Aquarium fish: description, care, and photos

A small, brightly colored, peaceful fish, the goatfish is one of the most beloved and popular fish among aquarists. It makes a stunning addition to any aquarium and is suitable for all types of water bodies. Its affordability, small size, and low maintenance make it easy for even novice aquarium fish enthusiasts to breed goatfish.

Laliuses: photos, descriptions, and species

The homeland of this species of aquarium fish is Bangladesh, India, PakistanThey are currently widespread in the waters of Colombia, the USA and Singapore.

Gelatin fish inhabit lakes, ponds, irrigation canals, slow-moving streams, and even rice fields. In the wild, they are omnivorous and feed on plankton, fry, insects, and their larvae. These fish can even hunt insects flying above the water. When scanning for prey, the gelatin fish pauses near the surface, and as soon as it spots an insect, it knocks it into the water by spitting a stream of water at it.

Gelatin fish were introduced to Europe in 1869, where they became popular aquarium fish. Large-scale imports of this fish by German companies only began in 1903.

Varieties

Exists several species of gobies, but the most popular among aquarists are the following:

1. The Neon Red is a selectively bred fish distinguished by its vibrant red coloration. They have gained popularity for their dwarf size, peaceful nature, vibrant coloration, and low maintenance requirements. Neon Reds grow to 6-7 cm in length, have an oval body, and a blue dorsal fin. These fish prefer abundant vegetation and can even coexist with aggressive fish of other species.
2. The cobalt species is a selectively bred, dwarf-sized schooling fish. They grow to only 6 cm in length and have a laterally compressed oval body. Males have a pointed body. These fish are distinguished by their cobalt-blue iridescent coloration, which can take on a different hue in different lighting. The elongated fins of cobalt individuals resemble threads. They can be housed with various small fish in the same aquarium.
3. The Colisa lalia (Lalius) is a very small fish, reaching no more than 5-6 cm in length. Males are larger, have a blue iridescent coloration, and elongated dorsal and anal fins. Females have rounded fins. Red and bluish-green stripes run along the entire body, extending to the fins. The stripes of females are paler than those of males.

In artificial reservoirs with good and proper care Laliuses live from 4 to 5 years.

Features of maintenance and care

Laliuses prefer to stay near the surface of the water and can be kept in small aquariums. A 10-liter tank is sufficient for a single specimen, but for a school of fish, an artificial pond of approximately 40 liters is preferable. This volume allows them to hide more easily. Therefore, algae should float on the surface of the water for the fish to rest under. In principle, the entire aquarium can be densely planted.

Fish breathe atmospheric oxygen., so the water and air temperatures must be the same. A large temperature difference can negatively affect their labyrinth apparatus. The preferred water temperature is between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius. The aquarium should be equipped with filtration, but avoid strong currents, which can make goliaths uncomfortable.

This fish species is very shy and dislikes fuss and loud noises, so it's recommended to place the artificial pond in a quiet location. Males constantly fight among themselves, so it's best to keep one male and several females. Several males can be kept together, but only in a large, planted tank.

Feeding

Lalius are omnivorous, so they can be fed dry, frozen, artificial, and live foods. Since they feed at the surface of the water, flake foods can be their main diet. Live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and corethra can be given as a supplement.

Fish are prone to overeating, which can lead to obesity. They should not be overfed, and a fasting day should be scheduled once a week.

Males and females

The sexes of goliaths vary greatly. Males can grow up to 7.5-9 cm, while the length of the female does not exceed 6 cmMales are brightly colored and have vertical blue and red stripes. Females, on the other hand, have scales of a simple silvery hue. Males and females also differ in their fins. Males have elongated anal and dorsal fins. Females are more timid and have a fuller abdomen.

Compatibility

Goliaths can live with other fish in the same aquarium, but with some restrictions. Since this fish is quite shy, it's best to keep them as the main inhabitant in a small aquarium. The most preferred neighbors are:

• some species of barbs;
• analysis;
• small carp and characins;
• rainbowfish;
• some species of catfish and tetras.

In a large artificial pond, gourami and other fish species, including dwarf cichlids and gouramis, can be added to the gourami tank. Be careful when choosing tankmates for small fish, as larger, aggressive specimens may simply eat them.

It's best not to keep goliaths with other labyrinth fish species. Keeping them close to male bettas and guppies can cause aggression, making the fish very skittish. When adding tankmates, it's recommended to keep the aquarium fairly small. plant densely with various plants.

Breeding and propagation

Once the goliaths reach 4-5 cm in length, they reach sexual maturity. They breed in a separate tank, which should hold at least 40 liters. The aquarium should be filled with only 15 cm of water to ensure the fry survive while their labyrinth apparatus develops. Soft water with a neutral pH is best. The spawning tank should be filled with live, small-leaved plants. To purify the water, the tank should be equipped with a small, gentle filter.

Malkam warm, moist air is neededFor these purposes, the aquarium is covered with glass or film on top. Otherwise, the labyrinth organ may take much longer to develop.

Before spawning, the pair is fed intensively for a period of time and only then separated. Their diet should include live and frozen food. Once the female becomes plump, she is moved. After about a week, the female should become accustomed to her new habitat, and then the male can be introduced. This is best done at night.

When conditions are favorable, the male begins to build a nest, creating a foam structure on the water's surface using plant material. At the same time, he actively attempts to attack the female. Therefore, the spawning tank must be equipped with vegetation and various hiding places.

Aggression toward the female disappears once the nest is completed. The female immediately assumes a dominant role. She touches the male with her muzzle, strokes him with her belly, and swims beneath the nest.

Like all labyrinths, laliuses spawn under the nestAt this time, the male embraces the female with his body, slightly squeezing her. Sperm and eggs begin to be released simultaneously. As fertilization progresses, the individuals become very lethargic and eventually separate. The female sinks to the bottom, and the eggs rise to the nest. The male collects and places any eggs that don't reach the nest. Spawning is repeated as many times as necessary until the female's reserves are completely depleted.

Once spawning is complete, the male guards the nest. It's best to remove the female immediately. The incubation period lasts about 36 hours. During this time, the nest gradually collapses and the fry hatch. As soon as they begin to swim, the male is removed from the spawning tank.

The fry are kept at the required temperature and fed with paramecium for the first few days. After some time, the fry transfer to brine shrimp and microwormsFeeding should be done several times a day, until the fry's belly is visibly full. It's not uncommon for fry to die of starvation in the first few days of life. Once they reach one centimeter in length, they can be fed flake food.

When keeping fry, it's recommended to ensure they don't eat each other. Some individuals can grow much faster than their brothers and eat smaller fry. To prevent this, the fry are sorted by size and placed in separate tanks.

Diseases and prevention

Unpretentious fish can suddenly become ill and even die. Poor living conditions, stressful situations, and feeding errors can negatively impact the health of aquarium inhabitants.

Various harmful bacteria can cause diseases that manifest themselves in the appearance of spots on the fish's body. dark spots, an increase in the size of the abdomen, and bloody discharge. Furunculosis causes darkening of the color and reddening of the pectoral fins. Pseudomonas spp. is characterized by an enlarged abdomen and crumbling scales.

Fish diseases are usually treated by raising the water temperature, using various solutions, and special medications. A huge number of fish diseases can be cured with the help of favorable conditions of detention aquarium. These include:

• properly prepared water;
• regular cleaning;
• maintaining the required water temperature;
• good aeration.

A complex feeding ration, which will include minerals and vitamins, will increase the immunity of fish to various diseases.

Their vibrant colors, low maintenance, and easy breeding make red, cobalt, and other species attractive aquarium fish. By placing them alongside friendly tankmates of various colors, you can admire the captivating beauty and life of these inhabitants in your artificial pond.