Dwarf shrimp tiger fish are typically not strong swimmers and have a narrow range of activity. A few species have a habit of reproductive migration and enter rivers. The diet of shrimp tiger fish is very diverse, including smaller fish, shrimp, worms, and the eggs of other fish. They primarily feed on crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, as well as small fish and larval clams. Some also feed on benthic diatoms. Species living in freshwater also consume aquatic insects and worms. They have a strong resilience and can survive out of water for extended periods. They reach sexual maturity early, with carnivorous species maturing within a year and herbivorous species maturing within two years. One notable morphological feature of shrimp tiger fish is their fused ventral fins, forming a suction cup-like structure. This adaptation allows them to tightly adhere to rocks or other fixed objects in the intertidal zone, preventing them from being washed away by large waves. The most distinguishing characteristic of shrimp tiger fish is their short lifespan. There is a species of shrimp tiger fish living in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia that only lives for a brief 59 days! However, these fish also grow quickly, reaching adulthood within three weeks before mating, laying eggs, and dying.
1. Water Mold Disease
Discover a long "white hair" on the fish body, the disease progresses, the affected muscles rot, and the appetite decreases, ultimately leading to death. This disease can occur throughout the year.
Treatment methods: A. Soak the diseased fish in 3% saline water once a day for 5-10 minutes each time. B. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 2ppm potassium permanganate and 5% saline water for 20-30 minutes, once a day. C. Wash the diseased fish with a solution of 1-2ppm malachite green for 20-30 minutes, twice a day. D. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 5ppm furazolidone until recovery.
2. Pine Scale Disease (Pine Cone Disease)
The scales of the diseased fish stand up like pine cones.
Treatment methods: A. Bathe the diseased fish in a solution of 1/100,000 tetracycline water, twice a day for one hour each time. B. Mix a solution of 2% sodium chloride and 3% sodium bicarbonate, bathe the diseased fish twice a day for 10 minutes each time. C. Add 0.5g of chloramphenicol to every 40kg of water for immersion bath.
3. Trematode Disease
After fish are infected, they swim rapidly in the tank.
Treatment methods: Place the diseased fish in a formalin water solution, add formalin ICC to every 4kg of water. After immersing the diseased fish for 10-20 seconds, immediately remove and put back into the original tank. Perform this treatment twice a day for 2-3 consecutive days to cure the disease.
4. Cold
The fish remains still, floats on the water surface, and the skin and fins lose their luster, with a dull color.
Treatment methods: Maintain a constant water temperature, soak the diseased fish in a solution of baking soda or 1% salt solution to increase illumination, in order to gradually restore its health.
5. Fish Lice Disease
The skin of the diseased fish becomes inflamed and ulcerated. When parasites adhere to the body, the fish will rub against the glass and other objects.
Treatment methods: Place the diseased fish in 1.0-1.5% salt water solution for 2-3 days to eliminate the parasites.
6. Ichthyophthiriasis (White Spot Disease)
In the early stage, individual small white spots appear on the fins and body, with appetite and no significant change in behavior; in the middle stage, white spots appear all over the fins and body, with loss of appetite, reduced activity, constant itching and darkening of the color; in the late stage, white spots cover the entire body, the fish floats on the water surface or sinks to the bottom of the tank. The fish becomes weak, sways from side to side, the mucous membranes on the body surface increase, breathing becomes difficult, and death occurs due to suffocation.
Treatment: This disease requires comprehensive treatment. Medication alone is not very effective, and strengthening feeding management is important. First, stop feeding for 4-5 days to reduce pollution; at the same time, keep the water temperature constant, and increase it by 2-3℃ higher than the original water temperature. Medication can be applied appropriately if there are no aquatic plants, as aquatic plants quickly wither when exposed to various drugs.
7. Black Spot Disease
"Black spot" appears on the fish body, grayish-white in color, with fungal filaments intertwined and adhered to the damaged cell tissue, causing tissue necrosis. At the same time, the diseased fish has reduced appetite and eventually dies.
Treatment: It is effective to put a small amount of salt in the aquarium where newly introduced fish are stocked to inhibit the occurrence of water mold and to clean and disinfect when adding live bait. Keep the water clean to isolate the growth of water mold. This can generally prevent the occurrence of this disease.
1. Water environment: It is best to keep the nitrate content below 150ppm when keeping shrimp tiger fish, otherwise it may cause diseases. The temperature should be maintained between 24-28°C, not exceeding 30°C, otherwise it may fade or even die. In winter, you can place a heating rod to maintain water temperature.
2. Feeding: Their diet is relatively diverse. When feeding this type of fish, it is best to provide live food, which helps maintain their wildness. They like to eat black shrimp, and the astaxanthin in black shrimp helps them develop better colors. In addition, they can also be fed with live baits such as bloodworms and earthworms.
3. Coexistence: They are suitable for coexistence with some gentle cold-water fish. Different species of shrimp tiger fish can also be mixed, but pay attention to not having too much difference in size, otherwise there may be a phenomenon of larger fish eating smaller fish.
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