T.T.T (Tips / Tricks / Trivia)

Hi... Just wanna share with you all some facts about fish. I bet you wouldn't have know it until today ("hehehehehe"- Elham). Well...Did you know that....

1. One in ten pet owners keep fish.


2. Shrimps' hearts are in their heads.


3. The most common name for a Goldfish is Jaws.


4. Climbing Perch can 'walk' on dry land and even climb trees.


5. Prize winning Koi have sold for tens of thousands of dollars - for a single fish.


6. Discus feed their babies on mucus they excrete from their bodies.


7. Female Guppies can have up to five litters of babies from mating only one time.


8. Tennessee's 130,000 square foot public freshwater aquarium is the largest in the world.


9. The finest Caviar comes from a freshwater fish - the Beluga Sturgeon.


10. Babies of the carnivorous Arowana live in their father's mouth until they are big enough be on their own.


11. The bright stripe on Cardinal Tetras makes it hard for predators to single out one fish in the school.


12. Well cared for Goldfish can live for 70 years.


13. The smallest fish is 1/3 inch long Freshwater Goby.


14. Scientists use ear growth rings to determine a fish's age.


15. Climbing Perch can 'walk' on dry land and even climb trees.


16. Most freshwater Eels migrate to saltwater to spawn.


17. Sturgeons live in saltwater but migrate to freshwater to spawn.


18. Lobsters and Crayfish eat their own shell after molting.


19. Only 1 in 100 Salmon eggs will survive it to adulthood.


20. Goldfish lose their color if kept in dim light.


21. A 400 million year old prehistoric fish species once thought extinct is still living today.


22. Fish sleep with their eyes open.


23. Flapping their fins, Hachetfish can fly out of the water for several feet.


24. In 1984, live fish fell on a London neighborhood after being sucked up in a waterspout.


25. In 1999 a Heron dropped a live Goldfish down the chimney of a London family.


26. Goldfish have a memory for just 3 seconds.It may be applied to almost all fish!!!

Any other facts to shares?? You're mostly welcomed. Well...That's all for now. Till we meet again...Please take a good care of your fish.

Thanks and bye for now...

3. All about Goldfish (Part 2)

Photo 3.14 : Schools of Bubble Eye Goldfish. I wonder how they avoid damaging their bubble sack

The Bubble Eye Goldfish, just like the other Goldfish, is quite hardy. Its bright, large and can easily pull attention. This type of Goldfish is another excellent choice for newbies. For your information, this species were found in China in 1908!!!


Photo 3.15 : The Bubble Eye Goldfish, hope he's know what his doing. The gravel might injures his bubbles. Avoid sharp decor please...

Photo 3.16 : Ooowww...Isn't he cute. Their bubbles seems giving them a hard time. Look at his face...

This fish is very peaceful, love to live in community even with other variants and do very well in schools. The fish will happily lived inside tank with plenty of BLUNT décor as well as plenty of swimming space. Due to its unique physical condition, especially on the eyes, care should be taken to avoid any sharp or rough edges and naughty fish that will make fun from the eyes by pecking at them.

Photo 3.17 : Poor thing...the left fish have its bubble punctured and the right fish have its bubbles infected with disease

Photo 3.18 : Avoid handling the Bubble Eye using bare hand. Always remember, your hand have full of bacteria. This applies to all fish

The Bubble Eye is so stunning yet so fragile. It can reach the size of 10cm to 16cm at maturity. Beside the bubble eye, the fish also have thick body with hump on their shoulder. They have long fins and have yellow to orange body coloration, and sometimes with white spots. The most interesting features of this fish is none other than their bubble eye. These bubbles is actually their folded skin filled with fluid and located under their eyes. While their actual eyes are pointing upwards.

The fish should live at the temperature of 20°C to 26°C with the water hardness around natural (pH 7- 7.5). This fish is omnivores, so they will devour vegetables, blood worms, brine shrimp and their own special pellet. Please bear in mind that their bubbles is super sensitive, so when removing the fish, use bowl and avoid fish net.

Wanna see other variation of Goldfish??Here they are...Enjoy...

Photo 3.19 : Common Lionhead Goldfish

Photo 3.20 : Lionhead Ranchu Goldfish

Photo 3.21 : Red and White Lionhead Goldfish

Photo 3.22 : Ryukins Goldfish, special bred from Japan

Photo 3.23 : A large Telescope Goldfish, their eyes isn't that clear as a telescope

Photo 3.24 : A Broadtail Telescope Goldfish couple. Usually used as bait fish or fish feeder

Photo 3.25 : Small Common Telescope Goldfish. Don't stare at the eyes or you will be hypnotized!!!

After these 2 session, we can conclude that Goldfish is another great fish to begins with. Due to its hardiness behavior and its outlook with many type of color variation, its popularity is hard to be deny. This fish also requires low cost maintenance but can live for a long time. Just don't overfeed and always keep your water clean and clear. Goldfish is the another man's best friend that could keep you accompany from young till you have your own family. Any comments or experience to share?? Don't be shy, just share it together with the communities, here at aFish Tank Forum.

Well...That's all for now. Till we meet again...Please take a good care of your fish.

Thanks and bye for now...

3. All about Goldfish

Photo 3.1 : Due to its popularity, people would know what kind of fish is that...of course, Goldfish

Goldfish is one of a kind species that have been so popular and well known throughout the whole planet. It is the most commonly kept fish and one of the favorites for the beginners. Even an 8 year old kid have the guts to keep this fish since Goldfish is quite a hardy fish and can do well even without a complete tank setup or equipment. It can be put inside almost anything that can hold water. I could still remember, a long time ago when I was 7, the most popular types of tank is simply an unused TV set!!! Unlike nowadays, the old version set of TV consists of the CRT installed inside a glass wall in a wooden cabinet. If the CRT is removed...there you have it, a new set of fish tank. (just like The Transformers isn’t it?? A TV transform into a fish tank!!! You should be proud of yourself, right??”- Elham). However, do consult the experts when doing it, since the CRT still contain some harmful VOLTS!!! A simple fish bowl with some gravel and a Goldfish is already enough to live up and give some environment to any empty spaces. Just name the places, its all seem suitable for the fish to be displayed. Inside a toilet?? Sure!!! Outside your home?? Too common already!!! On your bookshelves?? Why Not!!! Inside your car boot filled with dish size speakers, tweeters and woofers?? Done!!! People have try it already.

Photo 3.2 : TV BOTS!!! Transform!!!

The Goldfish were born in the continents of Asia mainly in China and Japan since the year 1000!!! The most popular version of the Goldfish includes, the Common Goldfish, the Black Moor Goldfish, the Bubble Eye Goldfish and the Oranda Goldfish. The Common Goldfish were so popular as pet and also as feeder fish to other types of fish and reptiles.


Photo 3.3 : Common Goldfish in orange coloration


Photo 3.4 : Common Goldfish in yellow coloration

There are 2 most important things that all the types of Goldfish have in common. They are generally non-aggressive and very hardy. With proper care, certain type of Goldfish may live longer than we people!!! It has been reported that some Goldfish may live up to 30 years!!!. However, Goldfish is just like other fish too. They also have some issues including, Goldfish are messy, so without proper filtration, your water quality will drop drastically. The Goldfish also have a large appetite. 3 meals per day seems not enough for them, and it has also been reported that Goldfish will die either from hunger or from eating to much.

Goldfish is a cold water fish, so the temperature should be between 0°C to 18°C. The Goldfish can tolerate slight acidic, neutral and slight alkaline water condition ranging from pH 6.0 to 9.0. The most common species of Goldfish is orange. Some of the may have dull orange color and some of them have shiny orange on their scales. Most of the time, the average lifespan of a Goldfish is just between 5 to 7 years depending how the owner take care for them.


Another famous variant of Goldfish is the Black Moor. Also known as the Dragon Eye Goldfish, the Black Peony or Demekin in Japan, the Black Moor covers with velvet like black color and some of them have red and white spots coloration. Something that makes this fish is so unique located on its head. The Black Moor have large-round-protrude-almost explode eyes. They also have thick short body and a hump on the shoulder. The Black Moor is easy to take care and a peaceful fish. They also do very well in schools. They should have plenty of swimming space with secured décor since this fish will dig and uproot décor inside your tank. At maturity, the Black Moor could reach up to 10 inches in length and will live almost 25 years!!! The Black Moor is simply so stunning and great at catching attention. They were one of the most beautiful gentle giant of the aquarium world.


Photo 3.5 : The Black Moor Goldfish

Photo 3.6 : This Black Moor seems quite lonely...hmmm...


Photo 3.7 : Look!!! The Black Moor do very well in schools of 2 or more of the same kind

Next, is the Oranda Goldfish. This is another unique type of Goldfish. They have fleshy outgrowth on the top of its head. The fleshy thing on its head is called ‘wen’ since they were originated from China. The fish is sometimes called the Red Cap Goldfish. Their behaviors were another thing that makes this fish unique. They are quite peaceful, live nicely with other types of fish, exhibit schooling behavior and never hold grudge even their fin were nipped (“such a ‘Mr. nice guy’ in a tank”- Elham). Things will be seem so perfect when keeping this fish at their young. However, things will get pretty nasty when they grow up, why?? Their ‘wen’ appears to grow by stage and will burst during spring and fall season (“I have no idea when if we keep it here in Malaysia, no spring + no fall season here”- Elham). When it burst, bacteria can easily sneak inside the ‘wen’ causing pimples. The ‘wen’ also keeps growing and unfortunately on most cases, the ‘wen’ will covers their eyes thus limiting their sight. Don’t kill the fish if the ‘wen’ is overgrow!!! Just send it to nearby barber to get it trim (“NOT!!!”- Elham). The ‘wen’ is actually can be trimmed but must be done by professionals. If not, just let they live their on way like nature suppose to do. My research haven’t found what is the function of the ‘wen’.

But, I think it certainly not to be used during fighting for mate. Just like the old reptiles below (“no wonder their extinct!!!”- Elham). Oranda Goldfish can live at 20°C to 26°C or slightly warmer with the water hardness from pH 7 to 8. The Oranda Goldfish can grow to 30 cm long!!! and consumes peas, spinach, lettuce, tiny bits of beef heart, blood worms, tubifex worms and brine shrimp to reach that size. The tank should have less air turbulence, some hiding spot should be added, partial water changing and the owner that can be consider professional feeders. Yes, this fish can be killed by overfeeding, so just give their meals 2 times a day to avoid the death of your fish. Another interesting variants of the Oranda Goldfish is the Oranda Calico, Oranda Black and Oranda Red and Black.

Photo 3.8 : The Oranda Goldfish, the 'wen' on their head is not to be use like those reptiles


Photo 3.9 : Its the Oranda Red Goldfish. Isn't it cute little tutsy-wutsy-futsy...


Photo 3.10 : Above is the Oranda Calico Goldfish. Some of us maybe would not prefer such coloration. Well...It still cute!!! Isn't it??

Photo 3.11 : The Oranda Black with red 'wen' on its head. Unique and elegant

Photo 3.12 : The Red and Black Oranda. May seem like having disease, but it just only their colors

Photo 3.13 : The Red and White Oranda

Next session, we will continue with the Bubble Eye Goldfish some info about worms. Until then, hope we can share our knowledge or experience together. Any comments are warmly welcomed. Take a good care of your fish.

Bye for now...

T.T.T (Tips / Tricks / Trivia)

STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR NEWBIES :

1. When you are so eager to start this hobby, keep in mind that you must never buy the tank and the fish on the same day (“just be patient and get control of yourself okay??”- Elham). Look on what is left in your wallet and your space to put the tank.

If both of the aspects are above the ‘minimum requirement’ then go for larger tank. Larger tank is more stable in terms of chemistry and will slowly change conditions, so things much less likely to go wrong. 91.44 cm (3 foot) long tank that could fill 100 liters of water is recommended.

2. Some advance knowledge is essential and more preferable. Don’t just put your trust on the dealer!!! Some dealers will go for quick profit and will get you to buy things that you maybe don’t need it. While other passionate dealers will help you to get just the basic equipment only. (“if they throw to much of their knowledge then their business is much likely to go into the drain, right??”- Elham).

3. Positioning the tank is the next step, that’s why you are not recommended to buy tank and fish on the same day. Lets spend the first day by choosing the right place for your aquarium. Make sure you have a steady, rigid, sturdy, strong, tough, hardcore piece of furniture to place your tank. By using mathematics and some fluid engineering knowledge, the scientist found that 1 liter of water is equal to 1 kg. So, if you have 100 liter capacity tank, the water weight will be 100 kg. If you consider the lid, lighting, décor, gravels, rocks, the fish, etc. then it might reach almost 150 kg.

4. Take Note :
4.1 Do not place your tank on direct sunlight. Your tank will generate algae in no time!!!
4.2 Choose a place where maintenance is easy to be done
4.3 Never choose a place where disturbance is maximum (e.g. near door)

I am hoping that all these basic tips could give the beginners the idea on how to setup, manage and maintain your tanks and the living creature inside it.That's all for now. Till we meet again...Please take a good care of your fish.

Thanks and bye for now...

2. All about Barbs

Photo 2.1 : Tiger Barbs...A good fish for newbies, that will turn you looking like a fish expert

Barbs is another species that is great for beginners since they only need basic maintenance, ease of cares, usually very peaceful but some of them are professionals and well established fin-nippers. Most of them are very attractive, have a pleasant appearance (when in schools with 5 or more of the same type), have quite a lot of stamina, tough scales that may hard to rot or infected or even shade and some of them have the scales that may glitter when exposed to light.

When I first started my hobby at the age of 9, the Tiger Barb is one of my personal favorite choice for a ‘starter kit’. This fish is extremely active and can definitely add zest and life to the aquarium. Seeing them will captivated someone for hours ("except when they have diarrhea"- Elham).

In this session, I will tell you some info about types of barb that is the most popular among the fish lovers.

The first one goes to my personal favorite, the Tiger Barb. Tiger Barb can be divided into 3 other type and they are of course, the Tiger Barb itself, the Green Tiger Barb and the Albino Tiger Barb. But don’t let the name fool you, the terms ‘tiger’ only represent their body coloration but they are not that aggressive ("so don’t even think to feed them with live pigs!!!"- Elham).


Photo 2.2 : This guy is so sensitive when hear the word 'live pigs'...gulp!!!

However, when in schools with 5 fish or more, they will get a little arrogant and aggressive. You will see them play polis sentri (police and thieves) or maybe hide and seek together depends on your aquariums facility or decorations. You will also see some death defying moves and fast pace swimming action all over the aquarium. Yes, these fish have a lot of stamina. However, these fish is a fin-nippers. Their habit to bit other fish fins must be kept in mind so don’t ever mix them with fish that have large fins such as guppies and slow movers such as Angelfish or Goldfish. Although it seems like the fish is doing some pranks by biting the fins of the other fish, it is actually very deadly pranks!!! Injured fins may lead to virus infection and may rot them. Bit fins also make the fish to have difficulties on balancing and swimming, and if the fins bitten too much, the fish can’t swim properly thus unable them to get their food and died. They may also unable to run from the water filter suction area thus will be stuck on it and…also died. (“Hmmm…seems like the terms ‘tiger’ actually does fits for these fish”- Elham).

Photo 2.3 : Tiger Barb (top) and Green Tiger Barb (bottom)

These Tiger Barbs originated from Indonesia, Sumatra and Malaysia. In Malaysia, these fish are called ikan pelampung (buoy fish). These fish can fit from small to large tanks, with the water temperature between 20°C to 26°C. These fish enjoys plenty of space and decorations such as driftwoods, moderate rocks or caves and tall bushy plants. Adult Tiger Barbs will grow to a size of 7.5 cm long! The male and female shares same patterns for each type but you can differentiate them by looking at their nose and fin areas. Male have redder coloration while the female have the same old orange tint. The female is slightly or a little fatter than the male.

The Tiger Barb loves to consume live foods such as blood worms and tubifex worms, brine shrimp, plankton and daphnia. These omnivorous fish will also consumes fresh spinach, peas and lettuce. Another types of barbs that have become fish lovers must-have-fish includes Golden Barb, Black Ruby Barb and Rosy Barb. These fish considered small within their species. Large barbs includes Tinfoil Barb, Torpedo Barb, Clown Barb and Checker Barb.

Photo 2.4 : Golden Barbs

Golden Barb hometown is within Southeast Asia. The Golden Barb do well in schools with 6 to 8 individuals inside an average size tank. Mature Golden Barbs may grow between 4 to 7 cm long. Adult Golden Barb have a gold color throughout, hence their common name, and are marked with silver highlights, making them an attractive fish. In addition they have black markings throughout, with a more distinct black spot on the base of the tail. Generally, the Golden Barb is smaller than some other popular barbs, and its smaller size may be a way to distinguish it from some similarly colored barbs. Males and females can be distinguished by the appearance of their vertical stripe. The female's copper colored stripe is less pronounced than the male's stripe. The fish must live inside 20°C to 26°C water with pH ranging from 6.5 to 7. Temperature and water hardness must be well taken care because it will influence the fish to breed.

Photo 2.5 : Aroused male Black Ruby Barb (left) and a female Black Ruby Barb (perhaps the female is not ready for a commitment yet)

Black Ruby Barb shares similar personality with the Tiger Barbs. It came form Sri Lanka and some says it was originated from Thailand. This fish should live inside a tank with some open swimming space and of course, some plants to create some environment. This fish do well in schools with 5 or more individuals. The water should be 20°C to 26°C in temperature with slightly acidic ranging from pH 6.5 to 7. The above photo shows a breeding male with intense red and black coloration. Male Black Ruby Barb is slightly larger than the female but the female have thicker bodies especially on the abdomen. Juvenile Black Ruby Barb is actually have a similar color and striped pattern as the Tiger Barb. This fish may grow to 6cm long and consumes live bloodworms, tubifex worms and also vegetable components in its diet.

Photo 2.6 : Schools of Rosy Barb swimming inside a large, really large tank

Photo 2.7 : Close up view of a Rosy Barb...Nice scales!!!

The Rosy Barb, just like the Black Ruby Barb tend to change color depending on its state. Their scales are quite large and glittery when expose in light makes them so stunning to be add to any aquarium. Rosy Barb, just like the other Barbs is also a hardy fish and makes a great choice for the beginners. This fish is not too naughty compares to their siblings, the Tiger Barbs. They enjoys little fin nipping activities during pastime but it can be controlled if the fish is kept in schools where they will enjoy playing together rather then bullying other slow movers-nerd fish. Water conditions that is the most suitable will be the same as the other Barbs. For breeding, several males can be mix with one female. Rosy Barbs is an omnivorous fish and the diet is also the same as the Tiger Barb.

Photo 2.8 : Clown Barb

Clown Barb is an attractive and active fish. When juvenile, this fish can be consider as a peaceful fish. But when they reach their full size, they should only be kept with similar size fish since this fish is also a serial fin-nippers, fin-nippers most wanted, top 10 fin-nippers, blah blah blah etc. Clown Barb prefers to live inside a tank with plenty of swimming space with rocks and plants decorations. How do I know that?? Well just bear in mind that most super-duper active fish must have plenty of swimming space or else, they will get stressed!!! How do the fish look like when they stress?? They will turn green and then die, then their soul will take the revenge on you!!! (“NOT!!!”- Elham). Let’s discuss that topic later okay??

The Clown Barb is one of the large Barbs. It will only reach a size of 4 to 5 inches at maturity. Clown Barbs are pinkish with large black irregular spotting patterns. They have wedge shaped bodies. Females are fatter than the males, while the males are brighter than the females. Clown Barbs are from Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Borneo and Thailand. Just like their relatives, this fish is omnivorous and do not require special attention.

Photo 2.9 : Red Tail Tinfoil Barb

Recognized the fish above? Well, that is the Red Tail Tinfoil Barb. In Malaysia we call it lampam. There are 2 types of lampam, and they are lampam sungai (that guy above) and lampam jawa (Wild Tinfoil Barb). The Tinfoil Barb have been know to be bred for commercial purpose few years back in Malaysia and Indonesia (their hometown). Their meat is soft and if its fed well, their meat will have some sweet taste. This Barb is aggressive and should not be kept with smaller fish since they have been known to eat other smaller fish and nip on the fins of docile fish. The Tinfoil Barb requires a large tank so it is not suitable for beginners. This fish may grow to 35 cm and the different between male and female is hard to be distinguish. They also hard to be bred. They prefer to live inside a large tanks with medium amount of rocks and plants. This fish is illegal to be imported to Australia, why?? (“I have no idea!!!”- Elham). This fish is very attractive and so stunning because their scales is so shiny and well arrange onto their body. Their personality also shares with the guy below, the Checker Barb.

Photo 2.10 : Checker Barb

Another type of Barbs variation is the Red Line Torpedo Barb (“what a name!!! who give that name??”- Elham). Originated from India, this type is actually considered endangered in the wild. It may grow to 15 cm long, and need large tank with plenty of swimming space, well oxygenated water and robust plants because this fish will also takes on the decorations plants you put in. Is it looks like a torpedo?? Just look at the photo below.

Photo 2.11 : Red Line Torpedo Barb...A beauty with a deadly name


At the end..What conclusions can we make for Barbs?? First, you must know their personality and their size. They are all active and some of them may grow to quite a large size. So, choose the tank according to the type of Barbs you want to put into. All of them need plenty of swimming space, moderate rocks and plants decorations. Should live within 20°C to 26°C of water temperature with slight acid presence ranging from pH 6.5 to 7.5. This fish is omnivorous and BORN TO NIP FIN!!! Remember that. They also need to be kept in schools with a mixture of male and female. And the most important thing is, you will not need a specialist to keep this fish. This fish is just great for beginners.


Wanna see more barbs?? Here you go..

Photo 2.12 : Arulius Barb



Photo 2.13 : Cherry Barb

Photo 2.14 : Cumming Barb

Photo 2.15 : Dorsalis Barb

Photo 2.16 : Filament Barb

Photo 2.17 : Golden Barb

Photo 2.18 : Dwarf Golden Barb

Photo 2.19 : Lemon Fin Barb

Photo 2.20 : Albino Tiger Barb

Photo 2.21 : Tinfoil Barb

Photo 2.22 : Banded Barb

Barbs do have a lot of variations don't they?? You are free to choose, all of them shares the same behavior and all of them have their own beauty. Totally great fish for beginners. Any comments or experience to share?? You're warmly welcomed. Well...that's all for now. Till we meet again...Please take a good care of your fish.

Thanks and bye for now...