MM aqua

Sexing Fish

Determining the s*x of a fish is an important step in knowing whether one has a pair. Most fish can be classified as s*xually dimorphic or s*xually isomorphic. In s*xually dimorphic species, the s*xes can be easily distinguished by primary (shape of s*x organs) and secondary differences (size, shape, color [s*xual dichromatism], finnage). Males are frequently more colorful, larger, and have more elaborate finnage. Among the more brilliant outstanding of s*xual dimorphism can be found in Lake Malawi cichlids, Killifish, and Livebearers. In s*xually isomorphic species, there are minute, if any, apparent s*xual differences. Often, the only way to distinguish between the s*xes is the shape of the ge***al papilla, which is only visible around spawning times. In some isomorphic species, the males are slightly larger and the females are slightly rounder in the belly. Some s*xually isomorphic species have no known external s*xual differences.

History of goldfish
Goldfish are one of the first types of fish to be domesticated. There is no other way to say this, but the first fish most aquarists owned, was a goldfish. Simply because they are colorful, inexpensive, social, fun to care for and a great hobby. Now you probably want one too.
What is really going on is that these wonderful fish are descendants of the Prussian carp, which is a native to the eastern and southeastern part of Asia and part of the Cyprinidae family. You know, everything about goldfish began about one thousand years ago in the Song Era when the ancient Chinese started to breed carp. Originally, the carp had scales that were silver in color before the breeding. After that, the there was a color mutation to yellow-orange scales. Yellow was the imperial color.
Did you know that this new colored version of the Carp, known as goldfish today was forbidden and could only be kept by royal families? Yes, this is probably the reason why there are more orange goldfish than yellow ones these days. Or maybe not.
Goldfish only became popular outside China, in the early 16th century, in Japan. Here, two beautiful varieties were developed: Tosakin and Ryukin. Later, in the 17th century, the goldfish was introduced to the southern countries of Europe. Finally, in the 1850's it became popular un the United States. Home of the well-known Comet goldfish.
Goldfish species are the only species in the animal kingdom that were manipulated to give such grotesque and funny appearances. Presently, there are 18 varieties of goldfish, all beautiful and cute. They can be found in colors like orange, yellow, blue, red, white, black, chocolate, calico or a beautiful mixture of these.

"Preparation to breed discus fish"
Discus will readily reproduce in the aquarium but you may need to dedicate months, even a year (if you start out with juveniles) to the prospect. Until recently they had only successfully been bred in captivity a few times and only then by dedicated individuals. However very recently hobbyists have had widespread success breeding discuss by following a few key steps.
A Discus couple will not spawn in an aquarium that is too shallow. You will need a depth of at least 15 inches due to their tall shape. Smaller 15" cube aquariums can be used for breeding especially because they allow close contact of the breeding partners. However a deeper 36 inches x 18 inches x 18 inches aquarium would be spacious and humane for a suitable breeding pair.
Make sure the temperature is above 82 F, it needs to be a warmer climate to try and coax them into mating behavior. Replicating the summer and therefore 'rainy' climate of the amazon is a common tool in breeding aquarium fish.
The pH will need to be kept as close to 6.5 as possible and as stable as possible. The summer amazon rainstorms collect substrate and mud in the wild softening the water. The aquarium water will need to be as soft as possible from 1-4dH. Soft water has poor buffering ability hence it is important to check the water each day to ensure the parameters remain stable (especially pH). You will need to keep nitrates at a minimum by performing water changes every week and siphoning out the waste. About 30-50% will be perfect. These water changes are important and also signify breeding conditions to the breeding Discus.
When feeding breeding Discus, protein rich foods are the best choice. Diversifying food sources will help to balance the Discus diet. Professional breeders use beef heart but this should also be combined with bloodworms and vegetable matter such as spinach to aid in vitamin uptake. To keep them in good health use some high grade tropical granules twice a week to supply them with the required nutrients and vitamins they may be lacking.
Placing an upturned clay pot or cone in the discus tank will give a hard surface for the discus to lay eggs on. Be sure the surface is clean and will not pollute the aquarium. Professional plastic cones are sold on line that have been used with proven results. These may be a good consideration to increase laying chances.