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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FAMILIES OF FISH

Chetyrehglazkovye (Anablepidae)

Previously, we thought Anablepidae family members only viviparous chetyrehglazok and representatives Jenynsia genera (family Jenynsidae) and Oxyzygonectes - members of other groups, but the revision of 1981 created another classification, and now and ikromechuschie viviparous species are included in one family. Four-eyed fish - such as Apableps anableps and A. dowi - regularly imported and brought into Europe, but only the big tanks are suitable for them, which is why we see them so often in display aquariums. Name them taken from the Spanish language, from Central America, where these fish live (Cuatro ojos). Of course, four have no eye, the cornea but they split so that the eye appears to consist of two halves, one can be seen above the water table, and the other below it. So these fish are able to follow the process and that, and in a different environment.

Apableps anableps

I happened to observe the movements of fish on the Pacific coast of Honduras. There they live in an area where the water gets through tidal salt additives, although still referred to as "fresh". Many people believe that four-eyed fish of different species always live in fresh water with a dash of sea. But it is not so! I met them in the river Choluteca (Honduras on the Pacific side). Measurements showed water: temperature 27 ° C and 6 ° dH 6 ° dKH, S 320 n and pH 7.8. Four-eyed fish need aquariums are not very deep, but with a large surface area. Because these fish are jumping well, the tank should be securely closed. If you are going to do their reproduction, it is necessary to choose the fish that are in harmony with each other, and especially the "harmony" of the genitals. These bodies are arranged in the same manner as in different species Jenyns (Jepupsia) described below.

Jenynsia lineata

Pisces kind Jenynsia also belong to viviparous. They live in the South of Brazil, have rugvae and Northern Argentina - and up to the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. With the four-eyed fish they have in common is this: the genitals of individuals either left or right, so that the "left-hand" male can mate only with the "right-handed" female. This genus includes four species, and especially thanks to some publications became known J. lineata, Jenynsia lineata. As already mentioned, it extended to the north and the south, and so accustomed to a variety of temperatures. Worthy of mention, and the difference in size: males are 3 to 4 cm, while females up to 12 cm! The aquarium needs of medium size, and planting should create hiding places for fish. Special requirements for the quality of water, they do not show. Omnivorous, but compared with other fish rather snooty. With regard to the water temperature, it is usually possible to orient room (18-22 ° C) and increase it only if the fish lose their inherent liveliness.