7. All about Labyrinth Fish (Gourami and Climbing Perch)

Hi all. On today’s chapter, I will going to share with you some info on Labyrinth Fish. Ummm…How do I start…Well, did you guys out there know the definition of Labyrinth Fish?? I bet you guys already know, but since I’m already asking, I’m going to tell it though…Hehe. Labyrinth Fish is a fish that have an organ called…Labyrinth that give them the ability to breathe air through their skin. Their name is actually comes from the thing that they have. The labyrinth organ is used when the water have low oxygen level. It consists of skin folds which filled with blood vessels that allows the oxygen to be absorbed from the air.

Inside my tank, I have 2 Giant Gourami, 3 Pearl Gourami, 3 Dwarf Gourami (1 of them died today), 1 Blue (2 Spot) Gourami, 2 Yellow (2 Spot) Gourami, 2 Climbing Perch…and the my late Siamese Fighting Fish.


Photo 7.1 : My Yellow Gourami


Photo 7.2 : Under the tail of the Black Koi is my Giant Gourami and on the left is my Pearl Gourami and Yellow Gourami


Photo 7.3 : There...its my Dwarf Gourami and my Pearl Gouramis

Taking care all of them is not an uneasy task. Even a 10 year old kid can take the responsibility for keeping that kind of fish. They only need basic maintenance and they are also hard to be infected by common disease. Maybe due to their natural environment in the wild makes the fish is so hardy. In Malaysia, we can easily caught the 2 Spot Gourami in paddy field and crops irrigation. In their natural habitat, they can easily be found hiding under floating vegetation since they usually suck or breathe on the surface, hiding under the floating vegetation is a great way to avoid being strike by predators like Kingfisher Bird or small snakes.

So…generally the Labyrinth Fish such as Gourami and Climbing Perch are not difficult to handle. They prefer dark and calm area. So make sure your tank is not too bright. If you have to do so, make sure you put some real or fake floating plants as a hiding place for the fish, and the water current must not be too strong. The fish is also a great community fish, they do well in schools and always swims with their type. They usually not bothering other species but they must never be mix with fin nippers. In natural, the Gourami is actually the weakest link of all the Labyrinth Fish while the Climbing Perch is the hardiest of them all. The Gourami easily get ‘high’ or ‘dizzy’ when they are exposed for to long out of the water. Unlike the Climbing Perch which some also called Tarzan Fish, it can climb trees (“I’m not so sure about it”- Elham) and can also walk on land (“This one is true”- Elham). At my hometown people will gather around a pond which used to be paddy field long time ago to scoop for fish after the raining season. The water from the pond is drawn out using of course…the water pump. When the pond is dried, the fish is collected and normally we have Catfish, Gourami, Climbing Perch and maybe some small snakes. We are not eating the snake of course. At that time, we can see as other fish is dying the Climbing Perch calmly ‘walks’ to find other source of water. Yes, the Climbing Perch can walk by using their special equipment located under their gill covers. There are thorny edges that will be use as foot for walking and the direction is propelled using their fins and tail. Some even says that the fish can survive outside the water for several days!!!

Photo 7.4 : Climbing Perch natural habitat...Paddy field ditches

Photo 7.5 : The male(top) is more slender than the female(bottom)

Photo 7.6 : My Climbing Perch. He didn't obey my orders to SMILE!!!

Some also claim, the Labyrinth Fish must breathe together underwater and on the surface as well. If the fish is kept underwater for too long, the fish will eventually drown!!! Just like the whale and dolphins.

Almost all species of the Labyrinth Fish didn’t care much about the water quality. They can live is almost every water condition but not is the sea. In their natural habitat, the water condition is ranging from slightly acidic and medium hard to soft water and the temperature from 20°C to 27°C. You can feed them with fish pallets or flakes and enjoys so much on bloodworms and tubifex worms.

For me, this Labyrinth Fish especially my Gourami and Climbing Perch didn’t gave me much problem from the day I bought them until today. They come with different type of variation, some of them is so beautiful yet is so easy to taken care of. I am recommending this fish for all beginners out there. Go find them!!! Wait, did you also know that there is a mystical beliefs about the Climbing Perch?? Maybe you have never experience it before but in Malaysia they are so popular about this kind of mystical thing. All the 3 biggest races in Malaysia which is Malays, Chinese and Indians have their own story on this kind of fish. But this beliefs is not so strong today compares to long time ago. Wanna know more?? Meet me in the next chapter. Until then, Please take a good care of your fish.

6. All about My Tanks

Photo 6.1 : My top tank

Hi there. Today I am going to reveal my collection of fish to you. I have 3 set of tanks. 2 of them I got it for free from my friend and the another 1 my father bought it for me when I was 10. Wanna know my friend who gave it to me his tanks?? Do you see my picture at the front page?? It’s the guy behind me (the ice cream monster). Actually that guy, named Boy is an 'industrial trainee' (a must subject for all degree and diploma courses) working under my supervision for about 6 months. After finishing his training, I am so relieved that he managed to get CGPA 4.0 on that particular subject.

Before I continue, let me tell you a story behind all of these photos. Actually, I am using my company digital camera (Olympus) without acknowledging other staff, my supervisor and my boss and it happens on Thursday 26/7/2007. The next day (Friday), my boss and my supervisor will be going to Tioman Island to attend Team Building Courses (for Snr. Engineers to Snr. Managers level) sponsored from our top management team. At 8.00 am when I was about to had my coffee before going to work, my boss suddenly call me and ask for cameras...Darn it!!! How the hell he knows?? Realizing there's no place to hide, I just telling him that the camera is with me for personal use. He didn't ask me more but told me to return back the camera because he wants to use it during training. To makes things worse, he told me that the bus is about to leave in no time. I put on my helmet, lock the door and start my bike. On normal day with morning traffic jam , it took 20 minutes to reach my office but on that day, I managed to get there in just 15 minutes. How?? Everytime I reach the traffic light, it already turns green and other vehicles seems to move slower. When I arrived at the entrance of my working place, the bus have just started its engine and the participants were loading their items. My boss cheat on me!!! But at least I've got what he want. One thing that makes me wonder till now is...Why is my boss who owned an MPV and received monthly salary reaching RM4,000 but still cannot afford to buy his own digital camera?? A total weirdo!!! Oh well...lets continue with our topic.

How did I manage to get my friend's tanks for free?? Actually his father is also a fish lover. When he moved to his new house in Johor Bahru, he had lot of things placed outside of his new home waiting to be moved inside including his father's 3 large fully grown Flower Horn fish. Due to lack of supervision, his 3 precious Flower Horn was abducted (stolen) by...no one knows. Shocked and traumatized from that tragedy, his father decided to keep just a single Koi, an Angelfish and a Common Pleco.

When I got to his home to take his tanks, the only fish that seems to survive is the Pleco. The Koi and the Angelfish are dying for no reason. Seeing from his father reaction, looks like he have gave up already on fish keeping.

Now, after with me for almost a year, here it is... Seems too crowded already. I think I’d better go find another set of tank to get some spaces on the current tanks since fish growth will become slower if the swimming spaces is too minimum. I also decided to have minimum décor and bare floors, so I put 3 resin decors that looks like drift wood on top of the tank floor.

Photo 6.2 : Inside my top tank...Kois, Gouramis, Red Tinfoil Barbs and Goldfish

Photo 6.3 : Inside my top tank...Bala Shark and...I didn't know the name of the yellowish fish at the center

Photo 6.4 : Black female Koi on the left, on the right (in front of the Red Tinfoil Barb) is the unknown fish name. You know what type of fish is that?? Let me know

Photo 6.5 : My Angelfish and Pangasius Catfish. The decors is made from resin

Photo 6.6 : Survivors from the previous tank owners...Common Pleco

The photo above is taken from my top tank, under it is another tank. Also quite crowded. The top tank have a pair of Red Tinfoil Barb, A pair of Angelfish, A pair of Bala Shark, A pair of Mad Barb, A pair of Giant Gourami, 5 Kois 4 Dwarf Gouramis, 3 Pearl Gouramis, 1 Pangasius Catfish, 1 Clown Knifefish, 3 Two Spot Gouramis, 2 Corys, 3 Common Goldish, 1 Common Pleco (only survivor from the previous owner) and 2 other fish that I didn’t know its name.

For the bottom tank, I’ve decided to fill it with Cichlids only. At first, I am keeping Guppies, Swordtails and Tetras but after I put in 5 Soldier Cichlids (Venustus), nightmares started to happen. The small fish is devoured one after another. I started to realized something terrible had happened when I found out my tetras have gone…all 10 of them. Then my guppies and my swordtails also received the same fate. Then I bought another 3 more small Neon Tetras for observation. When I put them inside the tanks, the Cichlids started to chase the Tetras around the tank but did not eat them. At night when I was going to bed, I switch off the light for the tank and suddenly…the bottom tank’s water began to splash. I watch to see what could have happened and then I saw my 3 little Tetras is already inside the mouth of 3 Cichlids. The head of the Tetras still outside their mouth and it seems that the Cichlids are having a hard time swallowing it. Few moments later they’re gone. After that night I finally conclude that the Cichlid is an aggressive fish especially when the surrounding is dark. So…the Cichlids must be kept with other bigger fish or other Cichlidae species. I have 5 Venustus, 4 Auratus, 2 Blood Red Jewel Cichlids, 2 Blue Jewel Cichlids, 3 small Lavender Mbunas, 4 Blue Mbunas, 4 Yellow Cichlids, 2 White Cichlids, 6 Nile Tilapia and of course 1 Common Pleco.

Photo 6.7 : My Blue Mbuna, Yellow Cichlids and Auratus

Photo 6.8 : For my bottom tank, I put old barrel resin decor since the Cichlids likes to play hide n seek

Outside of my house, I also bought a crafted cement flower pots and transform it into a small pond to breed Guppies. Also a small plastic flower pots, clay pots and my childhood tank for catfish breeding. Here is my breeding centre…

Photo 6.9 : Cement flower pot(center) and plastic flower pot(right)

Photo 6.10 : Views inside the cement flower pot. Its a breeding pond for my Guppies

Photo 6.11 : Underwater vegetation is put as a spawning place, hiding place and playing area for Guppy's fry

Photo 6.12 : Adult Guppy, Breeder and few young Guppies


Photo 6.13 : Guppy's fry is hiding from my camera. They are so shy...Unlike their parents

Photo 6.14 : Inside the plastic flower pot, hundreds of catfish fry

Photo 6.15 : The clay flower pot

Photo 6.16 : Inside the clay flower pot, 40 days old catfish, 100 of them lurking inside the cloudy water

Photo 6.17 : My childhood tank with few young catfish. Inside is a real drift wood

Photo 6.18 : The catfish didn't realize me, actually the water is more cloudy

Photo 6.19 : The catfish is a shy fish, the drift wood is their hiding place

What is your opinion or comments on my collections?? Anything from you to share?? Just mail to me to be published on my blog. Until then, please take a good care of your fish. See you on the next chapter.

ELHAM Says...

Hi all...

After been blogging for quiet a short while, I've realize that my total passion is not exactly on blogging. Blogging is actually the media to share the things I like, my opinion and yours, my suggestion and yours and of course...total communication between me and people all over the world. I am so passionate at fish keeping although I've to spend a lot on it. Since fish keeping is my passion, the thing that I really want to get from it is none other than TOTAL SATISFACTION...and I really got it!!! I've been wondering. As a normal guy working in a private sector industry, do I really have the time to make such a perfect community blog?? Since my time for my PC is so limited, I really need your comments and critics whether negative or positive to make sure my blog is reachable to all of you out there. My goal is to make sure my blog is a relationship builder, informative, accurate, up to date and a problem solver (+ many more) to all hobbyist like you out there. In order to achieve that, your feedback is warmly welcomed.

Regards

-Elham Ezany bin Che Hussin-

Fish Tank Forum's SILLY BRAIN TEASER

Hi all...Here's some silly brain teaser for you. Ummm...although the questions sounds silly enough, hope it could get our brains work out. Hehe...Enjoy...



1. Almost all lipstick contains fish scales. But what type of fish does it made of??



2. The Gourami, like other fish have gills. But why they usually breathing on the water surface when they could do it underwater??



3. Do fish drinks?? Don't forget that all living creatures need water to survive.



4. Why is the Barb fish is named like that when they dont even have any sharp stingy thorns or barbs on their body??



5. Why is the fish will fight physically for their mate when they certainly know that they will not having 'physically' mating process??

Take ur time....

5. All about Arowanas (Part 3)

Have you ever see an Arowana breeding centre?? Well…Lets go to my neighbor country, Indonesia. In Indonesia, they have so many farms that mainly focused on breeding, selling and exporting the Arowanas, thus gaining bountiful of profit from it. Most of these successful tycoon (taukeh) have been registered with CITES. There are too many farms to be introduce. After going through for about…1 minute, I have decided to share these 2 success Arowana farms which I found when surfing the internet. (“I wish I was there to see it for real but…sigh…first thing first…my current job here must be taken care”- Elham). Do you know why they have lots of fish farms here in Indonesia?? Its simple..RESOURCES!!! They have so many live (unpolluted) rivers there. Malaysia also have quite a number of rivers but most of them is dead (polluted) rivers. The government continuously spend millions of Ringgit(RM) to recover the dead rivers here but still there is no sign of improvement. From my opinion, changing the peoples attitude, uphold and tighten the law is the best way to return back the natural resources to its normal state rather than put a large amount of cash to clean up which will tend to be repeated again and again activity. I think, sooner or later people will realize and regret for what they’ve done when it comes to disaster. When the sources of water dries up, its too late already (“I just can’t imagine the situation if it becomes a reality”- Elham). Enough of that…Let’s continue our journey shall we??

Photo 5.21 : The entrance to PT Munjul Prima Utama


The first farm is the PT Munjul Prima Utama. Located in Cibubur, its a 1 hour journey from Jakarta International Airport Sukarno-Hatta. It was found by Mr. Tris Tanoto on 1987 and registered with CITES on the year 1996. Mr. Tris‘s farm was focusing in the business of Arowana for export purpose. Their product was only an upgraded version of Super Red Arowana which have been change to ULTRA RED. They also boldly claimed their fish is what the hobbyist around the world have ever dream of. Their Ultra Red Arowanas were exported to various country around the world including Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore and Korea.


How did the ‘Ultra Red’ terms started?? Here’s the story. The Ultra Red is actually the same as the normal Super Red. Few years back, this farm is actually producing the Super Red Arowana. After some period, the Japanese realize that the Super Red from PT Munjul Prima looks redder than any other manufacturers. Then the Japanese told them to take it as their own trademark. Since their products is more red than Super Red, they decided to name it…Ultra Red.

Photo 5.22 : The super duper high quality Ultra Red. Now... I understand the meaning of the word ULTRA...


On 1996, the owner, Mr. Tris have won the Arowana contest in Jakarta. What makes the fish a winner?? It’s the special features that can be found only on the Ultra Red. The Ultra Red have the brightest color of the blood red on its body, they have thick scales and 90% to 100% of its body is red. To make sure his fish shows great quality to customers, he decided to let the showroom tanks without background and décor (bare tank). With the help of white light or just normal sunshine, the true color of an Ultra Red can be seen.

Photo 5.23 : Another and another Super Red that will transform into an ULTRA soon!!!

Mr. Tris, also prepares his own personal collection special for his customer or any hobbyist who is interested. Its called Mr. Tris Tanoto Special Collection. He also in the process of making his next trademark which is called Hong Hua (Red Flower). The Red Flower have their back fin seems connected with their tail fin.

Photo 5.24 : High quality Ultra Red fries


Among any Arowana farms here in Indonesia, Mr. Tris is one of the person who really put his product’s quality to the max. Because of his passion and love to his own Ultra Red, he also dare to buy back what he have sold before at 80% of the selling price. With DNA identification using microchip, Mr. Tris is able to verify his own product.


Mr. Tris also have his own laboratory for researching new virus threats or disease that may or have struck his products. The research have enabling him to produce various type of medicine or tonic for his fish.

Photo 5.25 : The high quality breeder in a high quality place


The Ultra Red Arowana production from PT Munjul Prima cannot be consider as a high volume production until the quality of the fish is above excellent. If they caught their Arowana with defects, they will just simply give it to their closest relatives or friends for free!!! (“I have just send my home address to Mr. Tris…In case of any defects found on their Arowana, I would be glad to have it…Hehe”- Elham).


Mr. Tris Tanoto own principle, ‘His experience through all this time is Gold, even it have been throw into the thickest most dirtiest mud, the Gold is still a Gold…Precious, useful and not everyone can have it’.



Photo 5.26 : Old showroom is located outdoor

Photo 5.27 : Their new indoor showroom

Photo 5.28 : Their pond equipped with water gates

Photo 5.29 : A large water reservoir, always ready when its needed

Photo 5.30 : PT Munjul Prima Arowana’s Certificate

The next Arowana farm is the Inti Kapuas Arowana Tbk (IIKP). IIKP is one of the biggest Super Red Arowana retailer in the whole word!!! (“unbelievable?? Believe it”- Elham). With the total assets of 400 million…Indonesian Rupiah, IIKP tries to create the ideal specification of Super Red Arowana within an ideal living condition, up to date breeding method and the equivalent natures factor. (“I am actually cannot understand a bit about the natures factor…Does it requires calculations?? I hope not”- Elham).

Photo 5.31 : A large pond inside IIKP


The IIKP is actually have been listed on the board of Bursa Efek Jakarta (Stock Exchange Board) which means, they have to run their business with full responsible, ethics, professionalism, obey and qualify all the international standards. It runs the activities in 5 different locations which is in Kota Pontianak, Parit Baru, Teluk Lerang, Nangaspauk and Penepat. They were using natures resources from Kapuas river and Landak river.

Photo 5.32 : The view of IIKP from a roof of a bus...hehe...

The SheelookRED was the brand from IIKP. SheelookRED is a creation that have been through a tight selection process to make sure the genetic and anatomy quality is optimum. The fish are kept inside a controlled environment with all time monitoring from their own fish specialist. Most of their ponds is now under construction for expansion and renewing facilities condition. To fulfill the increasing local demand for Super Red Arowanas, IIKP have opened 4 branches in Indonesia with the name of ShellokRED Pro-Shop. The location is in Solo and Surabaya. Any moment from now, the IIKP is about to launch their own Super Red Arowana boutique in Jakarta with one-stop shopping concept used, they will give their best selection of Arowana with the proper equipment for fish lovers or hobbyist around the world.

Photo 5.33 : A large-high quality Super Red male from IIKP

Photo 5.34 : Similar condition with their natural habitat improve their Arowana’s quality

Siluk (“Shelook”) or better known as Asian Arowana or Dragon Fish is an endangered species fish native to Asian countries. In general, there are three varieties of arowana based on color: green arowana, golden arowana, and red arowana. And among all, super red arowana is one of the most expensive one.

Another large farm found in Indonesia is this one. I manage to get only the pictures from a friend. I bet he have found it on the internet. However, my friend clamied that no articles or story could be found there.

Photo 5.35 : A photo of a mysterious place in Indonesia which my friend told me it was an Arowana’s farm



Photo 5.36 : Dead Arowana fry…CSI found a bite mark!!!



Photo 5.36 : Maybe this is their showroom or warehouse

Photo 5.37 : Still, the fish farm focusing on the Super Red

That's all for now, till we meet again....

5. All about Arowanas (Part 2)

Photo 5.17 : This fish seems so sick, luckily he just a cartoon

Now we meet again in the next chapter of ‘All about Arowana’. This chapter will focused mainly on Arowana sickness and some of them may also be apply to other types of fish too. In the chapter of ‘All about Barbs’, I have include a glimpse on Fish Stresses. So…what is exactly Fish Stresses?? And how we can determine whether the fish is currently in stress?? Wanna know?? Hmmm?? Sure…(“just say ‘ELHAM IS GREAT’ will you…just kidding”- Elham).


Lets say you have a family and a child, and to make you and your working wife’s life easier, you decided to leave your child in a nursery to be watched and take care by those fully trained babysitters. Now, you can imagine how your child will react and behave. He / She will certainly won’t let you go, will cry and shout for you, or maybe change into a quiet person, doesn’t want to eat, drinks and maybe can go sick, have a bad fever etc. The same situation may also be applied to the fish that we bought. When the fish were caught and put inside a plastic bag, their stress is actually started to build up. As soon as they were put inside their new ‘home’, their stress sometimes can be worse. They will….

1. Become more timid
2. Not active, sometimes they will stay on the edge of your tank for quite a long time
3. Swim back and forth so fast, in a short distance
4. Doesn’t want to eat
5. Go sick and maybe…DIE afterwards!!!

Precaution steps must be taken when transferring your newly bought fish into your tank. Fish is a Cold-Blooded animal. What is Cold-Blooded animal?? Cold-Blooded animal is an animal that can change their body temperature to suit to their environment. Fish can suit their body temperature to their changing environment, but NOT IMMEDIATELY!!! Their body temperature should be regulate to their new environment GRADUALLY. You don’t have to buy a thermometer for this. As soon as you got home with your fish, do not open it yet. Leave it inside your tank for about half an hour to 1 hour. The water temperature inside the plastic bag will change to the temperature of your water inside your tank (“that is called ‘Heat Transfer’”- Elham). After that, you can scoop your fish and put inside your tank. Another way is to pour 2/3 of water inside the plastic bag and fill it with 2/3 of your tank water. Leave it for an hour and scoop your fish to be put inside your tank afterwards. If the fish were put inside your tank immediately, they will encounter ‘Temperature Shock’!!! Sometimes it may lead to immediate DEATH!!!


When a fish is put inside their new environment, they also will experience ‘Culture Shock’. But don’t worry, most fish have short memory. Even an adult Goldfish have memories for 3 seconds only. Just make sure you avoid the ‘Temperature Shock’.


Another thing to be remember is, when you want to transfer your fish, please make sure you only transferring the fish, not the water inside the plastic bag. This is the way to prevent bacteria, fungus and virus from the pet shop transferred to your tank.


Okay, now we will go through common disease that will your Arowana will or have encounter and the ways to cure it. The diseases are…


1. Curled Gills :
This disease may caused by Fouled Water from rotting food and their own dung. Another cause is due to lack of space for the fish to swim, another one may be due to sudden changes in water temperature. The first stage happens when you see your Arowana’s gill covers move irregularly and their breathing seems faster. Their gill covers will gradually curl upwards thus exposing their sensitive gills in the water. If not cured quickly, the fish will have to suck the air from the water surface for breathing, and because of too busy with their breathing, they will forgot to eat or lose in appetite. At this moment, their gills maybe have been infected with bacteria and can lead to DEATH!!!


When you discover your Arowana’s behavior similar to the above, don’t panic. Be cool…and quickly go change the water. Change all the water for the first day, the next second and third day, just change 1/5 of the water. At the same time, pump more Oxygen inside by increasing your air pump power or quantity. Rotting food and dung will increase the content of Ammonia and nitride inside your tank. These 2 chemical substance will reduce the quantity of oxygen inside your tank. That’s why a lot of Oxygen is needed. Then, change your filter media, go get a new one or change their type to coral sand filter.


When its all done…create a strong water current inside your tank, Today’s water pump sometimes equipped with wave generator, so…put it on immediately. Chances of curing using all the method mentioned above is about 50%. Final stage is to do minor operation on your Arowana’s gill covers. You may find the way on how to do the operation inside others website. I don’t have the guts to share something that I have not done it before. Besides, it seems so risky and must be done using various types of tools and anesthetic.


2. Cloudy Eyes :
Cloudy eyes may caused by injuries from bad handling of the fish or maybe from your sharp décor inside your tank. When buying a tank décor, please make sure its all ergonomic, means…no sharp edges. Contaminated water may also causing cloudy eyes. Your Arowana or other types of fish that experience this disease will have their eyes appears cloudy. After a short period of time, their eyes may swell and looks like it were filled with liquid matters.

Photo 5.18 : Swollen eyes that filled with fluid matter will looks like this

If they are not treated quickly, they may lose their sight and can lead to DEATH!!! As soon as you encounter changes on your Arowana’s or other of your fish eyes as mentioned above, don’t go to the optometrist, just change the 1/3 of your tank’s water. Then increase 1°C to 2°C of the water temperature. On the third day, change ¼ of the water again. Saltbath may also helps to improve recovery. After that, find the most trusted brand of fish medicine that specialize on cloudy eyes disease. After 3 to 5 months with continuous cares, the eyes should be cured, but may appear smaller. Don’t know why…


3. Parasites :
There are 2 common parasites that usually strike on Arowana’s and other fish too. It usually comes from the food we used to feed them. So…don’t take your fish diet so lightly. Its often to know what nutrients that your fish needed rather than buying expensive fish food, by looking at the ingredients you can imagine the nutrients that your fish might get. Also, please watch those live food especially for your Arowana. Live frogs, crickets, centipede or Goldfish fry may also packed with parasites. You should wash the live food before you feed them to your fish.

Photo 5.19 : Those are not passengers, they are PARASITES!!!

The 2 common parasites are the Fish Lice and the Anchor Worm. The Fish Lice is about 3 mm to 5 mm long and can be seen with naked eye. Their body is flat and their mouth have a needle-like structures to suck the nutrients inside your fish body. The Anchor Worm found mainly around the fins or inside your fish body. The length is about 1 cm and their head have fork-like structures to suck the fish nutrients. After being infected, your fish might appear rubbing and scrapping against the side of your tank and will lose appetite. The parasites can be killed using Copper Sulfate solutions and saltbath. After your fish is recover, change all of the water inside your tank.


4. White Spot :

Photo 5.20 : Those are not pimples, no need Tea Tree oil. The white spot is called.....errrr....White Spot...disease

This is definitely the most common disease for fish. It comes from bacteria and this bacteria can multiply so fast within an hour. During the first stage, the white spot might strike the fins of the fish. The bacteria will suck up the body fluid inside the fish. The affected region will looks like white powder. Some says, white spot may lead to Fin Rot disease. The fish will also appear rubbing on the side of your tank. As soon as the bacteria attacks he gills, DEATH is conformed!!!. The fish can be cured using available medicine from the pet shop, just buy the trusted brand to avoid harmful chemical that might affect your fish. Normally, those medicine were added with Formalin or Quinine or Iodine. That’s why it comes in colors, normally dark green and purple. Don’t panic when your water change its color when you pour this substance. This chemical is harmless to the fish but make sure you put it as per the directions. Saltbath is also useful to help recovery. Then, increase the water temperature for 1°C to 2°C and increase the amount of Oxygen. When you fish is fully cured, change all the water inside your tank.

On the next chapter, I will tell you other common fish disease. Until then...Love Your Fish like you Love Yourself.

5. All about Arowanas

5.1 : Arowana / Dragon Fish / Kelisa

For most, this fish is the King of freshwater fish and of course, the King of the aquariums. Its huge size, large scales, bold expression and elegant moves makes it a hot favorite among fish lovers, hobbyist and aquarist all over the world. The King is categorized in the family of ‘bony fish’ or sometimes called ‘bony tongue’. What is this ‘bony’ thing is really about?? Here’s the explanation…in this family of fishes, Arowana’s head is ‘bony’ and their body is covered by large heavy scales, something that looks like a mosaic patterns. Still don’t understand?? (“just get a cup of coffee will you??”- Elham). Okay, let make things simple, have you ever seen a tortoise?? That creature is also called ‘bony’. Almost 80% of their body is composed by their growing backbone thus creating the shell. Scales, just like shell were composed with elements that also can be found inside the bones. So, that’s why the Arowana is called ‘bony’. For Arowana, the name ‘bony tongue’ comes from their toothed bone on the floor of the mouth. The tongue is equipped with teeth that crossed with the teeth on their upper jaw.

This fish are one of the primitive freshwater fish species that still exist until today. Based from research, another types of primitive freshwater fish includes the Arapaima Gigas and the Snakehead. There are 10 species lived until today that have been recorded. 3 species comes from America, 1 from Africa, 4 from Asia and the remaining 2 from Australia. This fish have evolved through millions of years means indeed this fish is so hardy. Due to the high demand VS low supply from river sources, the Asian Arowana once have been considered closed to extinction!!! On 1st July 1975, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) have listed that the Asian Arowana as a highest class protected fish and have been agreed by 72 countries all over the world.

The keeping of Arowana in tanks or aquariums in Malaysia have been started since early 70’s and pulled lots and lots of attention and demand in the 80’s. This interest then spread quickly to Thailand, Taiwan, China and Japan, (“as quick as butter spread onto the bread”– Elham). The Arowana in South East Asia, is popular and expensive. Malaysia for example gave the Gold Arowana and Green Arowana while Indonesia has Red Arowana and Red Tailed Arowana. In Malaysia, Arowana is also called Kelisa. Have been recorded to sold for about RM 35,000 to RM 40,000!!! Equals to USD 9000 to USD 10,500!!! 4 peoples can get inside it and could reach the speed of 140 km/h!!!

Seriously, I’m not joking. Malaysia’s 2nd national car manufacturer (PERODUA) have build a car named from this fish, The PERODUA KELISA (“hehehehehehehe”– Elham). Don’t believe me?? Here is the picture of the car. (“what and honour…”- Elham).

Photo 5.2 : Malaysia’s compact car, PERODUA KELISA (AROWANA)

The Arowana scales and barbells resembles that of the Dragon hence, they are called the Dragon fish. In Chinese culture, the Dragon represents good luck, strength and power. In the Southern China, people believes that a Dragon can ward off evil and brings good luck. Dragon is also an icon in Asian culture, and sometimes become an icon for certain triad gang!!! Besides Tiger, the gangs usually use the Dragon figure to be carved onto their body. However, never have been seen the triad gang especially their leaders carve an Arowana figure. Businessman started keeping Arowana mostly Asian Arowana to maintain prosperous and growing business. Geomancer also recommend their clients to keep a Blood Red Arowana to bring good luck and ward off evil spirit. Keeping Arowana also believed can bring good health, happiness and uphold family togetherness.

Photo 5.3 : This spirit seems quite evil, forget the Ghostbusters, just get an Arowana


Photo 5.4 : Looking at the aging Dragon tattoo on his back, I bet this man is a retired gangster

Photo 5.5 : Keeping Arowana is believed to improve family togetherness, and


Photo 5.6 : can maintain and improve business


Arowana is a highly prized fish, so make sure you get the very best when buying it. Here’s a tip on how to choose the best of the best Arowanas…

1. Color – According to species, must be bright and lustrous
2. Body Shape – Broad and long, with complete fin and in place
3. Scales – Neatly arranged, shiny, big and evenly shaped
4. Fins – Big and wide. Each fin must have smooth hard-fin rays
5. Eyes – Big, evenly shaped, not droopy, not protruding, not misty and must be clear looking
6. Mouth – Close tightly, and no protruding jaws
7. Teeth – Neatly arranged, in-line with jaw line
8. Gill covers – Compact and close to the head and body. Must be shiny and not scarred
9. Swimming Style- Graceful and usually swims in the upper part of the aquarium.
10. Whiskers (Mandibular) – Long and straight, equal in length and match the body coloration.


Color
The most important criteria is the color of the fish because it is often the color that first attracts the hobbyist. Hence, if the body shape is attractive but the color is not, it cannot be considered perfect. According to the different types of Dragon Fish, the standard colors differ. BEWARE OF FAKE RED AND BLOOD AROWANAS IN THE MARKET!!! One way of preventing this is to get your fish from a CITES registered farm and make sure that the farm has a good sales record.

Body Shape
The ideal shape is one that is proportionate, neither too fat nor too thin. Essential to look after its environment and the food that it takes. The space of the tank directly affects the growth and progress of the body. A limited space may result in its stunted size, or rounded, hunched shape. Basically the length of the tank should be 3 times the average length Arowana during the growing stage. Food should be nutritious. Besides fish and prawns, other types of food may be fed. Do not allow the Arowana to be inclined to one type or eat too much. Feeding should be well controlled.

Scales
Scales are the Arowana's distinctive feature. Neatly layered and slippery scales are comparable to the good complexion of a person. The scales should be even and radiant. They should not have dark spots, although red spots are welcome as they are considered auspicious. Many people have a misconception about the scales. They think that when the scales drop off, they may not be replaced naturally. The only point to note is in replacement, it has an itchy sensation causing it to rub its body against the side of the aquarium. This may cause the fish to be damaged. To prevent this, it is advisable to remove anything that may cause injury in the aquarium. If there is loss of scales, they can grow back after 3 to 5 weeks. While they are being replaced, the water condition should be noted so as to prevent harmful bacteria from proliferating. If any scale is out of shape, it could be removed by anesthetize the fish during the operation. A new scale will eventually grow in its place.

Mandibular Barbels (Whiskers)
Many fish lovers have high regard for the Arowana's whiskers because they resemble the Dragon's horns - a sign of blessing. Mandibular barbels must be equally long, straight and the color similar to its body-color. These act as an extension of the Arowana's power. Any broken, shortened or bent whiskers may mean a reduction to its majestic appearance. How then can these whiskers be preserved and maintained??

First of all, one must prepare ample space for free activity and to prevent the whiskers from getting damaged. Without this ample space, the Arowana’s whiskers cannot grow properly and the tips may rub against the sides of the aquarium thus getting damaged. Then…

1. Do not decorate aquarium with furnishings such as rocks and other decorations
2. Do not drop food in a corner. They should be put in the centre of the aquarium.
3. Do not knock against the aquarium to cause the Arowana to be shocked or frightened.
4. Cover the aquarium with a thick glass, the edges of which should be smoothened and rounded. These can help to prevent the Arowana's whiskers from getting damaged in its excitement or when it is frightened.

Should the whiskers be broken or damaged, the recovery period varies according to the age of the Dragon Fish. Normally a young Dragon Fish recovers faster than an older Dragon Fish. Whiskers may be damaged in 2 ways…

1. At the root : When this occurs, recovery may be difficult even for a young Arowana. It is necessary to decide whether to leave it to grow the root back naturally, or to use a needle to help speed the growth. Even if the whisker is bent but not broken, it is best to cut it off so that it will not be out of shape when regrown.
2. Fins : The fins of the Arowana are like its limbs. Any damaged fin can affect the Arowana's graceful movement and ultimately the beauty of the whole fish.

A beautiful fin should be smooth and outstretched, with all its hard rays straight and smooth. There should be no tear. Care should begin with the baby Arowana. At this stage, it should not be given too much space. The fish is easily frightened as it feels insecure in a spacious environment. In dashing about at every slightest disturbance, often suffers injuries.

A smaller space which gives the fish a feeling of security will also enable the fish to be more active, thereby strengthening its fins. When it is at the adolescent stage and more stable, it can then be transferred into a larger aquarium. To avoid hurting the fins, these points should be noted…

1. Do not install ornamental displays such as rocks and other decorations
2. Do not rear with other fishes in the same tank.
3. To lift the young, fine net should be used. When it reaches 15 cm, net should not be used. Hold in plastic bag instead.

If a piece of the hard ray of the fin is injured, it could be gently removed at the base and a new ray will grow in its place. In case of more rays, then the Arowana needs to be given anesthesia before operation to remove the broken rays with a pair of scissors.
When fin-rays are broken, they need to be treated immediately, especially tail fins, as the Arowana depends largely on its tail fin to move about. Although fins may recover by themselves, they may be disfigured when they do. After surgery, a replaced fin can be almost perfect, except it may be a little wavy. However, it is best to get a specialist to perform the operation.

Eyes
In the natural environment, the eyes are focused above water-level to search for live food. However, when the fish is reared in a fish tank which is transparent all round, the eyes tend to focus downwards due to distractions around and as food is readily found around and at the bottom of the tank. The hobbyist need not be unduly worried about the fish's health although the value of the fish is affected by this phenomena. This is only a natural adaptation to its environment.

A good quality fish's eyes must be centralized, compact and focused, not droopy or protruding. They must revolve naturally and be shaped evenly, sparkle brightly and clear. In the aquarium, the Arowana's eyes tend to focus downwards sometimes because…

1. When it is kept in an aquarium, its feeding habit changes because its prey are no longer floating above but are at the bottom of the aquarium
2. It gets distracted by movement outside the glass panels of its aquarium
3. It does not exercise enough, so fat is accumulated to bulge or protrude within the socket of the eyes causing the eyes to protrude or droop

Mouth
When close the upper and lower lips must not protrude. The lower jaw should not be loose. In the fish tank, the fish often rubs against the glass wall resulting in the loosening of the jaw muscles. To avoid this, the space must be increased or install a water jet to increase the speed flow of the water.

Teeth
Generally, fish hobbyists do not pay much attention to its teeth. However, its teeth are quite important. If the teeth of the fish are not healthy, they will affect the fish's health.

Gill Covers
Normal gill covers should be smooth and flat with no scratches or wrinkles. The following points should be noted…
1. Do not install ornamental displays in the aquarium
2. Maintain the right temperature. Gill covers and head tissues may wrinkle if temperature is too high. A vast change in temperature may cause the fish to suffer tilted gill covers
3. Change water regularly and maintain cleanliness and the best water condition
Raise oxygen content in the water.

If there is any injury in the gill region, fish-treatment medication should be put into the water to prevent bacteria infecting wound.

Swimming Style
The style of movement is important in enhancing its beauty. An Arowana that does not swim gracefully can affect its aesthetic value. Correct posture is to swim vertically in water, spreading out all its fins. The mandibular barbels must be straight. It must be able to turn swiftly. Moving up and down or diagonally is not ideal.


Types of Arowanas :

Photo 5.7 : Golden Arowana


Photo 5.8 : Malay Arowana


Photo 5.9 : Panda Gold Arowana


Photo 5.10 : Red Arowana


Photo 5.11 : Red Tailed Golden Arowana


Photo 5.12 : Another nice pose from the Red Tailed Golden Arowana


Photo 5.13 : Super Red Arowana


Photo 5.14 : Blood Red Arowana


Photo 5.15 : Another Blood Red Arowana who think he’s better than his friend above


Photo 5.16 : Blue Crossback Golden Arowana

On the next chapter, we will go through on Arowana’s Diets and Common Disease.