Fancy Fish Bowl

The Red Fire Gourami is another type of dwarf gourami mutation that has been brought about by selective breeding. In general the fish will have a deep red to orange ventral side that fades slightly as you move to the dorsal side of the fish. The dorsal fin and caudal fin are almost completely clear except for some red markings found intermittently throughout the dorsal fin. Gouramis have an internal organ called the labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. This is an adaptation to the rice paddies and stagnant pools in which these fish often live. All gouramis also have the pelvic fins modified into long filaments that they can use to sense their surroundings. Gouramis are bubble nest breeders and the males will build floating nests out of bubbles that the eggs will be deposited in. Breeding is fairly simple. Male fish have the dorsal fin elongated into a point while females are short and rounded. They will accept a large variety of floating pellet and flake foods. As they get larger they can become aggressive particularly to each other. Tank mates should be chosen to able to handle this aggression. They do well with barbs, loaches, large tetras, and semi-aggressive cichlids.

The Opaline Gourami is a color variety of the Three Spot (Blue) gourami. It is noted by the darker blue to black striping down the body instead of the spots. Gouramis have an internal organ called the labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. This is an adaptation to the rice paddies and stagnant pools in which these fish often live. All gouramis also have the pelvic fins modified into long filaments that they can use to sense their surroundings. Gouramis are bubble nest breeders and the males will build floating nests out of bubbles that the eggs will be deposited in. Breeding is fairly simple. Male fish have the dorsal fin elongated into a point while females are short and rounded. They will accept a large variety of floating pellet and flake foods. As they get larger they can become aggressive particularly to each other. Tank mates should be chosen to able to handle this aggression. They do well with barbs, loaches, large tetras, and semi-aggressive cichlids.

The Black Neon Tetra boasts one of aquaria's most beautiful and unusual coloration. The body of the iridescent Black Neon Tetra is an elegant blend of deep obsidian black paired with a contrasting bright, neon horizontal stripe of yellow-green. A fluorescent orange marking above its eyes completes the telltale markings of the Black Neon Tetra. Praised for its peaceful nature, the Black Neon Tetra is a great addition to any soft water community aquarium. The distinct coloration of the Black Neon Tetra complements the shaded green and yellow hues of most freshwater plants. In turn, the plants offer hiding places for the Black Neon Tetra. The addition of rocks and driftwood also help mirror its natural habitat. The Black Neon Tetra thrives in slightly acidic water and will do best when water parameters are kept constant. The Black Neon Tetra is a schooling fish and will do best if kept in odd numbers of 5 or more. To breed Black Neon Tetras, separate a pair into a "breeder tank" with no lighting at first, and then gradually increase light levels until spawning occurs. To encourage breeding, water hardness should be less than 4 KH. Live foods such as mosquito larvae are another great inducer. Be sure to remove the adult Black Neon Tetras after the eggs have been laid, as they will eat the eggs. The eggs should hatch within 30 hours. The Black Neon Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.