Subject: Setting Up a Specialized Aquarium

There are several species of fish that are quite fascinating, but are not suitable for community aquariums; for these fish you will create a specialized aquarium.

Many fish can be caught in the wild and observed for a while; however, they should be released back into the water where they were captured. Two of these are the three- and nine-spined stickleback.

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Both are frequently found in brackish water, and their spines make them unattractive as food for other fish.

While they may be found in the same water in their natural habitat, they are competitors and should not be kept in the same aquarium for any reason.

The three-spined stickleback is usually found in wide ditches or flowing waters. The males of this species are quite beautifully colored. The bellies are bright red and the eyes shine green-blue in the sunlight.

Only one male and two or three females can be placed in an aquarium 70-80 cm, as the dominant male will constantly attack the other males.

The fish should be of about equal size and ready to spawn; do not choose the largest fish for an aquarium as they are at the height of their sexual maturity when they are of a medium size.

Sticklebacks frequently die after they have reached the end of their reproduction period. Only a few females have lived to be three years of age; males never live that long.

Their tank should be kept in a cool area of your home and the lighting should represent a long day as they will not spawn during shorter winter days.

With 16 or more hours of light, they should spawn during all seasons even fall and winter.

The aquarium should be densely planted and have caves for the females to hide in, with a strip of sand in the front for the male to use to build his nest.

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They require a great deal of live or frozen food; dry, artificial food is not acceptable.

The male will care for the brood even after they hatch; however, the entire family should be returned to the natural place of capture before the male begins to mistake his young as food.

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Thank you,

Bill Anderson
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