Kalamoihts (decorative snake fish) are of great interest to aquarists. They belong to an unusual multidimensional order, occupying a separate place among the famous modern fish and fossils of the fish family. Scientists have not been able to find the fossil ancestors of the Kalamoikht of Kalabar.
Appearance
The body of this fish visually resembles a real snake: an elongated body, and the modified diamond-shaped scales are similar to snake skin. At the same time, the snake fish has a flattened triangular head with a huge mouth and sharp teeth. All this also adds extravagance to the image of the kalamohacht. In the tail region are the dorsal spines. Their number ranges from 5 to 18 pieces.
The ventral fins are either completely absent or are displaced closer to the back of the body. Such a structure only enhances the "serpentine" appearance of this unusual aquatic animal.
Aquarium fish snake grows up to forty centimeters. She can live from 8 to 10 years. Black eyes and short tendril-spiracles give the aquarium snake a funny expression. For such an unusual appearance, these fish become the favorite inhabitants of domestic ponds.
Calabar Kalamoicht: contents
For the successful maintenance of fish, large aquariums should be purchased, since the calamino yachts need a large bottom area. The minimum water required by one fish is 100 liters. A group of fish (it is much more interesting to observe several individuals) will feel good in an aquarium, the volume of which is more than 200 liters.
The aquarium should always be tightly closed, since this snake fish is able to seep into any formed gap. It is also important to place various artificial shelters and driftwood in the aquarium. This helps the fish quickly adapt to a new place and get used to new living conditions. Especially kalamoahts will like the leaves of Indian almonds, which serve as shelters and provide water conditioning in the aquarium.
These aquatic animals generally become more active precisely in the evening or in diffuse lighting. The fish begins to explore all corners of the aquarium in search of food. After it rises to the surface of the water, curling into unusual rings. This is required in order to sometimes inhale atmospheric air, which helps to digest a plentiful meal.
Water characteristics
Water temperature should not fall below 24 degrees. Kalamoikht Kalabar is sensitive to chemical indicators. So, the permissible pH level is from 6.2 to 7.5, and GH, respectively, from 2 to 18. It is very important that there are no sharp fluctuations in these indicators.
In the process of acclimatization, as well as in case of a forced rapid change of water, it is necessary to use air conditioners: Biotopol, Acclimol or Strescoat. Kalamoihts do not tolerate formalin and organic dyes, as well as a sharp change in water salinity.
Adaptation Features
Most of the fish that are represented in aquariums of pet stores are of natural origin. Therefore, after acquiring an exotic aquatic inhabitant, he needs a pre-sale overexposure (sometimes up to 1 month) with further adaptation to captivity. But sellers quite often do not comply with these conditions, and many individuals die almost immediately after launching into a home aquarium.
That is why aquarists have an opinion that kalamoahts are very poorly taken root in home aquariums. Fortunately, this is not so. Healthy fish simply adapts to new living conditions in decorative aquariums, if you follow the rules of its maintenance.
A little bit about how to distinguish a healthy individual. When purchasing this fish, pay attention to its skin integument. If there are even small contrasting spots, then, most likely, the fish is sick, it will not live long.
Fish food
Feeding kalamoikht does not cause any difficulties. Healthy fish take various natural feeds with pleasure (even in frozen form). She especially likes large bloodworms. In the warm season, tadpoles and earthworms can be introduced into the diet. Kalamoicht do not give up small pieces of squid and shrimp. Fish is almost indifferent to dry food, eats them with great reluctance.
Snake fish is a peaceful inhabitant of the aquarium; it does not offend its large neighbors. Large specimens for kalamoikht will not be able to swallow. They get along well with any fish, but they can take a trifle, in particular a sklyar and neon, for food.
Propagation of Calamo Yacht
Fish reaches puberty in the third year of its life. The main difference between a female and a male is the anal fin. In the female, he has 9 rays, and the male has a fin, consisting of 12-14 rays.
Reproduction of kalamoyhts in captivity can be done, but hormonal stimulation is required.
Vivo spawning
Spawning of this fish begins during the flood period. Males in the fight for females arrange quite long fights. After the pair is determined and fertilization takes place, the female lays eggs in the thickest vegetation or in coastal burrows. The offspring begins to be born after two days, and after four days the fry are already crawling perfectly.
The fry of this fish have fringed external gills that allow the young to survive in water unsaturated with oxygen. They feed on planktonic organisms, for example, artemia.
Unusual behavior
When fed up, the Kalamoycht fish can behave unusually. There is every reason for a rather non-standard assumption: these inhabitants of the aquarium after a full dinner can play, and not only among themselves, but also with their master.
It is believed that the described fish are blind. But this is not so. It’s just that they quickly get used to a new place of residence among a team consisting of active and moving neighbors. At the same time, the fish uses its sense of touch, smell and vision. By the way, they also see people in the room, so in the evening the calamites can wait for the owners at the wall of the aquarium.