BIOASPECTS OF ORNAMENTAL FISHES Dr B Ahilan Professor

BIOASPECTS OF ORNAMENTAL FISHES Dr. B. Ahilan Professor Department of Aquaculture Fisheries College and Research Institute Thoothukudi

GUPPY

GUPPY Classification: Family Genus Species Common name : : Poecilidae Poecilia reticulata Guppy

Characters 1. 2. 3. 4. Within this species there are many colour strains, No two fishes ever being exactly alike. The female guppys body colouration is much more subdued than that of male, although the female caudal line may be vivid. The caudal fin may take many forms including fan, veil or pintail. Gravid females require a heavily planted tanks this also protects the fry from being eaten by the parents.

Aquarium conditions Water Temperature Swimming level Special attention : : Medium-hard 24°C All levels Plants

Species details Origin Size Feed Sexual dimorphism : : Breeding method : Breeding Potential : Trinidad 30 mm Long Algae, Green foods Males have gonopodium female are dull coloured and Larger Live bearer Easy, prolific

PLATY

PLATY Classification: Family Genus Species Common name : : Poecilidae Xiphophorus maculatus Platy

Characters By hybridization fish keepers have developed a large number of colour strains of platy. 2. In some cases the body and fins are a single colour. In some cases the fins are black. Very often multi coloured are also available. 3. Platy is a short, stocky fish and does not carry a sword. The dorsal fin rays are clearly visible. 1.

Aquarium conditions Water Temperature Swimming level Special attention Tank type : : : Medium-hard 24°C - 26°C All level Plants Community

Species details Origin Size Feed Sexual dimorphism : : Breeding method Breeding Potential : : Central America 50 mm Long All foods Males have gonopodium Live bearer Easy, prolific

BLACK MOLLY

BLACK MOLLY Classification: Family Genus Common name : : : Poecilidae Poecilia sp Black molly

Characters Body is jet-black in colour and seeming to have a velvety texture. 2. They are live bearer if given plenty of space, the males dorsal fin will become large. 3. It is an active fish and requires plenty of vegetable matter in its diet. 1.

Aquarium conditions Water : Temperature Swimming level Special attention : : : Soft, Mediumhard 24°C Bottom Plants

Species details Origin Size Feed Sexual dimorphism : : Breeding method Breeding Potential : : Mexico 70 mm Long Algae, Green foods Males have gonopodium and may have large dorsal fin Live bearer Easy

SAILFIN MOLLY

SAILFIN MOLLY Classification: Family Genus Species Common name : : Poecilidae Poecilia velifera Sailfin Molly

Characters Body colour is dark green but in the market an albino / gold variety is also available. 2. Each scale is dotted. 3. The Sailfin molly gets its name from the males impressive dorsal fin, which is erected to attract female. 1.

Aquarium conditions Water Temperature Swimming level Special attention Tank type : : : Hard 24°C All levels Plants Community

Species details Origin Size Feed Sexual dimorphism : : Breeding method Breeding Potential : : Central America 120 mm Long Algae Males have gonopodium and may have large dorsal fin Live bearer Easy

SWORD TAIL

SWORD TAIL Classification: Family Genus Species Common name : : Poecilidae Xiphophorus helleri Sword tail

Characters Many colour varieties of swordtails are now established by selective breeding. 2. Before the sword develops you can sex young fishes by observing the anal fin; the female is fan shaped, the males rod like. 3. Generally orange red coloured sword tail is commonly available. 1.

Aquarium conditions Water Temperature Swimming level Special attention : : Medium-hard 24°C - 26°C All levels Plants

Species details Origin Size : : Feed : Sexual dimorphism : Breeding method : Breeding Potential : Central America 120 mm Long (Female) males are still smaller Omnivorus Males possesses sword at caudal fin and gonopodium. Females are deeper bodied with fan shaped anal fin Live bearer Easy, prolific

MOSQUITO FISH

MOSQUITO FISH Classification: Family Genus Species Common name : : Poecilidae Gambusia affinis Mosquito fish

Characters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Male are smaller than females. Males upto 5 cm long and females 6 cm long seen. They are peaceful and hardly aquarium live bearers. Since they exhibit sexual dimorphism (the gonopodium makes the males easy to recognize). Females are cannibalistic and should be removed after birth.

Aquarium conditions Water Temperature Swimming level Special attention Gestation period : : : Hard 18°C - 24°C Upper Plants 3 -4 weeks

Species details Origin : Size Feed Sexual dimorphism : : : Breeding method Breeding Potential : : South East United States 50 mm long Mosquito larvae Males has got gonopodium Live bearer Easy