Archive for January, 2007

Red Phantom Tetra

By Gary Bolton

Family: Characidae

Species: Megalamphodus sweglesi

Size: 5cm (2 inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: Middle

Habitat: Orinoco basin of northern South America

Remarks: Like the Black Phantom, this fish needs soft acidic water for its general well-being, and especially for breeding.

Comments: Despite coming from entirely separate area, the Black and the Red Phantom Tetras have been described as a colour pair. The body hue of the Red Phantom is transparent red, and the dorsal fin has some black markings (with a white tip in the female). The distinctive dorsal fin in the male is often well produced, but many lack the size of that found on the Black Phantom. A dark shoulder blotch it present.

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Emperor Tetra

By Gary Bolton

Family: Characidae

Species: Nematobrycon palmeri

Size: 6cm (2 half inch)

Diet: Omnivorous

Tank levels: All

Habitat: Streams and rivers in Colombia

Remarks: This peaceful fish looks best in a dark, well-planted tank. Easily bred, a pair may spawn a few eggs daily over a long time.

Comments: The dorsal surface of this peaceful tetra is pale brownish green, shading to a greenish violet. The lower half is black-blue, shading to cream-silver and giving the impression of a broad, dark band on the flanks. The long-based anal fin is yellowish. Above the “band”, males may have a row of red-brown scales, and females show more creamy brown colour. Very good choice to keep with other tetras.

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Aquarium Equipment, Size and Quantity Recommendations

By Allen Jesson

Choose the nearest length to the rectangular aquarium you are going to set up, and this guide will help you choose the size and quantity of all you need. Special shapes can be worked out from the guides after the rectangular aquariums.

Aquarium Length 45cm (18in)
Water Volume approx 49 litres (11galls)
Gravel/Coral Sand Minimum = 5kgs
Thermostatic Heater = 50watt (Tronic)
Filter Internal 200 litres per hour = (Fluval One)
Fluorescent Tube and Starter unit Length/Power 15in/14watt.
Additional items; Thermometer, New water conditioner.
Marine items; Sea Salt mix, Hydrometer, Nitrite test kit

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