Angelfish is quite popular with aquarists. It is unpretentious in content, good-looking, does not require any special menu. A beginner may well take care of flat fish. Another thing is veil scalar, which requires certain conditions.
Origin
It is worth to be in a pet shop, and involuntarily you want to admire the variety of colors of scalars. In large aquariums, flat fish proudly swim in yellow, leopard, yellow-pink and many other colors.
But in fact, they are all artificially bred. Veil scalar, attracting attention due to the elongated upper and anal fin, is no exception. You look at her, a crescent moon swims through the aquarium, all so magnificent and proud. Upon closer examination, it turns out that the “crescent” is not so magnificent, and care requires quite a bit.
But we were distracted, back to the origin of this fish. She is American, lives safely in the waters of the Amazon and Orinoco. By the names of the rivers it is obvious: a scalar came to us from South America.
Natural color
It is interesting to know for all lovers of beautiful fish. Its natural color is not so beautiful, it can be safely called "rustic". Where does this comparison come from? It resembles the color of the simplest outbred tabby cat, which the people call the village.
The common flat fish, from which the veil scalar originated, is silvery and striped. It sounds very beautiful - a silver fish, but in fact its main color is gray, with vertical black stripes.
Content
If veil scalars appear in the aquarium, their maintenance may not be able to beginner. It is better for him to start with the usual descendants of this breeding form.
As for amateurs and professionals, they know how to care for the moody “crescent”. For those wishing to acquire such a beauty, the basic rules for caring for her are described:
- It all starts with choosing an aquarium. A pet shop can please a potential buyer with information that a 60-liter aquarium is enough for 5 veil striped scalars. They, they say, are not particularly large, 8 centimeters is the growth limit. This is pure deception, because angelfish cannot grow in a cramped aquarium. They remain small, the structure of the body is broken, the fins resemble a shaggy rag. And the fish in such conditions will quickly die. Therefore, when buying a beauty-scalar, you need to know: an aquarium for five individuals needs a large one, 120 liters, at least.
- Representatives of the species are able to grow up to 20 centimeters under very good conditions. Then the owner will have to think about a more spacious aquarium.
- In the natural habitat, angelfish love to hide in the shade of densely growing river plants. In the aquarium, they need to create the familiar atmosphere, the background is formed using dense landings. When choosing plants, pay attention to their roots, they must be strong, because the underwater inhabitants love to take down the plantations. The closer to the viewing (front) glass, the less often plantings should come across.
- Soil chosen run-in, without sharp edges. You can use river pebbles or sand.
- The aquarium should have decorations - shelters. You will only have to choose from high so that the fish do not damage their fins, trying to climb into shelter.
- The natural waters in which the scalars live do not spoil their rapid current. The filter for the aquarium is selected, focusing on this fact. He must cope well with his task of cleaning and aeration of water, while not making his own adjustments to the life of the "crescent fish."
Water requirements
Black veil scalar, like its other "sisters" with different colors, requires certain parameters of water. Contrary to the opinion that the representatives of the species are unpretentious, when it comes to veil fish, the system collapses before our eyes.
- Let's start with the water temperature. If for ordinary scalars it is not so important, and the fish are able to withstand lowering to 15 degrees, then their "sister" veil is more effeminate in this regard. Give her a temperature range of 26 to 32 degrees.
- Acidity should not exceed 7, it can range from 5.5 to 7.
- Strictly speaking, there are no requirements for rigidity.
- Angelfish are territorial fish, which is why a large volume of the aquarium is needed. Its minimum, as mentioned above, is 120 liters, and a 250-liter tank will be an ideal reservoir.
Food
Marble veil scalar, its leopard cousin and the simplest "village" are cichlids. Let them be very small, but predators who love to feast on live food.
Other owners believe that feeding a live bloodworm is inhumane, why they prefer to buy frozen briquettes. But scalars must definitely receive live food:
- The small bloodworm and tubule are one of the favorite "dishes" of the species.
- Aquarium inhabitants do not disdain a boiled beef heart, cut into small pieces, chicken breast in minimal quantities.
- From dry feed, you should choose assorted flakes. They include both plant components and animal origin. Another option is to purchase feed directly developed for scalars. It is small and medium sized granules, depending on the size of the fish.
Please do not overfeed your aquarium beauties. They are very fond of eating, which they will testify, swimming up to the glass and showing with all their appearance how hungry they are. But angelfish must know their diet - twice a day by a small pinch, the magnitude of which depends on how large the fish lives in the aquarium. Otherwise, instead of a beautiful "crescent" with luxurious fins, magnificent "pancakes" will float across the tank.
Compatibility
Blue veil scalars, like their relatives of other colors, look very beautiful in an aquarium. Especially in combination with bright greenery and discreet soil. As for the combination with other fish, it is necessary to approach the issue very carefully.
It’s worth looking through some of the forums that discuss the contents and compatibility of scalars, and many questions will arise. If ordinary representatives of the species are recommended to be kept with mobile and nimble "neighbors" such as barbs, then the veil should be protected from such sharing.
Ideal fish suitable as neighbors for veil beauties will be:
- Viviparous fish: swordsmen, pecilia, molliesia.
- Labeo and bots are clowns.
- Soma are not the most suitable neighbors for our scalars. Pterigoplichitis is too large, in addition, they can damage the tender abdomen of the veil inhabitants of the aquarium. Antsistruses seem harmless, but become aggressive with age. This is especially true for males that attack other aquarium inhabitants. And they can tear with sharp spikes the fins of the scalar. Therefore, Somik-Sturisoma will become an ideal neighbor. Swims in the aquarium, does not bully anyone. A corridor is also suitable, these are the most harmless and small catfish.
Angelfish and Cichlids
A question that interests many beginners: is it possible to settle a scalar with cichlids? She herself refers to those. To begin with, the veil scalar, the photo of which can be seen below, is the most harmless cichlid. And she is not able to withstand large and aggressive "comrades" in the aquarium. Settling flat fish with parrots or discus is equivalent to its instant destruction. Such neighbors quickly taste scalar meat. Want to have a cichlid? Apistograms are the best neighbors for scalar in this case. They are quite harmless, get along well with their own kind, and with other fish.
It's important to know
Another question that is often asked by beginners relates to the reproduction of beauties-scalars. And if ordinary flat fish easily reproduce their own kind in aquarium conditions, then the veil refuses to do this. And the temperature of the water, and increased feed, and frequent changes of water will not make them multiply at home. Although scalars choose a mate for life, fertilization is very sad.
Our beauties are schooling fish, it will be uncomfortable for them to live together in an aquarium. Wanting to get a scalar, count on a flock of five to six individuals at least.
Conclusion
If you have always dreamed of veil scalars (marble and not only) in the aquarium, but do not have the experience of keeping them, pay attention to the simple "sisters" of the desired fish. Learn to care for them, then you can think about the "crescent".