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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FISH FAMILIES

Gambuzievye (Poeciliidae)

To represent this family and avoid misunderstandings, it must be said at once: according to the last revision, it is divided into three subfamilies. These are Poeciliinae (viviparous carps), Arlo cheilichthyinae (fish with luminous eyes, spawning) and Fluviphylacinae (pygmy Killifish). The last subfamily plays a special role, because the only species of its only genus Fluviphylax, the pygmy Killifish, F. pygmaeus, reaches a length of only 2 cm and is therefore the smallest of Killifish in general. These fish are found in the central part of the Amazon basin, where their habitat is the areas of calm water along the sides of large rivers. For aquariums of great importance they do not have. Another issue is the fish of the subfamily Aplocheilichthynae, which includes the genera Aplocheilichthys, Lamprichthys, Procatopus, Pantanodon, Cynopanchax, Platapiochilus and Hypsopcinchax.

The most diverse in species (total 46) is the genus Apoheylichthys (Aplocheilichthys). These small (or very small) fishes are common in many areas Africa. True, neither in the far south, nor in the far north, they do not occur. The genus Congopanchax used to be considered independent, but is now regarded as a subgenus. Representatives of the genus Aplocheilichthys and their related fish were previously accepted to be kept in pairs in small aquariums, but such conditions were unfavorable for them. Couples, separated from other fish, feel lonely and do not live long. New research has shown that they are more likely to belong to schooling fish, who are accustomed to living in the wild at least next to a dozen of their own. Perhaps this is the clue to the fact that these fish, although they are hardier in hard water than in soft water, still did not find friends among aquarists. Basically, these fish are accustomed to shaded ponds and avoid brightly lit places in the aquarium. For the species aquarium, there are advantages: there are no strong luminaires. And the design must be appropriate.

The genus lamphichthys (Lampnchthus) is represented by only one species, in recent years, however, increasingly gaining popularity: it is the tanganic lumbarchus ( L. tanganicanus). Its name comes from the African lake, where it is found. Males reach a length of 1 0 to 14 cm, and females remain about 2 cm less. Often they write about the special sensitivity of these fish, but from my own experience I can not confirm this. True, certain conditions must be created: the trader should transport large, adult fish separately, otherwise they can easily injure themselves (and this leads to bacterial inflammation), and the owner must provide the fish with a large aquarium. Sexual signs are easy to distinguish (the ratio of males / females should be 1 : 3 or 1 : 4), and therefore reproduction is successful and without special difficulties. They spawn eggs in crevices and crevices, and the female searches for the most suitable for this, pushing the cavity as deeply as possible into Shelter. Further maintenance of juveniles (usually very strong) also does not present a big problem.

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Lampnchthуs tanganicanus

The genus procothopus (Procatopus, synonym: Hylopanchax) includes six species common in West Africa, from Nigeria and Western Cameroon to Gabon. A few representatives of this genus reach a length of 4 to 5 cm, have a characteristic shape of the body and fins and are very similar to each other in a translucent color. The exception in this sense is P. silvestris, whose body is more elongated ; In addition, it occurs in the darkwater biotopes of Zaire (Congo), where the pH is extremely low - up to 5.0, as reported by the researchers (Poll & Lambert, 1965). Procatopus aberrans, along with P. nototaenia, is one of the most famous of the group of these schooling fish; Followed by R. similis. Concerning their content, the same can be said for the genus Aplocheilichthys. To color not fade, you need to provide them with a vitamin-rich feed. None of the known species of genera Picitaplochilus and Hypsopanchax in aquariums have not taken root. Like many other representatives of his family, they appear only on private initiative, if someone brings them himself. Because of the external similarity next to the "fish with luminous eyes" in the publications on aquarium, always mention the rice of the genus orizias (Orizias). But after a special study (Rosen & Parenti) they are referred to the family Adrianichthydae (order Beloniformes).

189.jpg (54290 bytes) Procatopus aberrans
190.jpg (47145 bytes) Orizias celebensis

Viviparous karbozubes, united in one family with spawning fish, but still allocated to the subfamily Roeciliinae , are generally the most famous of aquarium fish. Pecilia, swordfish, guppies of all breeds are certainly the most interesting fishes for beginners, and not only because they are vivacious, but also because of their ability to adapt. Poecillinae is derived from the New World. The sphere of their distribution is from the southern states of the USA, through Central America (including the Caribbean islands) and to Northern Argentina. There they inhabit calm, overgrown with vegetation water bodies. In the aquarium, we must offer them well-established, but not too soft water. Some species originating from the places where the rivers flow into the sea require salt supplements in the water. Sex discrimination in fish of this family is not difficult. Males are adorned with a beautifully colored caudal fin (Roes ili a reticulata), a very high dorsal fin (Roes ili latipinna and P. velitera); Caudal fin elongated in the form of a sword, and in addition they have a special feature - the copulatory organ (gonopodia), clearly discernible in the lower part of the body. This organ is possessed only by viviparous carpophages and semilulae (belonging to a particular family). It is in these species that fertilization takes place within the body of the female: it harbors seeds, and the juveniles are born after a long time after mating with the male. Previously, it was believed that in viviparous species is the transformation of the sexes. But many authors of scientific publications prove that clumsy fishes with a high back (that is, similar to females) are not actually females. However, some time passes before their masculine symptoms are formed, and therefore they do not immediately become capable of procreation; their Even called "late males". And, on the contrary, slender, "masculine" fish with a flat back are called "early males". Since males of different species have the same or very similar gonopodia, they can interbreed with females of the same species. Many aquarists know this from their own experience: firstly, fish of different genera and pure breeds are launched into the aquarium, then there is also a third species - and in a few months the small bastards are cheerfully floating on the aquarium! It was such crosses that gave us amazing new variants of swordsmen, and not only them. In general, the reproduction of viviparous carpophages for lengthening and enlarging the fins is very common. Almost every species has lateral forms. So, for example, we know the Simpsoon swinebred sword- bearer , the most diverse lyre-tailed forms and, of course, the endless forms of the dorsal and caudal fins of the guppy.

Spawning of the car-toothed
187.jpg (48000 bytes) Male fertilizing Poecilia
187 ~ .jpg (35590 bytes) Epiplatus spawns eggs on an external substrate
187 ~~ .jpg (37570 bytes) Pterolebias leaves masonry in the ground

This one - the most famous of aquarium fish! - rich past. Already in 1859 Peeters described this fish called Roesilius reticulata. And the common name of "guppy" fish was due to the one who discovered it: it was the Reverend Robert J.A. Guppies: "Giardinus girpyi". Later, as a result of a whole series of misunderstandings, she again received the name of Roesilius reticulata, " and still the common "Guppy" has been preserved all over the world to this day. Viviparous carpsubes are about 20 genera, which include about 200 species. But these figures refer not only to known species of known genera, but also to many rare species - they are brought extremely rarely or not at all. Not all fish, like the famous ones, can be launched into a common aquarium. Before proceeding to the description of the known species and genera, I will say a few words about those that appear sometimes on sale, but still are widely unknown: Alfaroecret (Alfaro cultratus) - an inhabitant of Central America; There he lives in transparent and fast flowing waters. In general, these fish are quite suitable for keeping in common aquariums, but they are easily traumatized in the event of clashes with neighbors (bacterial inflammation).

191.jpg (56268 bytes) Alfaro cultratus

The belonexox (Belonesox belizanus) is also from Central America. This is a real robber, and for a common aquarium it is hardly intended. The usual live food (and the other does not recognize it !), That is, the larvae of mosquitoes, water fleas, etc., can be fed only the youngest fish. And adults eat such food only in exceptional cases, because they are very happy to devour small fish. Be careful! But the water values ​​do not matter.

192.jpg (66586 bytes) Belonesox belizanus

Fishes of the genus brahirahaphis (Brachyrhaphis) as pets are also not so simple. Therefore, it is better not to run them into a common aquarium. They feel better with a small addition of salt: 2 to 3 teaspoons per 50 liters of water. Reproduction is complicated, because females behave very aggressively towards partners (which means that males should be many !), And in addition, most parents turn out to be cannibals later. Known and imported species: B. cascajalensis, B. episcopi, V. hartwegi, B. rhabdophora, V. terrabensis and others.

193.jpg (35488 bytes) Brachyrhaphis terrabensis

Gambusia (Gambusia) - these are aggressive fish, and therefore in a common aquarium they can (despite the simplicity) contain only with greater restrictions. G. Affinis occurs from the south of the USA; As a "mosquito fish" (coping with invasions of insects) it was transported to all parts of the world, where it has perfectly taken root. This applies not only to Southern Europe, but also to many islands in the southern seas. I even met these fish on Easter Island in the reservoirs formed in the craters. G. Nicaraguensis is prevalent throughout Central America, although other species are found only in Mexico (G. atrora, G. aurata, G. echeagarayi, G. eurystoma, G. marshi, G. panuco, G. regani, G. sexradiata and others); There are also those found on the islands of the Caribbean Sea (G. dominicensis - Haiti / Dominican Republic, G. puncticulata - Cuba, G. wrayi - Jamaica, etc.).

Pale (Priapella compressa) and blue-eyed (P. intermedia) priapella are the only representatives of a kind; They originate from the south of Mexico. There they are found in clear, clear water, generally not very tight. Therefore, salt supplements for these fish are not recommended. They can be kept in a common aquarium, but do not forget that they devour fry and show their tendency to cannibalism at a very young age. Various species of the genus Pecilia, a number of which previously belonged to the genus Mollinesia , now abolished, are still called "molli" by aquarists.

196.jpg (45060 bytes) Priapella intermedia

All kinds of Poecilia love really warm water, but only in no case should it be soft! Therefore, it is recommended to add salt to soft water. Incidentally , species such as P. latipinna and P. velifera have repeatedly been encountered in pure sea water. P. latipinna (broad-crowned pecilia) and P. velifera (high-fineness, parasoplastic, flag) are also sold as variations, most often from South-East Asia; The second is a greenish-blue and a golden-yellow color. But the "black molly," a black breed with a lily tail and without it - is, in all likelihood, a hybrid, in the creation of which participated both R. latipinna and P. sphenops . All species of the named group originate from the southern part of the USA and from the south of Mexico. They feel good only in warm water, at about 26 ° C. The same applies to the species described briefly: P. maylandi, a vital habitat for him-the basin of the Balsas River on the southern edge of the Mexican highlands. Most often these fish are placed in one aquarium with other viviparous. And since not all of them are bully, it is quite possible. Molly is supposed to launch into a densely planted and well-lit aquarium, besides not very small. They do not make any claims to the quality of water, but it should not be too soft. A small addition of salt will improve the health of the fish. And the fish with large fins need the same water as in their native reservoirs and, most importantly, the space for swimming: if there are not enough places in the aquarium, the fins of the males simply can not form an amazing beauty. Fish of these species under ideal conditions reach a length of up to 12 cm.

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Poecilia sulphurarior , male
A beautiful specimen from the group Poecilia- sphenops
197.jpg (83084 bytes) Poecilia velifera, excavated breed

There are already a lot written about guppies ( P oesili a reticulata) . This species, originating from the north of South America, from Central America and from the Caribbean islands, as a result of multiple crossings turned into a real "super-fish." The breeding of its various breeds was facilitated by the association of aquarists engaged in guppies; They also worked out certain rules, according to which fish are evaluated at exhibitions and competitions. Anyone who would like to cultivate guppies and would like to know more about these norms can refer to specialized periodicals. The content of the guppy in the general aquarium does not cause trouble, because there are no special requirements for these fish. Sexual signs are easy to distinguish even in relatively young individuals: males, small and slender, with the onset of puberty are decorated with beautiful and bright fins. The volume of the torso is somewhat larger in females than in males. They are painted in monophonic gray, and in some places their scales are blue or green. The aquarium, in which the guppies are kept, must be densely planted on the edge. If in the same aquarium live scaly or other voracious fish (for example, barbs), then you need to give the young a chance to survive, that is, to provide them with shelter. Guppies are insensitive to water changes, but only it should not be soft. The temperature is about 23 ° C, but sometimes it can go down to 18 ° C. Guppies eat everything: along with live food there is also salad, seaweed, boiled spinach, chopped oatmeal, and, of course, almost all kinds of freeze-dried, fresh-frozen and dry stern.

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Breeds of guppies (from top to bottom):
Left row:
Lower Sword
Two-sided
Flag-coniferous
Veal-tailed or skirt
Bucket
Triangel
Right row
Round-tailed
Needle-tailed
Ostrich
Shovel Tail
Lyrebird
Upper Sword

The genus Xiphophorus (swordfish) is well known to all aquarists. The zone of its spread stretches along the Atlantic coast of Central America, from the north of Mexico, through Guatemala and to the north of Honduras. So far, 16 species have been described, of which only three are known to most aquarists : X. Helleri, X. maculatus, and X. variatus.

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Xiphophorus helleri, flagged form Simpson
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Xiphophorus maculatus, (hybrid form)

To distinguish other species, special knowledge is needed, but still from time to time (mostly on its own initiative) aquarists along with other species bring and X. Alvarezi, X. Cortezi and X. Multilineatus. Unlike their relatives (pecilia), sword bearers do not like hard water, and therefore, when these fish are kept, salt supplements should be discarded. The temperature of the water should also be noticeably less (2-3 ° C) than for I pecilium, that is, from 24 to 27 ° C. This is especially important for fish caught. Those that are bred in the aquarium, usually have already adapted to a lot, and the temperature increase on them does not work much. Reproduction of different species, as a rule, does not amount to labor, and complexities can arise only with X. Nigrensis and X. Pygmaeus, as they usually import fish caught in natural reservoirs.

200.jpg (52897 bytes) Xiphophorus variatus, variation of "Tuxedo"
201.jpg (54516 bytes) Xiphophorus variatus, high-fineness swordbearer
202.jpg (57563 bytes) Xiphophorus alvarezi
203.jpg (73033 bytes) Xiphophorus multilineatus

Many of the species that previously belonged to the genus Platypoecilus (Platypoecilus), now abolished, are now included in the genus Xiphophorus . Nevertheless , in many languages ​​the name "pestiipecilia" (Sword-bearer) is preserved. Today, we know a variety of variations of plytipecily. All these fish originate from the natural form of X. maculatus. The same applies to pecilia. And to them, and to the sword-bearers, which will be discussed below, refers to what was said at the beginning: they have gonopodia of a similar structure and mate with each other. As a result of joining two races, bastards are obtained, occupying common aquariums. Movable and peaceful plytipecili also come from Central America and the surrounding areas. In nature, they grow up to 10 cm in length, and in small aquariums they remain smaller. They like extra vegetarian food, and therefore the aquarium should be densely planted with greens. It happens that these fish develop a wonderful appetite; Most of all they love mosquito larvae, but they gladly eat other food, and even consider dry food as a delicacy.

Heller's simple sword-bearer (X i phophorus helleri) combines all the qualities expected by the aquarist from his pets: juicy color (usually red), special decoration ("sword" in the male), unpretentiousness (eats everything, lives in any water, except at all Soft) and endurance, combined with productivity (lives long and leaves a large offspring). Every fan of aquarium fish can become a real aquarist, containing these fish! Swordsmen Geller, growing to 12 cm (males without a "sword" by a third shorter) are derived from Central America; They were once discovered in Mexico and Guatemala. But in our time they no longer fall into our aquariums directly from natural reservoirs.

Sword-bearers can be kept in domestic tanks along with other fish: they are friendly to them, and to their fellow humans by sight. True, sometimes males begin to fight with each other. The aquarium, where the swordsmen are kept, should not be too small. The length of 60 cm can be considered the lower boundary. The edges of the aquarium should be planted densely. The space for swimming can be divided into separate sections by various stones and driftwood. In the water of medium hardness the swordbands develop better than in the soft one. Their temperament, they can perfectly show at a temperature of 22 to 25 ° C. But it does not hurt at all, if from time to time the temperature of the water in the aquarium will be temporarily lowered by several degrees.

The fruitiness of swordfolders often depends on the size of the female, and therefore small specimens are not ideal for reproduction. Large and adult females can give birth to 160 or more fry. Most often, one active male is enough to fertilize a number of females. But since this fertilization can occur "with a reserve," for an aquarist, productive females are more important than active males. If fry appeared in the aquarium as a result of accidental reproduction, the owner should take care of providing them with enough shelters in the form of small-leaved and bottom-covering plants (moss, some types of cryptocoryn). Since in aquariums viviparous are usually kept together with scalars, it can happen that only a few of the fry will survive: cichlids like to hunt after them.