ACE: Aquatic Flora, Fauna and other General Information

[plockie]

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Rotala macrandra:
Rotala macrandra has its origin in South east Asia and is one of the most beatifull aquarium plants available, unfortunately it is also on of the hardest to keep. It needs a lot of light, a water that’s not to hot and can not be kept with plant eating fishes.

Rotala macrandra has red leaves that grow in pairs on each side of the slender stem. Rotala macranda is very delicate. It grows into a dense bush which can be an impressive eye catcher in your aquarium. Make sure to keep your Rotala macrandra wet when you buy it since they die if they become dry.

The color of Rotala macrandra is dependent on how much light the plant receives. It becomes more red if provided with more light and the species needs a lot of light to thrive even though it might survive in less light. It will however never develop as it should if not given enough light. The plant is best kept in water cooler then 25 degrees Celsius. The red color of Rotala macrandra is also dependent on that you provide it with enough iron.

Rotala macrandra shoulc never be kept with more robust, digging or plant eating fishes since they might finish of a large rotala macranda in less then a day. Some fishes consider Rotala macrandra particularly tasty and will eat it if they get a chance.

Rotala macrandra is best planted in large groups and can grow to be over 20 inches/ 50 cm high. Make sure that you don’t let your rotala cover the surface and dim the light to the bottom since this will cause the Rotala macrandra to lose all leaves beneath the surface.

Rotala macrandra can be propagate by using cuttings which are planted in a spot with a lot of light. The cuttings should preferable be 4-6 inches long. A Rotala macrandra that thrives in your aquarium will require regular trimmings and create a lot of cuttings for you to plant or give away. If your plant looses it leaves near the bottom its best to re plant the tops of the plant to rejuvenate it. The lower part without leaves will also rejuvenate and start growing again if you can give it time.

Rotala macrandra are sensitive to a lot of different aquariums treatments and may be damaged by the use of medicines in the aquarium where it is kept. Rotala macrandra is particular sensitive to copper based medicines. It is best to move the plants during the treatments.

All in all Rotala macrandra is a very beautiful plant that unfortunately is a bit demanding. On the bright side its often quite cheap and you could give it a try and se if it would thrive in your aquariums.

Rotala goias:
Relatively easy to grow, with highlight, C02 injection and a deligent dosing regime, this can be a very striking plant with a red crown. Grows well in moderately hard water, but as with most plants, this plant also does very well in soft water.

Rotala sp. Goias will also form a very thick bush and can be trained to form a low/er growing carpet in the right conditions and with weekly trimming.
If it likes you're tank conditions you can get it to grow just about any way you want it.

[plockie]

Proserpinaca palustris:


Cultivated above water and delivered with saw-toothed leaves, which after a transitional period in the aquarium develop into long, finely denticulated, needle-like leaves. In good light conditions it turns a beautiful copper colour and its characteristic appearance is a pleasing contrast to the other plants. Making few demands, Proserpinaca palustris varies in form according to its origin. The Tropica cultivar is found on the Isla de la Juventud off Cuba. In the USA the plant is commonly known as ''mermaid weed''.

[gaevwa]

Fauna #18 : Rummy-nose Tetra (Above)

Fauna #19 : Local Ghost Shrimp

Common Name: Ghost Shrimp
Scientific Name: Palaemonetes spp.
Local Name: Ghost Shrimp, Glass shrimp
Origin: anywhere
Life Span: 1 - 2 + yrs
Temperament: Sometimes will eat baby fish, they are usually food for other fish, sometimes will fight among themselves if the tank is too small and there are too many of them.
Tank Compatibility Issue (for both Flora and Fauna): Larger fish may find them irresistible and eat them. Smaller, peaceful fish species may be able to co-exist with them.
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater to Brackish
Water pH: 6.5 - 8
Water Hardness:
Schooling/Non-schooling: Non-schooling
Common Illness/Problems:Bullying, Aggression, Stress and polluted tank.
Growth: fast, depends on diet
Length/Size: 1 - 2 inches (3 - 5 cm)
Difficulty: Easy
Water Current/Movement Issues:
Description: Ghost shrimp are a very suitable name for this species which is totally transparent. They walk on the bottom and plants collecting small food particles which they then eat. You can se the food in their stomach after they have eaten it. Their feeding habit make them great cleaners that can help keep an aquarium clean.
Ghost shrimp are easily bred in aquarium but the fry is very hard to raise. You will se female ghost shrimp with pink eggs or baby shrimp under their bellies.
Other Important Information:
Ghost shrimp are somewhat aggressive towards other Ghost shrimp and the large shrimp can become very aggressive toward small shrimps if too many shrimps are kept together in the same aquarium. They moult into new exoskeletons every few months as they grow. They are very vulnerable the first time after moulting before their new exoskeletons harden. It is therefore important to provide your Ghost shrimp numerous hiding places.


Fauna #20 : Red-Tailed Black Shark

Common Name: Red-Tailed Black Shark
Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchus bicolor (formerly Labio Bicolor)
Local Name: Red-Tailed Black Shark
Origin: Thailand
Life Span: 5 - 8 yrs
Temperament: Aggressive towards same species, but are peaceful towards other species.
Tank Compatibility Issue (for both Flora and Fauna): These fish can be hostile and are not recommended for community fish tanks with smaller tropical fish. They seem to behave when kept with larger fish.
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to medium
Schooling/Non-schooling: Non-schooling
Common Illness/Problems:Bullying, Aggression, Stress and polluted tank.
Growth: fast, depends on diet
Length/Size: 5 - 6 inches (15cm)
Difficulty: Easy
Water Current/Movement Issues:
Description: Red-tailed Black Sharks are known for their deep black color and the vividly colored tails. Their tail colors come in several colors with bright red and orange being the most common. When two Red-tailed Sharks are cohabitated together, they have been known to become territorial with one another. The dominant shark will continually chase and harass the submissive shark, preventing it from feeding and resting. This will often result in the death of submissive Red-tailed Shark. However, they are generally considered compatible in community tanks, inter-species conflict being relatively rare. In home aquaria, Red-tailed Black Sharks prefer a pH between 6.8 and 7.5, a temperature between 72 °F and 79 °F (22°C and 26°C) Red-tailed Black Sharks can reach a length of 6 in (15 cm),and can live up to the age of 8 years.

Other Important Information:
Omnivore and primarily a scavenger. They will go after most of what you put in the tank including flakes, live and freeze dried foods.

[gaevwa]

Hi all esp. to plockie, coolnerd, optimusprim3 and moy1moy1.
Thanks for all your contributions..
@coolnerd: Fauna #18 na imoha..pwedi paki-edit?
@plockie: ako sad gi-repost imo mga info boss para dali ra i-summarize if common ta format..thanks..

[gaevwa]

Fauna #21: Head and Tail Light Tetra

Common Name: Head and Tail Light Tetra, Head and Tail Tetra
Scientific Name: Hemigrammus ocellifer
Local Name: Head and Tail Light Tetra, Head and Tail Tetra, Beacon Fish
Origin: South America (Amazon River)
Life Span: 3 - 5 years or longer
Temperament: Peaceful
Tank Compatibility Issue (for both Flora and Fauna): Similar or smaller sized species that are comparable in temperament. Does well with other tetras.
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to medium
Schooling/Non-schooling: Schooling (minimum of 6)
Common Illness/Problems:Bullying, Aggression, Stress and polluted tank.
Growth: fast, depends on diet
Length/Size: 2 inches
Difficulty: Easy
Water Current/Movement Issues:
Description: The Head and Tail Light Tetra originates from the tributaries and rivers of South America and will make a wonderful addition to any community aquarium. Its body is mostly transparent in color with the head and abdomen having a silver to gold coloration. It has a pinkish spot both on the base of the tail, and just behind the eyes, which suggests its common name. Tank raised specimens are often available.

Other Important Information:
Head and Tail Light Tetras breed occasionally in an aquarium setting, and a hospital or "breeding tank" will be necessary. During breeding time, the females will display a fuller-looking belly, which helps to distinguish them from the males. Slightly acidic water is best for optimal breeding habits. After the eggs begin to hatch, 12 to 15 hours after being laid, removing the parents will reduce the number of lost fry.


Fauna #22: Angel Fish

Common Name: Albino, Black, Gold, Silver, Marbeled Angelfish, Koi Angelfish,
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Local Name: Albino, Black, Gold, Silver, Marbeled Angelfish, Koi Angelfish,
Origin: South America (Amazon River)
Life Span: 8 - 10 years
Temperament: Semi-aggressive. Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive eaters and may become territorial while breeding.
Tank Compatibility Issue (for both Flora and Fauna): Smaller fish may be bullied.
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to medium
Schooling/Non-schooling: Schooling
Common Illness/Problems:Bullying, Aggression, Stress and polluted tank.
Growth: fast, depends on diet
Length/Size: 5 - 6 inches (15 cm)
Difficulty: Easy
Water Current/Movement Issues:
Description: The freshwater Angelfish is a very popular tropical fish because of its unique shape and because of their interesting personalities. Angelfish are aggressive eaters and will go to the top of the tank when they see you approach. Because of their aggressive feeding habits, make sure that your less aggressive fish are getting their share around feeding time.

Other Important Information:
Angel fish are curious about their environment and can become very territorial, especially around breeding time. They will pair off and if any other fish tries to enter their territory they will go after them.

[gaevwa]

Flora #63: Echinodorus 'Rubin'

Common Name: Echinodorus 'Rubin'
Scientific Name: Echinodorus 'Rubin'
Local Name: Echinodorus 'Rubin'
Origin: Cultivated
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: Medium to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N):
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N):
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5.5 - 8
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Medium
Length/Size: 30 - 50+ cm
Difficulty: Easy
Tank Position: Mi-ground to Background
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
Echinodorus ‘Rubin’ is a decorative hybrid between Echinodorus horemanii ‘’rot’’ and Echinodorus x barthii. The transparent, ruby-red leaves with light leaf ribs provide a particularly intensive sheen. An undemanding plant whose growth is stimulated by CO2 addition and a nutritious bottom. A good solitary plant for large aquariums.

Other Important Information:


Flora #64: Eleocharis parvula

Common Name: Eleocharis parvula, dwarf hairgrass
Scientific Name: Eleocharis parvula
Local Name: Eleocharis parvula, dwarf hairgrass
Origin: Cuba, Europe, Africa
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: Medium to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N):
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N):
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5.5 - 8
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Medium
Length/Size: 3 - 7 + cm
Difficulty: Easy
Tank Position: Mi-ground to Background
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
A low-growing Eleocharis that forms runners close to the parent plant. It is prettiest planted in small bunches quite close to each other, which will gradually form a solid mass of plants. An ideal foreground plant, equally suited to large and small aquariums. Its scientific name is at present uncertain.
Other Important Information:
This foreground plant has an attractive grasslike apperance, and under ideal conditions will make a lawn effect.

[gaevwa]

Flora #65: Limnophila 'guinea'

Common Name: Limnophila 'guinea', Dwarf aunbria, Limnophila 'broad leaf'
Scientific Name: Limnophila 'guinea'
Local Name: Limnophila 'guinea', Dwarf aunbria, Limnophila 'broad leaf'
Origin: Southeast Asia
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: Medium to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5 - 8
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Medium
Length/Size: 20 – 40 + cm
Difficulty: Medium
Tank Position: Mid-ground
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
Dwarf aunbria is a stunning new comer and considered very rare at the moment. It has a beautiful unique "snowflake-like" leaf structure similar to Hottonia palustris and has a very soft texture. It can be easily pruned to create distinctive mid to background bushes. Fairly easy to grow but requires medium to high lighting, soft and acidic water parameters, regular fertilization and CO2 injection.
Other Important Information:


Flora #66: Limnophila aquatica

Common Name: Limnophila aquatica, Giant ambulia
Scientific Name: Limnophila aquatica
Local Name: Limnophila aquatica, Giant ambulia
Origin: Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and India
Native to Philippines (Y/N):
Light Level: Medium to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5 - 8
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Medium to Fast
Length/Size: 25 - 50 cm
Difficulty: Medium
Tank Position: Mid-ground
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
An extremely beautiful aquarium plant circled by light-green and fi nely branched leaves. In the right growing conditions with added CO2 and a nutritious bottom this plant grows fast. In good light it forms horizontal side shoots and becomes attractive and bushy. Most decorative when several stems are planted in a small group. In open aquariums it sometimes sends shoots above the water surface, forming small blue flowers.
Other Important Information:
Limnophila aquatica, known commonly as the Giant Ambulia, is a plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. Limnophila aquatica grows naturally in Asia, Sri Lanka and India and is characterised by its fine leaves and bushy, pine-like appearance. It grows best in medium or very high lighting, preferably in acidic soil.


Flora #67: Limnophila aromatica

Common Name: Limnophila aromatica
Scientific Name: Limnophila aromatica
Local Name: Limnophila aromatica
Origin: Southeast Asia, (most are from Malaysia, Vietnam)
Native to Philippines (Y/N):
Light Level: High to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5 - 7
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Slow
Length/Size: 25 - 50 cm
Difficulty: Hard
Tank Position: Mid-ground
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
There are several varieties of this plant most come from Malaysia. It is characterised by its narrow green leaves, which are purple underneath. Like most other red plants, the colour depends on a supply of intensive light. CO2 addition promotes growth signifi cantly, and it also thrives in hard water. Limnophilla aromatica is easy to propagate by cuttings.
Other Important Information:
The extremely polymorphic (variable) species Limnophila aromatica can be found growing in swampy or boggy soil in its native region of southeastern Asia. It is a relative newcomer to the aquarium hobby, as it has only recently been imported. The plant widely in cultivation in the U.S. as 'Gratiola officinalis' is really L. aromatica. With its amazing coloration, L. aromatica is most effective in the aquascape as a focal point. In Vietnam, the leaves of this species are used as a spice and are also infused with water to make an aromatic herbal tea.


Flora #68: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

Common Name: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, Brazilian micro sword
Scientific Name: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Local Name: Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, Brazilian micro sword
Origin: South America
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: High to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 6 - 8
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Slow
Length/Size: 4 - 7 cm
Difficulty: Hard
Tank Position: Foreground
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can grow very compact, but a ‘’lawn effect’’ is only achieved at high light intensity. When planting in the aquarium small clumps (approx. 1/8 pot) should be placed a few centimetres apart to help the plants grow together more quickly. Place in an open position without shading from other plants to ensure good light. Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can be used in garden ponds, and also tolerates low salt concentrations in brackish aquariums.

Other Important Information:
This herbaceous plant grows along a long rhizome in a somewhat similar fashion to Hydrocotyle verticellata. To create a micro sword lawn, insert small bunches of this plant in a checkerboard pattern across the substrate. In a few months, the plants will form a shaggy carpet. As this plant is very invasive, runners that grow into neighboring plant groupings will need to be regularly pruned off.
L. brasiliensis, due to its low stature, is an excellent grassy foreground alternative to Eleocharis spp. (hairgrass) and E. tenellus. It can also be used to provide vertical accents in Glossotigma and Riccia lawns.

[gaevwa]

Flora #69: Ludwigia ovalis

Common Name: Ludwigia ovalis, Oval ludwigia
Scientific Name: Ludwigia ovalis
Local Name: Ludwigia ovalis, Oval ludwigia
Origin: Asia (Japan and Taiwan)
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: Medium to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5.5 - 7.5
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Medium
Length/Size: 6 – 8 inches
Difficulty: Medium
Tank Position: Mid-ground to Foreground
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
L. ovalis is a low-growing stem plant with alternate leaves, a characteristic shared by only one other commonly cultured species in the Ludwigia genus�L. glandulosa. Though they tend to grow at a slight angle, the stems of this species generally develop vertically, and new shoots often stem from the nodes. A medium to high level of light is sufficient for good growth, and the limitation of nitrate and/or phosphorus fertilization in the water column will bring out a more intense coloration. Propagation by side shoots.

Other Important Information:
L. ovalis is a unique and preferable addition to any aquascape, as most other reasonably accessible pink-orange plants are significantly more difficult to cultivate. This said, the low-growing stems of this Ludwigia are well-suited to the middle to front zones of the aquarium, where they should be backlit by other species of a light green color to form a striking contrast.


Flora #70: Ludwigia inclinata

Common Name: Ludwigia inclinata, Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata "Cuba"
Scientific Name: Ludwigia inclinata
Local Name: Ludwigia inclinata, Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata "Cuba"
Origin: Cuba
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: Medium to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5 - 7.5
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Fast to Very fast
Length/Size: 10 - 30 cm
Difficulty: Medium
Tank Position: Mid-ground to Background
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata is cultivated in swamps, where it has green oval leaves, but after a
transitional period under water in the aquarium it develops long, narrow leaves, growing closely together to give a compact appearance. These new leaves are marbled with copper and reddish brown. The plant is found on the Isla de la Juventud off Cuba.

Other Important Information:
Propagation of L. inclinata is very easy, if the plant is achieving a good rate of growth. To accomplish a relatively bushier effect, the aquarist may remove the top portion of a stem, leaving the bottom portion in the substrate. New growth will soon appear on the nodes. The top portion of the stem may be replanted or discarded. Though its quick growth in the aquarium renders L. inclinata somewhat limited in its possible applications to an aquascape, it is not impossible to utilize effectively. Its orange-red leaves lend a good distinction to the midground of an aquascape if backlit by a bushy green plant, particularly those which are lighter in color (i.e., Myriophyllum mattogrossense).


Flora #71: Ludwidgia repens

Common Name: Ludwidgia repens, Ludwidgia natans, Creeping ludwidgia, Narrow-leaf ludwidgia
Scientific Name: Ludwidgia repens
Local Name: Ludwidgia repens, Ludwidgia natans, Creeping ludwidgia, Narrow-leaf ludwidgia
Origin: North America
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: Medium to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5.5 - 8
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Fast
Length/Size: 30 - 50 cm
Difficulty: Medium
Tank Position: Mid-ground to Background
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
Ludwigia repens is a familiar and very beautiful aquarium plant. It generally makes few demands and grows fast, but the red colour is more intense if the light is good. When pruned it develops countless side shoots and becomes more bushy. Suitable as an intermediate or background plant, and most effective when planted in groups.
Other Important Information:
In order to achieve strong shoots the substrate should be nutrient rich and light intensity high. The red color is more intense if proper lighting is provided. Three to five strong specimens can be used for the mid to background area. Ludwigia repens can grow well in both very soft and hard water although soft, slightly acidic water is best. If kept in low-light tanks, the leaves tend to fall off.

[0ptimusPrim3]

Flora #72: Hemianthus micranthemoides

Common Name: Pearl Weed, Baby Tears
Scientific Name: Hemianthus micranthemoides
Local Name: Pearl weed
Origin: USA
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: Medium
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): N
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5 - 8
Water Hardness: very soft to medium
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: medium
Length/Size: 15cm - 55cm
Difficulty: Medium
Tank Position: Mid-ground, Background
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
A tiny, delicate stem plant. Leaves are small, ovular, and light green. With proper trimming this plant can maintain a very short dense mat at just 5-6 cm from the substrate.

Other Important Information:
Hemianthus micranthemoides is often confused with Micranthemum umbrosum, a plant most often called Baby Tears. This plant grows taller and less compact with larger stem sections between the leaf nodes than micranthemoides and it can handle lower light levels.

References:
Pearl Weed (Hemianthus micranthemoides)
FishProfiles.com - Pearlweed
http://www.046735.com/yzmh/UploadFil...0125428194.jpg

[gaevwa]

Flora #73: Myriophyllum tuberculatum

Common Name: Myriophyllum tuberculatum, Red myrio
Scientific Name: Myriophyllum tuberculatum
Local Name: Myriophyllum tuberculatum, Red myrio
Origin: South America (Brazil)
Native to Philippines (Y/N): N
Light Level: High to Very High
CO2 Requirement (Y/N): Y
Fertilizer Requirement (Y/N): Y
Life Span:
Freshwater/Brackish/Marine: Freshwater
Water pH: 5.5 - 7.5
Water Hardness:
Common Illness/Problems:
Growth: Medium to Fast
Length/Size: 40 + cm
Difficulty: Medium
Tank Position: Mid-ground to Background
Water Current/Movement Issues:
General Description:
M. tuberculatum is a challenging plant to cultivate successfully within an aquarium. Intense lighting of 3 watts per gallon or more and CO2 are necessities if one hopes to have success with this Myriophyllum. Nitrates and phosphates should be dosed and kept at acceptable levels (5-15 ppm and 1-2 ppm respectively).

Other Important Information:
As with any reddish stem plant, this species is best used as a focal point or a colorful accent. When healthy, groupings of this species can make for a stunning, eye-catching fireball. It looks very beautiful when planted alongside green Myriophyllum and Limnophila spp.. It is also appropriate for small planted aquaria, due to its fine leaves and modest size.