Boesman iris - care and maintenance in an aquarium

The iris of the Boesman is differently called melanotenias, it appeared relatively long ago among other aquarium pets. The fish is active and inconspicuous until it reaches puberty. Fish grows up to 14 cm, so it is difficult not to notice. Experienced aquarists know firsthand that a gray, nondescript fish can be turned into a bright individual. It is enough to adjust the food, to provide the pet with everything you need in the aquarium.

Description

1. The fish of this family were described in 1980, since then the characteristics have not changed much. It prefers to settle in the water sources of Asian countries, it can be found in tributaries and lakes. Fish live in the aquatic environment, which has a lot of thickets, driftwood, foliage. There are representatives of the family in the marshlands. In the natural environment feeds on insects and plants.
2. Uninformed people should know that this water pet is listed in the Red Book, because it is on the verge of extinction. Since the zone of natural habitat is constantly subjected to human intervention, fish are caught and gradually exterminated. To date, there are prohibitions that apply to the export of aquatic inhabitants from the country and their catch.
3. Fishes in their external data are similar to the rest of the iris. They are famous for their small head, flattened body in the side parts, high back. The fin at the top is cut into 2 sections, the fin in the anal area is distinguished by its length.
4. Representatives of the female half are smaller in size, stretching by only 10 cm. While males can reach a length of about 14 cm. When the fish grows to 8 cm, its color is stable, saturated with some pigment. As for the duration of existence, the fish live with the provision of all conditions for 7 years.
5. If we consider the sex differences, it will be difficult for an inexperienced person to understand which individual sex is in front of his eyes. Moreover, even professional aquarists are sometimes confused.Males on reaching puberty behave more aggressively, they have a high and powerful back, bright color. Females are dull, calm, proportional. But when you buy fish fry will not be able to catch the difference.

Content

1. If we proceed from natural habitats, we can conclude that fish prefer marshland with a large number of thickets that hide the water surface. In the diet they are picky, they eat plants, insects, crustaceans.
2. Representatives of the subspecies will feel great in aquarium conditions with standing water. That is, the use of instruments for imitation of flowing rivers is excluded. First, you need to prepare housing for settlement. For this purpose, they select the ground, decorate the aquarium, plant vegetation, install filters, lamps and heaters. When the water stands a little, the fish can be run.
3. So that the iris could fully exist, select the optimal conditions for them. Everything needs to be done in such a way as to imitate the habitat. Since the fish is large-caliber, about 400 liters fall to each flock. water.Choose a vessel according to the parallelepiped format. Fish are schooling, so immediately run in the amount of 8 individuals.
4. Choose a house with a lid, because the active inhabitants often jump out. Regarding the temperature, stick to within 25 degrees. Stiffness - 25 units, acid balance - 7.5 units. The ground is lined with sand. Weekly 1/3 of water is drained, replaced by a new one.
5. Such fish eat absolutely everything. They can be given fresh-frozen, dry, artificial and live food. If the food is substandard and unbalanced, the fish will have a pale color. That is why individuals are recommended to diversify the diet. Give them vegetable and live food.
6. It is also allowed to give a variety of vegetables and herbs. In advance, such products must be scalded. Such individuals perfectly eat food with spirulina, lettuce, nettle and spinach. Do not take only food that sinks. Such fish may have problems feeding from the bottom.
7. The favorite delicacy of the individuals in question is the pipe-maker, artemia, bloodworm and daphnia. Also melanotenias have excellent health.In addition, do not forget that with poor care, the fish can get sick. If you have seen the poor condition of the individuals, immediately bring the water levels back to normal.
8. The rest of these fish can be attributed to omnivores. In the wild, melanotenias feed on what they have to do. They eat well various plants, larvae of insects, fry and small crustaceans. In terms of content in the aquarium should be present both live and artificial food.
9. It is highly recommended to combine different types of feed. This procedure will maintain the brightness of the color of individuals. With live food, you must additionally give lettuce leaves or feed, which is based on spirulina.

Compatibility

1. Such representatives without problems get along with fish that have a similar temperament and size. In rare cases, melanotenias manifest themselves from the aggressive side. At the same time the fish remain quite active. In a sense, their behavior can frighten other inhabitants of the aquarium.
2. Consider, considered individuals can perceive young fish or small fish for potential prey.In a spacious aquarium, melanotenii get along well with Sumatran barbs, angelfish, discus, demasonis, shark balls and fighting. You can also add some Amano shrimps.
3. In no case do not add aggressive or large fish to the aquarium. Among them separately should be distinguished cichlids, astronotus, labo-two-color and tetradons.

Breeding

1. It is recommended to keep such fish during spawning in a separate container. At the same time in the aquarium should be an internal filter. In addition, you should put a variety of algae with small leaves. There should be a lot of plants.
2. As an alternative, a ball of synthetic thread that looks like a sponge is suitable. A couple before spawning is specially fed with live food with the addition of vegetable. This procedure allows you to simulate the rainy season. It is during this period that a rich diet (ration) occurs in fish.
3. That is why it is necessary to purchase top quality feed. It is necessary to move the pair to a separate aquarium for spawning only when it is already ready to spawn.After mating, the female spawns for several days.
4. Consider, it is necessary to follow the throwing of caviar. If its quantity decreases each time, it means that the female experiences exhaustion. A couple after spawning should be divided for some time. As for the fry, they hatch into the light in a few days.

Melanotenias are considered unique fish. They are quite beautiful and have a peculiar character. Individuals need to ensure proper nutrition and good conditions for the content. Poddelite to fish only similar individuals in nature and size. Otherwise, permanent skirmishes are inevitable.

Video: aquarium fish iridescent boesman