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Fish gladiolus – all information about the species

Heller’s gladiolus are one of the most popular aquarium fish. Nothing unusual. They cost little, but forgive a lot. What conditions do gladioli need? Contrary to popular belief, these fish cannot live everywhere. Orbs and small containers can be discarded immediately. We advise on how to arrange an aquarium to make it a friendly place for gladioli. Meet the gladioli. Fish may be perfect for the beginning of an adventure with the water world at home!

Fish gladiolus – origin

Gladioli are fish that come from Central America. Although aquariums are primarily captive-born individuals, wild gladioli are found in many countries from that part of the world. You meet them, among others, in:

  • Honduras;
  • Guatemala;
  • Mexico.

Where do gladioli live in natural conditions? The fish live in running freshwater. They can be found primarily in rivers and streams.

Heller’s Gladioli – appearance

Gladioli are extremely diverse and come in many color varieties. Due to the quite pronounced sexual dimorphism, it is easy to distinguish the male from the female gladiolus. The female gladiolus is usually larger than the male and rounder. On the other hand, males (like all viviparous fish) have a gonopodium that enables them to fertilize the female. What is the average body length of a gladiolus? The aquarium fish is about 3 centimeters. In nature, however, it can reach up to 12 centimeters.

Gladioli – fish of many colors

The most popular color varieties of this aquarium fish are:

  • green gladiolus;
  • black gladiolus;
  • Berlin gladiolus;
  • red gladiolus;
  • gladiolus soothes;
  • kohaku gladiolus;
  • pineapple gladiolus;
  • orange gladiolus;
  • mieczyk wagtail.
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Veil gladioli with beautiful and stately fins are very desirable.

Gladioli – fish with a mild temper… but not always

How can you briefly describe gladioli? Shoal and gregarious fish that usually move around the aquarium in groups and inhabit its middle zone. If they live in a sufficiently large aquarium, they are usually very gentle with other fish. However, there are often fights between males within their own species.

To avoid bloodshed, it is imperative to avoid overrunning. Too many gladioli in a small area is a recipe for fish skirmishes. As with guppies, there should be at least two females per male.

Gladioli – fish and their food

Gladioli are omnivorous fish that should receive regular portions of a wide variety of food. Feel free to give them:

  • dry pressed food;
  • mosquito larvae;
  • blanched spinach;
  • granulates;
  • algae;
  • daphnia;
  • chopped earthworms;
  • bloodworm larvae;
  • chopped lettuce.

How often to feed gladioli?

It’s time to describe the frequency of feeding gladioli. Fish that are matured should be fed two or three times a day, but in very small amounts. Try to feed young fish more often, but with the minimum amount of food. As with all fish, it is much easier to overfeed them than to starve them. Eating too much can lead to cystitis. This dangerous disease leads to the death of the animal, which probably stimulates the imagination.

What aquarium for gladioli?

Gladioli do not need very large tanks, but very small aquariums (less than 50 liters) make them stunted. If you only have such an aquarium, you should limit yourself to four fish of this species. A real flock of eight fish will do well in an aquarium with a capacity of 80 to 100 liters.

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Aquarium substrate for gladioli

The aquarium for gladioli should be densely planted with plants that can be used for them to hide. It is also worth equipping the tank with numerous hiding places – for example, roots or shells. However, keep enough space for free swimming.

Gladioli – fish and the proper properties of water

Here are the parameters of water ideal for gladioli. Fish should feel great in such conditions:

  • temperature – 23-25 ​​degrees Celsius (in warmer water these fish feel bad);
  • pH – 7-7,5;
  • hardness6-25 degrees.

How often to change the water of the gladiolus?

In an aquarium with gladiolus, proper filtration is necessary. They are fish that like strong currents, so invest in a very efficient filter. You must change the water at least once every two weeks. Fresh water should then be at least 30% of the total.

It is also worth using only tanks with lids. Gladioli often show “stunt skills” and will jump out of open aquariums.

Gladiolus – reproduction

Gladiolus are oviparous fish. For this reason, the fry are fully formed (juveniles look like a miniature version of adult gladioli). Fish reproduce fairly easily, but breeding them properly requires patience and knowledge.

With subsequent deliveries, the female reduces the size of the fry. Her first litter can have up to 200 individuals. This number gradually decreases with each successive one. Eventually, about 50-70 small fish are born. Gladioli are more likely to reproduce in warmer water. A temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius will be suitable for spawning.

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Gladiolus during pregnancy and after it

The gladiolus’ pregnancy lasts about 5 weeks. When you are sure that the female will give birth soon, you can move her to the spawning tank. Cubs born in a separate tank will have a better chance of survival. Remember that the spawning aquarium also needs to be very well filtered.

Feeding the gladiolus fry is not complicated. Feed the little fish exactly the same food that their parents eat. You just need to break it up more.

Fish gladiolus – summary

How can gladioli be briefly described? These fish are quite gentle, but in too tight tanks there may be friction between them. Make sure that they have access to numerous hiding places. Their water should have appropriate parameters and be filtered.

Breeding gladioli may not be as simple as with guppies, but with a little effort you will get numerous litters very quickly. Gladioli are shoal fish that like to spend time in their company. Their popularity is not surprising at all. They are perfect for people who want to start their adventure with aquaristics.