Questions & Answers

Guppies thrive in water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C) with a pH level of 7.0-7.5. They prefer moderately hard water with a dGH of 8-12. Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) are essential to maintain water quality.

For breeding, provide plenty of hiding places for fry using live plants like Java moss. Separate pregnant females to breeding boxes to protect the fry from being eaten by adult fish.

To encourage angelfish breeding:

• Maintain water temperature at 78-82°F (26-28°C)
• Provide vertical surfaces like broad-leaf plants or breeding slates
• Feed high-quality live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
• Perform frequent water changes with slightly cooler water to simulate rainy season
• Keep water pH around 6.5-6.9 (slightly acidic)

Symptoms: White spots resembling salt grains on fins, body, and gills; flashing or rubbing against objects; clamped fins; rapid breathing.

Treatment:

• Gradually increase water temperature to 86°F (30°C) for 3-5 days
• Use commercial Ich medication containing formalin or malachite green
• Add aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per gallon)
• Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes
• Quarantine affected fish if possible

Fin rot is typically caused by bacterial infection (often Aeromonas, Pseudomonas) or fungal infection, usually following physical damage to fins or poor water conditions.

Treatment:

• Improve water quality immediately with 25-50% water change
• Treat with antibacterial medication (erythromycin, tetracycline)
• For fungal fin rot, use antifungal treatments
• Add aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per gallon)
• Ensure proper filtration and reduce stocking density

Most ornamental fish do well with 1-2 small feedings per day. Feed only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Overfeeding is a common problem that leads to water quality issues.

Recommended schedule:

• Adult fish: Once or twice daily
• Fry: 3-4 times daily with specialized fry food
• Breeding fish: 2-3 times daily with high-protein foods

Fast adult fish one day per week to allow their digestive systems to rest.

Water change frequency depends on several factors:

• Heavily stocked tanks: 25-30% weekly
• Moderately stocked tanks: 20-25% every 2 weeks
• Lightly stocked tanks: 10-20% monthly
• Breeding tanks: 10-15% daily or every other day
• Quarantine tanks: 25-50% daily during treatment

Always use dechlorinated water at the same temperature as the aquarium. Test water parameters regularly to determine the optimal schedule for your specific setup.

To export ornamental fish from Sri Lanka, you need:

• Valid Export License from NAQDA
• Health Certificate from Department of Animal Production and Health
• Certificate of Origin
• Packing List
• Commercial Invoice
• Air Waybill
• Import Permit from destination country (if required)
• CITES permits for protected species (if applicable)

NAQDA provides guidance and support for exporters. Contact our Export Promotion Division for assistance.

NAQDA offers comprehensive training programs including:

• Basic Ornamental Fish Breeding: 3-day workshop covering setup, breeding techniques, and basic care
• Advanced Breeding Techniques: 5-day program on selective breeding, genetics, and commercial production
• Disease Management: 2-day workshop on identification, prevention, and treatment of common fish diseases
• Export Procedures: 1-day seminar on documentation, packaging, and international market requirements
• Business Development: 2-day program on marketing, costing, and business planning for ornamental fish enterprises

All programs are offered at our regional centers. Contact our Training Division for schedules and registration.