Category: Fish

Rosy Barbs or Red Barbs are freshwater fish known for their vivid red coloration. They are some of the most popular Barbs kept in aquariums, mainly because they are easy to keep. The Rosy Barb’s peaceful and social temperament makes them well suited for community aquariums, and they get along well with many other fish.

Breed Overview

The Rosy Barb is a member of the Barbinae subfamily which is part of the Cyprinid family. You can easily recognize a Rosy Barb by their deep orange and reddish body with a distinctive black spot at the base of their caudal fin. Aside from being peaceful, Rosy Barbs are equally hardy and adaptable fish. Their ease of care makes them suitable for all fish keepers, even beginners who are looking for a first-time fish to own.

If you have set your mind on introducing Rosy Barbs to your aquarium, this article will guide you through their care requirements.

Rosy Barb Characteristics

Rosy Barb Cost?

Rosy Barbs originated from various southern Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, India, and Afghanistan. Populations of Rosy Barbs have been introduced outside their native range to waters throughout Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and Colombia. They inhabit various freshwater lakes, swamps, ponds, and streams which are either fast-flowing or slow-moving.

Their diverse habitat range is one of the main reasons behind their hardiness and adaptability in aquariums. They are well-known in the aquarium trade industry where they are sold under the common name Red or Rosy Barb and the scientific name Pethia conchonius.

Rosy Barbs are mainly kept in aquariums for ornamental purposes, but sometimes for breeding and rarely for human consumption. You can find Rosy Barbs for sale in many pet stores around the world. They usually cost between $3 to $8 per fish, but groups of Rosy Barbs are often sold at a discounted price.

Sociability of the Rosy Barb

Do These Fish Make Good Pets?

Rosy Barbs are good pet fish for both beginner and experienced fish keepers. They make active and lively additions to well-established community aquariums while being relatively easy to care for. Even beginner fish keepers who don’t have much experience caring for fish will find that Rosy Barbs aren’t difficult to own.

However, proper living conditions and good water quality are still important for Rosy Barbs. They need a spacious tank equipped with a filter, along with well-maintained water, regular water changes, and compatible tank mates. Despite being hardy and easy to care for, Rosy Barbs are not a good addition to bowls, vases, and other small aquaria.

Does This Fish Make a Good Tankmate?

One of the main reasons Rosy Barbs are chosen for community aquariums is because of their sociability. Rosy Barbs are compatible with various fish and invertebrates which can be introduced as tank mates.

Rosy Barbs tend to fin-nip in aquariums. This makes them a poor tank mate for long-finned fish such as Bettas or Long-finned Tetras. You should never house Rosy Barbs with fish that are large, aggressive, or thrive at different water parameters. Jack Dempsey fish, African cichlids, and Oscars make bad tank mates for Rosy Barbs and should be avoided.

While Rosy Barbs are social enough to get along with various tank mates, they need to be kept in groups of five or more. Rosy Barbs are social shoaling fish that need to be kept in same-species groups.

Care Guide & Tank Set Up

Rosy Barbs require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons for a group of five or six. The more Rosy Barbs you keep together or the larger their tank mates are, the bigger their tank needs to be. A spacious tank is always preferred over a smaller one.

Water Quality, pH, & Temperature

Rosy Barbs rely on good water quality for their health and longevity. They should be kept in freshwater aquariums that have been cycled weeks before any Rosy Barbs are added in. Rosy Barbs do not handle poor water quality well, which may cause them to become stressed or ill. The levels of ammonia and nitrite need to be controlled via the nitrogen cycle and kept at 0 ppm (parts per million). Nitrate is the by-product of the nitrogen cycle and is safe up until 20 ppm.

The aquarium can either be heated or unheated if the temperature stays between 65° to 77° Fahrenheit (18° to 25° Celsius). However, the temperature should ideally be kept constant with only gradual fluctuations to avoid stressing Rosy Barbs. A heater is optional for Rosy Barbs but does help keep the water temperature stable and warm. The pH of the water should be between 6.0 to 8.0, and the water hardness around 90 to 357 ppm.

Substrate

Sandy or fine gravel substrates can be used in Rosy Barb aquariums. The substrate will function as a growth medium for any live plants in the aquarium while providing Rosy Barbs with a natural environment. Avoid substrates that alter the pH or hardness of the water, leach toxins, or have colorful dyes. The Rosy Barb’s vibrant coloration stands out against dark-colored substrates, rather than lighter ones.

Plants

Rosy Barbs benefit from live plants in their aquarium. Live plants such as java fern, Amazon sword, anubias, and Vallisneria are suitable for Rosy Barbs. These plants help purify the water, provide shelter, and replicate the vegetation Rosy Barbs experience in the wild. Furthermore, driftwood and rock formations can be added to the plants to liven up your Rosy Barbs aquarium. Dense vegetation encourages your Rosy Barbs to be more active because they may feel unsafe in a sparse one.

Lighting

Lighting is important for Rosy Barbs during the day as it creates a day-and-night cycle. Their aquarium should be moderately lit for 6 to 10 hours per day. The lights need to be turned off at night because Rosy Barbs rest in total darkness.

Filtration

Rosy Barbs require a filter in their aquarium to aid with water quality and prevent dirt buildup. In the wild, Rosy Barbs will inhabit fast streams or still waters. This means that filters can either produce a low current in the water or a moderately fast one. However, the filter should not be so strong that it makes it difficult for Rosy Barbs to swim comfortably. Most filters are suitable for Rosy Barb aquariums, including sponge, internal, external, and canister filters.

Things to Know When Owning a Rosy Barb:

Food & Diet Requirements

Rosy Barbs and omnivores in the wild and aquariums. They feed on various worms, insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild. In captivity, Rosy Barbs enjoys eating a combination of live foods, commercial fish food, and spirulina or algae wafers. They are not fussy fish and generally eat any food that they are offered.

Their main source of nutrition should be from a commercial pellet, flake, granules, or sinking food formulated for tropical fish. Live foods like baby brine shrimp and daphnia can be offered a few times a week for variety. If you have other fish in the aquarium, Rosy Barbs will try to snack on their food too. Rosy Barbs should be fed once a day, and more frequently if they are still growing or if you plan to breed them. Any leftover food should be removed after 10 minutes to prevent the water from fouling.

Size & Growth Rate

Rosy Barbs generally grow larger in the wild than in captivity. The largest Rosy Barbs recorded and believed to be 6 inches long in the wild. However, they usually grow between 2.5 to 5 inches in captivity. Rosy Barbs have a moderately fast growth rate when kept in proper conditions and fed a healthy diet. A large tank, good water quality, and a balanced protein-rich diet will encourage your Rosy Barb to grow at a normal rate and reach a decent adult size. Rosy Barbs are considered sexually mature at around 2.5 inches long or 4 to 6 months old. It can take Rosy Barbs up to 12 months before they are fully grown.

Varieties

The Rosy Barb is a species of Barb fish, belonging to the minnow and carp family. They are characterized by their red or orange bodies, which are more vivid in males than females. Their coloration is enhanced during breeding season and males naturally have a brighter coloration than females. They have a single caudal, anal, and dorsal fin, along with pairs of ventral and pectoral fins. Rosy Barbs can either be found in the short-fin or long-finned variety. Males have black markings on their fins, and both sexes have a black dot just before their caudal fin.

Lifespan and Health Conditions

Rosy Barbs have a typical lifespan of around 5 years. However, some well-cared-for Rosy Barbs may live 1–2 years more. Their lifespans are relatively short and can be shorter if the Rosy Barbs have any healthy conditions or live in aquariums with poor water quality. Rosy Barbs will have similar health conditions as other tropical fish species. Although Rosy Barbs can tolerate cold water conditions, they may get certain diseases if they are kept in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Male vs Female

Male Rosy Barbs are generally more colorful and slightly smaller than females. The female Rosy Barbs have a rounder abdomen and a larger body size. Female Rosy Barbs are more of a golden orange color, whereas males are redder. Aside from the difference in color and body structure, another way to tell male and female Rosy Barbs apart is by looking at their fins. Male Rosy Barbs have black markings on their fins whereas females do not.

3 Little-Known Facts About Rosy Barbs

1. Rosy Barbs are subtropical fish that can handle temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

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2. It is essential to keep Rosy Barbs in groups of five or more because they are naturally shoaling fish.

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3. Rosy Barbs can adapt to various habitats, which makes them tolerant of different aquarium conditions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fish keeper, Rosy Barbs might be a perfect choice for you. Rosy Barbs are peaceful and social shoaling fish that make perfect additions to well-established community aquariums. Their hardy and adaptable temperament makes them suited for both unheated and heated aquariums with good water quality.

It is fairly easy to keep Rosy Barbs happy and thriving, and all they need is a spacious and filtered tank with live plants. They do not have the longest lifespan at only 5 years long, but with proper care, some Rosy Barbs may live for longer.

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Featured Image Credit: Grigorev Mikhail, Shutterstock

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Cichlids are a favorite group of fish in the aquarium world, but they can also be complicated fish to keep. One of the most popular cichlid species in the aquarium trade is the Convict cichlid, also known as the Zebra cichlid. This aggressive fish is best suited for intermediate to experienced fishkeepers.

The Convict cichlid gets its name from the black and white stripes it sports all over its body, giving it the appearance of a prisoner. The black and white stripes also give them their alternative name of Zebra cichlid. This is a South American cichlid species that can be very territorial, making it a poor option for community tanks. If you’re interested in this beautiful but complex fish, keep reading.

Convict Cichlid Breed Characteristics

Convict Cichlid Cost?

Convict cichlids are a common fish in the world of aquatics, so you shouldn’t struggle to find one to bring home. Aquatics shops, pet stores, and online vendors all can provide Convict cichlids. You can expect to spend between $4 and $10 for a single fish. These are not community fish, so you don’t have to worry about buying multiple fish. It is possible to keep a male and female fish together if you’d like two fish.

Sociability of the Convict Cichlid

Do These Fish Make Good Pets?

This is a beautiful fish that is interesting to watch. It’s considered to be hardy and relatively low maintenance, making it a pretty low-care fish. They are not considered to be a good option for beginners because of their territorial, aggressive temperament. They could be suitable for a beginner who only wants to keep one fish, but only experienced aquarists should attempt to keep Convict cichlids in community settings.

Does This Fish Make a Good Tank Mate?

No, the Convict cichlid is not a good tank mate for most fish, including other Convict cichlids most of the time. They are not suitable for most community tank setups. Males should not be kept with other male Convict cichlids, although a male-female pairing can often work with proper management. There are some tank mates that are suitable for the Convict cichlid, including many types of catfish and other hardy bottom dwellers.

Care Guide & Tank Set Up

Water Quality, pH & Temperature
This fish is not picky about its water and can tolerate a range of water conditions. Maintaining high water quality will support the health of your fish and provide them with a longer life. The Convict cichlid needs tropical water temperatures between 79–84°F, although they can do well in temperatures as low as 74°F. They can tolerate a pH range between 6.5 and 8.0.

Substrate

Convict cichlids love to dig through their substrate, so sand is usually recommended. Aquatic soil could work, but it’s likely to become messy when the fish digs through it. Keep in mind that your substrate will also need to be able to support plant life, so you may have to add root tabs if using sand.
Plants

As previously mentioned, these fish like to dig, but they also like to uproot plants, so it can be challenging to keep a planted tank for Convict cichlids. Hardy plants, especially those that can be attached to surfaces, are ideal, including Java fern, Java moss, and Anubias. Cryptocorynes, Echinodorus, and Vallisneria are also suitable options.
Lighting

There are no lighting needs specific to the Convict cichlid, although they may need to be slowly worked up to bright tank lights. Aim to provide a regular day/night lighting cycle and remember to ensure your light is capable of supporting the live plants in the tank.

Filtration

These are not overly messy fish, so a filtration system that is rated for the size of the tank that your fish are in is suitable. Hang-on-back and canister filters are the ideal options in most situations for Convict cichlids. If keeping Convict cichlids with messy tank mates, like Plecos, then you should beef up your filtration system to account for the added heavy bioload.

Things to Know When Owning a Convict Cichlid:

Food & Diet Requirements

Cichlid-specific pellets are a great option for feeding your Convict cichlid. Choose a high-quality pellet that is high in protein. These fish are omnivores, so a varied diet is essential to their health. While a high-quality pellet should be the base of your Convict cichlid’s diet, you can also provide treats, like mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and bloodworms, as well as algae sheets.

Size & Growth Rate

Convict cichlids are rapid growers when they are very young. Their growth will slow as they become juveniles and enter adulthood, though. It’s not uncommon for a Convict cichlid to take up to 2 to 3 years to reach its maximum adult size.

Varieties

There are multiple varieties of Convict cichlids, although they are all the same species. They all have distinctive stripes, but different colorations do occur. Common varieties of Convict cichlids include albino, leopard, yellow belly, red phantom, black barred, gold, blue, and electric blue. There can be some pattern differences between varieties, but all are identifiable as Convict cichlids.

The different varieties of Convict cichlids are the product of selective breeding. In the wild, varieties outside of the usual zebra-type stripes are very uncommon. Albino fish can occur in the wild, but their color often makes them easier for predators to spot, giving them a shorter lifespan.

Lifespan and Health Conditions

With proper care, a Convict cichlid can reach 8–10 years of age. They are hardy fish that are tolerant of a variety of water conditions. If kept in an appropriate tank environment, you can expect your Convict cichlid to be healthy. If kept in a tank with other fish, especially inappropriate tank mates, then your Convict cichlid may become stressed, which can lead to illnesses and death.

Male vs Female

It isn’t usually very difficult to tell the difference between male and female Convict cichlids. Males tend to be larger than females, as well as having a larger nuchal hump, which is a bump on the forehead or top of the head. Females may have a nuchal hump, but it is smaller than that of male Convict cichlids. In many cases, females may lack a nuchal hump altogether.

Aside from being larger, males also have larger fins in comparison to their body size than females do. You can also look at your fish’s anal opening to determine their sex. Males tend to have a slightly protruding opening, while females have a flat, broad opening.

Final Thoughts

The Convict cichlid is a neat fish that many people enjoy keeping. They do need space, though, and they aren’t a good option for community tank setups. If you’re hoping for a fish that will get along with tank mates, then it’s best to skip the Convict cichlid. Although named for its prison-uniform stripes, the Convict cichlid is also not a particularly nice fish, so you can expect it to attack or bully other tank mates, regardless of size.

• Also see: Types of Cichlids for Your Aquarium (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Bernsten, Shutterstock

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Bloodfin Tetras, also known as Redfin Tetras, are small freshwater fish that are easily recognized by their appearance. The Bloodfin Tetra has vibrant red fins that stand out against their metallic silver bodies. They are relatively easy to care for thanks to their hardiness and adaptability, making them perfect for beginner fish keepers.

If you are interested in adding Bloodfin Tetras to your aquarium, this article will guide you through their care and important characteristics.

Breed Overview

The Bloodfin Tetra is scientifically known as Aphyocharax anisitsi and belongs to the Characin family. They are a species of Tetra which are well-known in the aquarium trade industry. Bloodfin Tetras are the perfect additions to community aquariums, primarily because of their peaceful temperament and small size. They get along with numerous aquatic tank mates and are relatively healthy fish when cared for properly. Most fish keepers can successfully raise Bloodfin Tetras in an aquarium without much experience.

Bloodfin Tetra Characteristics

Bloodfin Tetra Cost?

The origins of Bloodfin Tetras date back to 1903 when they were discovered by C.H. Eigenmann and C.H. Kennedy. Bloodfin Tetras are native to South America, and their wild habitat consists of tropical waterways throughout Paraguay and northern Argentina. However, Bloodfin Tetras can also be found in Florida where they likely escaped from ornamental fish farms.

Bloodfin Tetras are found in the aquarium trade industry where they are often sold and kept as pets. They are not considered rare because of their wide availability and ease of breeding in captivity. This means that Bloodfin Tetras can be purchased from various pet stores or online retailers. Most Bloodfin Tetras cost between $2 to $5, which makes them inexpensive fish. You might come across groups of Bloodfin Tetras for sale at discounted prices when purchased together.

Sociability of the Bloodfin Tetra

Do These Fish Make Good Pets?

The Bloodfin Tetra’s peaceful, social, and adaptable temperament makes them the perfect pets for beginner fish keepers. They are easy to maintain in aquariums and aren’t very fussy about their tank setup and diet. However, that doesn’t mean Bloodfin Tetras do not need specific conditions to thrive. Bloodfin Tetras are naturally social schooling fish that need to be kept in groups of six or more. You cannot keep Bloodfin Tetras alone, so you need to be able to commit to caring for a group of them.

Furthermore, Bloodfin Tetras need to be kept in spacious aquariums that support their active schooling behavior. Their aquarium needs to be over 20 gallons long, and not a small vase or fish bowl. They should only be kept in mature aquariums that have been fully cycled and cannot be added to an aquarium the day it is set up. Bloodfin Tetras do not tolerate poor water quality well and may die in poorly maintained aquariums.

Does This Fish Make a Good Tankmate?

Like most Tetras, Bloodfin Tetras make excellent tank mates for compatible fish or invertebrates. Bloodfin Tetras are known to get along with most small and peaceful fish, but they can also be kept with snails or shrimp. The Bloodfin Tetra’s high sociability in aquariums is one of the main reasons they are good for community aquariums.

You generally want to avoid keeping Bloodfin Tetras with large and aggressive tank mates that require different water parameters. Bloodfin Tetras may nip at the fins of certain fish like Bettas or Long-fin Tetras so they should be avoided as tank mates.

Some of the best tank mates to pair with a school of Bloodfin Tetras are other peaceful Tetras, Ghost Shrimp, live-bearing fish, and snails.

Care Guide & Tank Set Up

Water Quality, pH, & Temperature

The most important aspect of Bloodfin Tetra care is water quality. Bloodfin Tetras need good water quality for basic survival, and it’s up to you to ensure that their water conditions are suitable for them. Bloodfin Tetras are tropical freshwater fish that need a heater in their aquarium.

Their ideal temperature range is between 70° to 82° Fahrenheit (21° to 28° Celsius). The temperature should be kept stable with a few fluctuations which can be stressful for Bloodfin Tetras. Furthermore, Bloodfin Tetras may fall ill if they are exposed to chilly temperatures for too long. The pH of the water should remain between 6.0 to 8.0, and the hardness from 54 to 447 ppm.

Bloodfin Tetras should only be kept in fully cycled aquariums with zero traces of ammonia or nitrite. The nitrate levels are safe up to 20 ppm before a water change is due.

Substrate

Bloodfin Tetras appreciate substrate in their aquarium, although it is not a necessity. Sandy or fine gravel substrates are preferred because they replicate the Bloodfin Tetra’s natural environment. While you can use standard-sized gravel or pebbles as a substrate, they need to be free of toxins or harmful dyes. Natural-colored substrates are easy on the eye for Bloodfin Tetras and usually aren’t coated with dyes.

Plants

Housing Bloodfin Tetras in a planted aquarium is guaranteed to keep them active and happy. They enjoy exploring and swimming amongst live plants such as Hornwort, Vallisneria, Ludwigia, and Water Sprite. Growing multiple live plants in their aquarium is recommended because it creates a natural environment in which Bloodfin Tetras feel secure. Plus, live plants offer other benefits like water purification and increased oxygenation that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Lighting

Bloodfin Tetras are diurnal fish that are active during the day and rest at night. They require around 6 to 10 hours of light during the day, and total darkness at night. Low to moderately bright aquarium lighting is fine for Bloodfin Tetras, but you want to avoid bright aquarium lighting. Bright lighting is harsh on Bloodfin Tetra’s eyes, which may make them feel stressed or unsafe in their environment.

Filtration

Running a filter in a Bloodfin Tetras aquarium is essential and plays a major role in the aquarium’s water quality. The filter will keep the water moving, and clean, and helps to aerate the water for better oxygenation. Bloodfin Tetras do best with a slow to moderately fast water current, so avoid filters with a strong output. Filters such as sponge, internal, hang-on-back (HOB), and under-gravel filters are suitable for Bloodfin Tetras.

Be sure that the filter can handle the number of inhabitants and the size aquarium it will be filtering. If the filter is too weak, the water could become stagnant and dirty.

Things to Know When Owning a Bloodfin Tetra:

Food & Diet Requirements

Ensuring that your Bloodfin Tetras are fed a healthy and balanced diet is important for their health. Bloodfin Tetras are naturally omnivores but lean more towards a carnivorous diet in the wild. They readily accept most live or frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and insect larvae. However, a high-quality commercial pellet or flake food should be offered daily. That is where Bloodfin Tetras will get most of the essential vitamins and minerals they need to be healthy.

Regardless of how varied their diet is, Bloodfin Tetras are not fussy about food. They are happy to eat most fish foods in the aquarium, even if the food is intended for one of their tank mates.

Size & Growth Rate

Bloodfin Tetras are small fish at only 2 inches long as adults. Some Bloodfin Tetras may only grow to 1.5 inches long, especially the females who are slightly longer than males. Their growth rate is quite fast, and they are fully grown before they are 1 year old. However, they mature between 4 to 6 months old and are ready to reproduce during that time.

The Bloodfin Tetras growth rate is influenced by their care, diet, and genetics. Some well-bred Bloodfin Tetras are likely to be larger than poorly-bred ones. Furthermore, Bloodfin Tetras may have delayed growth if they are fed an improper diet or kept in aquariums with poor water quality. Aquarium size may also play a role in how large Bloodfin Tetras get. If Bloodfin Tetras were kept in a tiny fishbowl with poor water quality, they are unlikely to grow very large or live long enough to reach an adult size.

Varieties

Bloodfin Tetras are characterized by their short blood-red fins, hence their names. Their bodies are elongated with a defined stomach which is more prominent in mature females. The rest of their body is metallic silver with hints of greenish blue in bright lighting. Bloodfin Tetras have a single caudal, anal, and dorsal fin, which is a distinctive red color. However, their fins may appear slightly orange at times. The rest of their fins are a semi-transparent silver color, aside from their paired ventral fins which are red.

Lifespan and Health Conditions

The average lifespan for healthy Bloodfin Tetras is between 5 to 8 years. This is longer than some other similarly sized Tetras. Several factors can affect a Bloodfin Tetra’s longevity, including their care, health, and water quality. Certain health conditions can drastically shorten a Bloodfin Tetra’s lifespan, no matter how well they are cared for. It is important to monitor your Bloodfin Tetras for signs of disease and treat them promptly.

The health conditions that may affect Bloodfin Tetras include:

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Male vs Female

Male and female Bloodfin Tetras have a similar appearance which makes it difficult to tell them apart. One of the main differences is their size and stomach. Female Bloodfin Tetras are slightly larger than males and have a rounder stomach, whereas males have a slender body structure and more pronounced fins.

3 Little-Known Facts About Bloodfin Tetras

1. Female Bloodfin Tetras leap out of the water as they are depositing eggs. This jumping behavior is an indication that your Bloodfin Tetras are ready to breed. 

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2. Mature male Bloodfin Tetras have bony hooks on their pelvic and anal fin rays.

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3. Female Bloodfin Tetras can lay up to 800 eggs at a time which usually hatch within 25 hours. 

Final Thoughts

Bloodfin Tetras are peaceful and social schooling fish that make good additions to community aquariums. They cohabit well with other small and peaceful fish, although they tend to nip at fins. Bloodfin Tetras are relatively easy to care for, which makes them suitable for beginner fish keepers.

Caring for Bloodfin Tetras is pretty straightforward, and they mainly require a spacious tank, good water quality, and a healthy diet to thrive. If you choose to get Bloodfin Tetras, keep in mind that they need to be kept in groups of six or more.

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Featured Image Credit: Karel Zahradka, Shutterstock

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