  |
|
|
|
Barbs and Danios CareHow to Raise and Breed These Popular Community Aquarium Fish
Barbs and danios are excellent choices for a community tank because they are inexpensive, easy to keep and are compatible with many fish.
Barbs and danios belong to the largest order of fish which is the minnow family Cyprinidae. There are over 2000 species in this family, including the goldfish. Their natural habitat is Southern and Eastern Asia but some species are also native to Europe and Africa. They are able to survive in all types of water systems. Characteristics of Barbs and DaniosThese fish can be recognized by the tiny barbels at the corners of their mouths, though there may be a few species that do not have them. Their bodies are elongated and some species have a high back. Barbs and danios can be easily mistaken for Characins which are the tetra family. The difference is that Characins have an extra fin, called the adipose fin, between the dorsal and caudal fins. Aquarium Conditions for Barbs and DaniosNeutral to slightly acid water is best for most species except for the Sawbwa Barb which is very sensitive to water conditions. Barbs and danios can be combined with any fish that is the same size and temperament without any problems. There are some species of barbs that are known to nip the long flowing fins of angelfish and guppies. It’s best to research each species of barbs for compatability. Most species are called shoaling fish, therefore you should only keep barbs and danios in groups of six to eight. The best candidates for a community tank are the zebra danio, cherry barb, rosey barb, black ruby barb, and any members of the Brachydanio species. All barbs of the Puntius species, such as spotted barbs, tend to stay near the middle of the tank then go to the bottom for feeding. Danios like to dart around in mid and top level to get their food. Barbs and danios do best in a planted tank. The aquarium should be set up in dark colors and densely planted but leaving enough open space for swimming. Certain species require different lighting conditions. Some like sun but others like to burrow in and around the dark places like plant roots and soft sand. It is advisable to use a mixed substrate of light gravel and sand in order to satisfy all species. Feeding Barbs and DaniosThese fish will eat flake food, freeze dried food, small pellets, and small live food. As a treat, add fresh vegetables to the tank, such as lettuce or zucchini. Don’t leave the veggies too long in the tank or they will foul the water. Breeding Barbs and DaniosIt is best to set up a special tank for breeding because certain things can be done to induce their instinct to breed. Water changes and lowering the depth of the water seem to trigger breeding. The water must be soft and slightly acid to encourage breeding. Barbs and danios are egg scatterers and will eat any eggs they find. They do not tend to their brood after laying the eggs. The breeding tank should have many bushy plants as well as rock caves and driftwood which provide areas for hiding the eggs. Once the eggs have been layed, the parents can be moved back into the community tank. The newly hatched fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or arternia. Then they can be introduced to very fine flake food. The care of barbs and danios is very easy but breeding them is a little more difficult; however, creating the right conditions for breeding can bring success.
The copyright of the article Barbs and Danios Care in Aquariums is owned by Douglas DuHamel. Permission to republish Barbs and Danios Care in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
