Peces de agua fría

If there is one thing that characterizes animal species, such as those belonging to marine fauna, it would be the clear difference between their members. This is why there are cold-water fish, capable of surviving in extreme conditions as if nothing is wrong. And why is that? Because of the natural need for adaptation that has allowed the evolution of living beings over the years. Without it, survival would hardly have been possible, and life as we know it would have been condemned to disappear inevitably. Fortunately, this is not the case, and we will show you in this interesting work, among other things, the characteristic traits of this peculiar marine species. Additionally, we will tell you about their diet and the care they need to ensure their survival. We will also provide you with other interesting information to help you learn about cold-water fish. This way, you won't be caught off guard when the topic comes up.

Who are considered cold-water fish? All those who require temperatures between 10°C and 24°C to live, although the value that is usually used is around 20°C. Therefore, if you expose them to different conditions, you will most likely compromise their survival. That is why it is crucial to rely on reliable resources, such as a quality thermometer that accurately validates this condition.

Types of cold-water fish:

Exotic:
Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Galaxy Rasbora (Danio margaritus)
Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis)
Rainbow shiner (Notropis chrosomus)
Chinese neon (Tanichthys albonubes)
Buenos Aires tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi)
Golden barb (Barbodes semifasciolatus)
Odessa barb (Pethia padamya)
Rosy barb (Pethia conchonius)

Large:
Chinese shark (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)
Sunfish (Enneacanthus chaetodon)
Garfish (Lepisosteus osseus)
Freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi)

Minimum requirements for keeping cold-water fish:

Filter: There is nothing more harmful to cold-water fish than living in an environment where nitrite and nitrate levels are high. What would excessive accumulation of this toxic agent cause? Without a doubt, the accumulation of waste. That is why it is essential to select the appropriate filter based on the tank's size and the number of fish. It is also necessary to evaluate which water purifier would be most convenient, whether it is internal or external, depending on your case.

Lighting: Lighting is essential for fish, but especially for plants. You must not forget that these beloved creatures come from natural habitats where this vital element predominates. Even if you have no plans to incorporate plants into your tank, you should consider using adequate lighting that helps create pleasant environments.

Water temperature: Regardless of where you live, it would be necessary to use resources that guarantee the correct water temperature. In this sense, you could use a heater or cooler, depending on the case. You should never forget that any temperature outside of 18°C and 24°C would undoubtedly compromise cold-water fish's life.

Vegetation: Any plants that cannot be eaten or removed are welcome. If there is something you should not trust, it is a cold-water fish. Why is that? Because of how mischievous they are. They are small, but capable of doing many things, such as eating soft plants. That is why it is recommended to choose hard consistency plants. They also have the strength to pull them out by the roots. Therefore, it is best to secure them with stones. But wait, there are also cold-water fish that deliriously love floating plants, as they use them as labyrinths.

Substrate: It serves as the ultimate vitamin supplement to ensure proper plant health and appearance.

Types of fish: Compatibility between different species should be taken into account. If you do not consider this aspect, far from promoting a harmonious environment, you could be contributing to the creation of a boxing ring. Similarly, the size factor, as well as the number of fish, are essential, depending on the tank's capacity. With this in mind, choose cold-water fish that fit your tank, or you could cause discomfort to the inhabitants.

Characteristic features of cold-water fish: Due to the special conditions of the place where cold-water fish live, they have particularities that distinguish them from other species. Here are some of the most noteworthy ones:

Physiognomy: Their round shape allows them to move agilely. They come equipped with single and even double fins, responsible for their surprising maneuverability. This, of course, depends on the type of species to which they belong.

Adaptability: Cold-water fish can temporarily adapt to temperatures outside their usual range. For example, during the summer, the temperature could reach 26°C due to the ambient heat. Despite this, their lives are not in danger. However, it is best to maintain temperatures between 17°C and 20°C.

Growth: It depends on the physical space they have to develop. For example, in a large pond, they could reach between 1.5 and 2 meters. If you have an equally spacious aquarium, it is not surprising to see cold-water fish up to 70 cm long.

Reproductive season: Both the rainy or spring season are preferred by females to form nests with bubbles. They would build them in any small place hidden between any vegetation near the place of fertilization. There, it would take two or three months for them to give birth. Another curious fact related to fertilization is that cold-water fish are usually oviparous, meaning that fertilization occurs externally. In this sense, the female would lay the eggs at the same time that the male spreads his sperm in the vicinity. There are probably fish responsible for guarding the eggs.

Cold warning: When cold-water fish feel cold or are poorly fed, they rest for long periods of time at the bottom of the tank. If you see this behavior, you should take it as a warning that they don't feel comfortable in an aquarium where the temperature is below normal. Therefore, a thermostat that guarantees the correct temperature at all times is essential. Adequate ventilation is also essential, especially when talking about heating, to prevent overheating.

Feeding cold-water fish: Cold-water fish are omnivorous, so you can feed them daily with vegetables or animals. As for the proportion, you do not have to worry, as there are products such as granulated food, flakes, and floating sticks that take care of that. There are also vitamin complexes that stimulate appetite, as well as flavor enhancers. You could satisfy their palate with carrots, spinach, lettuce, and even tomatoes. The idea is to have a food source that guarantees the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Do not forget the algae, responsible for providing cold-water fish with a good dose of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc.