PDA

View Full Version : Fish ID Please..


WaRn00b
21-03-2011, 21:10
Hi all,

So bought some fish for my nano tank yesterday, but I completely forgot the name of this specific fish, the lfs gave me the name but.. I struck a blank it seems..

Here's the best pics I could take of them, what are they, and are they known to be fin biters as it seems that the biggest one of the bunch is aiming for my panda cory the whole time. :wondering:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00564-20110321-1455.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c355/CrossFire64/IMG00555-20110321-1450.jpg

Thanks
Firefly
21-03-2011, 21:12
Black Phantom Tetra (Megalamphodus megalopterus)
WaRn00b
21-03-2011, 21:18
Thanks Firefly.. are they known to be fin biters though?
SalmonAfrica
21-03-2011, 21:23
Looks more like a Serpae tetra to me (Hyphessobrycon serpae). Never were biters when I had them.
TomK
21-03-2011, 22:25
Looks more like a Serpae tetra to me


I think it is the light. look at the one, second pic, leftmost. Black Phantom.
Reaper
21-03-2011, 23:19
surely Serpae tetra i have have 10 and no problem with fin nipping
Leslie
WaRn00b
22-03-2011, 10:28
Hmmmm.. think this is leaning more towards Serpae Tetra yes.. as mine is more of a redish colour. Good to know they're not fin biters. :)
TomK
22-03-2011, 11:06
This is very interesting. WaRn00b, can you show more pics? Try without a flash.


the lfs gave me the name but
Can you check with them again? Reason is, LFS lately is swamped with Megalopterus. (Phantom) But you are in CT, so do not have a bearing on our LFS.
SalmonAfrica
22-03-2011, 11:26
Black phantoms have dark or even black tails. Serpaes do not. Also, Black Phantoms rarely show any degree of red.
Go-Big
22-03-2011, 11:32
Its Serpaes and they will bite finns if you keep one or two. They do better is school.
Go-Big
22-03-2011, 11:34
The lack of red in some = Juvinile/ sub adult. Those with more black but red sheen adult males. Females less black but do have ample red/pink/orange colour.
Go-Big
22-03-2011, 11:53
Look at Janperold's new post. My tank. In the community tank, thats black phantoms.
TomK
22-03-2011, 12:11
Black phantoms have dark or even black tails


Thanks SalmonAfrica, you convinced me now. Checked mine and they have black tails as well. Shows you, one look, but dont see. haha. Will sure not forget the differance now!
TomK
22-03-2011, 12:19
Look at Janperold's new post. My tank. In the community tank, thats black phantoms.


hehe, me again. Is that not black widow tetra or black skirt? Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/attachment.php?attachmentid=7601&d=1300518879&thumb=1
Go-Big
22-03-2011, 12:22
oops, you right. Got confused there. But these are Serpae, lol
WaRn00b
22-03-2011, 17:21
Lol.. thanks guys!! :P

The first pic is pretty much exactly what they look like, they have no black tails and if I recall the guy at the LFS also said Serpae.

@ Go-Big.. must I get more as I've got 4 of them at the moment? Or is 4 okay?
Jean
22-03-2011, 17:55
Serpae Tetra!! Had only 2 in my community tank with guppies,swords and some other tetras,no problems with fin nipping.
They only chased each other when it came to spawning... But did nothing to the other fish. Get more its always better :)
Go-Big
23-03-2011, 09:46
Luck of the draw Jean. LOL. Warnoob, if they show no problems 4 is good. Just keep a eye.
Big G
23-03-2011, 11:13
As stated, these are absolutely definately Serpae! I had a shoal of 10 at one point, and when i first got them, they nipped each others fins, but then after a week or two, they completely stopped! I guess they were working out a pecking order?

They are known as fin nippers, but in the time I've had them, other than the first week or so, they did not bite fins. I've had them near on three years now, and Sold most, but have 2 left. They have just been moved temporarily to a smaller tank whilst I sell them off, and they have started to nip fins again. I guess they are sorting out the order again?

However, they will nip at fins of sick fish quite aggressively, as if they know they are not well?

I would suggest you get a few more. Ideally, they should be in shoals of at least 6.

Regards
G!
WaRn00b
24-03-2011, 12:39
Thanks G!

I do like them, and with the drama I'm having with fish dying and white spot, I reckon that's why they were biting at the fins, they've stopped now as well.

I'll get a few more when I have my tank sorted out.. disease wise and so on.

Cheers.