Raptor fish are found in many home aquarium tanks. The ornamental rapids are the most popular, but there are many different species within this family. You shouldn’t have any problems finding a fish that suits your needs. Get to know her closer!
Where is the rapids coming from?
Bystrzyki come from South America. Their natural habitat is the Amazon basin. They live in relatively shallow coastal waters. They are almost always found in groups.
Bystrzyk – what species of this fish are the most popular?
In fact, many species of freshwater fish are hidden under the name of the rapids. They all have a laterally compressed body. They grow to different sizes, but the average adult length is 4 to 8 centimeters. Species found in home farms include:
- decorative rapids;
- beautiful rapids;
- ornatus rapids;
- black rapids;
- amanda’s burst;
- pink rapids;
- peruvian rapids;
- red splotch;
- Perez’s rapids;
- yellow rapids;
- triple rush;
- a rapids from Rio;
- dwarf snap;
- bilge raptor;
- neon snap;
- red fin rapids;
- red rapids;
- the Loreto rapids.
Bystrzyk – disposition and characteristics
Bystrzyk is a fish that lives in shoals in its natural conditions. Therefore, in the aquarium, it should also live in groups of its own species. If you are planning to buy one of the rapids, the best solution is to buy at least 6. Fish do best in shoals of at least 10.
They are quite social fish that willingly interact also with representatives of other species. However, observation of the natural behavior of fish from this family will only be possible when they are in their own group.
Raptor fish – what kind of aquarium does it need?
The size of the aquarium should be adapted to the specific species of rapids. Amanda’s tiny rapids will feel good in an aquarium with a capacity of 60 liters. Larger varieties need definitely larger tanks. Swifters are gregarious fish that must have plenty of space to swim.
Many species of rapids prefer the so-called dark water biotope, typical of the South American habitat. Sandy bottom, dry leaves and tea-colored water are the most characteristic features of such an aquarium. Peat in the filter is used to color the water. Peat can also be hung in a net on the wall of the aquarium.
Water parameters for a rapids
Sparrows of various species feel best in water with the following parameters:
- temperature: 24 to 28 degrees Celsius;
- pH: 5.5 to 7;
- hardness: 12 to 15 dGH.
Who can a rapids live with?
When rapids live in shoals, all undesirable behavior should be confined to species. They are fish that are usually very social and friendly. Rather, they shouldn’t be kept with much larger companions. However, they usually get along well with species such as:
- tetry;
- gupiki;
- grinding;
- razbory;
- cuirass;
- changers;
- islands.
In aquariums with too many fish, rapids can feel confused and stressed. So let’s choose your cast quite carefully.
Feeding Rapids – What to Remember?
The snake is an omnivorous fish that you can feed well-balanced commercial food. It will work both in flakes and granules. However, it is important to remember that a too monotonous diet is dangerous for any fish. You should diversify your daily menu with live and frozen food. They will work:
- mosquito larvae (white and red);
- the pipe-worker;
- bloodworm;
- solowiec.
The reproduction of rapids in breeding
If you want to breed several dozen fry, the best solution is to prepare a breeding aquarium. The tank should have a capacity of about 30-40 liters.
Raise the temperature of the water a little and keep it soft and sour. There should be 1 male per 1 female in the breeding box. Spawning takes place in the morning. Keep an eye on the situation to catch the adult fish in the main tank at the right time. Otherwise, the roe will be eaten by them.
On day 3, the larvae hatch, swim out after 3-4 days and start looking for food. The fry are very light sensitive, so keep them in a darkened aquarium and feed them with microfood.
Bystrzyk – summary
Bystrzyki is a family of fish from South America with a wide variety of colors. Particular species differ from each other mainly in terms of color and size. Most of them are suitable for beginner aquarists. You must remember to provide them with the right water parameters and a variety of food. Which of the rapids did you like the most?