Mike’s Fish Tank – Tropical Fish

Here is some information about some of the most common live-bearing tropical fish:

Mollies are a genus of fish in the family Poeciliidae. They are native to fresh, brackish and salt water in the Americas. Mollies are Live-bearers. They come in several different colors and spot patterns, such as black, white, black and white spots, orange, orange and white spots.

Mollies have been kept successfully in freshwater, brackish, and saltwater conditions, although the last is not recommended for the novice aquarist. Mollies need to live in water that is (77 to 82 °F). Along with their platy cousins, the mollies are part of a pivotal aquaculture group of livebearers, which can live in water from fresh to fully marine, and a wide range of other conditions. They feed on smaller insects, animals, and vegetation.

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is a rapidly growing industry that focuses on the breeding and rearing of fish for commercial purposes. It involves the cultivation of fish in controlled environments, such as ponds, tanks, or ocean cages, where conditions like water quality, temperature, and feeding can be closely monitored. This practice has become increasingly important as the demand for seafood continues to rise globally. Sustainable fish farming methods aim to provide a steady supply of fish while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring that the fish farming industry remains both profitable and environmentally responsible.

To achieve optimal production, many fish farmers seek the expertise of professionals in the field, such as Aquaculture Consulting services. These specialists provide invaluable insights into best practices for breeding, feeding, and maintaining healthy fish populations, as well as advising on the most effective systems and technologies for managing aquaculture operations. By implementing expert guidance, farmers can increase yield, reduce risks of disease, and ensure the overall health of the fish, contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of their farming ventures.

Platies are native to the east coast of Central America and southern Mexico. Most platies now sold in aquariums are hybrids of southern platyfish and the variatus platy. The male’s caudal fin is more pointed, and the anal fin of the male fish has evolved into a gonopodium, a stick-shaped organ used for  reproduction. Platies are  widely used in tropical aquaria. There are several different colors of platy available. They are considered easy to care for, thus a good starting point for beginners. They are common in community tanks because of their hardiness and non-aggressive nature.

The green swordtail, is a live-bearer, it is closely related to the southern platyfish or “platy”  and can crossbreed with them. It is native to an area of North and Central America stretching from Veracruz, Mexico, to northwestern Honduras. The green swordtail prefers swift-flowing, heavily-vegetated rivers and streams, but is also found in warm springs and canals. Omnivorous, its diet includes both plants and  small crustaceans, insects, and blood worms. Captive breeding has produced many color varieties of swordtails including black, red, and
many patterns thereof, for the aquarium hobby.