1. BIOASPECTS OF ORNAMENTAL FISHES Dr. B. Ahilan Professor Department of Aquaculture Fisheries College and Research Institute Thoothukudi Dr. B. Ahilan Professor Department of Aquaculture Fisheries College and Research Institute Thoothukudi

2. GUPPY

3. GUPPY Classification: Family:Poecilidae Genus:Poecilia Species:reticulata Common name:Guppy

4. Characters 1. Within this species there are many colour strains, No two fishes ever being exactly alike. 2. The female guppys body colouration is much more subdued than that of male, although the female caudal line may be vivid. 3. The caudal fin may take many forms including fan, veil or pintail. 4. Gravid females require a heavily planted tanks this also protects the fry from being eaten by the parents.

5. Aquarium conditions Water:Medium-hard Temperature:24°C Swimming level:All levels Special attention:Plants

6. Species details Origin:Trinidad Size:30 mm Long Feed:Algae, Green foods Sexual dimorphism:Males have gonopodium female are dull coloured and Larger Breeding method:Live bearer Breeding Potential:Easy, prolific

7. PLATY

8. PLATY Classification: Family:Poecilidae Genus:Xiphophorus Species:maculatus Common name:Platy

9. Characters 1. 1. By hybridization fish keepers have developed a large number of colour strains of platy. 2. 2. In some cases the body and fins are a single colour. In some cases the fins are black. Very often multi coloured are also available. 3. 3. Platy is a short, stocky fish and does not carry a sword. The dorsal fin rays are clearly visible.

10. Aquarium conditions Water:Medium-hard Temperature:24°C - 26°C Swimming level:All level Special attention:Plants Tank type:Community

11. Species details Origin:Central America Size:50 mm Long Feed:All foods Sexual dimorphism:Males have gonopodium Breeding method:Live bearer Breeding Potential:Easy, prolific

12. BLACK MOLLY

13. Classification: Family:Poecilidae Genus:Poecilia sp Common name:Black molly

14. Characters 1. 1. Body is jet-black in colour and seeming to have a velvety texture. 2. 2. They are live bearer if given plenty of space, the males dorsal fin will become large. 3. 3. It is an active fish and requires plenty of vegetable matter in its diet.

15. Aquarium conditions Water:Soft, Medium- hard Temperature:24°C Swimming level:Bottom Special attention:Plants

16. Species details Origin:Mexico Size:70 mm Long Feed:Algae, Green foods Sexual dimorphism:Males have gonopodium and may have large dorsal fin Breeding method:Live bearer Breeding Potential:Easy

17. SAILFIN MOLLY

18. Classification: Family:Poecilidae Genus:Poecilia Species:velifera Common name:Sailfin Molly

19. Characters 1. 1. Body colour is dark green but in the market an albino / gold variety is also available. 2. 2. Each scale is dotted. 3. 3. The Sailfin molly gets its name from the males impressive dorsal fin, which is erected to attract female.

20. Aquarium conditions Water:Hard Temperature:24°C Swimming level:All levels Special attention:Plants Tank type:Community

21. Species details Origin:Central America Size:120 mm Long Feed:Algae Sexual dimorphism:Males have gonopodium and may have large dorsal fin Breeding method:Live bearer Breeding Potential:Easy

22. SWORD TAIL

23. Classification: Family:Poecilidae Genus:Xiphophorus Species:helleri Common name:Sword tail

24. Characters 1. 1. Many colour varieties of swordtails are now established by selective breeding. 2. 2. Before the sword develops you can sex young fishes by observing the anal fin; the female is fan shaped, the males rod like. 3. 3. Generally orange red coloured sword tail is commonly available.

25. Aquarium conditions Water:Medium-hard Temperature:24°C - 26°C Swimming level:All levels Special attention:Plants

26. Species details Origin:Central America Size:120 mm Long (Female) males are still smaller Feed:Omnivorus Sexual dimorphism:Males possesses sword at caudal fin and gonopodium. Females are deeper bodied with fan shaped anal fin Breeding method:Live bearer Breeding Potential:Easy, prolific

27. MOSQUITO FISH

28. Classification: Family:Poecilidae Genus:Gambusia Species:affinis Common name:Mosquito fish

29. Characters 1. 1. Male are smaller than females. 2. 2. Males upto 5 cm long and females 6 cm long seen. 3. 3. They are peaceful and hardly aquarium live bearers. 4. 4. Since they exhibit sexual dimorphism (the gonopodium makes the males easy to recognize). 5. 5. Females are cannibalistic and should be removed after birth.

30. Aquarium conditions Water:Hard Temperature:18°C - 24°C Swimming level:Upper Special attention:Plants Gestation period:3-4 weeks

31. Species details Origin:South East United States Size:50 mm long Feed:Mosquito larvae Sexual dimorphism:Males has got gonopodium Breeding method:Live bearer Breeding Potential:Easy