Gasteropelecidae Fish Care And Aquariums
It is a proven fact that investing in an aquarium is more than just a hobby or passing phase for
real fish lovers and knowing which to buy depends largely on whether you intend keeping
marine (sea fish) or non-marine (freshwater fish) in the tank. The lucky part about modern living
is that now we have tanks fitted with switches that enable one to change the temperature of the
water contained in it so a dim or intense tank light makes for comfortable surroundings inside.
Besides temperature control, modern tanks can also benefit from the huge variety of purification
systems available for filtering out toxins and debris from the tank environs, helping keeping the
water oxygenated and clean for the inmates. Some are mechanical while others are electronic
in nature; however, more than these, the innovation in fish care for aquarium owners comes by
way of an automatic food distribution cum fertilized dosage system that takes the hassle out of
remembering to feed the fish and when to do so!
Fish owners today are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying aquariums as so many different
sizes, materials and advanced electronically-aided tanks are available in the market for keeping
Piscean pals and botanical buddies in them; of course, researching the 22,000-odd species
and their preferences when it comes to keeping fish healthy in a tank is sure a task, but an
enjoyable one for those that love the hobby. Learning about coldwater or tropical fish as
opposed to simply freshwater and marine creatures is important for tank hygiene and fish health
besides learning which are the dangerous species and should not be kept in captivity i.e.
Piranhas.
-1. There are fish that fly, Gasteropelecidae, include the Hatchet fishes and these are found
mainly in South America's northern reaches, known for their distinctly deep figures. They are
referred to as flying fish because of their affinity to raising the chest fins and attempting a float in
the sky; for this reason, tank owners are advised to keep a hood on the aquarium with flying fish
in them to prevent them from escaping like they are prone to doing - at least 15 feet away from
the tank!
-2. Another species similar to the first are the Carnegiella Marthae, also known as Blackwing
Hatchetfish that has their roots in the Amazon areas, Peru and Venezuela. They typically grow
to only an inch or a quarter more in size, boast a black chest, ridge and keel and do better in
peaceful waters and others closer to their species. A calm temperament and easy food habits
are advantages of keeping this variety of fish that prefer soft waters and breed in a fashion
much like that of Hyphessobrycon.
-3. The Silver Hatchetfish or Gasteropelecus Levis originate from the lower Amazonian regions,
growing to an inch more than the Blackwing variety with a silver body and blue-black tinge of
parallel stripes and are generally non-fussy about sharing a tank with other fish, provided they
are kept in a clean environment. Its breeding habits, much like the Blackwing variety is currently
under study and not much is known about them breeding in tanks.
Besides this family, that of the Cyprinidae, which covers Carps and other similar fish, is of
interest; these fish tend to have big bodies and bones and are generally found across North
America, Europe and some parts of Africa and Asia. Their pharyngeal bones also double up as
teeth and few of them have barbel fins, which make up for adipose fins - 8feet is a normal size
for them. The Indian version is named the Mahaseer and is among the largest Carp breed found
in freshwaters, sometimes boasting round scales, soft fins and toothless jaws in the minnow
variety used for baits, much like the Carps.
