Of all the species of aquarium fish, scalyards are probably the most popular and widespread. And it is not surprising, because such fish as a scalar will become not only silent pets, but also a real decoration for your apartment, thanks to its not very bright but beautiful coloring and unique crescent shape.
The birthplace of aquarium fish
The homeland of the fish of the scalar is the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. Scalarians prefer quiet quiet parts of water bodies (lagoons, bays, overgrown and stagnant waters). The first fish were brought to Europe in the beginning of the twentieth century, in Russia, their successful mass breeding began around the 50s of the twentieth century.
In fish of the scalar, a disc-shaped body with elongated dorsal and anal fins and filiform processes of the ventral fins. This body structure allows the scalar in nature to quickly hide from the enemy, hiding in the thickets, as the fish are very fearful and careful.
Care for aquarium fish with scalars
If the contents of the house's scalars are taken into account, the dimensions of the aquarium necessary for them should be taken into account: its height should be at least 45-50 cm, and the volume should be more than 60 liters. This is due to the fact that the fish reach a height of usually about 25 cm and a length of about 15 cm, and since the fish eggs are schooly, it is desirable to contain at least 2-4 individuals together.
Scalarians love clean water, so the aquarium should have a filter and aeration. Once a week, you need to replace one fifth of the water. The optimum water temperature varies between 23-26 degrees Celsius.
At the bottom of the aquarium you can put either large sand or small pebbles. At the corners of the aquarium you need to place the algae in sufficient quantities, otherwise there will inevitably be clashes between fish. It is advisable to place the aquarium itself in such a way that it receives bright sunlight, in which the scalars are in great need.
In food skalarii use both dry and live food. The latter, of course, is preferable. In addition, fish should be given granulated food and flakes. For feeding it is better to use a feeder, since with such an unusual form of the body, it is extremely difficult for the scalars to pick up pieces of food from the bottom of the aquarium.
The scalar needs to be fed moderately, not to overfeed - overeating is dangerous for their health.
Reproduction of aquarium fish
If you properly care for your pets, then by the age of 8-10 months they form pairs and regularly spawn. Usually, for the laying of caviar, the pair selects any of the objects in the aquarium, most often the leaves of the plants.
If you want to breed a scalar, then you need to place the selected pair in a separate (spawning) aquarium, with a volume of at least 80 liters. The temperature in the aquarium should be at least 26 degrees. After the fish make a laying of the eggs, the parents should be planted, otherwise they can eat the offspring that have just appeared.
What fish get along with the scalars?
Scalarians are quite peaceful, so they are compatible with almost all calm fish. It should take into account the size of the neighbors: they should not be much smaller than the scalars, otherwise they will serve not as neighbors, but as food. It is best that all the inhabitants of the aquarium are approximately the same size. Also, do not populate predators, because in this case
It is better not to place a scalar and goldfish in the same aquarium, because they have different conditions of maintenance, and the characters and spaces all need a lot. Especially grown up scalars can spoil the fins of goldfish.
Diseases of aquarium fish are easier to warn than to treat. Observe the temperature regime, do not overfeed the fish and carefully monitor the quality of the feed, change the water in time, and always maintain the purity in the aquarium - and you most likely will not encounter the diseases of the scalars.