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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FISH FAMILIES

Single-leaf, Argus, Spray (Monodactylidae, Scatophagidae, Toxotidae)

Representatives of these families often offer us specialized trade, but it should be noted that they are used to living in brackish water . The exception is only Toxotidae, which, at least, the young live in freshwater reservoirs. It is for this reason that adult silver monodactyls (Monodactylus argenteus) sometimes die without any apparent cause; In fact they needed salt in the water. Two species of Monodactylus argenteus are known, which can be kept for some time in fresh water.

Monodactylus argenteus

Single-fingered people are not just used to brackish water: they are found in areas of pure sea water. But the juveniles of this species in pet stores offer fresh water in the water. There they can hold out until they reach the size of a large coin, and in this stage of growth they need to add a little salt water. If fish do not get it "by pinch", then they die, - when they reach the value of two large coins. The Argus are also inhabitants of the coastal zones of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, and because it is believed to have become accustomed to brackish water. They inhabit the delta of rivers, where fresh water is mixed with sea water. Their size is up to 30 cm; They live in flocks and feed mainly on plants. Since they can consume green food in very large quantities, and this is due to their metabolism and digestion and does not contribute to the purity of aquarium water, it is therefore necessary to stock up a powerful filter.

Species - speckled (Scathophagus argus) and red-spin (S. rubrifrons) arguments are the most famous representatives of their family. The dorsal fin is bifurcated, and they differ mainly in the type of mottled pattern. They should be kept in an aquarium with a size of 100 cm, decorated with roots and driftwood. Salt is recommended.

	Scathophagus rubrifrons
	Scathophagus argus

From the family Bryzgunovy our aquarists know only two species (olive squirrel , Toxotes chatereus and arrow fish, T. jaculatrix). They may be interesting as pets, but in order that they can fully display their "art of shooting", they should be kept in a "shore aquarium", that is, in a reservoir where, in addition to the water part, there is a particle of land. In general, there are big costs associated with this, and therefore these fish are kept only in demonstration tanks.

Toxotidae - fish, accustomed to a mixture of fresh and sea water; They live in the coastal zones of India and Southeast Asia, including the Sunda Islands. Their "art of shooting" is that they shoot a stream of water in insects sitting on leaves or branches above the water. Toxotidae most often inhabit mangrove swamps in coastal zones, where everything is teeming with insects - their prey. If you want an attempt to keep them in the aquarium is a success, you need to provide them with a large area of ​​reservoir with a small number of green spaces and free space for swimming. Young people still know how to adapt to fresh water, and adults, on the contrary, are too sensitive. The addition of salt should be 3 teaspoons per 10 liters of water. The water temperature is from 25 to 28 ° C. These fish are not omnivorous at all ; For good health they need as feed insects (crickets, cockroaches, flies and grasshoppers), which must be launched on the surface of the water. They do not always treat a fish peacefully. It is recommended to partially replace water from time to time.