Size
3.2 inches
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The family of sunfish includes black-banded sunfish. It has six wide, black bars across the top and both sides of its rather thin body. The pelvic fin’s first spine and membrane may be pink or red, while the caudal fin is rounded. The body’s top and back sides have a smoky yellow-gray color. Black-banded sunfish are typically found in swamps, lakes, ponds, and the backwaters of small to medium rivers.
Keeping as Pet
- Care of Aquariums
Though they require regular water maintenance, these fish are not very challenging to care for. This fish should remain very content and healthy with the help of a high-quality filter and weekly 30% water changes. This fish cannot withstand the year-round high temperatures that the majority of community fish require. Therefore, it is advisable to forgo using a heater and simply let nature handle that instead.
Weekly water changes should involve a 30% water change.
- Water Conditions
The environment in which this odd species thrives is frigid, mild, and acidic. The temperature fluctuates from 4 to 22 degrees Celsius, while the pH of the environment varies between 6.5 and 7.5. (39 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). This fish needs cold water to survive and will perish if exposed to warm water for an extended period of time.
- Setup of an aquarium
The Blackbanded Sunfish typically swims close to the tank’s bottom. The smallest recommended size is a 30 gallon tank. Being a temperate species, they do not enjoy living in extreme heat all year long. In the winter, the tank should be left unheated and allowed to drop to the lower sixties or possibly the fifties.
These fish love tanks with lush vegetation and lots of hiding spots. Provide a fine sand foundation with vegetation along the inner boundaries and a swimming area that is open. Make sure the tank is adequately aerated because they require a lot of oxygen. They require high-quality water yet are delicate to changes in temperature, the quality of the water, and chemicals.
- 30 gal. minimum tank size (114 L)
- Not suitable for a nano tank
- Sand/Gravel Mix Substrate Type
- Moderate to moderate lighting requirements Temperature range: 39.0 to 72.0 °F (3.9 to 22.2 °C)
- Breeding temperature is 69.0 degrees Fahrenheit, and they will spawn naturally when the brackish: No
- Weak water movement
- Region of Water: Bottom
- Feeding
Carnivores, blackbanded sunfish. They consume zooplankton, insects, crustaceans, and larvae in the wild. In captivity, they could initially be reluctant to eat prepared aquarium food unless it closely resembles little live prey. But you may easily achieve this by simulating movement by flowing frozen items like brine shrimp and bloodworms through the filter. As soon as they feel secure, they will devour any frozen meaty stuff. Smaller live or frozen foods like bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, glass worms, or even finely diced fried shrimp will work best for feeding them. Sometimes, flakes may also be provided.
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