Mossy barbus - care and maintenance in the aquarium

Mossy barbs are also called mutants due to the fact that they were bred as a result of gene crossbreeding with Sumatran barbs. However, the representatives of the species were much more spectacular than their predecessors. Dark green scales with a bluish tint attract attention. When an individual grows up, its color fades, but the fish does not become less beautiful.

Habitat

1. Earlier it was mentioned that the barbus of this variety refers to the subtype of the Sumatran individual. This variety is no less popular, rather many aquarists will prefer it rather than their ancestors. Since individuals do not live in natural conditions due to the acquisition of the species by artificial means, we will affect the habitat of their predecessors.
2. For the first time, Sumanran fish were described in 1854, a goal made by Blacker. Accordingly, the fish was named because of the characteristics of the habitat. It can be found in Sumatra, in Thailand and Cambodia. At first, the individuals were exclusively in Sumatra and Borneo, but then they migrated to other places. Some populations are even found in Australia, Singapore, Colombia and the United States of America.
3. By their natural characteristics, fish do not tolerate the current. They can be found in slowly flowing or completely standing water sources, whether it be small rivers or reservoirs with streams. Usually fish swim in dense thickets, therefore they are located in the jungle area. Here, absolutely everything suits them, starting from the purest water, ending with a high accumulation of oxygen and soft sand at the bottom. In the natural environment, barbs eat detritus, algae, insects and their larvae.

Description

1. According to their external data, these representatives of the subspecies are tall and round, their heads are sharp. The fish is small, in size it hardly reaches 6-7 cm. Therefore, it is constantly the prey of large inhabitants. As for life expectancy, the indicators are 5 years.
2. Naturally, one cannot help but touch on the coloring. The fish are greenish with a blue tint, which shimmers with proper lighting. Mutants do not have the black stripes that their Sumatran predecessors have. There is a border around the edges of the fins, and at the beginning of spawning, the muzzle becomes reddish.
3. These fish do not require special refinements in the content, so it is recommended to start them for beginners in the field of aquarium. Generally speaking, fish differ from their ancestors exclusively in color. In all other respects, they are as undemanding as their predecessors. The main thing to remember is that fish need stability and a clean aquatic environment.
4. Since pets are small in shape, they need to organize shelters. Usually these include vegetation, grottoes, driftwood, etc. But it is also important to provide a place for swimming, so the middle part is left for maneuvers. Fish eat algae if they do not have enough plant food.
5. They are necessarily kept in packs of 8 individuals or more. The fish is not very aggressive, but can molest its brothers. Therefore, try not to keep it with even smaller individuals. If you buy a flock of fish, you can significantly reduce the aggression of this breed in relation to their counterparts.
6. To brighten up your aquarium, these mutants are combined with Sumatran barbs. They have the same behavior and rhythm of life, the fish get along fine, fit each other according to the requirements for the aquatic environment and general principles of care. They differ only in color, this makes the aquarium even more beautiful.

Gender differences

1. If the specimen has not yet reached puberty, then it is almost impossible to distinguish fish by gender.
2. In adulthood, a rounded belly becomes noticeable in females. Males acquire a brighter color, and they are also smaller in size.

Content

1. The family under discussion does not apply to fish that require a certain water level to swim. Barbuses feel great in the lowlands, in the middle and upper layers. About 10-12 liters are allocated per fish. water. Therefore, if you plan to buy 8 individuals, separately order a tank of at least 80 liters.
2. Mutant fish jump out of the water well, so take care of the lid for the tank. Install it on top of the aquarium, leaving a small gap. The tank should be elongated, not round or square. Vegetation is planted on the sides.
3. These pets are not demanding on the aquatic environment, quickly adapt. But there are certain recommendations that should be followed. Ideal for fish, hardness will be 5-10 units, acidity - 6-8 units, and temperature conditions - 23-26 degrees.
4. But even more important is the installation of a filter with excellent water purification, because these fish get sick if the liquid is contaminated. A third of the volume is also regularly merged, a new portion is poured in its place.
5. Due to the fact that these fish were hatched by artificial crosses, they are more demanding. However, this does not prevent newcomers to the aquarium industry from having such inhabitants.
6. One only needs to remember that barbs do not tolerate moving from one aquarium to another; Make sure that the aquarium water is sufficiently enriched with oxygen. Otherwise, aquatic inhabitants will become stressed.

Feeding

1. The barbs under consideration, like all representatives of this species, belong to omnivorous individuals. Fish without any problems will be happy to eat freshly frozen, dry and lively foods. It is highly recommended that you feed the individuals in question with high-quality industrial feed.
2. This method will avoid frequent environmental pollution. In addition, professional feed is easier for beginners to handle. Among other things, with such a diet, it should be diluted regularly. From time to time, give bloodworms to arteries and bloodworms. They can be live or frozen.
3. Keep in mind that the fish in question do not have a sense of proportion when eating. Therefore, the number of servings should be limited. Otherwise, individuals will die soon from obesity or other health problems. It is recommended to feed barbs several times a day. Keep in mind that the portions should be small. Fish should have time to eat all the food within a few minutes.

Compatibility

1. The considered individuals are very active, therefore they need to be hooked only to fish similar in temperament and lifestyle. Neighbors should also move quickly in the aquarium, like barbs. However, it is worth noting that these individuals often bite the fins of all the inhabitants of the aquarium.
2. To a particular degree, this phenomenon can be observed if barbs are kept in flocks. Mostly individuals attack only those fish that are slow and too peaceful. Therefore, it is not necessary to add scalars, gourami, and other inhabitants of the aquatic world with long fins to barbs.
3. Green barbs have the greatest aggression. Hatred of others appears if you keep them singly or in pairs. Therefore, it makes sense to start flocks. In order not to cause any problems with other inhabitants of the aquarium, barbs should be purchased in an amount of at least 7 individuals. In this case, they will only follow each other.
4. In order to at least somehow decorate and diversify the appearance of the aquarium, it is recommended to start a flock of barbs of various types.Mutants can be kept without problems with Sumatran individuals. Thus, your aquarium will significantly change.

Breeding

1. It is easy to breed the considered individuals in the aquarium. They reach puberty in 4-5 months. Choose the brightest pair from the pack and move to the spawning ground.
2. Keep in mind that parents must be transferred to a common aquarium after throwing eggs, otherwise they will completely destroy their offspring. In the spawning ground, you need to install an additional grid at the bottom.
3. Before spawning, like any individuals, barbs need to be fed abundantly for about a crescent. As soon as the male fertilizes the eggs, put the parents away. The fry will appear after 1 week. Feed them live dust.

Fish stands out from the rest of the aquatic inhabitants of the reservoir. Since the presented breed group is popular with professionals and beginners, it makes sense to consider everything related to it.

Video: breeding mossy barbus