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The longnose gar is an ancient, primitive fish with an elongated body, long snout, and sharp teeth. It is found in rivers, lakes, and estuaries throughout the eastern United States and can survive in low-oxygen water by gulping air. While it is an effective predator, it primarily eats small fish and insects and is a popular target for bowfishing. Characteristics Appearance: Long, slender body with a long, narrow snout and sharp teeth. Its scales are hard and diamond-shaped. Color: Olive green or dark brown on the back, with a white or cream-colored belly. Size: Can grow over 5 feet long and weigh up...

The Black ghost knifefish is a nocturnal, freshwater fish from South America known for its striking black body and ethereal, eel-like appearance. It uses a weak electrical field to navigate and find food, and can grow over a foot long, requiring a large aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. They are carnivores that eat a variety of meaty foods and can be semi-aggressive, so they should be housed with similar-sized, peaceful tank mates. Care and habitat Tank size: A minimum of 150 gallons is recommended for a fully grown adult. Tank setup: Provide a sandy substrate, driftwood, rocks, and plants to create...

Tiger Datnoid (Datnioides microlepis) Fish Datnioides microlepis, also known as the Indonesian tiger perch or finescale tigerfish, is a predatory freshwater fish native to Indonesia. It is characterized by its golden body with dark vertical stripes and is known for being a solitary and territorial fish as an adult. In the aquarium trade, it is often sold as an Indo Datnoid and requires a large tank with hiding spots and careful tankmate selection due to its predatory nature. Description and characteristics Appearance: Has a deep golden body with distinct, dark vertical stripes that resemble a tiger's pattern. Size: Can grow to 12-15...

Freshwater snails are aquatic gastropod mollusks found in various freshwater habitats like ponds, lakes, and rivers. They belong to the phylum Mollusca and class Gastropoda and are diverse in size, shape, and color. Some are amphibious, while others have a gill for breathing underwater and an operculum (a "trapdoor") to seal their shell. While many are harmless, some species can transmit parasites that cause diseases like schistosomiasis in humans. Characteristics Classification: They are gastropods, a class within the phylum Mollusca. Habitat: Found in almost any freshwater environment, including streams, ponds, lakes, and even moist soil near water. Diversity: There are many species with...

An aquarium can be a beautiful addition to any room, with crystal clear water, colorful corals, vibrant plants and elegant fish. When that aquarium gets dirty, however, it can quickly become an eyesore with murky water, overgrown algae, floating debris and sickly fish. Fortunately, there are easy ways to keep your aquarium sparkling. Use a Proper Filter The best way to keep an aquarium clean is with a proper filter for the tank's type and size. Opt for the best quality filter that fits in your budget, ideally one that uses mechanical, biological and chemical filtration for the best combination...