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Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona)

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Tiger Barb ( Puntigrus tetrazona) Quick Stats Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons Care Level: Moderately Difficult Water Conditions: 6.0-8.0 and Moderately Soft to Moderately Hard Temperature: 22–27 °C (71.5–80.5 °F) Maximum Size: 1.5 inches (4cm) The Tiger Barb (Puntius tetrazona), also known as the Sumatra Barb, is a small minnow native to Sumatra, Borneo, Thailand and parts of Malaysia. It has also been reported in numerous other areas of Southeast Asia, but at this time it hasn’t been confirmed outside of its native range. In the wild, they are mainly found in the shallows of slow flowing streams, but can also be found in small bodies of water and swamp lakes. Because of their wide array of habitats, they are highly adaptable to different types of water in the home aquarium, and can adapt quite readily to harder water. The tiger barb stays relatively small in the home aquarium, with adults growing to a maximum of 3 inches (7.5 cm), with 2 inches (5cm) being more com

Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops)

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Molly Fish ( Poecilia sphenops) Quick Stats Minimum Tank Size: 40 litre Care Level: Easy Water Conditions: 7.5-8.2 and Hard to Very Hard Temperature: 72-82 F (25-28 C) Maximum Size: 6 inches (15 cm) M ollies are one of those most popular fish in the aquarium hobby, and most people have had at one time, at least one of these gentle and attractive live bearers in their fish tank. Most people mistakenly believe that there is only one species of molly available in fish stores, but there are actually three separate species available in the aquarium trade. However, at this point, most of the mollies available are so hopelessly hybridized, that it would be impossible to determine which species they originated from. If you ever come across wild mollies in a fish store, they will usually come from one of two species. The first species is sailfin mollies ( Poecilia latipinna)  which are found in the coastal waters of the southeast United States and around the Gulf of Mexico. Th

Platy Fish (Xiphophorus)

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Platy Fish ( Xiphophorus ) Quick Stats : Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons (45 Litres) Care Level: Easy Water Conditions: 7-8.5 pH and Medium to Hard Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F) Maximum Size: 2 1/2 Inches (6 cm ) T he common platy ( Xiphophorus ), also known as the southern platy fish or mickey mouse platy is a small, popular live-bearing fish. It is native to North America and Central America and can be found from central Mexico to Belize. But like many other live bearers, it is now listed as an invasive species in several countries, and is still spreading through escapes and releases. Platies are closely related to the commonly kept green swordtail, and they will interbreed if given the chance. It should come as no surprise that they share similar habitats, and platies can be found in slow moving streams, ponds, canals and drainage ditches. They stay relatively small in the home aquarium, and both males and females grow to a maximum size of around 2 ½ inches (6

Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

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Cardinal Tetra – (Paracheirodon axelrodi) Quick Stats Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (75 Liters) Care Level: Easy Water Conditions: PH 4.5-7.0 and Soft Temperature: 75-84°F (24-29 °C) Maximum Size: 2 inches (5 cm) The cardinal tetra   (Paracheirodon axelrodi)  is a small, beautiful fresh water fish. It closely resembles the neon tetra, and is often mistaken for this more common fish. Cardinal tetras are native to Brazil and Venezuela, and are found in the upper Orinoco and Negro rivers. Most cardinal tetras available in fish stores are wild-caught, though more captive-bred ones have become available in recent years. However, unlike many other fish, the cardinal tetra fishery is believed to be sustainable and this species is not currently threatened in the wild. A good way to tell if the fish are wild-caught, is to inspect them for fin damage caused by the nets used to catch them. Cardinal tetras primarily inhabits small, heavily shaded streams and the waters