1. Characidae
The Characidae is a member of the Ostariphysi species. This fish has small adipose or connective tissues, known as fins. Their jaws have teeth. Their weberian small bony structure (Ossicles), link to the bladder area and also the inner part of the fish's ear. The Characidae originate from Central and South America, but some may also be found in other smaller parts of the world, like Central Africa. There are two types of these fish which you can purchase, i.e. the carnivorous or the omnivorous ones. Carnivores feast on meat whilst omnivores prefer vegtables and/or animals. Characidae fish are predominantly herbivores so it is best to avoid this variety, as your aquarium will be virtually destroyed once this fish has nibbled its' way through your tank.
By choosing the Characidae, you should avoid having other, smaller fish in the tank like the Angelfish, Fighters and others, as the Characidae like to gnaw at smaller object with their teeth. This includes eating other fish. Piranhas are from freshwater and also South America, and they are very similar to the Characidae species, in that they have sharp teeth. The piranhas' strong jaws makes them dangerous, very much like the Characidae, and are categorised as a predatory species. In large groups, they like to attack their prey. The Characidae attack in groups as well as on their own - they have jaws and teeth which make easy work at ripping apart a terrestrial species in such a short time. As a beginner at keeping an aquarium, avoid buying this species and the piranhas.
Feeding the Characidae
They mostly enjoy meats so feed them worms, etc.
What Type of Water is Best for Them
Soft swampy waters are ideal for the Characidae, as they can breed easier, by laying their eggs on the bottom of the tank as they will stick there. You should be aware that Characidae feed on their own. Eggs in the tank will be devoured once they emerge as youngsters, so don't be surprised at this action. You will need to learn how to breed the Characidae before you buy any, as the skills are better learnt beforehand.
2. Serrasalmus Rhombeus
These fish are more commonly known as the Spotted and the White Piranha. They come from the Amazon Basins and also in South America. Piranhas will reach their full size of about ten inches. Aquarium fish will only grow to about six inches. When you are just starting an aquarium, piranhas are not the ideal species that you should begin with in fish care. These fish should be separated from the habitat of passive fish. Piranhas are olive green or silvery in colour and have deep pressed bodies. Their strong teeth are used to devour and tear apart other creatures, and they will have a good go at the tank as well. The fish look like bulldogs in resemblance, with a lower jaw that is quite threatening on approach. Piranhas are, by nature, aggressive and their food consists of other large or small fish.
Netting
When using a net to catch the fish, you need to take extreme precaution as they will try to gnaw at your hand which they see as prey. It is necessary to use a net if you need to clean out the aquarium.
Piranhas like to feed on other fishes as well as lean meat. As they are carnivorous, these fish are mainly for show and not as a pet. On the upside piranhas do not special water conditions and in aquariums they do not breed. Having two piranhas in one aquarium is not a good idea, as one will feed on the other. Species of the piranha include the Natterer Piranha and the Red-Breasted Piranha. These types of piranha are similar to the Serrasalmus Rhombeus in the way that they feast.
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