Beginner aquarists love to breed small thorns from the characin family for their unpretentiousness and touching appearance. Caramels - artificially colored specimens - have become a fashionable variety of popular fish.
Artificially colored caramel thorns
Instead of the natural gray color, the fish bodies received green, yellow, pink, and blue shades due to special injections with a coloring composition. The aquarium with thorns has turned into a kaleidoscope - flocks of caramels shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow.
Description and features of caramel thorn
Wonderful fish originally from Brazilian reservoirs first appeared in Europe in the 30s of the last century, and were brought to Russia in 1946. Now thorns are so common that they can be found in every pet store.
Caramels are the undisputed favorites for attracting the attention of buyers, although new technologies for coloring fish are not welcomed by everyone. In Europe, due to protest sentiments, they do not buy such inhabitants for their aquariums.
Ternetia albino
Multicolor ternetias, as they are also called, pay for their striking appearance with compromised health. They really require more attention than their naturally colored counterparts. Owners need to remember that the pigment of bright individuals is not passed on to their heirs.
The chemical effect of the dye may weaken over time, then the outfit becomes dull and loses its expressiveness. The color fades not only in painted individuals, but also in ordinary representatives of thorns. Among the reasons are various fish diseases and stressful situations.
In nature, the thorn fish lives in local rivers of South America, but colored specimens are supplied mainly from special breeding farms in Vietnam. A long journey often affects the condition of fish susceptible to disease.
Artificially colored common thorns
After purchasing, a flock of beauties should be kept in quarantine in a separate container, only then moved to a common aquarium. If no signs of illness appear in two weeks, then the fish will delight their owners for a long time.
Ternetia is distinguished by a tall and flat diamond-shaped body. The length of the fish reaches 5.5-6 cm. An individual is ready for spawning when its size is at least 3 cm. The characteristic external features of the ternation are a pair of vertical dark stripes along the body and large fins.
Anal looks like an elegant skirt. Thanks to this remarkable part of the body, from the abdomen to the tail, the thorn cannot be confused with other inhabitants of the aquarium. The dorsal fin, narrow and high, proudly points upward. A small adipose fin is located at the tail.
Ternetia Glofish pink
Large eyes are set on the sides, the lower jaw is slightly pushed forward. The popularity of caramel fish is associated not only with its elegant color, but also with other advantages of keeping it:
- peaceful nature of the inhabitants;
- ease of reproduction;
- activity and mobility;
- accessibility of maintenance for beginner aquarists.
Small schools of fish look very impressive, evoke positive emotions, the bright outfit of the inhabitants lifts the mood, especially delights children.
Diseases
Like many fish, the Black Tetra is prone to skin flukes, parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.), ichthyobosis, various bacterial infections and diseases. Thorns are extremely hardy and disease is not a problem in a well-maintained aquarium. But there is no guarantee that you will not encounter some problem or illness. Remember that anything added to an aquarium can introduce some kind of disease. Not only other fish, but also plants, substrate or decorations can carry bacteria. Be very careful to thoroughly clean and quarantine everything you add to the main tank so as not to upset the balance.
It is good that due to its resistance to pathogens, outbreaks of tetra diseases at an early stage can be limited to one or two individuals. When keeping more sensitive fish, the infection may affect all fish before the first signs of the disease are detected. The best way to prevent disease early is to provide your thorn with the proper conditions and a well-balanced diet. The closer to their natural habitat, the less stress the fish will be exposed to, the healthier and happier they will be.
Types of thorns
Caramels of various colors are obtained by injection with a coloring solution. External intervention allows you to achieve bizarre results, which are of interest not only to amateurs, but also to professionals.
Ternetia veil
Chemical exposure weakens the thornets' body, but does not change their biological characteristics, behavioral characteristics, or care for them. The main popular colors of fish:
- pink;
- blue;
- yellow;
- violet;
- green.
Fashion trends in the aquarium hobby are leading to the widespread proliferation of exotic caramels. Schooling fish are bought by at least 7-9 individuals, but the more there are in the group, the better. They occupy a worthy place among other types of thorns:
- classical;
- veil;
- gold;
- albinos.
Ternetia Glofish (GloFish) are modified fish with a fluorescent glow. Ultraviolet lighting makes them even brighter. Unlike caramels, color is inherited.
Ternetia multicolor
Thorn species are created by transgenic technologies using DNA from jellyfish, red corals, and various combinations. The result is forms of green, red, orange, blue, yellow flowers.
Interestingly, the dyeing does not extend the results to the tail or fins. They still remain black or dark green. This feature influenced the second name of the ternation - mourning tetra, since the long fin frames the bottom line of the body, creating a dark outline.
How to raise Ternetia fry
The spawning has passed, the fry have appeared, but the questions have not decreased. The most important thing will be: what to feed the fry of the ternation in the first days of life?
As soon as they disperse throughout the spawning area, you will feel that there is not enough space for them. Replant into a larger house and be sure to connect the aeration. Gradually reduce the water temperature. This is not hardening - this is how you accustom the baby to the large aquarium in which they will have to live.
Thornets are spawning
At this time they feed on small plankton. It can be replaced with a mixture of crushed flakes (to the state of flour) and water. This food is squeezed out onto the surface of the water in droplets.
As soon as the first month of life has passed, the non-viable individuals have been eliminated, and there is no need to feed the fry of the ternation with anything special. They will double in size, undergo temperature acclimatization, and their diet will include the usual fish food.
Care and maintenance
The choice of aquarium is determined by plans for stocking schooling fish. An adult caramel thorn requires a volume of water of at least 10 liters. Therefore, to establish a small flock of 6-7 individuals, you need an aquarium that can hold at least 60 liters.
In practice, in addition to caramel fish, there are other inhabitants in the aquarium, so the volume of the artificial reservoir becomes optimal at 100 liters. The content of the ternation is not considered difficult. Even an inexperienced aquarist can provide comfortable living conditions for caramels. Water characteristics are allowed in the following indicators:
- temperature – 23-26°C;
- rigidity - 16°;
- acidity 6.0-7.5
Caramel thorns require mainly soft acidic water, but it has been noted that they adapt well to different conditions. The vital needs of other inhabitants of an artificial reservoir should be taken into account in creating an acceptable environment for everyone. It is recommended to change the water by about a quarter of the total volume of the aquarium once a week.
The selection of soil and vegetation creates an atmosphere of the underwater world. Harmonious use of natural biotope. Ternetia is a colored fish, so it does not need any special decoration. To suit the taste of the aquarium owner, improvised driftwood, grottoes, terraces are installed, scattered stones are placed on the river sand, and fallen leaves are placed.
Caramels can do without special shelters; they still prefer the presence of planted algae. The ideal picture for them is when plants float on the surface and do not interfere with their maneuvers in brisk movement.
All plantings can be done around the perimeter of the container so that the center remains free for the active life of the inhabitants. Small-leaved algae are preferred: Echinodorus, Cryptocoryne species, etc.
Equipment for water filtration and aeration is required as standard, as for other aquarium inhabitants. The creation of an air current of water allows the caramels to float with the flow, against it. It is optimal to direct the stream along the walls of the aquarium.
The use of fluorescent lamps maintains daylight hours up to 10 hours or more. Their power should not be high so that the caramel thorn does not receive a thermal burn if it rises to the surface. The aquarium should also be protected from direct sunlight for the same reason. Fish need soft and diffused light.
Ternetia Glofish green
Ternetia is an aquarium fish with a character, so the artificial container should be kept closed with little access to fresh air. They are usually covered with glass or some transparent material. Otherwise, the playing caramel fish jump out of the water and die.
In nutrition, the cauliflower is omnivorous, undemanding to the diet. Feeding occurs at the surface of the water. At the bottom, leftover food is picked up by other inhabitants of the aquarium. Although caramels always have an excellent appetite, they do not have a tendency to overeat. Owners should not offer excess food to aquatic inhabitants. The diet can be based on high-quality cereals.
Almost all traditional foods are suitable for feeding. Despite the cutest appearance of caramels, their origin is predatory, so preference should be given to live food: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops. Small crustaceans contain vitamins A and D, chitin, which is necessary for the digestion of fish.
Sometimes flock inhabitants can be offered frozen scraped meat. In order to prevent premature fading of color, the diet of caramel thorns needs to be diversified with mineral supplements. It is important to remember that the life expectancy, health and ability to reproduce of caramel thorns depend on the variety of the menu.
Feeding and diet
These aquarium fish are omnivorous, but not prone to overeating. They are very unpretentious in their diet. They eat dry food, live bait, and various types of substitutes very well. You can also feed bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp and other types of frozen food. It is important that the diet is balanced. It is optimal if the food is varied and the thorny’s daily diet includes both dry food and live food.
Most often, aquarium thorns eat food in the middle layers of water, but particles that fall to the bottom will not be lost either. It is better if the food is in the form of flakes and chips, so it sinks to the bottom more slowly.
For bright varieties of thorns, it is necessary to add food to the diet that contains natural color enhancers. This is food with natural dyes, the effect of which is noticeable after 5-7 days of constant use.
Important! When choosing dry food, you need to check the date of manufacture, as well as the composition and store it properly in a closed package.
Compatibility with other fish
The neighbors of caramel thorns in the aquarium should be commensurate fish, 4-5 cm long with a peaceful character. Ideal cohabitants include swordtails, sacbranch catfish, and labyrinthine species such as gourami. The risk of being eaten exists in newborn fish, as well as in small species such as guppies or neons. Bright caramels will make them hunt.
Compatibility of thorns with ornamental fish species is undesirable due to the desire of nimble caramels to bite the veil fins of slow neighbors. Even in their own flocks, biting attacks from relatives sometimes occur. It is not recommended to combine ternation with large predators that pretend to seize territories. Cichlazomas and astronotuses can injure caramels.
Caramel fish are quite suitable for keeping in a community aquarium with many types of fish. If the thorns have a large flock, they are more focused on internal communication. They cannot be left alone - the fish become aggressive.
Diseases
With improper care, various diseases can occur. The main and most common ones:
- Alkali disease. Occurs with increased acidity of water and strong lighting.
- Acidic – with low acidity of water.
- Acedemia – with increased ammonia content.
- Hypoxia occurs in all fish if the aquarium is overcrowded. It is necessary to take into account the number of fish and the volume of the aquarium.
- Chlorosis - when pouring poorly settled water.
Treatment of all diseases comes down primarily to the establishment of living conditions. It is also recommended to increase the water temperature to 30°C.
Aquarium thorns are hardy and suitable for any aquarist. They reproduce well and are not fussy in their maintenance. If you follow the basic nuances of care, the fish will live for at least 5-6 years.
Reproduction and lifespan
Grown-up fish are ready for spawning at the age of one year with a body length of 3-4 cm. Reproduction efficiency is higher in mature thornets, but you can also choose young, sexually mature caramels. Preparation begins with the placement of the selected pair and abundant feeding of the fish with live food.
A special container of 30 liters or more is prepared for spawning. The place for the aquarium should be with diffused, dim, soft light. Twilight is suitable, which can be created with sheets of paper covering the illuminated glass of an artificial pond.
For the spawning ground, dark soil, small-leaved plants, and soft acidic water are selected. For arrangement, it is good to place water moss on the bottom of the aquarium. It is recommended to maintain the water level at 7-8 cm, with a temperature of 24-25°C.
A filter is required in the container, and a thermostat is required to maintain the desired temperature. The water is left to settle for several days before filling the spawning area. It must be saturated with oxygen and contain tannins.
To do this, you can add a little boiled water to distilled water after settling, add peat extract with an acidic reaction, add willow roots and alder cones. An extract option is oak bark or weak tea.
After the fish settle in, 3-6 days later the active movement of the pair begins. The reproduction of thorns can be observed in the early morning. The male chases the female around the pond with short breaks.
The female lays hundreds of sticky eggs in small portions of up to 30 pieces. They settle on algae leaves and decorative parts of the aquarium. The male fertilizes the eggs with milt.
Spawning time lasts up to 3 hours. The total number of eggs spawned and fertilized reaches a thousand or more. Experienced aquarists note this high figure in comparison with other types of fish.
After completing the process, it is necessary to transfer the parent pair to another container so that the eggs and future fry do not end up being eaten. The mesh located at the bottom of the aquarium additionally protects the offspring from destruction.
An aquarium with thorns looks very bright and colorful
It takes about 2 days for the larvae to hatch. The water in the container should be heated to 27-28°C. Barely noticeable living crumbs stick to plants and the walls of the reservoir, and only on the third day do they begin to swim independently.
It is noteworthy that the spawning of thornets is active and does not cause problems, but the fry appear quite weak and very small in size. Initial feeding of baby ternets is carried out only with the smallest feeds. They include ground living dust, consisting, for example, of rotifers. Swimming fry can be fed with boiled yolk.
Not all fry survive; mass deaths occur. Growing individuals need to be gradually transferred to daphnia moina, small bloodworms, cut coretra - larger foods. Hungry juveniles are first fed dry and artificial additives, and then given their usual food.
It is important for owners to monitor the condition of dry food: check the date of manufacture, shelf life, and do not store it open to prevent the development of pathogenic flora. During the period of growth, fry need to be sorted by size: large and active ones must be eliminated, giving small individuals a chance to survive.
Ternetia fish
In general, the health of thornets is good. The fish adapt well to various environments with fluctuations in acidity, hardness, and water temperature. Colored caramels are somewhat weaker than their relatives, but there are no particularities in the maintenance and treatment of these beauties. The advice of experienced aquarists applies to thornets of all types.
Disease prevention is as follows:
- increase in reservoir temperature to 30°C;
- salt baths;
- the use of antiseptics - trypaflavin or others.
A caring attitude towards aquatic inhabitants will preserve their lifespan up to 4-5 years; especially strong ones can live up to 6 years.
Breeding
Even novice aquarists may want to start breeding fish in captivity. To do this, certain conditions must be met. First of all, you need to select a couple of manufacturers.
Sex differences
Gender characteristics in Ternetia are not clearly expressed. Females are usually larger than males and have a shorter dorsal fin. For reproduction, an active pair should be selected. Of the available females, you should select the largest one; the male should be bright and active.
Once a suitable pair has been selected, high-protein foods should be included in their diet a week before the expected spawning.
Spawning and fry care
The spawning tank should be prepared. Water parameters:
- temperature – 24-26°C;
- femininity less than 20;
- acidity 6-7.5 pH.
Leaves should be placed at the bottom of the aquarium, which will serve as a barrier and prevent the fish from eating the spawned eggs.
Advice! Instead of leaves, you can put water moss on the bottom.
First, the male is placed in the vessel to get used to it. The female can be released in a couple of hours. After this, the aquarium will need complete shade until the morning.
Spawning begins with the first rays of the sun or in bright artificial light. The female can lay up to 1000 eggs in one process. After fertilization of the eggs, the producers are again placed in a common aquarium.
The fry emerge from the eggs within 24 hours. They begin to feed on their own after three days, when the yolk sac reserves run out. To begin with, the fry will need specialized food for babies, as well as live dust and various ciliates. Fish become sexually mature at the age of six months and retain reproductive function for up to two years.
Sexual characteristics
Caramel thorns spawn in pairs. You can choose a female and a male in a school of fish based on characteristics that are clearly visible in a comparison of body structure. Females are larger and wider. Their abdomen is more rounded. The fins are also different: the anal fin has the shape of a wide skirt, the dorsal fin is higher and sharper than the fin of the male individual.
Female and male Ternetia vulgare
The male is smaller in size, has a more flattened body shape, the dorsal fin is not so high and has a rounded shape, the anal fin has a rounded shape and looks more neat than that of the female.
Description
Ternetia is a small aquarium fish. Grows up to 5.5 cm.
Appearance
Ternetia has a tall and laterally flattened body. The anal fin is wide, occupies half of the body, the dorsal fin is narrowed. A small adipose fin is present. The fins are translucent. In the common thorn, three dark vertical stripes run along the silvery body: the first crosses the eye, the second is located at the end of the gill covers, the third - from the beginning of the upper fin to the lower part of the abdomen.
Lifespan
Characins live up to 4 years, like many modest-sized fish.
The price of thorns
Ternetias are widespread and can be found in any pet supply store or purchased online. Buying caramels is more expensive than buying ordinary thorns, ranging from 100-130 rubles.
The price depends on color preferences, order volume, age and condition of the fish. Pink thornia is very popular . Bright caramel delights lovers and delights children with its appearance.
No matter how much you have to pay for live fish, the real price is measured not by banknotes, but by genuine interest in the unusual world of the inhabitants of foreign rivers. It is human nature to conduct experiments and transform the world— the thorns in the photo are proof of this. The purchase of fish obliges the aquarist to treat the small and fragile life of caramels with care and attention.
How long do thorns live in an aquarium?
Serene contemplation of the expanses of water can last for these fish for up to 7 years. This is how many years thornets live in an aquarium.
Ternetia lives 5-7 years
This fish is impeccable in everything. She is not picky about food (she even eats boiled pumpkin and steamed spinach!), she is not original in breeding, she lives where everyone else does, and has a pleasant appearance.
Consequences of incorrect placement
If the recommendations for stocking have not been followed, then some fish or Ternetia themselves can easily become victims. In this case, the following changes in the behavior of the fish are observed:
- they become lethargic and inactive;
- lose appetite;
- become less resistant to various diseases.
If the situation in the aquarium is not corrected, the oppressed individuals may die due to illness or intense aggression from neighbors.
In addition, you need to understand that some species are relatively compatible: for some aquarists they will live peacefully, while for others conflicts constantly arise. The fact is that the aquarium is often overcrowded, or there are too few or too many individuals in one school of fish. In this case, it is worth planting some of the fish and observing the behavior of the rest in order to achieve balance and peace between all species.
