Hi there Chris. I lost some a few months ago and never did figure out what was wrong. I did my usual when an unknown is harming my fish. I drained over half the water from the tank and refilled with fresh while changing what I was feeding. I don't know what really helped, but the remaining fish recovered and now my tank is full of fry while my Jesus Maria adults are in the summer tub. They have been dropping fry out there too, I have spotted them while feeding the adults.

Hi Everyone,
I was just curious if there is any special care or requirements for X.captivus "Jesus Maria"? Or are they rather sensitive and not as hardy as other goodeid species? I have some and I love them a lot but they seem to be not as hardy as my other goodeids. I have been losing some and my other goodeids are doing very good and I haven't lost one. I do bi-weekly 25% water changes. I use my tap water which a ph of 8.2. I keep the temperature at 72 and I feed them once a day with either Tetra min tropical fish flakes or Veggie tropical fish flakes. I just wanted to know how everyone else takes care of them and if I am doing something wrong or missing something.
Thank you very much! Take care!
Chris

There is such a diagram in the Aquariology Series Anatomy of Tropical Fishes section by Howard E. Evans. The books can be in a set or there is also the 'Master Volume - The science of fish health management' (ISBN: 1-56465-105-3). I had the set and then found the Master Volume, which is what I own currently. They are indeed by Tetra Press. In the set, you'd be looking for the volume called 'Aquariology: Fish Anatomy, Physiology, and Nutrition'. The link provides the ISBN information, etc.

You may be able to find it in your library or online through the second hand stores. It's no longer in print. I got a great deal on mine so it's worth a look.

Yup, I agree.

Melody,

What you said is true, but those old books by Dr Norton gives the basic genetics (regardless of the species of Xiphophorus involved) and I suggest that anyone interested in working with Fancy Swordtails & Platies should obtain both books.

Darrell

Hello!
I'm looking for a line drawn diagram of a swordtail's internal/external anatomy I remember seeing in one of my ichthyology classes... can anyone help me with the source or post the picture for me?


Thanks!

PS it may have been a Tetra press book...

Good! Now you need to locate a copy of "Fancy Platies" by Dr Joanne Norton if you don't already have it.

Darrell

Yes, I don't know how long you've been working with Fancy Livebearers, but until recent years most people (NOT ME) only thought of them as fish that you started the hobby with and then you were suppose to move "UP" to "ADVANCED" fish.

Darrell

Hey Darrell,Did you say "step up" LOL

Hey Darrell ,I took your advice, and did a little searching and found a copy of Dr.Norton’s book,and it is excellent.
Melody ,as always you are right on.

Attach file:

---

  IMG_3284.JPG (152.82 KB)