphet, Thailand. It has been verified that this fish is still in the wild; their numbers are only a fraction of what they once were. There are things about keeping it in the aquarium that people don’t know about. We only recommend getting one if you are fully convinced of the commitment and responsibility for its maintenance.

Red Tail Shark Appearance

Redtail shark has a deep blackhead offset with a red forked tail. Red Tail Shark are often confused with Rainbow Shark. Both belong to the Cyprinidae family, but they are, in fact, separated species. They should be expected to grow to about 6″ with most going to 5″. At your age, there’s no discernible difference between females and males. Don’t keep Rainbow Shark together, as they’ll fight; more on compatibility and their tankmate section.

Red Tail Shark: Tankmates, Care Guide and More…

The Redtail shark is incredibly active, which will bring plenty of entertainment to everyone who watches it. Due to their non-fussy nature, they are straightforward to feed, and once in their aquarium, they should not offer too many difficulties to remain happy. Read our free guides to learn more about fish diet and habitat.

Is the Red Tail Shark Right for your aquarium?

The Red Tail Shark is an exciting and beautiful fish. They present several challenges for beginner fish keepers, mainly because of their territorial nature; they need large aquariums. If you have space in a sizeable suitable tank, many territorial characteristics may be avoided with plenty of hiding places. We hope the guide has helped you decide if they are the right fish for your aquarium.

Description

The Red Tail Shark is predominantly dark black with a brightly contrasted red tail and white point on the dorsal fin. These hardy and curious fish add personality to an aquarium.

Red Tail Shark 2.5 inch plus

Red Tail Shark has a black body with a red tail that almost looks like a black shark. There should only be one Redtail shark in your tank because as long as you keep them in multiples, their aggressive and territorial behavior will get worse. Avoid the temptation to keep them with Rainbow Shark or other Black Sharks. White Tails sharks can be highly active but territorial when in multiple pairs. Those red-tailed black sharks have an aggressive and very territorial nature.

Red Tail Shark Size

Red Tail Sharks usually grow up to 8 inches when fully grown. It is dependent on an environmental and genetic conditions. We don’t know anyone who has a Red Tail less than 3 inches. The average size tends to be at the higher end of its range as long as you give them proper care.

Behavior & Temperament

Redtail sharks are incredibly active fish and have fun to watch. You will often watch these sharks swim near the bottom of the tank. This species has a very territorial nature that needs to be considered when choosing to put those sharks in a community tank to feel comfortable. All other offensive tendencies displayed will be exaggerated because of lack of space or by the wrong tankmates. They need to find space and need to own space at camp. The easiest way to keep active fish well in an aquarium is by giving them space and the right conditions to reduce stress.

Typical behavior

These kinds of sharks are aggressive with fish that bother them. As he matures as an adult, they become territorial and pursue other fishes until they reach exhaustion. In a vast tank with a wide number of hideouts, you can keep a group of sharks. Each fish need at least 10 gallons of the tank to use as a hideout. Red Tails are aggressive with fish when straying from their territory. They will aggressively attack other fish while you are feeding them. All tank mates should have more space within a larger tank.

How do I keep a black shark happy in my tank?

The Red Tail Black Shark is a fish that belongs to the Cyprinidae family. This family is native to Thailand but is considered extinct in the wild. Famous for its large dark body and a vivid red tail, the fish can grow to about 6-inch in length. A lifespan of six to 10 years is expected, but rare reports report that some people live as much as 15 years. If you plan to keep this fish at your aquarium, be sure the tankmates you chose could stand up to that type of aggressive behavior.

Water parameters

Water parameters are one part of the Red Tail Sharkcare we shouldn’t get crazy about. Even though this isn’t the most sensitive species globally, you should constantly check the water parameters. Checking the water prevents anything from pollutants in the water to pH drops. Get an aquarium kit test and inspect your tank and tap water.

Tank conditions

It would be best to guarantee juveniles have a tank of at least 29 gallons, and adults have 55+ gallons. You may also try to ornament the tank to reduce territorial behavior and help protect more timid tank mates. For the water flow, you should try to ensure water is slow-flowing to match the natural environment. The substrate must include gravel and pebbles, or fine sand. Remember that they can be jumpers, and therefore you should use a heavier lid.

Habitat and tank requirements

During the rainy season in the natural habitat, these black sharks live in the flooded streams and forests. Over the recent decades, the wild population of Red Tails has been virtually gone because of excessive poaching and changes in landscapes caused by population growth. But booming aquaculture business means that this species is still alive. It is now listed as critically endangered.

Take care

The Red Tail Sharks are pretty simple and easy to care about since you know how basic they are. They’re pretty sturdy and withstand a decent number of water parameters. But if you have one in an adequate tank, you will experience a problem. Learn all of your basics to get started on the right path. Red Tail Sharks are pretty simple to keep as well as can be held under normal water circumstances. They are easier to maintain in massive systems.

Tank Size

The recommended tank is 75 gallons. Even though they are not monsters, the fish are very active and require a lot of space for their swim. As semi-aggressive species, the area helps reduce the possibility of aggressiveness toward others community freshwater fish. It is highly recommended to increase the size of your tank significantly if you want to try to keep two of them in the same tank. To get more information, follow this article.

Tank requirements

Moderate water flow is needed to recreate the natural habitat for the red tail black shark. For the substrate, use gravel, fine sand, or big rocks. Live plants add value to aquariums. They might eat algae in stones and glass, but they leave plants unharmed. Putting a thick layer of gravel as a substrate can be helpful.

Life span

The Average Red Tail Species life span is five to eight years. There might be ways you can help them live happily for the rest of their lives. Buy fish from a reputable seller and breeder. Keep these in an excellent habitat at all times. Keep the fish in an environment suitable for it, provide good quality water and the perfect parameters for the species, and an optimal diet, so your fish will live to the full, always in its splendor. Reduce stress by keeping them with suitable tankmates. We also will cover other issues to keep them healthy in a safe environment and a happy place.

What to put in their tank

The ideal substrate for the red-tailed shark is moderate-sized gravel or pebbles. Many owners say they found their Red tail Shark hiding at plants instead of caves. Some driftwood is a good inclusion that gives variety and places where the fish can hide. Make some open space to swimming in the tank. It can be easy to go overboard as you decorate the tank. This species prefers to inhabit the bottom of the aquarium, which is why choosing the correct substrate is so essential. The fish comes from a large basin in central Thailand whose surface is filled with vegetation, driftwood, and stones. Knowing their natural habitat means you’ll use these items for your fish to get more comfortable at home.

Red Tail Shark Diet and Feeding

Red Tail Sharks are omnivorous, prone to herbivory, and in the wild, the food it consumes will consist of insects, larvae, crustaceans, algae, and small insects. They are also scavengers and will eat much of anything put in their aquarium, including fish pellets, fish flakes, and live and frozen vegetables. The core of their diet should consist of an excellent value pellet or flake. It would be possible to add variety to it by using it with animal and plant origin ingredients. If you feed, them vegetables wash them first. Usually, there’s a considerable number of vegetables they accept well, like broccoli, zucchini, and carrots.

Food and Diet Recommendations

The Red Tail Shark are omnivores who are not picky about things they eat. It eats plants, insects including crustaceans, in its natural habitat. Brine shrimp, bloodworms, or tubifex can be a few of their favorite foods. Some aquarists also suggest including vegetables such as zucchini or cucumber in their diet. After feeding, remove any leftover food from the tank; leftover foods are likely to reduce water quality and rapidly increase the potential for illness.

Compatibility and Tankmates

RedTail has a reputation for sometimes dangerous and aggressive fish. The shark is a territorial fish that will get hostile to other fish if it invades its territory or during feeding activities. Although Red Tail isn’t exactly a suitable candidate for a community tank, you can still have it with other fish. Ideal tankmates must also be solid and fast and spend much of their time in water’s middle and upper levels. Other sharks such as rainbow or blue-tailed are to be avoided. In addition, it is advised not to go for other bottom dwellers like some Cichlids and Plecos.

Red Tail Shark Tank Mates

Since they often get aggressive, you must find the right tankmate for it. Fish who are curious and bold are unfit for them. The possibility of keeping more than one Red Tail Shrimp in one aquarium comes at a cost; Due to their territorial nature, there is a very high probability that these fish will fight if they don’t have a substantial area to explore and hide. For this reason, it is good to have a few hideouts.

Keep Red Tail Sharks with other Red Tail Sharks

For each Red Tail, you add one meter or 20 gallons into the tank is required. You must also keep at least five sharks at the same time. Keeping it in a group prevents the “alpha” from brutally killing each fish. For the most avid fish fan, a huge tank is utopic, hence why we recommend keeping only one individual. This does not mean that we need to keep it in tiny spaces. If you insist on house more than one shark in your aquarium, then do it with caution. Make sure the aquarium is large; Redtail Sharks are exceptionally territorial.

Breeding

There are few reports of successfully breeding Red Tail Sharks in-home aquariums. Artificial breeding techniques are harmful to your fish and can be detrimental. It is best not to try breeding them. We never encourage aquarists to try unless there is a clear path to success, so there’ll be no space-occupying this section. In contrast, the entire world population is obtained from farms. Aquaculture uses manuals and techniques for inducing reproduction, and it also does so naturally, ensuring the species’ prosperity, even if it is practically extinct.

Red Tail Shark Breeding

It’s hardly an example of someone who has produced Red Taileds in an aquarium. It can most likely be a result of luck. They’re extinct in the wild, and the commercial breeding system is left to keep them out of extinction. In many commercial environments, hormones are used to induce mating. As fry develop, they can switch color from silver to brown before dark. At about ten weeks old, their red tail begins to grow. After a male fertilizes the egg, it takes 40-60 hours to hatch the fry. It usually spawns in rock caves.

Disease Potential

Red Tail Black Sharks don’t have a species-specific disease, but they can develop other common freshwater diseases. The likelihood of such an event goes down significantly if you provide them with great care and perfect water conditions. We recommend that you focus your efforts on avoiding problems keeping a maintenance schedule instead of treating it. If your fish is unlucky enough to get sick, you need to find out what disease is affecting them and quickly come up with a solution. Till then, feed your Red Tail Shark a good source of quality food and provide your fish with suitable habitat and water conditions. You also could spend minutes inspecting the water and the fish behavior every day.

Where can I find a Red Tail Black Shark?

Your local fish store may have enough of these fish to supply for everyone. Take your time to choose the right fish from the tank store. Bright eyes and colors, correct and constant movements, and no visible parasites are signs to look for. If the fish is feeling stressed, strange, or looking, you must give up the purchase and go to other stores; all of the tanks should be visibly clean, and the fishes healthy, look for fallen or lying fish, as well as dead fish in hard-to-reach places. A tiny alga on the walls doesn’t mean anything, but dirt on the substrate is a red light. If you come across this type of treatment or carelessness in a fish shop, talk to the responsible and file your complaint. They will be happy to hear candid feedback from their customers and turn the situation around. You should inspect all tanks to ensure cleanliness and safety to purchase. You can also order it on the internet, on specialized online shops.

Conclusion

Red Tail Sharks are beautiful freshwater fish and will continue to be popular in the aquarium for quite some time. Their simple design and attractive appeal make them a good choice for broad-ranging experience levels. The only semi-tricky part of owning one is dealing with their aggressiveness (and this should be only important if you plan on keeping them in a community tank). We hope this guide helps you to understand the care of Redtail Shark.

The Complete Ember Tetra Care Guide

Trevor Aquatic Life (info & tips), Blog, Care Guides, Freshwater Fish (info and tips), Info and Tips, Tetras (Care Guides), Tropical Freshwater (guides), Tropical Freshwater Fish (Care Guides) September 15, 2021September 23, 2023Ember Tetra, tetras

The Ember Tetra, often called the Fire Tetra, captivates with its bright orange scales, bringing life to the aquarium. Known for their playful nature and sociable behavior, they make excellent tank mates for a variety of tropical fish.

Join us in our comprehensive guide covering all aspects of caring for these delightful and peaceful aquarium fish.

About Ember Tetras

The Ember Tetra (Hyphessobryconamandae) is a tiny Orange tetra of South America. They are in the Characid family, one of the most diverse fish families in the world.

These fish can be found around the Araguaia River basin in Brazil. They are unusually hardy for their size, and they are not especially susceptible to popular fish diseases.

It would be best if you kept Ember in shoals of at least eight individuals. If you love community nano tanks, then you’ll love these tetras.

Name

Hyphessobryconsamandae is popularly known as the Ember Tetra. This species was recently found in 1987 and given Amanda Bleher, who was the mother of Heiko Bleher, the one who found the fish.

What does Ember Tetras look like?

Ember Tetras have a red or orange tone similar in appearance to fire’s dying embers. They have elongated bodies, one anal fin which is merged, two small dorsal fins in one.

The body almost always has a bright orange color, with the lower body slightly lighter than the top. The females usually have larger air bladders than the males, but their bodies tend to be smooth during breeding time.

If we want our Tetras to turn a deep red color, we would have to take special care of their diet, give them live feed, and take extra care of water pH levels and soil conditions.