FishWiki

This week we are looking at the Golden Topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus), one of my favorite fundulids!

These subtropical fish are native to North America and can be found in sluggish freshwater streams, vegetated pools, and shallow swamps in the southern coastal states from Texas to North Carolina. They can also be found in brackish water. In the wild they mostly feed on small invertebrates, like seed shrimp and insect larvae, and small amounts of algae. They dwell in slow-moving shoals just below the water's surface, staying close to vegetation.

Golden topminnows have an average lifespan of 2-3 years and spawn in the early spring to summer. During courtship the male swims in loops or circles above or beside the female, sometimes pausing to bob his head up and down. The females deposit eggs on vegetation and the males fertilize them individually. Fry mature in about 10 months. Large males can reach 3 inches in length but average 1.5 inches. Females are a pale yellow-green color with golden flecks. Males will exhibit a bright red tail when breeding. These beautiful topminnows aren't too common in the hobby but they make excellent peaceful community aquarium or pond fish that do best in groups.

source: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/3187 http://txstate.fishesoftexas.org/fundulus%20chrysotus.htm

As we approach the holiday season, I'd like to share a friendly reminder about a well-meaning yet potentially risky gift idea: fish.

Before you dive into surprising someone with a finned friend, consider a few crucial points:

Fish Are Living Beings, Not Decorations

Fish have specific needs for water quality, temperature, and space. They're not just pretty ornaments; they're living beings with unique requirements. A fish should be placed in a tank with an established nitrogen cycle, and your family member might not have one!

Tank Talk

Setting up a proper fish tank involves more than a bowl and pebbles. It requires careful consideration of tank size, as different species need more space than others, equipment, and the establishment of a nitrogen cycle. All are expensive, and quite a bit can be very stressful, even without fish being put into the mix!

Stressful Transitions

Fish can get stressed when introduced to new environments. Plucking them from their cozy habitat and dropping them into a new tank without proper acclimatization can be harmful and straight-up deadly, especially without a nitrogen cycle being established!

Long-Term Commitment

Fish have a lifespan that's far more than just a few months; they need consistent care. This isn't just a holiday fling; it's a long-term commitment that extends beyond the festive season. Even the shortest-lived species tend to live 2 or more years.

Ensure Receiver's Willingness and Preparedness

Before you snag that Nemo or Dory, ensure that the person receiving the gift both wants the fish and has an appropriate tank setup. A willing and prepared recipient is crucial for the well-being of the fish. We see just how much people get stressed when they're thrown a cute little goldfish and learn that that goldfish needs a huge tank! Make sure that it's a species they want!

Alternatives for Joy

If you want to share the joy without the underwater responsibilities, consider fish-themed gifts like artwork or beautifully illustrated fish books. You could even throw in a fish-based video game like Fish Game on Steam for a splash of virtual aquatic fun!

Gift Ideas for Aquarium Enthusiasts

For those who already have a passion for fishkeeping, consider unique pieces like driftwood, rocks, and vibrant aquatic plants to enhance their aquarium without adding stress to the fish. You might also explore high-quality equipment to elevate their setup. Brands like Hygger offer top-notch lights, CO2 systems, filters, heaters, and unique decor to take their aquarium game to the next level.

Remember, responsible gifting makes for a merrier season! Let's ensure our finned friends aren't caught in the riptide of surprise. Happy holidays, and may your celebrations be thoughtful and fish-friendly!

If anyone plopped a fish on your lap and you didn't know what to do, please do not be afraid to message the moderator team or make a post with your questions. There are no stupid questions here!

This week we are looking at Lemon Sharks (Negaprion brevirostris)

The lemon shark is a species of shark known for its olive-to-yellow brown skin color. This is where this species gets the ‘lemon’ in its name. Another remarkable characteristic of the lemon shark is their dorsal fins. They have two: one located on their mid-back and another located closer to their tail. Lemon sharks are also sexually dimorphic; this means you can tell if a given shark is male or female at a glance.

Lemon sharks can grow to 3.4 meters (11 feet) in length and are often found in shallow subtropical waters. They are known to inhabit and return to specific nursery sites for breeding. While lemon sharks are primarily ocean creatures, they have been known to venture into freshwater. They rarely go very far, though.

Although lemon sharks are fearsome predators among sea life, they pose very little threat to humans. As of 2011, researchers had found only 10 cases of lemon sharks attacking humans, and none of these cases were deadly. On the other hand, the lemon shark has been classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, citing a drop in population. This could be caused by human interaction, as lemon sharks are prized for their culinary, medical, and research value.