Tag Archives: Fins

The Beauty of Butterfly Koi Fish

The beautiful Butterfly Koi Fish gets its name from the decorative finnage that resembles the delicate wings of a butterfly. Being of a hybrid variety, these fish are not considered by many breeders as a true Koi. Butterfly Koi fish have been bred only since the 1980s, along with Dragon carp and Longfin Koi. The earlier varieties of Koi were distinguished by their coloration, pattern, and scalation. However, new variants like the Butterfly Koi have distinct characteristics with unusually long, flowing fins.

The true origin of Butterfly Koi fish is often debated due to its crossbreeding. Some aquarists are of the opinion that they are a cross between ordinary Koi and Asain carp. Today, most breeders strive to create ornamental and colorful Koi, with butterfly Koi being a popular variety. Traditional Koi shows tend to disregard them because of their hybrid origin. Like traditional Koi, butterfly koi come in different patterns and colors, with white, yellow, and orange in combination being most common.

Apart from long, flowing fins, butterfly koi fish have longer barbells and bigger nares as compared to traditional koi. The smaller varieties are kept in aquariums, while the bigger that reach up to 36 inches are bred in ponds. They don’t require much maintenance as long as they are fed properly and kept in a stable environment. Butterfly koi fish have a peaceful temperament and don’t mind the company of humans at any time.

What is distinctive about butterfly koi fish is that their dorsal, pectoral, ventral, and caudal fins are almost featherlike in appearance. The Japanese call them ‘living jewels’ or also as Dragon Koi because of their colorful appearance. They can also easily be interbred with standard koi. Their entry into the US was through breeder Wyatt Lefever who crossed Asian Koi with metallic colored Koi.

Although butterfly koi fish cannot be judged in competitions according to the rules for standard Koi, many breeders still hold butterfly koi competitions. Their fin to body ratio exceeds that of standard koi by over 500%. Therefore, they cannot receive the same points as standard koi in a competition. Moreover, the patterns and color variations are different. The new version of butterfly koi is slender, which is more noticeable when you look down on the fish. The American Koi Club Association has set new standards to judge these fish.

If you wish to breed butterfly koi, make sure you provide them a pond with at least 1,000 gallons of water. Fill the pond up with sturdy plants since they like to nibble at the roots. However, make sure the base of the plant is protected with large stones. Make sure the pH levels of the water are between 6.8 and 7.2. dH levels must be maintained between 2 and 12. Like carp, butterfly koi are sturdy and can live comfortably in temperatures from 33 to 90° Fahrenheit.

As like all other koi, the gentle nature of butterfly koi make them excellent pond fish. They are tolerant and resistant to disease which makes them a popular choice among breeders all over the world. Taking care of butterfly koi fish is a pleasurable experience that can give you priceless hours of enjoyment and fulfillment. The little bit of effort you put into bringing them up will be worth it in the long run.

 

Nelson writes koi fish here: http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com/butterfly-koi. He has raised, studied, bred and cared for hundreds of varieties of Koi. His twenty plus years of practical experience and research are available in his latest book,<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”<a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’, ‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’]);” href=”http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”>http://www.koifishinformationcenter.com”> Insider’s Secrets To Raising Healthy Koi: The Ultimate Guide</a>.

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Virus Infections In A Koi Fish. A Viral Illness

Vital disease occurs when a virus infects the cells of its host and multiplies rapidly within them. Several viral diseases can affect koi. Some, such as Spring Viremia Carp virus, are extremely contagious and the mortality rate is high. Viruses spread when infected faces are released into the water.

The virus most commonly found in koi is carp pox. It presents itself as easily visible, opaque, waxy looking lumps on the skin. One or more of these may be present anywhere on the body, head or fins. In extreme cases, the body can almost completely cover with them. Carp pox is generally observed in the spring, particularly on young fish.

As the water temperature rises, the lumps can be seen to break up and often completely disappear. No chemical treatments are available for viral diseases; the keeper must rely on the fish’s immune system to combat them which means self cure. The wax like growth of carp pox can be clearly seen. Although it looks unsightly, it generally disappears as water temperatures rises.

Regularly disinfect handling equipment. As koi fish age, they developed an immunity to carp pox. It is a good idea to become familiar with using a microscope so that you can identify parasites and apply the appropriate treatment. Some of the more common parasites will be discussed later.

Koi are voracious feeders, but offering them more than they can eat in a reasonable time is wasteful. Unless skimmers are turned off at feeding time, many pellets will be removed from the pond surface before they can be eaten.

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African Carp Care – How To Manage An Aquarium With African Carp

The Genus Aphyosemion African Tooth Carp which is not only a hot favorite among fish breeders but also the prettiest one to be found in the market is one species which can be bred in communities. This species has a short life span and it is advisable to keep them in separate tanks. The fish will start contracting their fins and hide themselves in the aquarium corners. The aggressive males of this species fight amongst themselves and therefore have a male put with only other females.
For those fish lovers who want to breed these carps in a tank would do well to have them bred under shade and among plants which float. Fill the tank bottom with overcooked peat and fill with water which is slightly hard or acidic. For one gallon of water, add a tea spoon of salt(table salt mind you!) to make the water alkaline in which certain fish love to breed in. Some fish are short lived have them placed in aquariums separately. They can be categorized as which breed at the surface, mid level and bottom. The eggs of the first spawn will attach themselves to the leaves of the floating plants. For the second spawn provide fine leaf plants for the eggs to stick to. The third should be allowed to stick to the peat at the bottom of the aquarium.

Bottom and surface spawners love to live in glass tanks. Since carps eat their own eggs, have them removed to another tank. Maintain the temperature at 25 degrees Fahrenheit. If the peat dries up the eggs won’t survive so maintain the temperature at 65 degrees. Keep shaking the peat while refreshing with soft water and have the temperature kept at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fish that breed at the bottom love to move around floating plants and can be bred in smaller tanks. After the female carps have delivered have them separated and clear the water. Carefully remove the water using a small tube to keep the eggs and peat safe. Keep the temperature at a constant of 70 degrees Fahrenheit for the required period. Finally, have the peat broken up but maintain the temperature at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. While you transfer the eggs keep adjusting the temp. to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

This species is for people with lots of experience at fish breeding so it is advisable that first timers avoid this species. There are other simpler carps like the Brachydanio Rerio or Zebra Danio found in the eastern waters of India, which first timers can have in their aquariums. This variety which is small can grow up to a length of 1 ¾ inches and comes not only in attractive colors like silver, gold, blue and black but it also has a cylindrical body shape. The Reiro species are the best type for people new to keeping fish as these are undemanding as the eat everything provided and can adjust in all types of water conditions.

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How To Care For An African Carp

The all-time favorite Carp fish include the Genus Aphyosemion African Tooth Carp. What a name. The Genus Aphyosemion species do not house well in communal tanks, yet these fish are some of the prettiest fish on the market. The fish will die quickly; therefore, it is recommended that you provide the fish their own separate aquarium. The hiders will fold their fins and conceal themselves in corners of aquariums. The male counterparts, i.e. the larger breeds are highly aggressive and will not habit with other male fish of its kind. Therefore, only house the male carps with females.

Tank recommendations:

You should provide the Genus Aphyosemion African Tooth Carp with floating plants and a shady environment. Cover the bottom section of the tank with purified overcooked peat. The water condition should be moderately hard, or else slightly acidy. You can also add 1 teaspoon of table salt to a gallon of water to produce alkalinity water for particular carps that prefer to breed in such water conditions. Since these fish do not tend to live long, it is advised that you place these fish in separate aquariums and categories. The fish include surface breeders, midlevel breeders, and the bottom breeders. The first spawn should be provided floating plants, which the eggs will stick to. The second breeders should be provided fine leaf plants, which the eggs will also stick to. The third breeders should be provided peat, which is situated at the bottom area of the aquarium.

The fish rate in two separate categories, which include bottom and surface spawners. The fish prefer to live in glass tanks. You can use nylon mops, insert it into the tank to preserve fry. After the eggs arrive, you want to prepare to remove the parent fish to a different tank. Carp will eat their own kin. The water temperature should remain at 25 degrees Fahrenheit; unless the fish are in peaty waters then the temperature should be set at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You want to avoid drying of peaty, since the eggs will not survive. To avoid fatality refresh the tank with soft water, while shaking the peat. Raise the water temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bottom breeders require sterile peat at the bottom of the tank. The fish also require plants, which float. You can breed the bottom spawners in smaller tanks. After the eggs are delivered the parent fish demand removal from the tank, as well the water must be siphoned. You can use a small tube to siphon the water. You want to avoid siphoning the eggs and peat. The water temperature should be at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should remain constant for a couple of weeks. After the weeks are finished, break the peat up into lumps. You can now adjust the temperature to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. During egg transfer, occasionally you want to adjust the temperature to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are a beginner in fish care and aquarium, it is wise to avoid this species until you become better skilled and knowledgeable to fish care. Other types of fish kin to this Carp family may be more suitable for starter kits.

For instance, the Brachydanio Rerio or Zebra Danio is less demanding than the Carp. The fish derived from the Eastern regions of India. Rerio has a small slim body, and grows around 1 ¾ inches in size. The fish are shaped like cylinders and have attractive colors, including gold, silver, blue, and black. Rerio is one of the smarter fish available, which these fish prefer to habitat in peaceful waters. Rerio is not demanding that is the fish will eat most foods, and do not expect catered water conditions.

For tips on shark anatomy and sharks tooth, visit the Types Of Sharks website.