Ornamental Fish Keeping in Aquarium is a practical and student-friendly textbook tailored for B.Sc. Zoology students enrolled in the Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) as per the CBCS curriculum. Specifically designed for 3rd Semester students of Gauhati University and 4th Semester students of Dibrugarh University, this book introduces readers to the fascinating world of ornamental fish, their management, and aquarium maintenance.
Authored by Abhijit Sonowal, Lata Shree Kalita, and Syeda Nilufar Rahman, this book provides a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical insights into aquarium design, water quality management, fish nutrition, disease control, breeding techniques, and business prospects of ornamental fish keeping.
With vibrant examples, scientific explanations, and practice-based learning modules, the book is ideal for students pursuing zoology and interested in fish farming, aquaculture, or small-scale entrepreneurial ventures.
CONTENTS
Chapters
Outline Classification of Fishes
- Expanded Classification System
- Taxonomic Hierarchy and Fish Families
- Regional Fish Species Identification
1. Introduction to Aquarium Fish Keeping
- History and Evolution of Aquarium Keeping
- Basic Principles of Aquatic Life Management
- Equipment and Setup Requirements
- Water Quality Parameters and Testing
2. Ornamental Fish Diversity of North East India
- Native Species of Assam and Surrounding States
- Endemic Fish Species and Their Characteristics
- Conservation Status and Protection Measures
- Commercial Potential of Regional Species
3. Aquarium Plant Diversity in the Wetland of Assam
- Aquatic Flora Classification
- Native Aquatic Plants and Their Benefits
- Plant Propagation Techniques
- Creating Natural Aquascapes
4. Construction and Management of Home Aquarium
- Aquarium Design and Planning
- Filtration Systems and Equipment
- Lighting Requirements
- Temperature Control and Heating Systems
- Substrate Selection and Decoration
5. Biology of Aquarium Fishes
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Respiratory Systems in Aquatic Environment
- Digestive Processes and Nutritional Requirements
- Reproductive Biology and Breeding Cycles
- Behavioral Patterns and Social Structures
6. Natural Feed of Ornamental Fish
- Live Food Cultivation (Artemia, Daphnia, Bloodworms)
- Nutritional Value of Natural Foods
- Feeding Schedules and Techniques
- Seasonal Availability of Natural Foods
7. Strategies for Maintenance of Natural Colour of Ornamental Fish
- Factors Affecting Fish Coloration
- Nutritional Enhancement for Color Development
- Environmental Conditions and Lighting
- Genetic Factors in Color Expression
- Commercial Color-Enhancing Feeds
8. Natural Breeding of Trichogaster Species
- Species Identification and Characteristics
- Breeding Behavior and Courtship Rituals
- Nest Building and Spawning Process
- Fry Care and Development
- Common Breeding Challenges and Solutions
9. Health Management of Ornamental Fish
- Common Diseases and Parasites
- Prevention and Quarantine Protocols
- Diagnostic Techniques
- Treatment Methods and Medications
- Water Quality Related Health Issues
- Stress Management and Environmental Factors
10. Feed Formulation of Ornamental Fishes
- Nutritional Requirements by Species
- Protein, Carbohydrate, and Fat Requirements
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
- Commercial Feed Types and Selection
- Homemade Feed Preparation
- Feeding Frequency and Portion Control
11. Development of Biological Filtration in Aquarium
- Nitrogen Cycle and Beneficial Bacteria
- Types of Biological Filters
- Filter Media Selection and Maintenance
- Establishing Biological Filtration
- Troubleshooting Filtration Problems
12. Maintenance of Aquarium
- Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Maintenance Schedules
- Water Testing and Quality Management
- Cleaning Techniques and Equipment
- Plant Trimming and Aquascaping Maintenance
- Equipment Maintenance and Replacement
13. Pure Culture of Planktons
- Importance of Plankton in Aquatic Ecosystems
- Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Cultivation
- Culture Media and Nutritional Requirements
- Harvesting and Storage Techniques
- Applications in Fish Feeding
14. Fish Transportation
- Preparation for Transportation
- Packaging Materials and Techniques
- Oxygen Requirements and Bag Preparation
- Temperature Control During Transport
- Stress Reduction Methods
- Legal Requirements and Documentation
- Post-Transportation Care and Acclimatization