Astronotus is mottled bright and beautiful aquarium fish.This tropical dweller related to the order of cichlids in the home grows up to 25 cm. In the wild, they usually reach 35 cm. As many aquarium owners are interested in this amazing fish, should know about the conditions of her detention, the peculiarities of her character and whatAstronotus species found in pet stores.
Description
Astronotus are the largest aquarium fish.Their body has an oval shape with sides slightly compressed.The fins are relatively large and slightly elongated, but the size depends on the species of Astronotus.These fish vary prominent forehead, large eyes and head.Astronotus mottled coloring may be different and usually uneven.The pattern is in the form of spots or streaks of yellow, often with a black border.The basic tone of fish - from light brown to black.Some of the caudal fin has a large black spot, which is framed in orange.This may look like a large part of the eye, which is why fish is called Astronotus mottled.Males painting expressed a little brighter.
Astronotus Species
In nature there are three types oculate astrontusov.This "albino", "tiger" and "red".All other known varieties were bred by man using the crossing.Between themselves, they can be very different color, the shape of the fins and even the contours of the body.This dweller known as the "Oscar" and "Peacock," but the international name - "mottled Astronotus."
, feeding, breeding of any of these species of fish is practically the same.Only albinos can not tolerate bright light.For them it is important that the light has been dimmed.
"Wild"
These individuals coloring natural color.Usually it is soft and can be a pale green, gray, light yellow.These are different Astronotus discreet bands and the admixture of other colors.
"Tiger"
This mottled Astronotus has contrasting color.Most basic tones are red and black.The name speaks for itself, pattern resembles a tiger coloring.
"Red Astronotus"
main dark color of these fish has a light red or orange coating.This species is not clearly marked pattern or contrasting lines.Thai fish farmer was able to get red Oscar, which was different from the others lack the caudal fin black spots resembling eyes.
"Albino"
Natural albino different white.On the body there are red or orange spots, which seem to provide shade throughout the fish.In natural pink albino eyes, sometimes orange color.If they are usually dark, even on the body there are no dark pigments, this Astronotus "Lutino".Albinos never have green, brown and black shades.
"Lutino"
This Astronotus mottled closely resembles an albino, but still possible to distinguish between them.Lutino has spots in the fin and tail slightly darker.He also had dark eyes.The entire painting is more like a color red or brindle Astronotus.
"voile"
This breed has a beautiful enlarged fins and tail.Colours can be light and dark, often contrasting it.
"Golden Oscar"
This kind Astronotus very rare.Its color reminds red Oscar, she did not have clear lines and spots.But the main colors are gold or yellow.
Astronotus mottled - fish, commands respect his master
If your aquarium fish already have, should think twice before purchasing this inmate.This species differs powerful character, even aggressive.In addition, they scare other fish and can eat smaller neighbors.Therefore, the fish should contain those species that are not afraid of attacks and they are close in size.
But this breed is one important feature.Fish are able to recognize his master and may eventually even be accustomed to take food with his hands.Seeing its owner, pet can povilivat tail and wiggling his head.This is one of the few fish that is not afraid of a person allows himself to stroke.But sometimes it can bite unexpectedly, leaving a small scratch on the finger of melenkih teeth.
Conditions of
for these important large aquarium fish.The minimum size - 80 cm in length.Ideally, when the reservoir volume is 200 liters.At the bottom is laid gravel or coarse sand.It is important that water is well filtered, oxygenated and regularly changed.The temperature can be 30 degrees, but not less than 22. For the decoration of the aquarium will suit large stones and driftwood.Astronotus mottled cichlidae of the family in a special way related to gardening.Algae with long stems, these fish is terminated, so will suit floating plants.You can also plant trees and shrubs using sclerophyllous algae, for example, purchase and bolbitis Thai fern.
Feeding Astronotus
the wild rivers in these fish feed on small fish.Therefore, the basis of food in Astronotus - live protein foods.They prefer a large moth, grasshoppers, tadpoles, worms normal, artificial food, pieces of fish meat.
Breeding fish
maturation in Astronotus comes after two years of age (provided that the fish has a body at least 12 cm).This breed is very choosy for the partner, so the pair is required to form a group of Oscars, in which at least four individuals, well, if there are more.If a fish is seen aggressiveness, it is better to relocate.
the entire period provided weak constant lighting.Caviar (from 300 to 1800 eggs, depending on the size of the fish), they lay on a flat stone.And female and male care about the welfare of offspring, so it is better not to bother at this time, otherwise the manufacturers can eliminate its own clutch.If possible, you can also move Zrazy eggs in an incubator.The fry start to swim in a few days (from 6 to 11 depending on the temperature).Initial power they receive from their parents.If the incubator fry, feed them small plankton.When they grow up, they are sorted.Coloring kids is very different from the parent.
more information
mesmerizing beauty of this fish, so many in the tank already contained mottled Astronotus.The price of this fish is very varied.Depending on the size of its price starts from 50 rubles.
If you plan to keep Astronotus together with other inhabitants of the aquarium, it is better to train with the youth.It is very difficult to pair adult addicted to other individuals.Neighborhood suitable for other cichlids, catfish Mail, a Six distihody.
Lifetime Astronotus about 10 years.
