Aquatic Care

About Electric Blue Ram's.

Electric Blue Ram's also known as German Blue Ram's or Mikrogeophagus Ramirez are a type of tropical fresh water fish. Known for the distinctive colour and striking appearance. Belonging to the Dwarf Ram Cichlid Family.

Originating in Colombia and Venezuela.

Features.

Approx. Size; 0.5-1"/1.2-2.5cm.

Origin; Colombia and Venezuela.

Family; Dwarf Ram Cichlid Family. 

Temperament; Friendly/Easy going.

Lighting; Low.

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 5.5-7.

Ideal Temperature; 25-30°C.

Ideal Waterflow; Low to Moderate.

Ease of Care.

Electric Blue Ram's are relatively difficult to keep healthy, so there are quite a lot factors you need to think of which is keeping the water conditions as best they can be and keep them on a varied diet so they are getting the right nutriments and not being fed the same thing all the time. 

Diet. 

Electric Blue Ram's main diet will consist of tropical fish flake but like a lot of other things too. it is good to give them a variety as this provides different nutrients which means they will be healthy for longer. These include Insects, Live or frozen foods like Bloodworm or Brine shrimp. They will also have a nibble on any plant matter which is handy to keep your tank clean.

Compatibility. 

Electric Blue Ram's can coexist with other peaceful community species, these include Neon Tetra's, Mollies, Swordtails and Guppies as these are all easy going fish which is good as they should all get along.

Breeding/Sex. 

 When sexing Electric Blue Ram's it can be quite difficult when young. But when they are matured enough to be able to tell the difference the main sign is dorsal fins and body shape. Males tend to be a lot slender in body shape as well as have pointer dorsal fins. Whereas females will have larger plumped bellies as well as rounder dorsal fins.

 Lifespan.

On average Electric Blue Ram's will live between 3-4 years only if the water conditions are correct and they are well looked after and maintained otherwise they will live a lot shorter.

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About Blue Rainbow Fish.

Blue Rainbow Fish also known as Axelrodi Rainbow Fish are a popular species of tropical fish known for it's distinctive blue colour. Belonging to the Melanotaeniinae Family.

Originating in Papua New Guinea. 

Features.

Approx. Size; 2-4"/5-10cm.

Origin; Papua New Guinea.

Family; Melanotaeniinae.

Temperament; Peaceful.

Lighting; Moderate.

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 6-7.5

Ideal Temperature; 24-28°C.

Ideal Waterflow; Moderate.

Ease of Care.

Blue Rainbow Fish are very easy to care for. They are a very peaceful and love living together. They can tolerate a range of water conditions. The only main time they can be difficult to look after is during breeding season where males will become territorial so its best to have a larger tank with more hiding spots to avoid fighting.

Diet.

 Blue Rainbow fish will eat just about anything you give them but that does not mean you can just give them anything. Blue Rainbow's need a well rounded diet and because they are omnivores this means they will eat plants and live food. This includes Micro-pellets, small insects, normal fish flake, Baby Brine-Shrimp, very small Blood-worm and Glass Worms.

Compatibility.

Blue Rainbow Fish are very peaceful and love living in communities of other fish as well as a school of 6 of themselves. peaceful tank mates include angel fish although they can be aggressive so its best to see from where you buy your fish how aggressive there angel fish are, Barbs are a very peaceful tank mate and also have lovely colours bringing each others colours out. Corydora's Catfish are good because they live mostly at the bottom of the tank and Blue Rainbows usually occupy the middle to top of the tank. 

Breeding/Sex.

Sexing Blue Rainbow Fish is relatively easy as males during breeding season will display more vibrant colours, if unsure when buying them the best way to check is if the first dorsal fin is touching or past the second you are most likely looking at a male but this is hard to tell when younger.

Lifespan.

On average Blue Rainbow Fish will live 5-8 years some aquarists have said they have had them live up to 15 years but this is a very rare case.

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About Pearlscale Fantail's.

Pearlscale Fantails also known as Ping-Pong Pearlscale or Golfball Pearlscale is a popular Cold fresh water species known for its unique shape. Belonging to the Cyprinidae Family.

Originating in Japan.

Features.

Approx. Size; 5-8"/12-30cm.

Origin; Japan

Family; Cyprinidae.

Temperament; Peaceful.

Lighting; Low to Moderate.

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 6.5-7.5

Ideal Temperature; 18-22°C.

Ideal Waterflow; Moderate.

Ease of Care.

Pearlscale Fantail's are a more sensitive species of fancy goldfish due to their unique shape which is prone for a disease called swim bladder which you do not want. As well as the water conditions need to be kept on top of and maintained which means these species is best to stay away from as a beginner as this is something that takes experience and knowledge so best to do research and maybe have a trial tank to see if this is something possible you can do.

Diet.

Pearlscale Fantail's are mainly fed a high quality pellet food - it is best for these to be sinking pellets as this helps with not taking to much oxygen which can cause swim bladder, they also like blanched vegetables but this should not be given to often and should be given as a treat. It is also best to avoid overfeeding as this can cause various health issues that may not be able to be treated as well as make the water conditions bad. 

Compatibility.

Pearlscale Fantails as well as most species of fancy goldfish are slow-moving so it is advised to keep them with other slow moving fish so that they are not being competitive for food. these include Blackmoors, Ranchu's and other fantails. 

Breeding/Sex.

When sexing Pearlscales Males usually develop brighter and more vibrant colours as well as during breeding season they will get little white dots(tubercles) on the head and gills whereas the females will not develop this and also wont be as bright and vibrant in colours. 

Lifespan.

On average even though they are prone to swim bladder and other diseases the can live up to 15 years.

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About Assassin Snail's

Assassin Snail's also known as The Killer Snail or Clea Helena are a species of fresh water snail known for their ability to kill of pest snails. Belonging to the Nassariidae Family.

Originating in Southeast Asia

Features.

Approx. Size; 1"/2.5cm.

Origin; Southeast Asia.

Family; Nassariidae.

Temperament; Peaceful(not to other snails)

Lighting; Low to Moderate.

Water Condition.

Ideal PH; 7-8.

Ideal Temperature; 20-27°C.

Ideal Waterflow; Moderate.

Ease of Care.

Assassin Snails for the majority of the time are not difficult. They can thrive without much care. As long as they are given a varied diet and the water conditions are how they are meant to be they are pretty easy to care for.

Diet.

Assassin Snails are carnivores which means their diet will not consist of algae or plants. They mostly feed on dead particles of other fish as well as any meaty left overs like old fish food. The also love live food this can include any pesky snails you do not want in your tank and live worms as long as they unable to escape.

Compatibility.

For the most part Assassin Snails will get on with most fish but it is best to stay away from species that see them as food. it is also best to stay away from smaller more vulnerable snails as they will be aggressive towards them hence the name "Assassin Snail". It is also advised to keep similar species that are on a similar diet. These include Neon Tetras, Corydora's Catfish, Guppies. Angel Fish and Cherry Barb's.

Breeding/Sex.

With sexing Assassin Snail's the do have sexes but it is pretty much impossible to tell by appearance alone.

Breeding Assassin Snail's is relatively easy as the parents will not eat the babies so thats one less thing to worry about. The best way to breed Assassin Snails is to put around 6 or more in a tank this has a more success than just 2. A change in behaviour will be very noticeable. The female will then lay eggs on a hard surface like the glass of the tank it then takes around a month for them to hatch and bury themselves in the substrate until big enough to be able to move and live freely with others. 

Lifespan.

On average Assassin Snail's will live up to 3 years diet and water conditions play a big role in this. 

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About Bumblebee Goby's.

The Bumblebee Goby also known as Bumblebee Dwarf Goby or Brachygobius Doriae. Is popular for its tiny size and stunning appearance. Belonging to the Gobiidae Family.

Originating in Indonesia.

Features.

Approx. Size; 1-1.5"- 2.5-3.8cm.

Origin; Indonesia 

Family; Gobiidae.

Temperament; Peaceful

Lighting; Moderate.

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 7.5-8.5.

Ideal Temperature; 22-28°C

Ideal Waterflow; Low to Moderate.

Ease of Care.

Bumblebee Goby's are hardy little fish that does not require any special care or treatment which makes it easy for beginners but they do require clean water and well oxygenated tanks.

Diet.

Bumblebee goby's diet mainly consists of fish flake or pellets as well as live food like bloodworm and brine shrimp. they also like small little aqaurium invertebrates.

Compatibility.

Bumblebee Goby's are very peaceful fish and get on well with non-aggressive fish. It is also best to try and have tank mates that have similar water perimeters as this helps not worrying about different ph and things. These include Small Tetras, Dwarf catfish and Rasbora's.

Breeding/Sex.

The Male Bumblebee goby will swim in and out of a cave of his choice and try and make a healthy and ready female enter it which then she will lay eggs which the male will quickly come and fertilize.

The best way to tell male and female is to actually sit and watch it will be very clear who is who. Males generally tend to stay put and hide whereas females are usually perched on the glass or on leaves. But there is a few other ways you can tell the difference. Males have larger heads and also tend to be larger in size but this not always the case.

Lifespan.

Bumblebee Goby's unfortunately do not live as long as some other fish on average they life up to 3 years some aquarists have said they had some live 4 but this is very rare. 

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About Blackmoor's.

The Black moor Goldfish is a variant of the Telescope Goldfish so can often be referred to as Telescope fish this is because of their protruding pair of eyes but mostly known and referred to as Black moors. Belonging to the Cyprinidae Family.

Originating in China.

Features.

Approx. Size; 6-8"/15-20cm.

Origin; China 

Family; Cyprinidae. 

Temperament; Calm.

Lighting; Moderate(try to avoid direct sunlight as this will create algae)

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 6.5-7.5.

Ideal Temperature; 18-20°C.

Ideal Waterflow; Moderate.

Ease of Care.

Blackmoors are not difficult to look after, they are classed as easy to moderate to look after. just keep on top of the water as they like clean water and make sure the water conditions are kept on top of as well as a varied diet. it is best to ensure no sharp décor or gravel to avoid eye injuries.

Diet.

Blackmoor's diet mostly consists of sinking pellets this is to ensure that they do not get swim bladder this is caused by taking in too much oxygen. They can also eat tiny tadpoles and tiny insects as well as green vegetables like peas. This also helps with constipation but do not give too much.  

 Compatibility.

Blackmoor's thrive is peaceful community tanks and is best if they are with other slow moving fish and non-aggressive fish. these include other types of Fancy Goldfish as well as Danios(if climatized) and White Cloud Minnows.

Breeding/Sex.

When sexing Blackmoor's when they are younger it is virtually impossible until they reach maturity. The best ways to tell the difference is by looking from above the female will be a bit fatter when carring eggs after the mating period has ended. typically males will be smaller and slender compared to females. Another way to tell is during the reproduction season Males will develop breeding tubercles(white little dots) thast are found on the gills and head.

Lifespan.

On average a Blackmoor will live up to 15 years this is if the right conditions are always met.

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About Bubble Eye Goldfish.

Bubble Eyed Goldfish also known as Water Bubble Eye Goldfish are most popular and known for having delicate eye sacks. Belonging to the Cyprinidae Family.

Originating in China.

Features.

Approx. Size; 2-5"/ 5-12cm.

Origin; China.

Family; Cyprinidae 

Temperament; Peaceful.

Lighting; Moderate.

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 7-8.

Ideal Temperature; 15-20°C.

Ideal Waterflow; Low!(They cannot navigate through high flowing waters)

Ease of Care.

Bubble Eyed Goldfish are not the best fish for beginners. Due to their delicate bubbles they need a very safe environment with no sharp objects or décor. They also require some strict water conditions to fully thrive. It is also recommended to have relatively smooth gravel.

Diet.

Bubble Eyed Goldfish's diet mostly consists of sinking pellets they have sinking pellets as if they take to much oxygen they can get a disease called swim bladder and it is best to try an avoid this. They can also have frozen or live foods such as Bloodworm, Brine shrimp and Daphnia but this more of a treat for them so it is best to give once or twice a week.

 Compatibility.

Bubble Eyed Goldfish tank mates are best not being to aggressive or boisterous due to them being very delicate. it is also recommended to have tank mates that are also slow moving like ranchu's as it wont be much competition for food. due to their genetics they cannot swim fast enough to get away if threatened. They live happily with Snails Blackmoors and other Bubble Eyed Goldfish.

Breeding/Sex.

When it comes to sexing Bubble Eyed goldfish when younger in most cases is impossible, as they start getting older it becomes a little easier, Females will take a more plumper shape while Males develop small tubercles(little white dots) on their heads.

Lifespan.

On average Bubble Eyed Goldfish will live up to10 years.

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About Ranchu's.

Ranchu also known as Buffalo-Head or Maruko Goldfish is a popular species of Fancy Goldfish which is known well for not having a top dorsal fin and being very clumsy swimmers. 

Originating in Japan.

Features.

Approx. Size; 5-6"/ 12-15cm

Origin; Japan.

Family;

Temperament; Peaceful.

Lighting; Moderate.

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 7-8.

Ideal Temperature; 18-22°C.

Idea; Waterflow; Low!(they cannot navigate through high flowing waters)

Ease of Care.

Ranchu Goldfish are relatively easy to care for as long as the water conditions are maintained and the tank is kept nice and clean they will live healthy and happy.

Diet.

Ranchu's diet mostly consists of sinking pellets - with any fancy fish sinking pellets are the best as if they have fish flake they will take to much oxygen and get a disease called swim bladder. They also like having frozen Bloodworm Brine Shrimp and Daphnia. Feeding a mixture of these helps meet the nutritional requirements to keep them nice and healthy.

Compatibility.

It is best to keep Ranchu's with other slow moving fish as you do not want other fish to be too fast that the Ranchu's do not get any food. these can include Fancy Fantails as well as Bubble eyed Goldfish.

Breeding/Sex.

Sexing Ranchu's is a very difficult thing as Male and Females almost look identical apart from at maturity Males will develop tubercles on their faces and gills(which are like little white dots).

Lifespan.

On average the Ranchu Goldfish will live between 8-15 years although like ost fish kept in captivity this is not always guaranteed.

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About Hong Kong Plecostomus's.

Hong Kong Plecostomus also known as Beaufortia Kweichowensis is a species of Cold fresh water fish mainly known for cleaning the glass of your aquarium. Belonging to the Gastromyzontidae Family.

Originating in China.

Features.

Approx. Size; 1.5-2.5"/4-6cm.

Origin; China.

Family; Gastromyzontidae.

Temperament; Peaceful.

Lighting; Moderate.

Water Conditions.

Ideal PH; 6.5-7.5.

Ideal Temperature; 17-24°C.

Ideal Waterflow; High.

Ease of Care.

Hong Kong Plecostomus can be easy to care for but highly oxygenated water is essential as they thrive of oxygen, make sure their water flow is always high and clean aerated water is key.

Diet.

They mainly eat tubifex, daphnia frozen or live. As well as normal Plecostomus tablets and algae wafers.  

Compatibility.

Hong Kong Plecostomus's are very peaceful fish so will get on with most Coldwater fish but the main ones to stay away from are larger plecos as they will out compete the Hong Kong Plecostomus for food.

Breeding/Sex.

Hong Kong Plecostomus's are difficult to sex. the main way to tell them apart is during spawning season. Males will seem to display brighter colours as well as following the females a lot more and not leaving them alone. 

Lifespan.

If properly looked after and water conditions are kept to the best they can be Hong Kong Plecostomus's will live 8-10 years.

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