Blackfish can look very beautiful in an aquarium, especially if they have colorful neighbors, and in the aquarium – appropriate decorations. I have collected for you a selection of the most popular and fascinating species of fish with black coloration.
It is a well-known fact that the most popular fish are species with brightly colored body, which attracts attention. Nevertheless, among aquarists there are many fans of fish with dark or almost black coloration.
Black symbolizes severity, authority, weightiness. Aquarists who choose black, usually characterized by entrepreneurial spirit, courage, the ability to overcome difficulties.
We offer you the top 9 fish with dark colors that will appeal to fans who are tired of mottled other aquarium inhabitants.
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Labeo bicolor
Labeo bicolor, or bicolor, is a beautiful benthic dweller. The body of the fish has a black velvet coloration, which contrasts sharply with the bright red tail. In suitable conditions, labeo can grow to 5.9″ in length.
Fish have a pronounced territoriality. Only young individuals are able to live in a group. As adults babeo become loners, clashes between kinsmen are inevitable, especially in aquariums of small volume with little shelter.
An important part of the diet of Labeo bicolor are algae, so fish help keep the walls and decorations in the aquarium.
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Black Catfish
Catfish (ancytrus) are popular inhabitants of aquariums with large fish, as this predator can snack on any neighbor that can fit in its mouth. The catfish’s body is serpentine, wriggling as it moves. Four pairs of long whiskers surround the mouth opening. Body coloration is quite variable, but the most common is monochrome black.
Any manipulation with the catfish need to be extremely carefully, because some fins are equipped with sharp spines and poisonous glands at the base. Piercing catfish is not fatal, but extremely painful. Fish desirable to contain in aquariums of 25 gal. Lifestyle is mainly nocturnal.
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Black mollinsia
Mollinsia – a well-known group of viviparous fish, which often become the first pet of novice aquarists. This is quite large and unpretentious fish, for the maintenance of which you do not need a large aquarium and the creation of any specific conditions. Over the years of content, the efforts of breeders have been obtained a huge number of color variations of mollinsia, but the most valuable are considered individuals with a charcoal-black body color.
Peaceful mollinsia perfectly coexist with commensal fish, so they are well suited for use in shared aquariums. And the ease of reproduction even allows you to try your hand at breeding.
Black Neon
The black neon is a great choice for aquarists who want to have a tropical aquarium. Neons look great in thickets of living plants, do not spoil them themselves, in addition, certainly add to such an aquarium highlight. On each side of the neon is located on a shiny strip, which flashes in the reflected light. Below the scales are colored black.
Keep black neons in flocks in aquariums of 16 gal or more. They combine well with peaceful tropical fish, including other neon species.
Black ornatus
Ornatus, or phantoms, are frequent inhabitants of tropical freshwater aquariums. These peace-loving fish grow to an average of 2 inches. Their body color varies from dark gray to almost black. Keep them in flocks of 6 or more individuals. The minimum recommended volume of the aquarium – 16 gal.
Well compatible with the majority of commensal non-aggressive species. Under good conditions, life expectancy is up to 5 years.
Telescope Black
The telescope is a breeding form of goldfish, the distinctive feature of which are the huge convex eyes on the sides of the head. Since the selection of goldfish lasts more than a century, you can find telescopes in a wide variety of colors on sale. The most popular are variations with a black body coloration, it is often called the “black moor.”
Like other goldfish, telescopes are hardy enough, feel well in aquariums from 12 gal. It is worth paying attention only to the decorations, which should not have sharp edges, on which the telescopes can damage their sensitive eyes.
Ternetia
The ternetia is a freshwater fish from the family of Characinidae. Due to its interesting body shape, unpretentiousness and calm character, it is widely distributed among aquarium enthusiasts around the world. This fish will be a good choice for the novice aquarist.
The ternetia body color – gray-black, and developed anal fin forms a characteristic “skirt”. Because of this, ternetia also called the black tetra, or black widow.
Keep ternetia need only in flocks. Fish left alone are often characterized by inappropriate behavior, for example, attacking their neighbors.
Black Ghost Knifefish
Black Ghost Knifefish is an exotic fish that surprises with its unusual body shape and specific sensory and movement organs. Its body is colored in deep black, only along the back stretches a white stripe, and the stem of the tail is girdled with two white and yellow rings.
In suitable conditions, black ghost knifefishes grow to 14″ in length. When looking at the fish, the absence of tail, pelvic and dorsal fins immediately catches the eye. Their role is taken over by a modified anal fin that makes wave-like movements and allows the fish to move in any direction. Black ghost knifefish prefers to swim upside down, looking for food on the ground. To find and orientate this species uses weak electrical signals. Special receptors located throughout the body of the fish, pick up even the slightest changes in the electric field.
To keep the black ghost knifefish need an aquarium of 50 gal, cohabitation is possible only with proportional and not particularly aggressive species of fish.
Black pacu – aquarium piranha
The black pacu is the largest aquarium piranha, but it is not a bloodthirsty predator because it mainly eats aquatic plants and fruits. This fish can only harm non-large species, which it will be able to swallow.
Body coloration is predominantly black, can vary from gray to brown. To content such a giant aquarium will need a decent size – not less than 250 gal with a powerful filtration system. Keep the fish can be alone, often they are subordinated to commensurate species of fish.
