ORNAMENTAL FISHES AND

MAINTENANCE OF AQUARIUM

By: IRFAN AHMED M.Sc. Zoology (IV Sem.)

Fishery Science & Aquaculture ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY

Ornamental fishes are attractive colourful fishes of various

characteristics, which are kept at homes in confined space of an

aquarium or a garden pool for fun and fancy.

Introduction

Ornamental fishes are also called “Aquarium fishes’’.

WHY SHOULD WE KEEP THEM ?Ornamental fish give pleasure to the eyes and relaxation to mind.Develops a sense of attachment with nature.Ornamental fishes add to the beauty of the home and

surroundings.

ORIGIN OF KEEPING ORNAMENTAL FISHES AT HOME

Originated with keeping of gold fish in glass bowls in china. World first aquarium started in England in 1853. In India this hobby of keeping ornamental fishes bloomed

with the opening of the Tarapore aquarium in Mumbai in 1951.

a

I EGG LAYERS :Fertilization external.

Eg.– Danios, Gold fish, Angel fish, Betta, Gaurami, etc.

Aquarium fishes are divided into two categories

Tiger barb Rosi barb

EGG LAYING ORNAMENTAL FISHES

Gold fish

Blue GouramiSiamese Fighting Fish

Dwarf Gourami Pearl Gourami

Guppy

Sward tail

LIVE BEARER FISHES

Angel fish

•According to OATA Statistics 2015 the value of import in European

countries was € 78.2 million in 2015.

• UK is the largest market of the ornamental fishes, importing 27.8 % of

total fish import in European countries.

World trade of ornamental fish

Advantages:Can be additional source of income.They can provide opportunities for

saving certain species from extinction e.g. Skiffia francesae

Limitations:Require skilled person.Some species are too large and

require much space.Small aquarium are hard to

maintain.

Skiffia francesae

Maintenance of Aquaria

Jeanne Villepreux-Power  (24 September 1794

– 25 January 1871) was a pioneering

French marine biologist who in 1832 was the first

person to create aquaria for experimenting with

aquatic organisms and referred as the "Mother of

Aquariophily."

History

WHAT IS AN AQUARIUM ?Aquarium is a glass tank which displays aquatic

organism in a simulated natural environment by introducing aquatic plants, rocks, gravels, artificial decorative items etc.

TYPES OF AQUARIUM

GLASS AQUARIA :-This type of aquaria is rounded, oval, circular or cylindrical in shapeKALITH GLASS :-They are rectangular aquarium made up of a special type of glass.TRANSPARENT PLASTIC AQUARIA :-It is made up of plastic sheets around which metallic rod is fitted.WALLED SHAPED AQUARIA:-This type of aquaria is fitted on walls.

NATURE OF AQUARIUM

1.FRESH WATER AQUARIA :-They are land aquarium and fresh water fishes are displayed in it.2.MARINE WATER AQUARIA:-It houses marine water flora and fauna in a harmony. 3.TROPICAL AQUARIA :-It is of complex type, exotic fishes are kept in it.

ESTABLISHMENT OF AQUARIUM

1. SIZE :- The most popular size for home aquarium is 60cm x 30cm x 40cm. Tanks are usually measured-Length x Depth x Height2. IDEAL SITE FOR SETTING THE AQUARIUM A stand on which aquarium can set so that it is at eye level. Avoid direct sunlight. In living and study room, small low table can also be used.

LIGHTING ARRANGEMENT

Generally an artificial light is used. High voltage should be avoided because it results

in the evaporation of water.

Aeration and heating system• This is best done by an aerator, connected to a diffuser by a

plastic or rubber tube.

• Heating is most commonly done by using immersion heater with adjustable thermostat.

MANAGEMENT OF AQUARIUM1. Putting the base of sand or gravel:

• Putting a layer of sand or gravel at the bottom of the aquarium tank helps in creating a simulated natural environment.

• It facilitates fixing of aquarium plants and support their growth.

• A medium size sand or gravel (2-3cm) is ideal for this purpose.

2. Aquarium Decoration• A number of decorative toys are available for attractive look to the

aquarium.• They include artificial rocks , logs, roots , shells, plants etc.• Plastic plants should be of good quality.• Ordinary plastic plants may release toxic chemicals.

Other Decor

Rock Shells Driftwood

• 3. Introducing plants• Plants have a threefold effect i.e. they serve a

decorative purpose, provide shelter and sense of security to the fish, and they absorb the injurious gas (CO2) given by the fish in breathing.

• They produce O2 which can be utilized by the fish.

• They also act as a food for certain fishes. 

Plants recommend for aquarium1) The Water Wisteria or Synovia Triflorum.

2) The Banana Plant or Nymphodes Aquatic

3) Green Cabomba or Cambomba Carolinian

4) Water Sprite or Ceratoperis Thalictroides.

4. FILTRATION There are two methods to filter water :

i. MECHANICAL FILTRATION : During mechanical filtration , solids are trapped by filters.

ii. BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION : Here absestos acrylic plate can be used, which is fixed on one side of the tank.

5. SELECTION OF FISHES Selection of fishes is also important : Always introduce healthy and good

fishes. In the aquarium six fishes of 5 cm

length may be housed comfortably. It is not good to start with a large

fish.

5. Introducing fishes• Turn the tank light off so that the bright light won’t disturb the new fish.• For freshwater fish, float the plastic bag–still closed–in which you transported your new fish in the tank for about half an hour.• Open the bag and allow the fish to swim out on its own.

6. FEEDING

1. DRIED FOOD : Dried food spread on the surface, it also falls down to the bottom of aquarium.2. FROZEN FOOD : This artificially prepared food have high nutritive value.3. LIVE FOOD : It includes Daphnia, small worms, insect larvae etc.