The Black Koi Fish
June 15th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Black Koi fish is different from other koi fishes mainly because of their large color variations. Other than that it is typically the same as other colored Kois. Koi fishes come in a variety of colors making them highly attractive.
They are actually considered to be uniquely bred fishes and are known for their characteristic colors and color patterns. Generally black koi live for over thirty years but it is not a typical life span for this species.
The male and female koi fish are easily distinguishable from each other through their anal configurations. That of males have more concave anus and their head have distinct breeding spots. These fish can spawn as much as 1,000 eggs. Baby koi fish are called fry and their survival is highly dependent on the water temperature.
They cannot live longer in very cold water.A fry is not as colorful as adults but their color patterns become prominent by 3 weeks old.The first Kois bred by the Japanese were only of two color variety. But years of breeding allowed them to produce more color variants with colored patterns and combinations.
Black koi is one of the most common variant but there are other gorgeous colored kois.Black Koi can grow as long as 4 feet. When breeding this fish you need to keep in mind to build a larger pond for them.
Magoi Koi was the first cultivated black koi that can grow thirty six inches in length. It is not actually black in color but instead is bronze. From above the water however it reflects a black color. Magoi are known to maximize the growth of other species through its blood by-products.
One of the old species of black koi is the Karasu or known as crow in Japanese. They are black colored in fins and body but some were bred with some color on their stomach usually white or orange.
Unique species of black koi is the Matsukawabake which comes in intriguing color variations due to water temperature and according to season. The change in its color is also influenced by the food it is fed on. The original black color of the Matsukawabake is retained if no temperature changes occur.
Many love to breed the dragon fish which is a black koi known as Kumonryu. It was first seen in 1980’s and has grown in popularity since then. This fish has a mesmerizing body structure that is similar to a dragon commonly seen from the Japanese paintings.
This type of koi is capable of changing its color aside from being black. They are beautifully thought of being a dragon that is ascending through the sky’s white clouds.
The beauty of black koi can be very enchanting with its glamorous patterns of color combination and their abilities to change color according to the current water temperature. Taking care of koi fish can be amusing and the black koi is the species that is a common favorite to all.
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What You Need to Know In Breeding Koi
June 15th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Breeding Koi is fun and refreshing. Nishikigoi or Koi as we commonly call them is a type of fish that is very colorful. They belong to the family of carp or fish family that live in freshwater. It is now very common that a lot of people try to breed Koi and consider it as a profitable hobby.
You have to learn about breeding Koi the right way to ensure success when rearing the species. It will not be easy in the beginning especially when it will be your first time to raise Koi as your pet. You have to put many things into consideration.
To obtain a better way of fostering Koi you have to know some of these helpful tips. Remember that first time rearing the fish always involves a stage of trial and error. The best time for this kind of fish to copulate is from April to July. Start with a lesser number of pair first. A 1:1 ratio is recommended. This way you may not be upset in case the pair emerges to be unsuccessful.
Both the male and the female Koi are showing peculiar characteristics in the spawning season. Most of the female Koi may exhibit a more allantoid structure than the male which is more slender at all times.
The fins on their body especially those above their abdomen are larger in males. And they may or may not have pointed fins too. But to be certain apply a light pressure on its abdomen and when the male Koi displays a soft roe from the anterior side it is indicative of being ready to mate.
Breeding Koi takes about 2-3 days and may happen anytime of the day but is usually around 2 in the morning. The puffy appearance of the female Koi’s belly is indicative that it is carrying eggs. When this happens you have to put a male Koi in the same pond and the male Koi should be as big as your female Koi as much as possible.
Fish like to lay their fingerling in the best nesting place possible. And because Koi may not have the natural resources in your pond, try to ameliorate this by helping the Koi in creating its nest.
You can do this by putting a man-made brush or a piece of cloth cuttings in the water and have it settle. This will be the best nesting place for the fish. There are also soft spawning ropes available in the market.
When the female Koi has spawned or laid her eggs, water in the pond will appear very turbid and will give off an acerbic odor. This will be a good indication that your female Koi has successfully laid her eggs at that man-made nesting place you made.
You should also have an idea on how to pick a fry successfully. Pure black or white fry should be the top pick. It is best to cull 4 weeks after the fry hatched after which deformities, if any, such as the absence of fins or two heads become evident.
You should not forget to feed the fry sufficiently and to provide them with suitable environment to live. Koi breeding can be a fun hobby and many find satisfaction with breeding Koi.
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Aquarium Tanks - Things to Consider Before Buying
June 12th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
If you’re debating getting an aquarium you’ll have to make lots of choices. There is such a vast range of aquarium tanks on the market that is can be difficult to choose the best one for you.
Fisrt of all you should consider what size of aquarium will fit into your home and how much space it will require. You must also think about the weight of the tank when it is full of water and what you have that will support that weight.
Then you should think about the size of the surface area, to guarantee you can keep a healthy environment. It is easier to maintain the stability of the water chemistry in a larger aquarium so get the biggest tank you can afford and have room for in your house.
Some types of fish need lots of room to swim around, regardless of their size, so if they’re kept in a tank that is too small it might cause them stress-rlated illness, even death. You should also think about the size your fish will become when they are fully-grown, if you buy them as babies.
The type of aquarium you decide on might have effect the sort of fish you can keep, due to its size and the amont fo light it lets in. To maintain a healthy plant-based ecosystem there should be enough surface area to let sufficient light in from the hood.
You should also consider where you can put your aquarium in your home and how much daylight it will be exposed to. If an aquarium gets too much sunlight on it the water can heat up to a dangerous level.
You also need a heater if you are planinng on getting tropical fish but the wattage needed depends on where you are keeping the tank and the size of it.
Another very important thing to take into consideration is a filter as there are several types available but all tanks need one.
When buying a tank ask for advice on the kind of filter you need from an expert or read the manufacturers manual, as the filter you need depends on the size of the tank and the number of fish you plan on keeping.
You should also consider practical issues when choosing a design.
One of the practical factors to think about is how you’ll access it to perfrom maintenance and cleaning. There are some very innovative designs on the market, such as tall column tanks and tanks that be built into dividing walls, but they can be difficult to access.
Once you’ve thought about what you need and like you can start seaching for aquarium tanks to buy. Be sure to do plenty of research and get advice and recommendations from experts. Keeping fish can be an expensive hobby so it’s a good idea to look into it well before you spend any money on your ideal aquarium.
The Responsibilities of Caring for Freshwater Fish
June 12th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Some people may be of the mind that freshwater fish care is a seemingly non-existent process. However, freshwater fish should not be thought of as a pet that can easily be set up and forgotten about. Fish require a certain amount of care, and as with any pet, only those who are willing to take on the responsibility for another life should entertain the idea of a pet. However, you should consider the fact that pets can be excellent pets for both busy and laid-back lifestyles.
Research is always a great idea when considering a pet–especially fish, as there are SO many types of freshwater fish to choose from. If you’re wanting more than one fish in a tank, be sure to find out whether they are aggressive or not, as some fish will literally kill others in the same tank. It is also wise to understand the environmental needs of your fish, such as tank size, whether it requires freshwater or saltwater, and how often the tank should be cleaned (some fish actually eat the “gunky” build-up on tank walls).
Make sure that you understand the feeding requirements of your fish before you bring them home. Some fish require certain types of food, as well as particular feeding schedules. You should be especially careful about not over-feeding or under-feeding your fish, as well. If you are unsure about how much food you should give them, don’t hesitate in calling the store or person you bought the fish from–they will most definintely be happy to assist you.
Cleaning the fish tank is a very important aspect of fish maintenance, yet one that doesn’t have to be done everyday. The general tip is that one third of the tank’s water should be changed out monthly to ensure that the fish have a clean, healthy environment. Remember–fish breathe through the water in the tank, and if it’s too dirty, they won’t be able to breath very well.
If you remember to follow these steps and act accordingly when purchasing a freshwater aquarium fish, then you will be fine. Your fish should live a healthy life and last as long as they are supposed to.
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How to Select The Right Aquarium Tank
June 11th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
What occupants?
The kind of fish you wish to keep is vital to understand before deciding on the kind of aquarium to purchase. They require different care, conditions, space, and equipment to maintain healthy aquarium environment.
Research
Careful research is required to understand the size, conditions and location your marine world requires to thrive. You must also determine what marine life can occupy the same tank. Do they require warm conditions, and lighting. What size fish are required for a healthy. It is recommended that you purchase a good informative book to guide you in this new endeavor. So much depends on your understanding to establish a great tank set up.
Determine Space
Now you understand the marine life you want to occupy your tank, it is time to consider the location to install your aquarium. This is the time to determine your aquarium accessaries and lighting. All of these factors encompass a healthy marine world.
Determine Budget
What are you willing to invest in this new world? How mush time do you wish to invest in the care and maintenance?
Select Equipment
Visit your local pet store. Decide what equipment you need and its availability? Do you need to order any of your accessories before beginning to set up. Ask about special purchases, get a price quote before you order.
Evaluate Information
Take time at this stage to evaluate the information you have gathered. Can you set up your system within the budget and size of the desired location in your home? Can you spend more? Is it a little or a lot? How committed are you to your fish selection? Is one fish selection creating a costly adjustment? Is that fish even available in your area?
Purchase Equipment
Now that you have taken in to consideration the fish desired, the size and location of the tank, if a special order is required, if so have you placed your order? You are ready to make an informed equipment purchase.
Setup Equipment
Throughly clean the location you wish to use to set up your aquarium system. Expect to spend several hours just setting up your equipment up. Once it is set up, let it run unoccupied to be sure everything works like you want it to. Test the environment making sure the conditions you need are maintained.
Selecting Fish
When you get your tank working properly, start selecting your starter fish. They need to be hardy, inexpensive, small in size and fish you will want to keep in your tank in the long run.
Cycling Your Tank
Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, patiently monitor your tank’s atmosphere. Adjust water conditions, do not over feed, and clean the water as needed. Do not add additional fish at this time. Be sure your environment is stable before taking the next step to your marine life.
Tank Maintenance
As you feed your fish daily, check filters, at least twice a week. Perform a 10 to 15% water change and scrub the algae at the same time. Every month check hoses, fittings, clamps, cords, lights, and miscellaneous equipment. I know this sounds like a lot of activity to maintain your tank, but this few minutes a day will avoid months of disastrous results to equipment failure.
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Accessories to Spruce Up Your Aquarium
June 11th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Having fish is a popular past time for young and old people alike. The first step is choosing which size aquarium you want and what type of fish you wish to have in your tank. For the purpose of this article, I am going to discuss accessorizing a fresh water aquarium. Most aquariums come with a hooded light and a filtering system. Here are a few things you can do to really make your aquarium stand out.
Add a background. These can be bought in a pet store or you can make them at home. They can be of a solid color paper or a beautiful painted underwater scene. Some people have been known to use just plain aluminum foil. They are taped or glued to the outside back of the aquarium so you see it when looking through the front. You might even consider a colored light bulb or bubble walls. These are very easy to make and will delight both you and your fish. Adding a bubble wall to an aquarium is simple since you already have an air pump. Just buy a bubble tube that is no longer than 12 inches long and has a nice stable base. It should be heavy enough to sink without risk of it moving out of place. It is best placed behind a few plants where it will create an endless supply of bubbles. Bubble walls are soothing to watch, and your fish will enjoy swimming among them.
Colored sand or pebbles on the bottom of the fish aquarium can add color to an otherwise plain aquarium. These can be arranged in colors, black, white, or even neon pink. The color is your choice. You might want to consider the decor of the room where the aquarium will stand.
Caves are both functional and aesthetic at the same time. They give the fish a sense of security. Many species of freshwater fish will be more likely to breed in your aquarium if they have a place to protect the eggs, not to mention they add a focal point in your aquarium. You could also place a shipwreck or arch to achieve the same goal.
In their natural environment fish love swimming in and around wood and plants.
Driftwood and larger rocks should be placed off center in your aquarium. Place larger plants behind the driftwood and small plants in front. To further enhance the look try stacking or piling rocks in one corner of the aquarium.
Finally, finding the right place to set up your aquarium is just as important as what you use to accessories it. It should be place where it is both accessible, yet out of the way. Try placing some of the ornaments you have in your fish aquarium around the outside, to create a complete theme. Remember too much decoration will destroy the effect. Besides too many decorations leaves the fish with too little room to swim around in.
Keeping fish is a fun and fascinating hobby. The decorating possibilities are endless. The goal to accessorising your aquarium is to have fun, while making it pleasing to look at, and an environment your occupants will thrive in.
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