Kiryski live mainly in the waters of South America. They live in rivers, also large ones, but also small standing reservoirs, for example ponds or even backwaters. Various species are included in the Cuirass family, and some of them are still a problem for scientists to classify. Fish kept in aquariums rarely exceed 7-8 cm in length.
Kirysk species
There are many types of cuirass, but a few are the most popular. These are the easiest to find in the aquarium shop. Remember that they are slightly different in terms of needs and requirements, although they are representatives of the same Kirysk family. The price for individual specimens may vary.
A bronze cuirass
One of the most popular cuirasses occurs naturally in the rivers of Venezuela and Argentina. They grow up to about 7 cm in length. His body is yellow with a hint of gray and brown. They are characterized by sexual dimorphism – males are more slender. A characteristic feature is a more developed back.
The tiger cuneiform
The tiger cuirass is also the most popular species. This fish is naturally found mainly in Peru and Colombia. It is silver, and as the name suggests, its body is decorated with black stripes and dots. It is distinguished among other cuiras by a very long mouth.
Black cuirass
This impressive variety was created artificially on the basis of bronze cuirass. The black cuirass has the entire body black, and the fins – brown. This amazing color is the result of a mutation. This cuirass grows up to 7 cm and is not characterized by a clear sexual dimorphism.
Kirys pstry
The striking spotted cuirass has a bright body covered with black spots, as well as stripes of the same color on the fins. The fish naturally occurs in Brazil and Uruguay. It grows up to about 7 cm in length. Males are usually smaller in size, but have a larger fin on the back.
Albino Kirys
A very interesting species of cuirass, which additionally occurs naturally in Brazil, in the Amazon basins. It is approx. 6 cm long. He has a pink and white body with red eyes. In addition, it gently shines, which makes it look completely unique. This cuirass fish has a clearly marked sexual dimorphism – the male is smaller and has a more efficient dorsal fin.
Cuirass – requirements
As for the conditions, it is not a very demanding fish. Kirysek feels good in most tanks and can also live in multi-species aquariums. However, it is very important to maintain a certain standard.
Kirys – a fish and an aquarium
Kiryski are benthic fish, i.e. those that stay at the bottom, in the lower parts of the reservoir.
For this reason, the primary aspect you need to pay attention to is of course the ground. As cuirass love to clear the bottom, you first of all need to put sand on it, not gravel. It is worth it to be fine-grained. Additionally, fill the tank with hiding places, for example, roots, stones.
There must be a lid on top of the cuirass aquarium as these fish tend to jump out of the water. You can also place matching, low-power lighting in the cover. It is worth investing in filters, especially external ones, with several filter media. The heater is not needed if the room temperature is kept at around 20 ° C.
You need to keep the aquarium clean regularly, as the cuiras stay at the bottom. The mule will not only be eaten by them, but also stirred upwards. For plants, opt for a large cast of large-leaved species. However, make sure that there is adequate space next to the water surface. Kiryski often flow upwards to get the atmospheric air.
Kirysek – nutrition
Nutrition is another aspect in which we cannot talk about the picky’s pickiness. This fish eats both dried and fresh food. It rather prefers animal food, but with a vegetable addition. In the case of fry, it is important to adjust the size of the food to the abilities of the fish. You can either buy a product designed to feed juveniles, or you can simply crush the food you are feeding older fish.
The reproduction of kirysków
Kiryski breed relatively easily. Spawning is accelerated if the fish in the ratio of two males to one female are placed in a separate tank. The water should be cooler than normal and the food must be plentiful. However, remember that breeding cuirass also requires knowledge of the species, as some of them may have additional requirements.
During one spawning period, the female produces up to 400 eggs. The roe is left on the walls. It takes about four days for the fish to hatch, and after a few weeks the little fish are ready to join the rest of the flock.
Kiryski – what aquarium can they live in?
Like all aquarium fish, cuiras have specific requirements regarding the conditions in the tank. At the same time, these fish are so gentle that they can also successfully live with other animals.
First of all, Cuiras feel good in a shoal of representatives of their species. They will also work well in herds with other cuiras. If you are creating a single-species aquarium, decide to pour a small amount of water into it. Instead, invest in a tank length – make it at least 120 cm.
This, of course, is not all, as cuiras get along well with other fish. It is only important to choose species that live in other parts of the reservoir. We are talking, for example, about razors or neon lamps, which swim a bit higher, and thus do not get in the way of the cuirasses. Even in the event of a meeting, the cuiras are gentle and are not likely to show aggression.
Kirysek is a small fish that comes in several species and varieties. It looks great in a single-species aquarium, as well as in one with a diverse cast. It swims at the bottom and can impress with its appearance. Check how to adapt the aquarium to the cuiras so that they feel the best there.