Ornamental Fish Honor

Nature Study

Requirements

  1. What are the best-known freshwater fish in the world?

    Answer: The most popular: Betta (Betta splendens), Discus (Symphysodon), Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi), Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), Guppy (Poecilia reticulata), Goldfish (Carassius auratus), Koi carp, Barb, Molly, Swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri), Platy, Ram cichlid, and Corydoras. — The aquarium hobby generates billions worldwide. Bettas and guppies are beginner-friendly. Cichlids are more delicate. Koi carp and goldfish are Asian classics. Most are tropical (25-28°C). Community aquariums combine compatible species. Knowledge about origin (Amazon, Africa, Asia) helps maintain adequate conditions. Brazil is a major exporter of Amazonian ornamental fish to the world.

  2. Carp were gradually genetically modified and gave rise to which type of ornamental fish?

    Answer: The goldfish (Carassius auratus), also called the golden fish, originated from wild carp (Carassius auratus auratus) in ancient China more than 1,000 years ago. Through artificial selection, Chinese monks developed colorful varieties (orange, red, white) and exotic shapes (telescope, oranda, ranchu, comet). — The history of the goldfish is fascinating. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) the Chinese domesticated carp. Red mutant variants (instead of the natural greenish-gray) were selected. In Japan this tradition evolved into the Koi carp (a larger variety, ornamental for ponds). Today goldfish are popular worldwide because they are hardy, long-lived (up to 30 years), and cheap. Excellent for beginners in fishkeeping.

  3. What is the origin of the following fish?
    • Danio rerio;
    • Symphysodon discus;
    • Pterophyllum scalare;
    • Poecilia reticulata.

    Answer: 1) Danio rerio (zebrafish): native to South Asia, especially India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, inhabiting rivers and lakes. 2) Symphysodon discus (discus): native to the Amazon River basin, in Brazil, especially the Rio Negro and its tributaries. 3) Pterophyllum scalare (angelfish): native to the Amazon basin, occurring in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. 4) Poecilia reticulata (guppy): native to northern South America, especially Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, and northern Brazil, in fresh and slightly brackish waters. — Knowing the origin is essential to reproduce ideal aquarium conditions. Danios are fish of cooler waters (20-25°C). Discus and angelfish need Amazonian water (soft, acidic, dark). Guppies adapt to almost any fresh water. This knowledge helps in the maintenance, reproduction, and well-being of the fish. Brazil has endemic species valuable in world fishkeeping, especially from the Amazon, being a major exporter.

  4. Cite:
    • Three species of fish that do not necessarily require heating in the aquarium;
    • Freshwater fish ideal for community aquariums;
    • Freshwater aquarium fish that are identified as suitable for beginners;
    • Freshwater aquarium fish that are not recommended for beginners;
    • Saltwater fish that are recommended for beginners;
    • Marine aquarium fish that are advised for people experienced in the field.

    Answer: 1) Three species that do not necessarily require heating in the aquarium: zebrafish (Danio rerio), goldfish (Carassius auratus), and White Cloud (Tanichthys albonubes), which tolerate lower temperatures. 2) Freshwater fish ideal for community aquariums: neon tetra, platy, molly, swordtail, barb, and corydoras, for being peaceful and getting along well with each other. 3) Freshwater fish recommended for beginners: zebrafish, platy, molly, and goldfish, for being hardy and easy to handle. 4) Freshwater fish NOT recommended for beginners: discus (Symphysodon) and the more sensitive loaches, which require very stable water parameters. 5) Saltwater fish recommended for beginners: clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), damsels (Chromis), and gobies, more resistant to variations in the marine aquarium. 6) Marine fishkeeping fish advised for experienced people: the emperor angelfish and the surgeonfish, which require rigorously controlled water chemistry and lighting. — Choosing species compatible with the aquarist's experience and the conditions of the aquarium avoids losses and ensures a balanced aquarium.

  5. Answer the following items:
    • Why is the Betta splendens fish also known by the name fighting fish?
    • Which fish is known as the angelfish?
    • Which freshwater fish has a red head as a characteristic?
    • Why is the neon fish given this name?
    • Why is the kissing fish given this name?
    • Why is the swordtail fish given this name?
    • What are the other names of the Poecilia reticulata fish?
    • What is the most common type of molly fish?

    Answer: 1) Why Betta splendens is known as the fighting fish: because the males are extremely territorial and attack other males (and even their own reflection), spreading their fins and fighting until they injure the rival, which is why they must be kept isolated. 2) Which fish is known as the angelfish: the Pterophyllum scalare, because of its long fins and its elegant, smooth swimming, resembling wings. 3) Which freshwater fish has a red head as a characteristic: the rummy-nose tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri), which has an intense red coloring in the head region. 4) Why the neon fish gets this name: because the neon (Paracheirodon innesi) has a bright iridescent blue stripe along its body, which reflects light, looking like a neon light. 5) Why the kissing fish gets this name: because the kisser (Helostoma temminckii) projects its thick lips forward, touching mouth to mouth in territorial disputes, as if giving kisses. 6) Why the swordtail fish gets this name: because the male swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) has a pointed extension on the lower part of the caudal fin, similar to a sword. 7) What the other names of Poecilia reticulata are: it is also called guppy, lebiste, and barrigudinho. 8) What the most common type of molly fish is: the black molly, of entirely black coloring, is the most common and popular variety. — Each fish has unique traits. Bettas fight to the death if put together, so each male stays in a separate aquarium. The long fins of angelfish are vulnerable to nipping fish. Tetras form colorful schools. Kissers 'kiss' in territorial rituals. Male swordtails have their characteristic caudal extension. Knowing the behaviors avoids problems in community aquariums and ensures the well-being of the fish at home.