Page 190 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

188 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

BRACKISH WATER SPECIES

A brackish-water tank lets you keep a number of
interesting, but often overlooked, species that are
native to estuarine waters. The home aquarium
can be a mixed community setup, or a
recreation of a specialized habitat such
as a swamp. It could incorporate mangrove
plants and mudskippers (see p.43), which
venture out of water more regularly than
any other fish. Brackish-water tanks are
not difficult to maintain; correct water
conditions are initially achieved by adding
The Spotted Puffer
a small amount of sea salt. Some of the (Dichotomyctere fluviatilis)
more adaptable aquarium plants will grow will thrive in a brackish
environment, but other
in these surroundings, although plastic members of this family
occur in freshwater and
substitutes can also be used. marine habitats.

Monodactylus argenteus Datnioides microlepis Paramsassis ranga
Mono Siamese Tigerfish Glassfish

ORIGINS Range extends from East Africa eastward as ORIGINS Southeast Asia, in parts of Cambodia ORIGINS Asia, found throughout India, Myanmar
far as parts of Indonesia and Australia. (Kampuchea), Thailand, and on Sumatra and Borneo. (Burma), and Thailand.
SIZE 10 in (25 cm). SIZE 16 in (40 cm). SIZE 3 in (8 cm).
DIET Live foods and vegetable matter. DIET Live foods of various types. DIET Live foods of various types.
WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 7.6–8.0) with SG 1.002–1.007. (pH 7.6–8.0) with SG 1.002–1.007. (pH 7.6–8.0) with SG 1.002–1.007.
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful, but avoid small companions. TEMPERAMENT Predatory. TEMPERAMENT Instinctively rather nervous.
Angular dorsal fin The vertical yellow and black stripes of these
fish help to explain their name. Their dorsal Lateral line
fin has a decidedly spiky appearance. Although
Siamese Tigerfish are unlikely to grow as big in
aquariums as they do in the wild, juveniles will
still ultimately need a large tank. Siamese Tigers
cannot be trusted with smaller companions, since
other fish naturally form part of their diet.
Skeleton
Swim bladder
Symmetrical shape Although The internal organs of Glassfish are visible through
largely silver, the their skin. Males have a more pointed swim bladder
Mono’s patterning does and bluer edges on their fins. Spawning can be
differ to some extent between individuals. The induced by raising the water temperature. Up to
prominence of the black banding through the eye 150 eggs are scattered among plants. They hatch in
and behind the gills is variable, as is the amount a day, and the fry are free-swimming soon after.
of yellow coloration on the fins. Monos look most These fish are sometimes injected with bright dyes
effective if kept in a group. They are elegant but and sold as “painted glassfish”; even if they survive,
rather nervous fish by nature. their garish colors will fade after a few months.

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