Dragon Fish
Dragon fish got the name because it looks similar as the Chinese dragon. It has a long eel like body and a large head. It is usually gray in color and has a metallic violet color on its back side.
You need to take a little more care of the dragon fish than any other fish. This does not mean that it is difficult to keep them as pets. However, you cannot just buy the fish and get it home. Rather, you need to make arrangements before buying it. Washing the tank and cleaning it properly is the basic step for taking care of the dragon fish.
Dragon fish has large teeth as compared to its body size. It is 6 inches in length which is 15 centimeters. There are various species of dragon fish; all of them resemble each other. Dragon fish are peaceful creatures. They have smaller eyes and hence it is difficult for them to find food for themselves. While placing dragon fish in an aquarium, place them in groups, because the strongest dragon fish can harm the smaller ones. Several dragon fish together can handle the strongest one if iFseat turns to be violent.
Dragon fish are known to be ferocious species and are found in the deep waters. The scientific name of dragon fish is Grammatostomias flagellibarba. Dragon fish are found to have large set of teeth as compared to its body size which is quite small. The other common names which are associated with dragon fish are Peruvian Gobies, Violet Gobies, Dragon Gobies and Eel Gobies.
Dragon fish are known to be one of its kind; since it can produce its own light with the help of bioluminescence which is a chemical process. The organ which is present in the fish which helps in the light production is photophore. The same light is used to attract prey. The jaws of the dragon fish are quite strong in nature, as the prey comes close to the dragon fish it very unlikely to let it escape. The dragon fish feed on small fish as well as crustaceans.
Dragon fish can also be kept in your home environment in an aquarium. The requirement of a dragon fish is warm and clean water. Dragon fish are known to prefer brackish conditions than fresh water conditions. Since dragon fish prefer warm water, you may require a heater and a thermometer for temperature control.
The temperature in the aquarium has to remain constant as fluctuation in the temperature can weaken the fish with loss of appetite and a weaker immune system.
The length of your aquarium should at least be around four feet, as the fish requires a lot of space to move about. Dragon fish are known to be of the sensitive variety, the water at least around 15 % should be changed on a weekly basis along with waste removed.
The filters present in the aquarium have to be well maintained along with good filtration. You have to ensure at all times that the water remains toxic free.
For maintaining a healthy life for your dragon fish, make sure you provide enough protein along with vital portion of meat. Dragon fish are carnivorous scavengers.
.You should work towards duplicating as what the dragon fish would feed on in the wild such as insects, insect larvae, aquatic invertebrates and old carcasses. Dragon fish only require to eat once a day. One should avoid over feeding the fish as it would increase the waste in the aquarium.
In the aquarium, it would be beneficial to provide a good amount of plants and caves, so that the fish can go in hiding as they are also known to be timid creatures which can easily bullied by other aggressive fish in the aquarium. For ease of eating for the dragon fish one could put a divider in the aquarium.
It would be wise to keep dragon fish with other fish which have similar temperaments along with the same care required. Dragon fish are very pleasant and beautiful fish. Your dragon fish only requires a healthy environment, brackish water, variety food items, good amount of hiding places and more than enough space to move about.
With proper attention and care your dragon fish can be with you for a good duration.
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