Info and Tips - Aquarium Hunter

[2023] The Ultimate Guide to Black Moor Goldfish Care

Trevor Blog, Care Guides, Freshwater Fish (info and tips), Goldfish (care), Info and Tips, Koi/Goldfish (guides), Ponds (info & tips) June 3, 2023September 25, 2023Black Moor Goldfish, goldfish

This article aims to provide comprehensive guidance on effectively caring for your own Black Moor Goldfish, equipping you with valuable tips for maintaining these magnificent creatures in your home aquarium.

The Ultimate Guide to Black Moor Goldfish Care (2023 Update)

The Black Moor Goldfish is known for its striking all-black body, including the eyes and fins. This comprehensive guide provides valuable care information to ensure their well-being in your aquarium.

Black Moor Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Care Sheet:

Black Moor Goldfish are visually stunning and require special care compared to other goldfish species. Read on to learn important tips for maintaining their health and happiness.

Goldfish are known for their vibrant colors and captivating appearance, making them popular choices for home aquariums. They are peaceful and can coexist with other fish species. With proper tank maintenance and a balanced diet, they are easy to care for, making them suitable for beginners.

Black Moor Goldfish, with their beautiful black coloration and unique “dragon” eyes, are relatively low-maintenance and highly adaptable. They have excellent feeding habits and are peaceful in nature.

Other common names for the Black Moor goldfish include Black Peony goldfish and Dragon Eye goldfish.

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Stunning Dragon Eyes of the Black Moor Goldfish

Black Moors exhibit a rounded body and elegant, flowing fins, captivating aquarists with their unique eyes.

Known as “dragon eyes,” these bulging eyes result from increased intraocular pressure.

Like all telescope Goldfish, their eyes grow in diameter, allowing for a wider field of vision.

Black Moors thrive in well-maintained aquariums and are suitable for both experienced and novice aquarists. With no specific requirements, they make an ideal addition to any home aquarium.

Caring for Black Moors in an Aquarium

The Black Moor is a distinct variety of Goldfish, reaching a length of 6-8″ when fully grown and boasting an impressive lifespan of up to 20 years.

Appearance

Their endearing appearance includes round, stubby bodies, contrasting with the sleek, streamlined shape of standard Goldfish.

With fancy, flowing fins and a predominantly black coloration, they make for an intriguing and visually appealing addition to any aquarium. Notably, their prominent eyes have earned them the nickname “telescopes”.

Black Moor Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are characterized by their curved body shape, which contributes to their slow swimming speed.

Younger individuals display fewer dark colors, which gradually deepen with age.

The Black Moor Goldfish features dark metallic black scales and distinctive telescope eyes.

Like other Goldfish, it has a potential for significant growth and requires a spacious aquarium or pond when fully matured.

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Origins of the Black Moor Goldfish

Black Moor goldfish have been selectively bred for their distinct characteristics. These early forms of Goldfish were introduced to Japan in the 1500s, where their long tail fins and vibrant color patterns were further enhanced.

Today, these famous goldfish can be found worldwide, captivating fish enthusiasts.

In the early days, these fascinating creatures were isolated in pools by fish keepers, who regarded them as intriguing oddities.

Types of Black Moor Goldfish

The Black Moor Goldfish shares the classic short, egg-shaped body characteristic as do some other goldfish types. Like other telescope varieties, its eyes protrude from the sides of the head.

While the original Black Moor had a fantail, modern types often feature shorter, flowing fins. The eyes of these fish can vary, with some appearing as smooth cones and others having creases or a balloon-like shape.

Other black Goldfish varieties, such as Black Oranda, Black Lionhead, and Black Ranchu, have normal eyes.

Breeding projects have resulted in a range of fancy black Goldfish, including the Black Ryukin. Additionally, the Black Comet Goldfish is sometimes referred to as the Black Bubble Eye Goldfish.

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Origins and Habitat

The Black Moor Goldfish was developed through selective breeding in China and Japan, focusing on its distinctive genetic trait of telescope eyes. By isolating fish with these eyes in a specific pond, multiple smaller spawns were obtained.

The breeders then worked to establish the desired permanent traits, including the unique black coloration and long body fins.

Identification:

The Black Moor Goldfish stands out easily among other species. It grows to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and has a round, egg-like shape that slows its movement in water.

With big bulging eyes, their eyesight is limited, but eye infections are rare.

They are predominantly black, although some may have orange or gold on their bellies.

Color development in Black Moor goldfish:

Young Black Moor fish may have a brownish bronze appearance, but as they mature, their coloration becomes vibrant, and their eyes become more prominent.

Some breeders suggest that hot water can reduce black pigment fixation, resulting in a bronze appearance instead.

Genetic factors and age may also contribute to a reduction in black coloration as fish grow older. Even mature fish can lose black coloration if kept in warm aquarium water.

We will discuss water quality later.

Look & Varieties:

Male Black Moor goldfish have a slimmer body compared to the shorter and stockier females.

Some individuals exhibit an elegant flowing black tripod tail, which is usually more prominent in females.

It’s important to note that black coloration in Goldfish can be unstable. There is no guarantee that the black color of a Black Moor will remain consistent over time.

As the fish mature, their black pigmentation develops, but factors such as old age and water temperature can cause the black pigmentation to fade. In some cases, fish develop a white belly.

Black Moor Goldfish Habitat and Tank Conditions:

Goldfish, including Black Moors, are selectively bred and not found in natural habitats. Their ancestors, Asiatic carps, reside in murky freshwater bodies like lakes and rivers.

To ensure their well-being, create an optimal tank environment.

Maintain a pH of 6.8-8.0, ammonia and nitrite levels at 0.0, GH/KH of 6-10 degrees, and a water temperature of 65-75°F.

Additionally, provide slow-moving water and use sand as the substrate in the tank.

Feeding your Black Moor Goldfish:

To maintain the health of your Black Moor Goldfish, provide a balanced diet consisting of high-quality fish flakes or pellets.

Supplement their meals with meaty protein sources like frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill. Include healthy vegetable treats such as lettuce, spinach, and broccoli occasionally.

Avoid relying solely on store-bought products for nutrition and ensure a varied diet with both plant and animal-based foods.

Offer small amounts of food that can be consumed quickly to prevent overfeeding and water pollution.

Soak frozen and dry foods in tank water before feeding to aid digestion and prevent constipation. Remember to rinse vegetables thoroughly before offering them as food.

Round-bodied goldfish are highly susceptible to swimming bladder issues, and good nutrition can help prevent digestive problems.

Black Moor Goldfish Tank and Compatibility:

When housed in a community aquarium, Black Moors require peaceful tank mates. Their graceful swimming adds enjoyment to the tank’s ambiance.

Due to potential poor eyesight, these fish have a slower swimming pace compared to other species. They are not well-suited for ponds where competition for resources can be challenging. Their slow movements also make them vulnerable to predators such as cats.

It is recommended to provide a spacious tank with a volume capacity of at least 100 gallons.

Black Moors can also thrive in tropical tanks with water temperatures up to 25°C.

Avoid placing the aquarium in direct sunlight to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations, as they can cause health issues for the fish.

Aquascaping a Black Moor Goldfish Aquarium:

Goldfish, including Black Moors, have a tendency to dig, so it’s important to avoid having food in the gravel bed. This can lead to water quality issues like cloudy water, algae growth, and spikes in nitrite levels.

Use larger smooth stones to protect plant bases from digging. Goldfish will uproot and damage aquarium plants.

The fish may also explore caves and other ornaments in the tank as they are curious creatures. However, avoid using sharp and pointy decorations to prevent any harm to telescopes and bubble eye goldfish.

Black Moor Tank Considerations:

Black Moor goldfish produce a significant amount of waste, which can quickly lead to water pollution.

To accommodate their needs, it is recommended to have a minimum tank size of 100 gallons (380L).

Due to their less agile swimming ability, it is advisable to provide a spacious tank rather than filling it with small schooling fish, ornaments and plants.

If you choose to include plants, real or artificial, position them at the back of the tank and regularly trim them to ensure there is ample open swimming space for your fish.

To provide them with an ideal tank environment, opt for a longer tank shape rather than a tall one. This design allows for more horizontal swimming space, which better accommodates their swimming style.

Aquarium Filters for Blackmoors:

Properly size the biological filtration based on the aquarium’s inhabitants and size.

Keep maintenance organized and ensure the water flow is low.

There are various types and models of filters available, so seek assistance from the seller to determine the best fit for your system. Internal canister filters are often recommended as they are simple and cost-effective for Goldfish.

Regularly clean the filters and substrate, and perform weekly water changes, even with filtration in place.

Maintenance and Care:

Regularly clean the tank and remove any leftover food to maintain cleaner conditions. Perform water changes on a weekly basis.

Be mindful of the tank design to avoid placing anything that could harm the fish.

Goldfish care is relatively straightforward, making them suitable for beginners and capable of providing companionship for many years.

Care Level:

The Black Moor Goldfish is low-maintenance and easy to care for. They have no specific requirements for survival and can live for a long time with proper care.

Providing ample space is essential for their well-being.

It’s important to be vigilant for common Goldfish ailments like dermatitis and swimming bladder disorder and address them promptly.

Pay attention to any unusual behaviors exhibited by your fish, as they may indicate illness.

Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for their health, and isolating any sick fish in a separate tank is recommended. This will help reduce stress on your fish and appropriate treatment can be given.

Temperament and Behavior:

Black Moors are calm and slow swimmers that can easily entertain their keepers. They prefer the company of fish with similar temperaments, often staying close to their own species.

They typically occupy the middle part of the water column but seek hiding spots among plants, near the substrate, or within tank decorations.

Black Moors tend to be solitary. They may hide in the tank if they feel threatened or overwhelmed by other fish.

Tankmates for Black Moor Goldfish:

When choosing tankmates for Black Moor Goldfish, it’s important to consider their slow-moving nature and delicate fins. Avoid aggressive and fast-swimming fish that may outcompete them for food.

Ideal companions include other fancy Goldfish varieties like telescope or bubble-eye goldfish.

Keeping at least two Black Moors together in a suitable tank is preferred.

Avoid aggressive predator fish like Oscars, and opt for peaceful invertebrates such as shrimp and snails. Fish like Bristlenose plecos and Kuhli loaches can also be compatible.

Ensure each fish has enough swimming space and maintain a well-decorated tank to prevent any bullying or stress.

Sexing Black Moor Goldfish:

Males of this species tend to be larger than females, although sexing them can be challenging due to subtle differences. However, distinguishing between the sexes becomes easier during the breeding period when males develop visible white bumps called breeding tubercles on their fins.

Females will grow plumper as they become heavy with eggs.

Breeding Black Moor Goldfish:

To breed Black Moor Goldfish, mimic the spawning conditions of spring in the wild. Provide plenty of spawn substrate like roots and mops for the females to lay their eggs.

To stimulate breeding, feed the adult fish with a quality diet then raise the tank temperature slightly (simulates the warmer weather of spring in the wild).

The males develop small white bumps that appear on their gill covers, these are called breeding tubercles. The females will swell as their eggs develop. She will often show a bulge to one side of her abdomen.

The males will begin to chase the females around the tank. She will release eggs in the spawning substrate and the males will fertilize the eggs.

Each pair can hatch around 10,000 eggs within two days. The adults will eat the eggs if left in the tank, so they should be removed once spawning is complete.

It is crucial to monitor water quality as the eggs develop and then begin to hatch. Infertile eggs will pollute the water. Give daily water changes and add Methylene Blue to stop bacteria.

Feed the larvae a nutritious diet for the first two months and gradually transition them to similar food as their parents. Allow the egg sack to be absorbed, then feed them very small commercial fry food, or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Black Moor Goldfish Lifespan:

With proper care and suitable tank conditions and size, Black Moor Goldfish can live up to 20 years.

They have a typical lifespan of around 18 years, but with excellent water quality and meticulous care, they can exceed 20 years of age.

Hardiness and Diseases in Black Moor Goldfish:

Black Moor Goldfish are generally hardy and resilient if water parameters and quality are well-maintained. However, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Care should be taken to prevent physical injuries from objects or entanglement in nets.

Common diseases that may affect them include urinary system infections, fungal infections, hole in the head, ich (white spot), popeye, slime disease, swim bladder disorder, ulcers, and velvet.

Changes in coloration should be monitored closely, as they can be a natural part of growth or indicate an underlying disease.

Final Thoughts

Black Moors are known for their calm nature and are compatible with slow-moving or fancy goldfish. They have difficulty swimming in fast-moving waters and are not suitable for shallow ponds. They prefer safe and smooth tank decorations and vegetation.

Black Moor Goldfish require proper care and should not be kept with incompatible tankmates. They produce more waste compared to other goldfish varieties.

Overall, they are relatively easy to care for, but proper research and consultation are recommended.

How to Breed Betta Fish (The Easy Way)

Trevor Betta Fish (guides), Betta Fish (info and tips) January 22, 2023September 23, 2023betta fish fry, breeding betta fish, breeding bettas

How to Breed Betta Fish Step by Step Guide

Betta fish are one of the most popular aquarium fish in the world, and they are a favorite among novice and experienced aquarists alike. Breeding betta fish can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, as they are easy to breed, and the results can be quite stunning. Use our guide to learn how to breed betta fish successfully.

Betta breeding involves selecting the right pair of betta fish, providing the right environment, and providing the fish with proper nutrition.

To ensure a successful breeding experience, it is important to understand the basics of betta breeding and to have the right knowledge and tools at hand.

How to Breed Betta Fish Guide

Choosing the Right Betta Fish

When it comes to breeding betta fish, choosing the right fish is an essential part of the process. Here are some tips to selecting a breeding pair:

Select fish of the same species; this will ensure that the offspring will be purebred.
Select fish that have the desired characteristics. This can include color, fin type, and body type.
Look for healthy fish that have good finnage and solid coloration. The fish must have good body form and no deformities. The fish must be free from any diseases.
Select fish that are of the same size and age.
Select fish that have compatible personalities and temperaments. Having a fish that is too aggressive may result in an unsuccessful breeding result.
Choose fish that have compatible spawning habits. This means that the fish should be willing to spawn when placed in the same tank.
Having good genetics ensures that the best desirable traits will be passed on to the fry. Poor genetics could result in sickly or undesirable fry.
Select younger fish who are at the optimal age for breeding- ideally 4-12 months. Older fish will result in disappointment. They may not survive the aggressiveness of breeding. Also, older fish tend to have long fins that may inhibit breeding.

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Preparing Your Betta Fish Tank

Once the right pair of bettas has been selected, the next step is to provide the fish with a proper environment. A breeding tank should be set up with a controlled temperature, adequate filtration, and plenty of hiding places for the fish.

The tank should be regularly cleaned and checked for any illnesses or parasites. Ensure the water quality is ideal. Bettas prefer still water with a pH between 6.8 and 7.5. keep the temperature between 76° and 85° F.

Setting Up a Betta Fish Breeding Tank

Here is a list of procedures to follow in setting up the breeding tank:

A ten-gallon tank is ideal size for breeding Betta Fish. Keep the water depth at about 5 inches.
Do not include a gravel substrate as fry will become lost in the gravel.
Some breeders place plenty of plants in the tank to provide a refuge for the female betta fish (when she is introduced), and plants help with water quality. Other breeders prefer to keep the tank empty.
The water needs to be a still as possible. Use a sponge filter with slow waterflow. This type of filter will not suck fry into it.
Place the male betta into the breeding tank and keep the female separated by using either a divider or contain her within a clear cylindrical tube inside the breeding tank.
Place an Indian Almond leaf in the tank. The male betta will likely build a bubble nest using the leaf if it is floating (alternatively, floating plants can be used, although not necessary). Almond leaves help condition the water and helps with healing damaged fins.
Do not have any sharp edges in the breeding tank such as sharp stiff leaved plants, jagged rocks, hard plastic artificial plants. These may damage betta finnage.

Conditioning Betta Fish for Breeding

Knowing how to breed betta fish requires some understanding of conditioning fish for spawning. You should condition the betta fish pair for about 2 weeks before placing them in the breeding tank. To condition the bettas, provide rich, meaty foods, such as tubifex worms, bloodworms, or daphnia.

Introducing Betta Fish to the Breeding Tank

Place both fish into the breeding tank separated by a divider. Allow the male the main area with plants.

The Male

The male will build a bubble nest, then sit patiently just below it, waiting for the female to come along. Nest building takes about 3 days.

The Female

During this time the female will be developing her eggs within her body. It will be apparent that she has developed eggs as her abdomen will swell and her ovipositor spot (egg tube) protrudes slightly down. Also, if the fish has apparent white vertical stripes, this generally means that she is fertile and can produce eggs.

Offer the fish some privacy during this time.

Introducing the Fish to One Another

Introducing a pair of betta fish for breeding can be a rewarding experience. When the nest is built and the female is ripe with eggs, you can remove the divider.

Once both fish are in the tank together, it is important to observe their behavior to ensure that they are comfortable and not overly aggressive towards one another. The female will be taking a great interest in the male, making approaches. He may chase her off or try to nip her.

This is normal behavior. Having plenty of hiding places in the tank will allow her to retreat safely when she needs to.

Recognizing Betta Fish Spawning Behavior

Courting Behavior

Recognizing betta fish spawning behavior is essential for successful breeding. Betta fish are territorial, and the male will protect his nest.

The male will begin to court the female by flaring his fins, swimming close to her, and nudging her body with his head.

Spawning

When the opportunity presents itself, the male will wrap his fins around the female, appearing to squeeze her. She will go stiff, release eggs and for a short time float motionless.

Simultaneously, the male will release sperm, fertilizing the falling eggs.

The eggs will slowly drift to the bottom of the tank. The male will then release the female and quickly catch the eggs in his mouth, placing them safely into the floating bubble nest.

Once the female snaps out of her ‘trance’ she will take a breather and then the process will be repeated until she has released all her eggs.

After Spawning

The male will chase her off. This is when you can remove the female and place her in a recovery tank. Sometimes the female gets badly beaten by the male. She will need care and privacy while she recovers. Place her in a recovery tank on her own. Medicate with methylene blue to prevent infection of damaged fins. Her fins will grow back.

Collecting and Storing Betta Fish Eggs

Collecting and storing Betta fish eggs is a relatively straightforward process. It is important to watch the male tending to the eggs.

Responsible male bettas will be vigilant, always inspecting their nest and watching for eggs that fall from the nest. He will catch these and return them to the nest. He will also remove unfertilized eggs.

If the male is not going about his fatherly duties, or if he is eating the eggs, then you may need to consider collecting the eggs and placing them in a separate container with clean, filtered water.

The eggs should be checked regularly, and any dead/unfertilized eggs should be removed immediately. If left they may foul the water.

The eggs should also be kept away from any direct sunlight.

Once the eggs have hatched (2-3 days), the male can be left with them for a few more days until they are all free swimming, then he should be removed.

Caring for the Fry

The Tank

The most important thing with knowing how to breed betta fish is understanding what’s required when caring for Betta fry is to provide them with a clean and stable environment to minimize stress and maximize health.

Prepare a suitable tank for the fry. The tank should be at least 10 gallons, with a heater and sponge filter to keep the water clean and balanced. It is also important to provide plenty of hiding places for the fry, such as live plants and decorations. Keep the water temperature between 75-82° F using a suitable heater.

Once the tank is set up and the fry are in their new home, it’s time to start feeding.

Feeding Betta Fry

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Betta fry are very small and need a special type of food to meet their nutritional needs. They have very small mouths, therefore require very small live foods.

Infusoria, microworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, fairy shrimp are all great fry food.

Commercial fry food made specifically for Betta fry is another option. These foods are designed to be highly nutritious and easily digestible. Feed the fry small amounts several times a day.

Hatching your own brine shrimp will ensure you have plenty of live food for fry.

Water Quality

In addition to proper nutrition, it’s important to maintain the water quality in the tank. Be sure to perform regular water changes to keep the water fresh and clean.

Also, be sure to check the pH and ammonia levels in the tank and adjust them as needed. Use a test kit.

Monitor for Illness

It’s important to monitor the fry for signs of illness. If they appear to be stressed or unwell, remove them from the tank to prevent spread of illness to healthy fry.

As Fry Grow

As the fry grow, they can be weaned onto other foods such as flakes, pellets, and live foods.

It is important to note that Betta fry are very delicate, and they can be easily stressed or killed if the water conditions are not monitored closely.

The growth rate of Betta fry is dependent on their environment and diet. However, in general, they grow quickly if properly cared for, reaching maturity in around 6 months.

When the fry are old enough, they should be separated from each other. This is especially important for males, which can become aggressive and fight. It is also an idea to keep the fry in different tanks to reduce the spread of disease.

With the right environment, diet, and care, the fry can grow into healthy and happy adult Bettas.

Selling or Rehoming Betta Fish Fry

Culling and rehoming betta fish fry is an important part of responsible fish keeping.

By selecting the strongest and healthiest betta fish fry from a population helps to ensure that only the healthiest and most genetically desirable fish are bred and passed down to future generations.

Culling is done by selecting the betta fish fry with desirable physical traits, such as color, fin shape, and size. This helps to ensure that the healthiest and most genetically desirable fish are passed down to future generations.

Culling should be done carefully and with consideration for the fish’s health and well-being.

Betta breeders are thorough with culling, so only the best offspring are kept to adulthood.

From one breeding you may end up with a hundred young bettas. Because of betta fish’s aggressive nature, it is difficult to accommodate all those fish. The males will need separating.

Rehoming betta fish fry can be a challenging task as these fish can be difficult to care for. Many pet stores or breeders will be able to help with rehoming betta fish fry if needed.

If you are seeking to breed bettas for profit, then having a quality pair of bettas to start with, and being thorough with culling undesirable fry, will result in offspring that are of value.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to breed betta fish properly by providing the right environment, selecting the right pair of fish, and providing them with proper nutrition, betta breeders can create a successful breeding setup.

Breeding betta fish is a rewarding experience that can provide stunning results, and it is a great opportunity for aquarists to explore the fascinating world of fish breeding.

How Many Glofish in a 10 Gallon Tank? (Essential Advice)

Trevor Blog, Freshwater Fish (info and tips), Info and Tips April 22, 2022June 11, 202310 gallon tank, glofish, glofish species, glofish water parameters

Glofish genetically engineered fluorescent fish

Unlike anything else in the world of fish in aquariums is the Glofish! They are magnificently colored, spectacular fish which have had a natural fluorescence gene added to their genome, resulting in fish that are permanently fluorescent. In this article we delve into the question: How Many Glofish in a 10 Gallon Tank?

We also look at how glofish were developed and the care requirements for the different glofish species.

Introducing the Glofish

Due to bright neon colors, these fish have become extremely popular amongst beginner fish-keepers.

Genetically modified glofish are born with brilliant color, maintain it throughout their lives, then pass the color to their offspring.

Glofish have the same general care requirement, including temperature and food preferences as their non-fluorescent counterparts.

They are great in a community aquarium! The best way to experience glofish is by using blue lighting. This is included in all branded Glofish aquarium kits to help everyone ‘take home the glow!’

Glofish have been developed from several species of aquarium fish. Later in the article we consider each of these species and their individual care needs.

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Glofish History- How Did They Come About?

Back in 1999 a group of scientists in Singapore were working with a gene extracted from a jellyfish that produced a bright green, fluorescent coloration. They then inserted this gene into a Zebra Danio embryo, allowing it to integrate into the fish’s genome.

These fish would then be fluorescent green under white light or ultraviolet lights. They then filed a patient on their work.

Next, they created a red florescent Zebra Damio using genes from a sea coral. The scientists then met with businessmen from Yorktown Technologies and created a deal to have world wide rites to market the new Zebra Danios branded as Glofish.

Are Glofish as Hardy as the Fish They Were Developed From?

So essentially Glofish are genetically modified, or GMO fish. Since then, there have been several new forms of glofish using other tropical fish species.

The glofish available on the market now include the Zebra Danio, Tiger Barb, Rainbow Shark, White Skirt Tetra, and Betta Fish.

The fish that glofish were developed from were all considered to be hardier- more ‘forgiving’ fish when mistakes are made with water parameters. Unfortunately, these new varieties don’t seem to be quite as hardy as their new counterparts.

So, is it that they are less hardy, or is it because they have been kept in inappropriate environments?

How Many Glofish in a 10 Gallon Tank? Things to Consider.

There is a lot of good to be said about glofish because of the bright colors. These fish are very attractive to a younger audience. They can add a great bit of color to a community aquarium.

The worst thing about glofish, is not the fish themselves, but more the tanks that are marketed for the fish.

For example; the largest aquarium kit marketed for glowfish is 10 gallons, whilst most of the species that glofish have been developed from require a minimum of a 20 to 30 gallon tank for optimal fish health.

So, you can see how this might be confusing to a lot of fishkeepers!

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Another issue with these fish is that they were genetically modified to have bright lighting bring out their florescent colors. The species used to develop the glofish become stressed if kept in brightly lit tanks. As with White Tipped Tetras and Betta fish being examples of this.

The glofish are really not the problem, the problem is how they are marketed and how the products for them are marketed.

Co-inhabitants and Fish Behaviors that Determine Tank Size

Glofish cannot just be added to any community aquarium expecting that all aquatic life in the tank will be happy. Some glofish species like Tiger Barbs and Bettas tend not to get along well with others without careful planning and sufficient space in the tank.

Tiger Barb glowfish cannot be mixed with Betta fish glofish. Tiger Barbs are well known fin nippers. They will also outcompete the bettas for food.

Tiger Barb glofish are better kept in larger groups of ten fish. This reduces their nipping tendencies.

The rule of thumb of 1 gallon of water per Tiger Barb, definitely doesn’t work when considering a 10-gallon tank!

A 10-gallon tank is way too small for 10 Tiger Barbs. At the very least you would need a 20-gallon tank. Really, 30 gallons or more is better.

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Wrong Advice from the Glofish Website

The glofish website does not have really good information on how to care for their florescent fish properly.

For example: the official glofish website recommends a tank of 10 gallons for a group of 6 Betta female fish. A 10-gallon tank will not be adequate for six female bettas. You would want at least a 20-gallon tank. Bigger always means better!

The truth is, while some people may object to glofish being sold on the market, as long as they keep selling, they will keep coming out with new species of glofish.

The best thing we can do is to research the specific species they were developed from and try to educate ourselves on how to best take care of them.

Focus a little less on what will best show off the bright colors of the fish, but more on the fish’s needs for it to thrive in your tank.

How Many Glofish in a 10 gallon tank? Shape Does Matter

If you do decide to house your glofish in a 10-gallon tank, then considering the shape of the tank will help your fish with finding the space to move as it would do naturally.

Tall thin tanks are less suitable. Tetras, tiger barbs and danios are schooling fish and need space to move left to right. Housing them in a longer tank is better.

The same goes for betta fish. These fish originated from shallow waters where they swim from side to side.

Glofish Species and Their Specific Needs

Zebra Danio Glow Fish

Being the original glofish, they have developed several color strains. Today they are available in five colors: Electric Blue, Star Fire Red, Sun Burst Orange, Cosmic Blue, and Galactic Purple.

Danios require at least a 10 gallon tank. They are fast ‘busy’ fish suited for busy aquariums. They like to swim in the upper portions of the tank.

Danios are schooling fish, so they need to be kept in groups of at least five. If the numbers are too low they become stressed, which can lead to illness and social problems in the aquarium.

These colorful fish need plenty of space to swim around. They cohabitate with Tiger Barb glofish and White Skirt Tetra glofish, so long as they have room in the tank.

Your aquarium would need a lid, as danios like to jump. A filter or aquarium water pump that creates a current will excite danios. They like to dance around in the current.