Betta Fish Facts

Betta fish are the small, colorful, tropical fish that are commonly bred in aquariums. Although its scientific name is Betta Splendens; it is also known as Siamese fighting fish or simply the betta. These colorful fish are much in demand for aquariums as they are very easy to breed locally.

Facts about Betta Fish

One of the biggest advantage of rearing betta fish is that they grow well even in small containers. Hence, they are much favored by fish breeders.

• The life span of this fish is of 2-3 years; in rare cases, it can even live for 4-5 years.
• A special organ known as the labyrinth is located on the top of the fish's head which enables it to breathe atmospheric oxygen.
• As the betta fish takes up much of the oxygen from the surface, it can survive in water lacking oxygen for a long time.
• It has short floating fins and a straight spine.
• It can be found in more than 25 colors, the most common ones being red, blue, green, yellow, orange, pastel, purple, transparent, black, white and many more.
• A male betta usually flares its fins when it feels threatened.
• The betta fish is known as the Siamese fighting fish for its natural tendency to fight.
• Males are more aggressive and tend to fight or kill other males, when kept together.
• The richer the color of the betta fish, healthier they are. However, this rule may not be applicable to female fish, as sometimes, they are naturally tan or gray in color.
• The betta fish breeding pattern is of a unique type. The male builds a nest among the leaves of the floating plants. The eggs are placed here, which are later fertilized by the male.
• Veil tail betta is the most common variety, whereas the crown tail betta ranks second most common.
• According to crowntail betta fish facts, these fish are named so as they have finger like projections on their tails.

Betta Fish Care

As mentioned above, male betta tend to turn aggressive towards other males. Hence, it is advisable to have only a single male betta in a fish bowl. On the other hand, although the female betta fish do not kill each other, they tend to hide in secret places. Secondly, the temperature of the aquarium containing betta fish should be maintained at around 70-80 degree Fahrenheit, and is should be remembered that extremities of temperature are very harmful for the fish. Food required for the fish can be gotten from pet stores or even in larger super markets. Betta fish should be fed only 3 times a day and you should be careful to not to overfeed the fish. Lastly, it is very essential to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness. If the fish shows any signs of abnormal behavior like sluggishness or lack of activity, you can consult the fish veterinarians or the vet for advice.

You can go and take a look at these beautiful creatures; you will surely love them and wish to pet them! Ciao!

Fish Farming Techniques

Fish farming is the main form of aquaculture and it is now done on a large scale, to meet the increasing demands of fish protein. As the name suggests, it is the commercial raising of fish for the purpose of food. One of the forms of fish farming, called hatchery pertains to the releasing of fish species into the tanks or enclosures, in order to supplement the fish species or increase the numbers of fish. Hatchery is made, so, that recreational fishing can be given a boost. The unprecedented increase in commercial fishing has resulted in overfishing and this has compelled the growth of this technique, so that, the demands of fish protein can be adequately met. Salmon, carp, tilapia, catfish and cod are some of the fish that are raised extensively in commercial fishing.

Types of Fish Farming

Caging Systems
Nets or cages are popular methods of fishing in off shore coastal areas and freshwater lakes, ponds and oceans. Fish are raised in the cages, fed artificially and harvested when the numbers of fish meet the required demands of market. Some of the advantages of cage farming systems is, that this farming technique can be practiced in various types of water sources like lakes, ponds, seas and oceans, that offers flexibility to the farmers. Also, many types of fish can be raise together and the water can be used for various other purposes like water sports. In this farming method, superior quality cages are constructed and put in the water sources to raise the fish. Spread of diseases, poaching and concerns of poor quality water are some of the disadvantages of this farming system.

Ponds
One of the small scale techniques is raising fish in the pond, especially designed for the purpose of raising fish. Small ponds can be made in the farms and houses, that can provide its owner the ability to have control over the farming system. Ponds are useful for water harvesting in the dry areas and can also be utilized for raising fish. Waste water can be contained and treated properly to raise fish. Release of untreated waste water into the environment is possible, if the ponds are not maintained properly and can cause pollution. For small farms, ponds are effective to raise fish for self consumption.

Raceways
If you visit any fish farming area, you may come across narrow streams flowing between two wall type structures. These streams are nothing but raceways and their purpose is to help the farmers divert water from water systems likes streams or well, so that it flows through the water channels containing fish. There are various restrictions imposed on this type of farming by the government and the farmers are strictly advised to treat the water before they divert it back to the natural waterways. Also, the farmed fish can escape raceways and interfere with the wild fish habitat of the waterways.

Recirculating System
The recirculating system uses recycled water for raising fish. The waste water is treated and recycled many times. Many fish species are grown in the recirculating systems. However, the operative cost of the electricity is a disadvantage of this method.

Fish Farming Tips
It requires proper fish care. Here are some tips to focus upon:

• Maintain the water quality in the ponds and fish tanks.
• The pond banks must be of adequate height, so that, no grazing animals can enter it easily and harm the fish.
• Check out for potential predators like snakes etc.
• Fish diseases spread fast in their community so, check the fish health conditions, regularly.
• Quarantine the diseased fish and remove it from the fish tank.
• Cages must be constructed as per the water body where the fish have to be put.
• Floating cages are good for deep water sources. They can be kept floating by installing water bamboos in the depths of the water source.
• Fixed cages are better for low depth water bodies.

The US aquaculturists produce a whooping 1.1 billion pounds of marine plants and animals every year and by the end of 2025, fish production through aquaculture will be almost 50% of the complete aquatic food production!

Brook Trout Facts

Brook trouts are found in many part of North America. They are easy to identify as they have an elongated tapering body and are greenish black in color. The scientific name of this fish is S. fontinalis or Salvelinus fontinalis. The word fontinalis means from spring. These fish are mostly found in spring and hence, the scientific name is appropriate. This is a commonly fished fish for its taste.

Interesting Brook Trout Facts for Kids

• These fish are found in the continent of North America, or more specifically in Maritime Provinces, in the Nelson, Newfoundland, Labrador, the Great Lakes drainage basin, north to James and Hudson Bays.
• These fish are easy to identify due to the presence of certain marks or vermiculation present on their body. Their body is covered with spots or worm like markings.
• Brook trouts have a rounded snout and a large mouth. On closer observation, you will find that the lower part of their mouth is pointed. They have a square tail. Interestingly, their appearance is based on the environment and found to vary with it.
• Brook trout facts tell us that although the fish appears darker on the top. Its stomach is reddish or orange colored. In adult males, it is redder than other fish.
• The average lifespan of a brook trout is 4-7 years. Some species are even believed to live only for 4 years. In rare cases, a maximum of 15 year species have been observed. As they belong to the salmon family, you may like to read more on salmon life cycle.
• Usually the length of brook trouts is found to be 10-12 inches. However, a recorded 33 inches brook trout has also been found.
• The weight of a brook trout can be anything between 10 oz to 7 lb. The recorded maximum weight of a brook trout is 14.5 lb.
• These fish mostly live in clear freshwater streams, lakes, springs and rivers. The presence of this fish is an indication that the water is clear.
• Another interesting fact about brook trout is that these fish are never found in areas where development is seen. They are found mostly in mountainous areas. This is because they prefer clean environment and cannot survive in polluted conditions.
• Brook trouts feed on insects that are found in water. But they also tend to eat other aquatic creatures like baby aquatic snakes, small fish, mollusk, fry, spiders, crustaceans, tadpoles, etc.
• Human beings are the major predators of brook trouts as these fish are fished for food. However, other larger fish also eat the brook trouts.
• At the age one year, a brook trout becomes sexually mature. They spawn between September and December.
• One of the fun facts about brook trout is that at a single time, a female brook trout lays thousands of eggs. The eggs are usually laid in cold water streams. The eggs of a brook trout are incubated throughout winter. They hatch in the spring.
• This fish is considered as a good game. Fly fishing and grub fishing are the popular methods used for brook trout fishing.
• Another interesting brook trout facts is that these days, these fish are hybridized with other species to form newer species like the tiger trout (hybrid between brown trout and brook trout) and splake (hybrid between lake trout and brook trout).

You can also read on golden trout for more information. Those who love reading facts about animals, birds and fish should participate in awareness programs that are launched by various organizations for the conservation of animals and animal habitats.