Kissing fish are known for their fondness for "kissing" each other. In fact, not only fish of the opposite sex but also fish of the same sex have a "kissing" action. Thick, large "sexy" lips are the most distinguishing feature. When the two fish meet, they are like two suckers firmly attached, and they can keep kissing all afternoon. Don't think that this is the love between their lovers. In fact, this is a phenomenon of fighting, fighting to defend their own space! But this fight is not fierce, as long as one side retreats, the winner Instead of chasing after him, he continued to immerse himself in its cleaning, as if nothing had happened. Therefore, their gentle habits do not pose a threat to any other fish, so they are suitable for mixed breeding.

Characteristics

The body length of kissing fish is generally 20～30cm. The body is oblong. The head is large, the mouth is large, especially the lips are thick and large with fine serrations. Big eyes with yellow circles. Dorsal fin, The anal fin is particularly long, extending from the posterior edge of the operculum to the caudal peduncle, caudal fin posterior edge Centrally concave. Pectoral fins, pelvic fins are fan-shaped, The caudal fin is triangular in shape. The fish is oval in shape, usually milky white or pale pink. All fins are transparent, slightly whitish.

Distribution

The kissing fish is a tropical fish , their hometown is Southeast Asia. Java and Borneo, which local residents love Kissing fish, they are often kept in fish tanks to watch their "kissing" performances. Later, the kissing fish became known as world Ornamental fish, the market price has also soared, and the price per fish is about 100 US dollars. Kissing fish oval shape, sideways, big head, big mouth, Large pectoral fins; body color is milky white with a hint of reddish, red lips and eye mask. There are also some kissing fish all silver-gray or blue-green, and a few kissing fish are white. Under natural conditions, the body length of kissing fish can reach about 30 cm.

Habits

Kissing fish prefer to inhabit tropics In rivers, it is often used as a food fish in its origin. It does not have strict requirements on water quality, is not very gregarious, swims very slowly, appears graceful and has charming charm and ornamental value. Usually the temperament is very docile and lively, so it is not suitable to be mixed with people who like quiet. It likes to swim in all layers of the water, but often stops at the bottom of the tank when resting. Kissing fish has a mixed diet. Although it is a large fish, it is generally not suitable for large Water fleas are not interested, but often open their mouths for a long time to "drink" some small Water fleas can eat enough, which is also tropical fish  a special way of feeding. I also like to use thick lips to suck the moss on the walls of the food box and aquatic plants when raising fish, so when raising fish, Often put a kissing fish in each box as a "cleaner".

Common Diseases

1. Saprolegnia

It was found that the fish had "white hairs" and the disease progressed , the affected muscles rot, loss of appetite, and eventually death. The disease can occur throughout the year.

Treatment: A. Soak with 3% salt water, once a day, 5-10 minutes each time. B. Soak with 2ppm potassium permanganate solution and 5% salt water for 20-30 minutes, once a day. C. Immerse the sick fish with the malachite green solution with a concentration of 1-2ppm for 20-30 minutes, twice a day. D. Soak the sick fish in the nitrofurazone solution with a concentration of 5ppm until it is cured.

2. Pine scale disease (pine cone disease)

The scales of diseased fish stand up like pinecone.

Therapeutic methods: A. Immerse the sick fish in the aqueous solution of tetracycline with a concentration of 1/50,000 unit, 2 times a day, for one hour each time. B. Mix 2% sodium chloride solution with 3% sodium bicarbonate solution, and bath the sick fish twice a day for 10 minutes each time. C. Add 0.5 g of chloramphenicol to soak in every 40 kg of water.

3. Trematodia

When fish are sick, they swim around the tank at an alarming rate.

Therapeutic method: Put the sick fish into a formalin aqueous solution, and put formalin ICC into every 4 kg of water. After soaking the sick fish for one to twenty seconds, immediately remove them and put them back into the original water tank. Twice a day, 2 to 3 days in a row can be cured.

4. Colds

The fish is still and floating on the water surface, with dull skin and fins and dull color.

Treatment method: Keep the water temperature constant, soak the sick fish with baking soda or 1% salt solution, and increase the light, so as to gradually restore their health.

5. Fish lice disease

The skin of the diseased fish becomes inflamed and the skin festers. When parasites are attached to the fish, the fish will rub their bodies against glass, etc.

Treatment method: put the diseased fish into 1.0-1.5% salt water, after 2-3 days, the parasites can be eliminated. (Image source: CFP, Canopy Creative)