Goldfish in crutches is a picture that probably all of us know. Veils, of course, require much larger and more diverse tanks, but they will work great in the home of a novice aquarist. Check what are the needs of the species of veils, what to feed them and how to reproduce. Do you wish to learn more about them? This time it is not the goldfish who will fulfill them, but we will do it for them. Read more about veil fish!
Veil – occurrence
This subspecies of the ornamental crucian is one of the most beautiful and showy. Where do veils come from? These fish come from China, where their breeding has a very rich tradition (dating back to the early Middle Ages). For hundreds of years, many subspecies of ornamental crucians have been developed, but the most popular are tiger veils and veils.
Interestingly, as a result of very intensive breeding, these fish can be often found in natural water reservoirs all over the world. They do very well there, and often even form permanent colonies.
Veil fish – disposition
There is a widespread belief that veils should be kept alone (possibly in pairs) as they eat other fish. Meanwhile, this is a completely wrong view. They are very sociable animals with a calm and gentle disposition. However, their neighborhood should be chosen carefully. How do the veils behave?
- they swim freely throughout the aquarium;
- they willingly spend time near the bottom, burrowing in the ground in search of food;
- they are lively and very lovable.
Interestingly, they are also very long-lived fish. If they have good conditions, they can live up to several dozen years!
Aquarium for veil
Veils are often grown in small tanks and even in balls. In fact, however, they do best in spacious aquariums – preferably between 100 and 120 liters. It is definitely worth making sure that there are several fish in it, because the veil is a very sociable species.
Aquarium substrate for veils
These goldfish like to dig into the aquarium substrate. This can destroy plants and undermine them. So it is much better to focus on vegetation with strong roots. The type of substrate is practically indifferent.
Water in the reservoir for veil fish
The water should be highly aerated. All species of ornamental crucian carp tend to be littering and their metabolism is very fast. So definitely choose an efficient aquarium filter. The optimal water parameters are:
- pH – from 6.5 to 7;
- hardness – from 5 to 20 degrees;
- temperature – from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
It is worth changing about 25% of the water in the tank at least once every two weeks. The water should be allowed to stand (at least a day) for the chlorine to evaporate from it.
Veil – fish and its diet, i.e. proper nutrition
Veils are omnivorous fish, so it is not difficult to find food that will suit their tastes. However, you can make sure that the food is not monotonous. Take a change of food:
- alive;
- frozen;
- dry;
- vegetable (as variety).
The frequency of feeding is also important. Veils are extremely voracious fish that tend to overeat, and it is enough to feed them once a day. You can also choose to feed twice a day, but in small portions. As with most fish, it is better to feed them less often than to overfeed them.
Fish veils – reproduction
The reproduction of veils is quite a daunting task.
- Ideally, there should be two males per female for spawning.
- It is good to transfer them for this time to a separate tank, where the water temperature is slightly lower.
- The roe is placed close to the bottom of the aquarium.
- It is imperative to take the parents to the main tank right after folding, otherwise the eggs will be eaten very quickly. Veils also do not despise their own fry, the survival of which in the main aquarium is minimal.
Veil diseases
Although veils are long-lived, unfortunately they rarely live up to 3-4 years in aquariums. They don’t have good conditions. Fish living alone in tiny spheres quickly become ill and die prematurely.
One of the most common veil diseases is chicken pox. The disease is usually “brought” to the aquarium by a new sick fish and it quickly infects the whole herd. Another common condition is cystitis. It is the result of the veils being so voracious. So you need to feed them very carefully. These fish can eat almost anything – from aquarium plants to their own offspring and fry of other species.
Veils – with what fish to breed them?
Veils are herd fish that feel best in the company of their species. However, you do not have to limit the aquarium stocking only to them. However, you have to remember that it all depends on the capacity of the aquarium and the size of your fish.
What species can accompany veils?
Small veils can live peacefully with smaller fish. Then other cold-loving species will prove their worth:
- danio;
- cardinals;
- neonki.
Larger veils, however, can treat smaller fish as dinner. If you are planning a multi-manned aquarium with veils, it should be at least 300 liters.
Veils – price
Veils are very popular fish that can be purchased almost anywhere. Look for them in aquarium stores and advertising portals, but be careful. Fish should come from proven breeders. This way you will minimize the risk of bringing some unpleasant infectious disease to the aquarium.
For how much can you buy fish veils?
Veil prices can vary greatly. Very young specimens can often be obtained practically for free from breeders or exchanged for other fish. You will pay from five to thirty zlotys for the smallest veils. However, adult fish with an impressive appearance and lush fins can cost up to one hundred zlotys.
Veils are extremely popular aquarium fish. They are eagerly chosen even by inexperienced aquarists. However, you have to be very careful not to overfeed them. A sufficiently large tank is also necessary. Treat the goldfish in the ball as a cartoon picture rather than a role model.