Identify this fish, please?

[Bwana]

My friend just brought me some fish from his tank that he's taking down (he's leaving for college). Neither of us know what they are. Any help?

http://home.comcast.net/~smatrixt/IMG_0151.JPG

They are somewhat transparent, with the coloring around the fins.

He also gave me a nice orange/black swordtail :D.

[FastFish]

The striped ones are zebra danios... I suspect the orange one is some sort of barb.

[Harry Tolen]

I see two zebra danios and a serpae tetra, unless the fish you are referring to is really transparent and I can't see it at all.

[FastFish]

Serpae tetra looks right, I stand corrected... never saw one before.

[Bwana]

Serpae tetra sounds right. Thanks guys. (yeah, i know the zebras, hehe :D)

Anyone know why the swordtail is just chillin near the top, and not interacting with anything else? Could he be in shock from the move? :confused: I'll go read up on them now. :o

[Bwana]

P.S. just took water samples:

7.5-7.6 Ph
<.1 ammonia
0 nitrite
8Gh
temp = 78*

[PumaWard]

<.1 ammonia

This could be your problem with your swordtail. Ammonia is toxic to fish, waterchanges will help the swordtail and the other fish. Don't let it get above .5. Nitrite will start picking up after a while when the bacteria that break ammonia and nitrite start to grow. Keep nitrite below .25 and add 1 tablespoon of salt for every 10g. Eventually, you will have bacteria that will break ammonia down to nitrite (both of these compounds are toxic to fish) and will break nitrite down into nitrate which is almost harmless. Nitrate (I am not sure what level to keep it below, sorry) needs to be taken out of your water through 20-30% weekly water changes with dechloranated water that is about the same temperature.

If you can find a product called Bio-Spira, this will help you out temendously because it will introduce the bacteria into your tank.

Sorry I can't go into more detail about cycling, maybe someone else out there can help you.

HTH though

[Bwana]

Thanks for the info :cool: .

I did use some Bio-Spira a few days ago, so hopefully it will be catching on soon.

I figured out the Swordtail is just EXTREMELY shy. If I go lay down in my bed for 5mins or so, he will come down and swim around. As soon as i get up, he retreats back. Hopefully he can get over his fears and come visit :p .

Should i do a water change before the bacteria has set up? It wouldnt remove the startings of the bacteria?

I love this forums. :D

[fishdude]

i think hes just affraid of the new tank
my gouramis, rams, and bettas all did this after i put them in
not the green fire tetras tho

[tricksterpup]

Hmm.. looks like a big red rock to me.. ;)

As for the Swordtail, yes, these guys need really clean water and need constant water changes. They also are a schooling fish and may be missing some females to give his attentions to.
They also enjoy a large tank. I personally would not keep Swordtails in anything less than 40 gallons.


jim

[SnakeIce]

those Serpae tetras I would consider on the semi agressive side, they love to nip fins unless they get some sort of high protien food regularly.