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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FISH FAMILIES

Cinderella (Cobitidae)

The fish species described below belong to the family of the Cub itidae. Benthic schooling fishes of the genus acanthophthalmus (Acanthophthalmus) are sometimes called "thorn-eyed". One of the most common species in aquaria is the semi - band acantophthalmus ( A. semicinctus). The final length of these fish (as, indeed, of other species, for example, A. kuhlii or A. myersi) is 8 cm. They come from Southeast Asia. Their eyes, armed with sharp infraorbital spines, can be seen at dusk; During the day, fish usually hide in their shelters . If the lighting in your aquarium is regulated, you can to some extent manage their activity. In the design of the aquarium it is good to use organic materials (wood), but you can also organize stony grottoes, taking for this a breed containing not too much lime. A soft and dark bottom will simulate for These fish are native tropical ponds. Therefore it is recommended to plant the aquarium, at least along the edge, well rooted and dense plants. Acantophthalmums like soft water (not above 10 ° dH) and temperature from 24 to 28 ° C. They are omnivorous. They are afraid of bright light and therefore do not tolerate direct illumination: it is recommended to cover the water mirror with floating plants. Picking up the composition for the aquarium, we have to attach to the loach ones not bottom fish, but those that live in the upper layers of the water.

Acanthophthalmus semicinctus

Tiger Botsia (Botia hymenophysa) is very common in Southeast Asia. In the aquarium these fishy fish can only be combined with phlegmatic. In large tanks, they reach a length of 20 cm, although it takes a long time to do this: they do not grow quickly. Hot fans of the loach would undoubtedly be interested in arranging a special aquarium for them. It should be more spacious than high and at least in part remind them of a running creek. For this purpose, it is advisable to make an aquarium special at home. A thin (and well insulated) asbestos-cement plate can be glued to the back wall of the vessel and decorated with chunks of roots and stones that can serve as a haven for fish. In nature, the bottom soil is almost always washed away under the roots, so that the fish may well be hiding there. Therefore, do not put roots directly on the bottom, but rather lay out next to them slices of slate layers, and then clefts between them will become wonderful shelters for fish. If you lubricate aquarium walls with artificial resin, then the pond will appear deeper. In addition, such a wall will not reflect light. Water in the aquarium for loach should be replaced every 3 to 4 weeks. These fish feel good at a temperature of 24 to 28 ° C. Do not put them together with smaller pets. Botia-clown (Botia macracantha) grows to the same size. It is very popular, although it does not belong to the number of inexpensive fish. Clowns grow slowly and are not always hardy. The water should be soft, up to 12 ° dH; You need to replace it often. Too light aquarium is not good. When there are many shelters in it, the fish hide in them for days on end. They treat each other very peacefully to each other ; Beginners usually get accustomed quickly. In the rest, almost all the same things refer to this species, which was said about V. hymenophysa.

Botia hymenophysa

Botia macracantha

In addition to these, probably, the most beautiful fish of the genus Botia aquarists are familiar and a number of other species. As pets, they are always very interesting, although their activity comes along with twilight. First of all, here is the Choria's botship (B.horae). Until its usual length ( 1 0 cm) in an aquarium, it usually does not grow. This peaceful moustached fish loves soft water (up to medium-hard) and the temperature in the bottom part of the aquarium does not exceed 26 ° C. The speckled botsia ( B. berdmorei) reaches the same length and shows the owner the same requirements as the fish of the last of the named species. With its outstretched snout and an elongated body, it somewhat resembles a tiger's body. Its main color is ocher-brown, and the tip of the dorsal fin is decorated with reddish spots. Bluish Botsia ( B. Modesta) is similar in behavior and size to previous species; It needs to be kept in the same conditions. Body coloring is generally gray, but depending on the It can acquire bluish or greenish shades. All fins except the dorsal are transparent. And, finally, it is necessary to name the zebrafire ( B. striata). It grows up to 12 cm in length and differs from other species in intense and clear colors. Fish of this species, relatively new for aquarism, are also active during the day. They are very suitable as inhabitants of a special aquarium for loach. The main color of their body is a deep black color. And against this background, extending to the bottom, there are narrow golden yellow Cross strips, and between them thin, filiform and wavy transverse lines of the same color. Transparent fins have a slightly yellowish tinge and a pattern of black dots.

A crumb in the loach can be considered a mesh botsia ( B. sidthimunki). Its length does not exceed 4 cm. The females are more rounded and have a strong abdominal part. Figures on the trunk can be very diverse: from the "cell" from dark spots to uneven longitudinal bands. Mesh bots are also active during the day. They develop well even in not very large aquariums (about 60 cm). But keep them better in the species aquarium. True, if the aquarium is really big, then they can be combined with fish living in the upper layers of the water. The aquarium can be designed in the same way as for the fish described above. With regard to feed, these Thai guests take in principle everything that is offered to aquarium fish of this size. Water can be from mild to medium-hard, and its temperature is from 24 to 28 ° C. Partial water replacement should be done regularly.

Botia Sidthimunki

And, finally, let's call the last, the largest representative of the family of the loaches: it is a long acanthopis (Acanthopsis choirorhynchos), inhabiting Southeast Asia. Fish of this species reach a length of 18 cm, but grow slowly. They are active at night; They dig a lot of soil, sometimes digging up weakly rooted or small plants. You need to take this into account when decorating the aquarium. Water should be soft, and its temperature - no higher than 26 ° C.

Acanthopsis choirorhynchos