How does polypterus senegalus/cuvier's bichir Breeds? what is their breeding behaviour?
The Process of Breeding is not so common in these large species of fish. Normally the male will chase the female for several hours in the spawning mop or else a bushy area. She then deposits several weakly-adhesive eggs at a time either at one go or else two or three times. Preferably remove the parents as they might eat the fry when hatched. The Fry will be rather small for the size they go. After some days they will eventually start eating anything they find. It is wise thing to separate the young into small containers as they grow, to avoid them eating each other, because as I said before anything is food. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>>
Can I cross-breed my Cuvier and armoured bichir?
I have never actually tried to cross breed bichirs and I am not into it either. Neither did I hear of anyone that actually managed to cross breed such species. I would not suggest that you do such thing. The reason being is that it might be a total waste of time because it is already very difficult to create a good breeding environment for such big fish let alone cross breed. Apart from that if you manage you might end up with a sterile of mal-figured specimen or just a hybrid. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>>
I have a 64 litre aquarium I have 3 ramirezi and about 5 kribensis I breed the kribensis and saw them with there parents now I don’t see them I thing that the fish eat the fry what I will do if they breed again?
First of all try to provide more shelter to your fish and fry. Once a pair of Kribensis has formed they will breed several times. Some options you try are to separate the couple to a breeding tank and keep them there. Another option would be to remove the fry as soon as they are free swimming. You may try siphoning them out, but be extra careful on how to do this so as not to stress the fry and the parents. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
Can you tell me how to breed Kribensis?
The Kribensis (Pelvicachromis Pulcher) are beautiful fish. They will readily breed in both a breeding tank as well as your community tank. Sexing is particular easy; Females usually have a brighter red belly, rounder in shape and smaller, whilst males will be longer and have taller fins. One interesting thing about Kribensis is that if you put a female and male in a tank, in time they will breed. They do not actually need to pair off (although this is suggested). You will notice that the female is ready and full of eggs because of her red coloured belly as well as showing off to other tank mates.
Usually when breeding Kribensis I put them into a breeding tank (About 20-30litres) with a good amount of gravel say 5-8cm. I would put the temperature between 26-28 Degrees Celsius, pH 6.8-7.2 and decorate the tank with some plants but most importantly 1 or 2 pots put sideways or upside down. It will be here where the eggs will be attached and fry raised. Then I would add the Pair. I will leave them for some days and then add what are called dither fish. The latter are simply small shoal fish that are used as a decoy. (These fish need to be preferably small fast moving fish such as danios, tetras or small barbs). Fortunately the pair will breed. You will notice that for a week or so the female will disappear and the male will be always outside guarding. From this time onwards the dither fish are a key into successfully keeping the couple and fry alive. The Kribensis male will defend his territory against any type of intruder, meaning that this could also be the female. The dither fish are a decoy to keep the male busy whilst the female takes care of the fry. The female will come out from under the pot with the fry. I would feed newly hatched Brine shrimps until they grow a good size and then continue or small foods such as crushed flake or daphnia. Do not overfeed though. Small quantities several times every day should do the trick. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
Is it possible to use water from where I had soaked a bogwood which has turned brown to induce breeding for Siamese fighting fish?
Although the natural colour of the water is tan and sometimes even dark brown, I would not suggest that you use that water to induce breeding. From our experience all persons that bred Siamese Fighters always used clear water. Something that you reflect on is that when soaked the bogwood it removes that brown colour and leeches slowly the chemicals that the tree/shrub used to utilise to survive. These chemicals might be harmful to the fish but with regular water changes they are not traceable. In your case these chemicals (some beneficial and some harmful) will be at a concentrated level and might harm your fish. Saying this not all aquatic wood leach chemicals. I hope that the answer was to your satisfaction. You may use the water for plants. It is actually a very good means to recycle your tank water. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
How can I prevent fish tuberculosis (Mycobacterium) in my tank?
Mycobacterium causes a chronic disease in freshwater and marine fish often resulting in significant losses. Infected fish have signs similar to that of other diseases requiring confirmation by histological analysis, bacterial culture, or genetic identification. Since there is no known treatment for infected fish, depopulation is often required to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to other culture systems or facilities. Preventative measures including quarantining new fish shipments and sick animals, using good culture management practices, and dedication to sanitation are especially important for culture facilities. Mycobacteria in general have a thick, waxy-like cell wall which makes them more resistant to many common disinfecting agents. Several commercial disinfectants are effective and should be used regularly to sterilize harvesting equipment and culture systems. Product labels should be closely followed and safety precautions taken prior to use. UV light can be an effective tool in all systems and can be used to treat incoming water and facility effluent. Another important consideration with certain aquatic mycobacteria is their ability to cause persistent skin infections in humans. It is important to keep open wounds away from infected water and fish, to use gloves and to wash with antibacterial soap. Attention to proper sanitation practices can be the best defence to this troublesome and persistent disease. min Charles Grima<<Lura>>
Good day! I would like to ask for an advice about my Senegal Bichir because I think it has ich. I want to know the safe medication for my bichir because it is sensitive to ordinary medication available in the pet shop. I'll appreciate your help, thanks
A good effective method is to raise the temperature a bit higher. That normally should do it. Apart from that I do not think that the Senegal Bichir or any other Bichir are sensitive actually they are very hardy and strong fish and can withstand almost everything. In fact even when they jump out of the water and die it is not because they suffocate but because they just dry out. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>>
I have a Polypterus Delhezi (armoured Bichir) just died 2 days ago it's shocking cause it is still young and I've never seen a bichir suffer to death, the body is half paralyzed and it is having a hard time to swim to the water surface to gulp air until his whole body got paralyzed and died. I'm just wondering what killed my fish and how can I prevent it? Does it have a cure? Your site is really helpful thank...
This is an aggressive fish and needs a big aquarium and no other fish to be kept with him, from what you are saying I can only imagine that such fish swallowed a cat fish or some kind of fish with spines am I correct when I say that you had some fish with him and you didn't find them please correct me if I am wrong, please reply as soon as possible. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
I have a young polypterus delhezi (armored, barred bichir)about 3.5 in. I noticed that he lost one of its tubular nostrils and im scared that it will die and won't eat can it grow back again?
The Bichir Family Fish are very hardy and tolerant fish. They can withstand most conditions in which other fish cannot. I am pretty sure that your fish will have his tubular nostril back and eating in no time. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>>
What is the best food to feed discus? Is there anything in particular that I can give them to help them grow?
I would suggest the Following: Tropical d-50 plus, Blood worms, Tropical astacolor, Tropical discus gran and ooccasional beef heart. min Martin Vassallo <<Lura>>
For the culture of microworms, can I use porridge oats??
I never used porridge oats for my micro worms but I do not exclude the possibility that it will work as well. I always used either weathabicks or all bran of 'Kellogs' or 'Quaker'. min Charles Grima u Martin Vassallo <<Lura>>
Can anyone help me in obtaining a micro worm starter culture? last year I had great results when feeding them to my greedy kio fry for the first week and silly me didn’t keep the culture going. any help would be greatly appreciated.
A Micro worm starter culture can be very tedious to obtain. The best and easiest way to obtain one is from a friend or a member of some society that has enough to give you some. From there you may start your own culture. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
Does an armoured bichir accept sinking pellets, because mine is not interested? Can it also eat beef liver and chunk tuna?
An Armoured Bichir along with the other species of the Bichir family will eat almost everything. It is rather uncommon that it does accept sinking pellets. Yes it can eat Beef Liver and Chunk Tuna but a good balanced diet is best. Do not feed a lot of beef heart and beef liver though because it is very high in nutrients and carbohydrates. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>>
Why is it that I am finding it difficult to get a very crystal clear water, I have a 150lt aquarium a good quality filter which I have just put new ceramic new charcoal and new wool, I have also used crystal clear liquid and I am not over feeding. I change approx 25% of water every week by vacuuming the bottom. Thanks in advance
Once all the filtering media is new you have to wait until they mature, so that the bacteria will have the time to break those small particles and don't worry they will vanish from your tank, never make water change and filter cleaning at the same time and the ceramic cylinders do not change them, they are meant for life. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
Hello, I am interested in setting up a marine aquarium with local species of fish and some crustaceans. I was going to use my existing freshwater aquarium (Jebo 55 gallon). I was wondering if the size is adequate or if it needs to be bigger. Also I would like to ask what equipment I would need to buy, as all I have is the current freshwater set up (heater, filter etc.).
All aquariums are suitable for local marine set up but keep it in mind that the bigger the better. The equipment you have is good too but you need to keep the aquarium cool so you need a cooling system or you have to keep them in an air conditioned room. Once you keep them cool, why not giving them a try, the smaller the fish the better survival. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
Hello, I’m writing because I have a problem with my aquarium. This winter I was given two small fish but in a few months they grew to about seven or eight inches,
My problem is the water. I clean it and after three days it gets cloudy and yellowish, it never happened before I had these two fishes, they eat a lot. Can you help please?
From what you have described, your tank is too small for the two fish that you have. Although I cannot be certain from this because I would need to know what species are the fish, what are the dimensions of your aquarium? Apart from this you mentioned when you clean it. Do you mean actually removing all the water and putting in new water or just doing a partial water change (maybe 10-40% of the water is changed)? If you actually clean the tank and change the water completely than that is normal and is what is called the new tank syndrome. If this is not the case then most probably your tank is too small to house those fish, but more information is needed to confirm this. min Charles Grima<<Lura>>
I'm planning to have a pair of Ornate Bichir in my 55 gallon tank, Do you think the tank capacity will be fine with my Bichir? What should I expect with my bichir and what special needs should I give my Ornate? thanks.
There are no special needs for the Ornate Bichir it simply need a good filtration system and good amount of food. As Regards the size of your tank, for the time being it will be fine but as the fish grows which I can assure you it will, the tank will be become a little small for both the Ornate Bichir to stay in. I would suggest a 65-75 Gallon tank in which you can easily house the fish and even 1 or 2 other species. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>>
ma nafx ser nazel hut al aquarium tieghi 600 litres volume bejn Oscars jew Malawi tuni hjiel nixtieq hut li jikber u li jkollu l frieh
Hemm diversi hut li jikbru fid-daqs u jipproducu l-frieh. Xi ftit Ezempji minn dawn huma: Oscars, Uara, Flower Horn, Severum, Golden u Green Maidas cichlid, Green Terror, Red Devils u Managuense. Kieku kont minnek infittex daqsxejn fuq l-internet ghal ritratti ta' dawn il-hut biex tkun tista tiehu ideja ahjar. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
Does anybody know from were I can get a good pair of Pure Japanese Koi??? Also from were I can buy Nishikoi food?
You can get what you wish only from Japan in Malta you cannot or else you will import them from Italy but what you are asking for is a fortune. With regards the Nishikoi food you can buy them from the club only. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
I have an 18" clownknife in a 55 gallon tank and two 8" Senegal bichirs in a 20 gallon tank I'm wondering if I can mix my clown knife and bichirs in my 55 gal. but im scared that my clownknife will bully to death my bichirs because they are still small?
Yes you can mix the Clownknife with the Bichirs. Just keep in mind to provide some escape routes and hideouts for the Bichirs just in case. It is true that your Senegal Bichir are still juveniles but they will eventually adapt to the environment and co-exist with the Clownknife apart from the fact that the Senegal Bichirs are a bit tempered fish and though they seem quite they can get easily aggressive especially during feeding time. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>>
Tistghu tghiduli min fejn nista` nixtri guppies breeded profesionally (not like those in a pet shop) I would like to buy them from a breeder in your society.
Generalment f’kull laqgha ikollni xi hut ghal bejqgh minghand membri stess. Dawn ikunu hut ta kwalita tajba u aparti minn hekk ikunu imdorrijien f’ilma Malti. Mill-ewwel pagna tista ticcekja meta hija l-laqgha li jmiss u hemmhekk issib diversi dillettanti fuq guppies. min Charles Grima <<Lura>>
Ghandi bzonn imformazzjoni u stampa tal-Buzaqq, huta nazzjonali ta Malta. Grazzi.
L-ahjar informazzjoni li tista issib qedha fis-sezzjoni fuq il-klabb, Hemm sezzjoni fuq il-Buzaqq. min Nigel Chetcuti <<Lura>> |