Indo Pacific Tarpon Fish – Megalops Cyprinoides

We are sure many of you had a blast during the long Memorial Day weekend.  The weather here in SoCal is definitely getting much warmer and we are getting a lot more sunlight hours too (summer is nearly here)!

A new batch of ​Indo Pacific Tarpons have arrived to our store again this past weekend.  Known as the ​megalops cyprinoides species, this is one widespread monster fish that can be found in both fresh and saltwater environments.  Not only can they thrive in both freshwater or saltwater but can live out their entire lives and get fully grown in both!  Their biology allows them to thrive and it isn’t uncommon to find them within landlocked bodies of water (they’ve been found deep in the waters in the African continent).

As a fish that can grow nearly 5 feet long, one would need a immense tank to house this beautiful fish!  A pH level of 6.5 – 7.5 is required.  Be sure to keep the water well maintained, along with regular water changes to as this fish needs pristine water.

Though it is not necessary to keep this fish in saltwater nor add salt to give it brackish conditions, it can also be housed with brackish water fish with no issues.  The only problem here is that eventually this fish can end up eating its tank mates after it grows past 1 meter in size.  Be wary of fish you plan on keeping in the tank with this fish!

A variety of foods such as live feeders, shrimp (frozen or dried) and bloodworms (live, frozen or dried) are what Tarpons enjoy eating.  Pellets can also be fed if they are “trained” to eat them.

This is one gorgeous fish that many monster fish keepers love but as with all other big fish, they have the ability to jump very high and are quite strong, so ensure that is a tightly secured lid is used to prevent this fish from jumping out.

We hope you find this to be helpful!  Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments for any fish keeping tips or pointers!

Happy Fish Keeping,

Roger
​​Pet Zone Tropical Fish

Tiger Datnoid – Siamese Tigerfish

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Now that the weather is getting warmer (it’s been in the 90s Fahrenheit here in San Diego), it will be much safer for us to ship fish nationwide as the risk of a weather delay is smaller now.

We’ve gotten in many fish these last couple months and the Tiger Datnoid (some of you know them as the Thin Bar Dat) has been one that many “monster fish keepers” love, which we’ve been selling extremely fast each time a batch arrives to our store.

Also known as the Siamese Tigerfish (Datnioides pulcher), this is one of the rarer Datnoids imported in from Thailand.  Many fish keepers house this fish with many other monster fish, such as arowanas, bichirs, etc.

Though the Tiger Datnoid can tolerate light brackish water conditions, its best if you keep it in freshwater if you’re housing it with many other monster fish that are strictly freshwater.  pH level should be around 6.5 – 7.5 or so.  And be sure the temperature is around 76 – 82 degrees F.  Though they are known to grow up to 24 inches in the wild, a larger sized tank would is required as it can still grow up to 16 inches in captivity.

It feeds on a variety of foods, especially live or frozen foods.  We supplement our Datnoids mainly with live or frozen bloodworms and feeders.  They can be trained to eat pellets as well, though this take a bit more time and patience.

This is definitely one of those rare fish that may be difficult to raise at first, but after a while, this smart fish becomes accustomed to its new home and owner and will stop being skittish and shy!

We hope you find this info to be helpful!  Do not hesitate to contact us as we are always happy to assist you with any of your fish keeping needs!

Happy Fish Keeping,

Roger Ma
Pet Zone San Diego

How To Take Care Of A Freshwater Moray Eel (Gymnothorax tile)

The Freshwater Moray Eel is a tremendously gorgeous fish!  Known by its scientific name of Gymnothorax tile, this is the most common “freshwater” moray eel species you’ll find in many tropical fish stores and pet shops.

The only problem is that most people do not realize that this “freshwater” moray eel actually thrives best in brackish water.  They are usually wild-caught in freshwater, but their natural habitat consists of brackish water conditions.  This is one of the main reasons why people often complain of the eel dying or slowly deteriorating in health.  Freshwater is only a temporary environment for them in nature.

Only keep this gorgeous moray eel if you can maintain the conditions for it.  The tank should include many hiding spots such as caves or large rocks with adequate hiding areas.  They are nocturnal fishes and love dim or dark areas.  Initially, it is not uncommon to see them hide 90% of the time.  But after keeping the moray eel for some period of time it will be easier as it will begin to recognize its owner and can even be “trained” to eat out of your hand.  

Cover up all holes or any openings and use a very tight lid, as they have been known to jump out of their tanks!  

In terms of diet for the moray eel, they will readily feed on live or frozen bloodworms, shrimp, squid, etc.  They can also be trained to eat dried foods though this can be rather difficult if you suddenly make the change,  

Do note that these moray eels pack a heavy bite and there is the potential of being bit if the fish is scared and goes for your hands or finger.  But do not let this be a factor in not keeping one!  If you can keep the freshwater moray happy and in optimal health, it will last for many years to come and become a true pet fish!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on our fish stock and stay tuned for more blog postings!

Best Regards,

Roger
Pet Zone Tropical Fish. San Diego, CA

Caring For Green Spotted Puffer Fish (GSP)

Many people are always amazed by the cuteness of the Green Spotted Puffer (TETRAODON NIGROVIRIDIS) and it’s great personality, resembling that of a puppy dog always begging for food.  And its a shame that many fish stores and pet shops sell these fishes to people who have no knowledge of how to care for them and do not let them know fish tank mate compatibility.  So often, these puffers are returned to the store and even worse, some are flushed down a toilet

They look cute and adorable for many beginner fish keepers but more often than not, people are mistaken by their friendly nature when first seeing them inside a fish store tank.  Little do they know, if put into a community fish tank, the chances are high that most of the fish in the aquarium will either end up missing or have scale, fins and tails nipped up or missing almost completely.  Being aggressive in nature, the puffer can live with very few tank mates.  Potential tank mates usually consist of other brackish water fishes such as Monos, Gobies, etc.

The Green Spotted Puffer can live in freshwater and saltwater but does best and thrives in brackish water fish, making it a brackish water fish (many pet shops mistakenly sell it as freshwater).  The salinity level for green spotted puffers should consist of S.G. 1.008-1.018.  And be sure to have good filtration and do weekly water changes, because the puffer is scaleless and doesn’t have gill-flaps, making it prone to sickness if the tank conditions aren’t well cared for.  Be sure the temperature is also around 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

In terms of diet for the green spotted puffer fish, either frozen or live food works well.  Frozen or live bloodworms, shirmp, krill, etc do well.  But also remember to feed them snails to keep their beak trimmed (or other crustaceans such as clams, scallops, etc).

As a super intelligent fish, the puffer requires lots of mind stimulation.  Often if bored you will see the fish swim up and down constantly.  Provide plenty of tank decorations, including caves, rocks, plastic plants, etc.  And be sure to move it around often to give your puffer more opportunities to explore the aquarium and find “new scenery.”

If you are in doubt of what to do, do not hesitate to contact us for help and advice.  We are happy to give you advice on any type of fish keeping knowledge!

Best Regards,

Roger
Pet Zone Tropical Fish

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