Micro-collection galaxy: keeping and breeding of aquarium fish
Micro-collection galaxy is a relatively new inhabitant of aquariums. It attracts fish lovers with its appearance and multi-colored color.
Description
Micro-collection galaxy is an aquarium fish from the Carp family, the study of which began only in 2006. The length of the body of the creature does not exceed 2.5 centimeters, and on average it reaches only 2 centimeters. The main color of the galaxy is blue-gray, but in males and females it may be slightly different. Males have a richer color, as well as bright stripes of black and pink covering the fins. In addition, the entire surface is covered with small beige specks, shaped like pearls.
In female fish, the color is not so bright, but the shade, rather, is close to green-blue.
There are specks, but not such a bright shade. The shape of the body in females is more rounded. With proper care of the micro-assembly, the galaxy lives in the aquarium for about a couple of years. In nature, these fish live in Burma, choosing shallow water bodies overgrown with algae. Quite often, in the works of scientists, the name of this species sounds like a galactic rasbora, a zebrafish galaxy, a margarita and a stellar rasbora.
Micro-fees are very passive. - it is not typical for them to show aggression, moreover, they are very shy. This explains their comfortable living with other species of fish that do not show aggression.
Males can fight for females and for territory, but this goes in most cases without serious injury.
The cost of the fish is determined depending on the size of the individuals. Grown up fry, the body length of which barely reaches a centimeter, cost about 80 rubles per piece.
"Teenagers", whose size has already reached 1.5 centimeters, will cost more - about 100 rubles. Finally, for adult fish, the length of which ranges from 2 to 2.2 centimeters, you will have to pay about 120 rubles.
Compatibility
In the event that the owner of galaxies plans their further breeding, it is better to keep them in an aquarium without neighbors at all, even shrimps and snails. This solution will allow for spawning without using a third-party container. In the event that microraces become inhabitants of a common aquarium, small and non-aggressive creatures, for example, cardinals, neons or wedge-spotted species, are suitable for them as neighbors.
Cocks, guppies, catfish and swordtails also have excellent compatibility with galaxies.
The average rate of comfortable cohabitation is observed in shrimp, crabs and eels. Cichlids, Astronotuses, Goldfish and Koi Carps are not recommended at all as neighbors for micro-harvesting.
Growing conditions
Keeping a galaxy in an aquarium is pretty straightforward. Containers of various sizes and even shapes are suitable for them, but a 30-liter vessel is considered optimal. The only condition is to make sure that there is at least one liter of water per fish, and preferably a little more. In this case, all inhabitants will feel comfortable and at ease. We must not forget about the arrangement of the spawning space, especially if the breeding of fish is in the plans.
If you choose a small aquarium, then inside you still have to create the right environment. Planting of plants is recommended, but not in excessive quantities. The amount of soil should exceed 3-4 centimeters in height. The decor is done with small items made from natural materials.
A small number of males should also live in a small aquarium, otherwise there is a high probability of constant fights and collisions.
In a large aquarium, it is a good idea to plant a lot of greenery and provide enough shelter. If there are not enough plants, then the creatures will start to get scared and spend most of their time in shelters. The height of the ground must be maintained between 4 and 6 centimeters. The number of galaxies in this case can be large. In general, the minimum limit of the micro-collection flock corresponds to 20 specimens, while even several hundred will feel great in bulky vessels.
Caring for galaxies involves feeding regularly and maintaining optimal water levels. It is important that the liquid always remains clean, which means that regular replacements are carried out to help cleanse nitrates and ammonia. It is recommended to maintain the alkali level in the aquarium at 7, and maintain the hardness from 2 to 15.
An internal filter will be more than sufficient. The lighting in the aquarium can be bright.
In fact, the amount of light only plays a role in the case of plants, and galaxies thrive in any light conditions. The best, however, is considered to be diffuse and weak light, similar to natural. The water temperature can be maintained within the range from 20 to 26 degrees with a downward slope.
Plants in the aquarium can be waterfowl or simply planted in the ground. Lemongrass, water kabomba and floating salvinia are considered good choices. Many materials are suitable as a soil - granite, coarse sand, small pebbles, as well as decorative soil. If you give preference to dark materials, then the galaxies against its background will stand out especially beautifully. We'll have to place inside the vessel and the basic devices for keeping fish - a filter and aeration system.
It is important that the latter does not create strong currents, "knocking down" the fish.
Disease in galaxies occurs as a result of improper care or even nutrition.Trichodinosis is the result of the use of low-quality feed, the use of pre-treated soil or infected plants. It will be possible to cure the fish if you send it to quarantine in a timely manner, as well as use antibiotics. Obesity is the result of improper feeding - either excessive or unbalanced. You can understand that the galaxy is experiencing problems by the behavior of the pet - he not only gets fat, but also becomes lethargic and refuses to eat.
Treatment in this case involves reducing the diet and adjusting the diet.
Bug-eyed micro-collectors become in case of poor quality of water used to fill the aquarium. If you do not take action in a timely manner, then first the creature will go blind, and then it will die. Fungal diseases usually affect the scales, fins, and gills. The cause of the disease is non-compliance with sanitary standards, for example, a dirty aquarium or the lack of regular cleaning of waste from other fish. Treatment will require antibiotics and antifungal medications.
Feeding rules
The fish does not have any special nutritional requirements. Frozen, dry and live food is perfect for her. Under natural conditions, galaxies prefer small insects, algae and zooplankton, so all of the above foods are also present in their diets. Bloodworms, tubifex and brine shrimp are considered a good solution in this case. Protein needs to be alternated with plant foods. From dry food, it is better to choose mixtures intended for carp or nano fish.
But, only live food is suitable for galaxy fry, for example, microworms or other microorganisms... New fish that are still stressed by the move will also respond much better to live food. Artificial should be introduced in stages, waiting for the moment when the fish gets used to the new habitat.
It is important to mention that it would be good to grind or even grind excessively large particles of food for the better convenience of the inhabitants of the aquarium. Feeding micro-feeds is carried out twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
It is important for the galaxy to choose a balanced diet and in no case allow it to be monotonous. In addition, you should take into account the preferences of this or that inhabitant of the aquarium, adding either more protein or plant components. From dry feed, experts recommend paying attention to the products of the Tetra companyoffering customized mixes for many species of fish. In addition, you can find special compositions in the brand that allow you to enhance the color of pets, suitable for feeding fry or saturated with vitamins. It is better to take food packed in a box, and not by weight, taking into account both the date of production and the expiration date. It is imperative to store the dry composition in a closed state, otherwise the development of pathogenic flora in it is likely.
Sex differences and reproduction
Breeding rasbor at home does not seem to be a particularly difficult task. Direct reproduction is recommended to be carried out in a separate vessel, the volume of which ranges from 5 to 7 liters. The selected container is filled with clean water and inhabited by plants. The presence of the latter is mandatory, since in the absence of vegetation, fish breeding will be impossible. The brightest male and the fat female with a round belly are taken from the flock.
Visually, they are easy to identify both by the shape of the body and by color. Females look pale, plump and slightly flattened. Males, on the other hand, look elongated and slender. Their color is saturated, and additionally there is a bend on the back.
It is important that the temperature of the liquid does not go beyond 20-22 degrees, and the acidity and hardness are slightly increased.
During spawning, males will actively pursue females, and if there are several of them in one team, then they will start a fight.The victorious male's goal is to lure the female into the vegetation.
Spawning takes place in thickets, and eggs are tossed several times. Usually, this process occurs twice or thrice per week, with the total number of eggs varying from 35 to 50 specimens. The larvae will appear in three days. It is important to take into account that the adults protect the larvae and eggs, and therefore do not touch, but the fry can already be mistaken for food.
The larvae transform into fry after a couple of days.
They must be fed immediately, preferably with ciliates. The water in the aquarium at this point should be kept at 25 degrees. During the day, the fry will stay in the middle layer of water, and at night they will stick to the walls of the vessel. The fry are not afraid of diseases, the purity of the water in the aquarium at this moment does not play a significant role. After a month and a half, the fry will turn into adults, and at three months they will have already acquired sexual maturity.
For the micro-collection of the galaxy, see below.