The iconic and lovable Dory is based on a real species of fish known as the Blue Tang. Though real-life Blue Tangs can’t talk, they’re still quite charming and make a fun and beautiful addition to your tank. However, due to their care needs, they’re often recommended for experienced aquarists. Here’s everything you need to know about Blue Tangs before deciding on adding them to your aquarium.
What Is a Blue Tang?
The Blue Tang, or Paracanthurus hepatus, is native to the Indo-Pacific Oceans. In the wild, they’re coral reef dwellers and can be found at depths between 6 to 131 feet. Their natural diet consists of algae and plankton.
Blue Tangs have beautiful royal blue scales and yellow tails. They also have a black palette shape that runs along the top of their bodies. They can grow up to 12 inches long, and males are typically larger than females. These fish usually live in schools, and they don’t live exclusively with their own kind. They’re known to be quite shy and peaceful, but they’re also pretty active and require a lot of space to swim and dart around.
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Blue Tang Basic Care
Blue Tangs aren’t the hardiest type of aquarium fish, so it’s important to regularly monitor their tank to ensure everything is within their tolerance levels.
Here’s a brief rundown of their tank setup:
pH level: 8.0–8.4
Temperature: 72°F–78°F
Current: Strong
Specific gravity: 1.023–1.025
Tank Setup
Blue Tangs are often mistaken as small fish because they’re often sold as juveniles that are just a couple of inches long. However, they can grow to become 7 to 8 inches long within their first 4 to 5 years of life and can reach 12 inches long once they’ve reached adulthood. Therefore, Blue Tangs need to be in larger tanks that hold at least 150 gallons.
Blue Tangs naturally live in waters with strong currents and high oxygen flow. They often prefer swimming against currents, so they require a tank setup that has a powerhead or other current generators. They’re also very sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, so it’s important to stay on top of keeping tanks clean and temperate
Another important part of your tank setup is hiding places. Blue Tangs prefer to run away from threats rather than confront them. They’ll prefer hiding in crevices between live rocks. It’s essential for them to live in live reef aquariums so that they have plenty of hiding spots.
Diet
Since Blue Tangs mainly eat algae in the wild, it’s best to feed them algae-based fish flakes. They can eat some krill and plankton, but the majority of their diet must be algae. Blue Tangs are grazers that like to eat throughout the day, so it’s best to stick to a feeding schedule that gives them opportunities to eat multiple times a day without overfeeding them.
Tank Mates: Can Blue Tangs Live With Clownfish?
As relatively peaceful fish, Blue Tangs can get along with many different types of fish. Blue Tangs are also social fish, so they’ll prefer being in a tank with other fish. Since they have similar tank preferences as Clownfish, it’s possible for both fish to live in the same tank.
What’s most important is your tank size. Though much smaller than Blue Tangs, Clownfish can show more aggression and will chase around a Blue Tang if they must resort to competing for space. Therefore, you must have a tank that’s large enough for both fish. The tank must also have hiding spots and territories that each fish can claim for their own so that they don’t feel threatened and have turf wars.
Blue Tangs can get along with many other types of fish. They often do well with gobies, blennies, Cardinalfish, and Blue Green Chromis.
Conclusion
Just like Dory, real Blue Tangs are amicable and social fish. However, they aren’t as adventurous as in Finding Nemo and can be extremely shy. Some important things to consider when caring for Blue Tangs are tank size, water quality, and providing ample hiding spaces. Because they’re not hardy fish, they’re recommended for more experienced aquarists who can consistently maintain their tank setup and respond appropriately to common issues that come up with tank keeping.
Featured Image Credit: Mirek Kijewski, Shutterstock
If you’re a goldfish fanatic, then you probably already know about the Black Moor goldfish, due to its popularity and availability in most shops that sell fish. Are you familiar with its cousin, the Panda Moor, though? It’s a relatively new breed of goldfish, so it’s no surprise that many people have never heard of this cute goldfish variety. Here’s everything you need to know about the Panda Moor.
Quick Facts about Panda Moor Goldfish
Species Name:
Carassius auratus
Family:
Cyprinidae
Care Level:
Easy
Temperature:
65–74°F
Temperament:
Peaceful, social
Color Form:
Black and white
Lifespan:
10–15 years
Size:
4–8 inches
Diet:
Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size:
10 gallons, 20 is recommended
Tank Set-Up:
Cool, freshwater tank; community tank
Compatibility:
Other fancy goldfish, White Cloud Mountain minnows
Panda Moor Goldfish Overview
The Black Moor goldfish was developed in China in the 1700s, but the Panda Moor is a pretty new iteration of the Black Moor. This fish is named for its black and white coloration, but it is otherwise the same shape, size, and general appearance as the Black Moor goldfish.
They are social, peaceful goldfish that may have trouble competing with faster tank mates for food. Since they are cool water fish, there are some limitations on the tank mates they can have, but they are suitable additions to community tanks.
The Panda Moor may be a newer goldfish variety, but it has rapidly grown in popularity. This cute fish can sell for up to $5,000 for a show-quality fish! They are loved for their beautiful telescope eyes and their panda bear colors, plus the social and fun temperament of most goldfish.
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How Much Do Panda Moor Goldfish Cost?
Although show-quality Panda Moors can sell for up to $5,000, you shouldn’t expect to have to spend that much when you go purchase one for your home aquarium. You can expect to spend anywhere from $15–80 for a pet-quality Panda Moor, though. The cost will be very dependent on where the fish comes from and the quality of its breeding. Panda Moors in pet shops are likely to be less expensive, but they also may have a higher risk of carrying parasites and diseases than fish that come from a professional breeder.
Typical Behavior & Temperament
Like most goldfish varieties, the Panda Moor is a friendly, social fish. They’re known to have the ability to recognize patterns and faces, as well as be trained to perform simple tricks for food. They have the ability to recognize the person who feeds them, and it’s not uncommon to spot a goldfish begging for food at the glass when they see that person.
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Appearance & Varieties
There is only one variety of the Panda Moor goldfish, which is black and white. The black and white coloration can vary in patterns on different fish. Their coloration and patterning may also change with age, although they usually retain their black and white coloration throughout their life.
The Panda Moor has a rounded, egg-shaped body, as well as a double tail like the Black Moor. It has protruding, telescope eyes, which are prone to injury. Males tend to be slimmer and less rounded in appearance than females.
How to Take Care of Panda Moor Goldfish
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
There is obviously a lot more to keeping fish than just tossing them in a bowl with some water. Here is everything you need to keep your Panda Moor happy:
Tank Size
There is a lot of disagreement among people in the fish community about the appropriate tank size for all types of goldfish. Some people feel they need at least 30 gallons, while others are comfortable keeping them in tanks down to 10 gallons. The main issue at hand with tank size is that goldfish create a very heavy bioload in their tank, so without powerful filtration and routine water changes, water quality can quickly become very poor, leading to illness, stress, and death.
If you are not able to commit to very routine tank maintenance for your Panda Moor, then you need to stick to a bigger tank. You should also consider adding a filter that is rated for a tank size larger than your tank.
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Water Quality & Conditions
Like all fish, the Panda Moor requires high water quality, although this is a relatively hardy fish that can tolerate poor water quality better than many other types of fish. That doesn’t mean that your fish should be subjected to poor water quality, though. The water should be free of nitrite and ammonia, with nitrate levels below 20–40 ppm. They prefer a relatively neutral pH level, so aim for a pH level between 6.5–8.0, with 7.0–7.5 being ideal.
Substrate
The substrate you select can be very important for a Panda Moor because sharp edges, like with gravel, can damage their eyes. Stick to soft substrates that won’t damage the eyes, like aquarium soil, fine sand, or smooth river rocks. Many people choose to not have a substrate with their goldfish at all.
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Plants
The plants you have will depend on the substrate and décor you have in the tank. In a bare-bottom tank, some people use pots and plant weights to keep live plants without substrate. There are many fish that can be suitable for a Panda Moor tank, including Anubis, Ludwigia, java fern, java moss, and Amazon swords.
Lighting
The Panda Moor needs a regular day/night lighting cycle. Your tank light should be powerful enough to maintain the live plants you select for your tank, though. Natural lighting from windows can be enough lighting for your goldfish in a well-lit room, but a tank light is the ideal way to ensure proper light is provided every day, regardless of external factors.
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Filtration
Goldfish create a heavy bioload in their tank, so strong filtration is necessary, especially in a smaller tank. Your Panda Moor’s filter should be at least rated for the size of the tank they live in, and many people choose to size up to a larger filter to help offset the bioload. Hang-on-back and canister filters are the best options for any type of goldfish, but sponge filters and internal filters can function as secondary filtration to maintain high water quality.
Are Panda Moor Goldfish Good Tank Mates?
Panda Moors are very peaceful fish that make excellent tank mates. The biggest issue with the Panda Moor in a community tank is that they are slow and not particularly agile. This means that some tank mates that are suitable for slim-bodied goldfish, like Dojo loaches, are likely going to outcompete your Panda Moor for food. Even slim-bodied and fast-moving fancy goldfish can outcompete a Panda Moor for food. Stick to other egg-bodied fancy goldfish, or a small shoal of White Cloud Mountain minnows, although you will still need to ensure your goldfish gets enough to eat.
As with all new fish, your Panda Moor should be quarantined before being added to the main tank, especially if there are already other fish in the tank. This will allow you to monitor for signs of parasites and illnesses, as well as treat prophylactically to prevent the spread of illnesses.
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What to Feed Your Panda Moor Goldfish
Panda Moor goldfish are omnivores that love to scavenge for food. They need to be fed at least once per day. If your goldfish eats all the food offered, they can be fed twice per day. Overfeeding will decrease water quality, though. They should be fed a high-quality pellet as the base of their diet, and they can be provided with many types of treats. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and black soldier fly larvae make good treats for goldfish.
They can also be given fresh fruits and vegetables, like zucchini, cucumber, apple, and banana. Leafy greens, like spinach and romaine lettuce, and herbs, like cilantro and parsley, tend to be big hits with goldfish. These greens are also a good treat option because they allow your goldfish to “scavenge” for their food throughout the day. Make sure to remove uneaten fresh foods within 12 hours.
Keeping Your Panda Moor Goldfish Healthy
The top issue leading to illnesses and problems for Panda Moors, and all aquarium fish, is poor water quality. Maintaining excellent water quality through water treatments, water changes, and filtration are the best ways to keep your Panda Moor healthy. Also, provide your fish with a high-quality, varied diet.
Keep their environment free of dangers and stressors and separate out any fish that seem to be bullying. Try to visualize your fish thoroughly at least a few times per week to check for any visible injuries, growths, or markings.
Breeding
When goldfish breed, the male will chase the female, bumping her near her vent in an attempt to get her to release eggs. Breeding is usually stimulated by a change from cool to warmer water temperatures, like that occurs in the spring, so maintaining a steady, cool water temperature may prevent breeding.
Once the female releases her eggs, the male will fertilize them. The eggs cannot be kept in the tank with the parents. The parents will eat the eggs, and any eggs that survive and hatch will likely result in the fry getting eaten. A spawning mop, which can be things like fabric and plants, can be used to capture the eggs so they can easily be moved to a separate tank.
Are Panda Moor Goldfish Suitable For Your Aquarium?
The Panda Moor is a lovely goldfish variety that is social and peaceful, making it suitable for community tanks. Its need for cool water and its slow movements do mean that tank mates should be selected with care. With proper care, including excellent water quality, a Panda Moor can live to be 15 years old or more, so these goldfish are not a short-term commitment.
These fish are very beautiful, and each fish has a unique black and white pattern. Their telescope eyes and flowy fins are highly sought after, and these fish can be somewhat pricey, even just to be kept as pets. You may be able to find a low-quality Panda Moor in a pet store, but a breeder and online retailer will likely be the easiest place to find one of these fish.
There are over 1,300 species of Cichlids, and many of these species can be kept as aquarium pets. Some of the most popular pet Cichlids include the African and Convict Cichlids, the Discus and Oscar. Cichlids are freshwater fish that can vary in size depending on the species.
They are known for their assertive, often aggressive, temperaments and bright colors, which make them fascinating freshwater fish. With such a diverse number of Cichlids being kept in captivity, they usually have different breeding habits that vary according to their species. This article will provide you with tips and tricks to successfully breed these fish in captivity.
About Cichlid Breeding
Cichlids can either be mouth brooders or substrate spawners, which are two main ways that these fish reproduce. Unlike many other fish, certain species of Cichlid care for their young and play a role in their offspring’s protection and development.
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Mouth Brooders
Mouth-brooding Cichlids instinctively care for and protect their eggs and young by holding their eggs and fry in their mouths. The female Cichlid will release eggs that are then fertilized by a male. Once the eggs are fertilized, the female Cichlid will incubate the eggs in her mouth (also known as the buccal cavity). The wrigglers (non-free-swimming young) may stay in the female’s mouth for a few days after hatching and rely on her for protection. Mouthbrooding Cichlids usually form close pair bonds, while substrate spawners do not.
Both African and South American Cichlids can be mouth brooders, such as the Yellow Labs, Red Zebra, and Peacock Cichlids.
Substrate spawners
Cichlids that are substrate spawners will lay eggs along surfaces like caves, gravel, leaves, sands, and even rock formations. Both the male and female Cichlids will protect the eggs by keeping the water oxygenated and chasing away other fish. The males will usually become highly territorial and defend the eggs from potential harm, while the female spends most of her time caring for the eggs and fry.
Some examples of substrate-spawning Cichlids include Rainbow, Jack Dempsey, and Convict Cichlids.
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Reproduction
Cichlids spawn to reproduce via external fertilization. This means that the female Cichlid will lay eggs that the male fertilizes with milt (fish semen). A male and female Cichlid usually pair for spawning for monogamous mouthbrooding or substrate spawning. However, certain species have male Cichlids that will have multiple female partners at a time.
Although it is rare for a female Cichlid to have multiple male partners, it isn’t unheard of.
The 6 Tips & Tricks on Breeding Cichlids
Below are six tips you can use to begin breeding your Cichlids.
1. Ensure That the Environment is Ideal
Cichlids need an ideal environment to reproduce successfully. They require a spacious tank with good water quality. Your Cichlids are unlikely to breed if they are cramped in a small aquarium and are stressed from poor water quality.
Most species of Cichlid respond well to slight changes in the environment to encourage spawning. You can adjust the temperature to either slightly lower or higher than normal over a few days. A gradual change in the water pH, usually dropping it subtly lower than usual can induce spawning behavior. However, any pH changes should be done with caution as it can be stressful for Cichlids.
It is highly recommended to do 20% to 50% water changes every few days to provide your Cichlids with good water quality for breeding.
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2. Keep Compatible Male and Female Cichlids to Encourage Spawning
Putting a male and female Cichlid together doesn’t mean that they are going to spawn. Some Cichlids need to be conditioned and form a bond with one another, otherwise, they may become aggressive or territorial.
You can try keeping around six juvenile Cichlids together and allowing them to pair for breeding when the environment is ideal. You can either house an equal number of male and female Cichlids together, or a higher number of females than males. However, you shouldn’t keep male and female Cichlids together long-term due to their aggressive temperaments. Watch for spawning behavior like chasing, courtship rituals, and nesting behavior to determine whether your Cichlids are ready to reproduce.
3. Make Necessary Diet Changes
Cichlids need to be conditioned for breeding, which includes making necessary dietary changes. Certain mouthbrooding female Cichlids will stop eating when they are carrying eggs in their mouths. This means it is important to ensure that they are fed nutritious foods leading up to spawning. Adding more protein into their diets is a great way to keep them well-fed and healthy for breeding. Some protein-rich foods include live or frozen brine shrimp, larvae, and worms.
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4. Do Not Disturb the Nesting Site
Both mouthbrooding and substrate-spawning Cichlids can get stressed if you keep disturbing their breeding ground and incubating females. Mouthbrooding female Cichlids may spit or eat their eggs if they are feeling stressed, leading to unsuccessful spawning. It’s best to monitor their breeding grounds from a distance without interfering too much. If they have dug around in the substrate or uprooted plants, avoid fixing it and risking disturbing them during this time.
5. Create a Breeding Tank
A separate breeding tank is beneficial if your Cichlids are kept in a communal aquarium, where the fry or eggs are at risk of being eaten by other fish.The breeding tank should have a filter and heater, along with good water quality. Most Cichlid breeding tanks for substrate spawning will contain netting, rock formations, or a deep layer of gravel for spawning.
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6. Remove the Male If Necessary
In species where the male is not involved in protecting the eggs or fry, it may be a good idea to remove him from the breeding tank once his role has been completed. Although it’s uncommon for Cichlids to eat their eggs and fry, some species may do this. Some breeders prefer to remove any incubating females to place them in a breeding tank to protect them from aggressive males.
African Cichlid Breeding
The majority of African Cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders. The female takes on more of the care roles, while the male protects the territory. Most African Cichlids are ready to reproduce at nearly a year old and will form either monogamous or polyamorous pairs and groups.
Experienced Cichlid keepers may find that African Cichlids are easy to breed and typically breed prolifically in the right environmental conditions. You can encourage African Cichlids to breed by maintaining good water quality, running a filter on the tank, and making subtle changes to the water chemistry.
Since African Cichlids shouldn’t be housed in opposite-sex groups, you should only introduce males for breeding, unless you have a very spacious aquarium, with room for different groupings of fish. You want to aim for around five female African Cichlids for every male in the group. Always monitor for signs of stress or aggressiveness during the pairing and remove the fish if necessary. A common behavior you may notice in groups with more males than females is increased aggression and fighting. The males will try to be the most dominant and colorful to attract the female for mating purposes.
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Male vs Female
African Cichlids are sexually dimorphic, so males are generally more colorful than females. You can also determine between males and females by looking at their fins. The ending points of male African Cichlids’ fins are more defined than females. Another way to determine the sex of African Cichlids is by looking at the vent. Females will have two different-sized holes that are closer together, whereas males will have two identical holes. You can vent African Cichlids when the fish are around 4 inches in size.
Caring for Cichlid Fry
Cichlid eggs typically take between 10 to 15 days to hatch from fertilization. If the species of Cichlid you breed to care for the young, there isn’t much you need to do besides provide them with food. The parents are well adapted to providing for their offspring.
Cichlid fry can eat baby brine shrimp, powdered fish food, and even spirulina for omnivorous species. Unless the fry is being raised in a separate tank, you can offer netting, plants, and moss to create a hiding space for the vulnerable fry.
Breeding Cichlids can be a rewarding yet equally challenging experience that requires time and patience. It’s important to carefully research the species of Cichlid you plan to breed to ensure that the process can go as smoothly as possible. You will also need to make plans on what you will do with the fry since most Cichlids cannot be housed together in large groups.
