Aquarium
@ the Golisano Children's Hospital
To Start
- The fish will be swimming from one side of the screen to the other. Find a fish you'd like to learn more about, and click on them.
- Information about your fish will be displayed.
- Once you are finished reading about the fish, click the close button to return to the tank.
- Not all fish will come out and play at the same time so be patient to find them all! Hit "restart game" button to learn about another series of fish!
Angelfish
What is an Angelfish?
The Angelfish is a triangular fish with long flowing fins. Their shape comes from the fact they like to hide in weeds and roots along the river bottom and dart out after food.
What does an Angelfish eat?
Angelfish aren't picky eaters when it comes to food. They will eat normal aquarium foods, but be careful not to overfeed them.
Where does the Angelfish come from?
Angelfish are from the Amazon and other river basins in South America.
Interesting facts about the Angelfish:
- Make sure not to keep Angelfish with other fish that may nip at their tails.
- Male Angelfish get feisty when it is time to breed.
Parrotfish
What is a Parrotfish?
A parrotfish is a specialized type of fish that has a thick, heavy body with large scales. Their most noticeable feature is their "beak" which is a hardened area of their jaw, and contains teeth for eating their favorite types of food.
What does a Parrotfish eat?
The Parrotfish will eat just about anything, from other fish, worms to algae. They aren't picky eaters so any fish food will keep them happy.
Where does the Parrotfish come from?
Some Parrotfish are found in nature, but may come from people mixing different types of parrotfish from Central and South America.
Interesting facts about the Parrotfish:
- A beak like mouth filled with teeth.
- Makes a mucus "cocoon" when it sleeps.
- Parrotfish have the ability to change their gender and coloration from time to time.
Australian Rainbowfish
What is an Australian Rainbowfish?
The Australian Rainbow Fish is a medium sized fish, growing to lengths of 3-4 inches. They are brightly colored, having a blue stripe running the length of their body and fins colored yellow with tips of orange and red. Their body is a silvery brown, which reflect light off in a silvery green color.
What does an Australian Rainbowfish eat?
Australian Rainbow Fish will eat about anything, from other fish and worms to algae. They aren't picky eaters so any fish food will keep them happy.
Where does the Australian Rainbowfish come from?
Australian Rainbow Fish are native to Australia, and found mostly in New South Wales and Queensland.
Interesting facts about the Australian Rainbowfish:
- They are one of the only few tropical fish that are adapted to colder temperatures.
- The Australian Rainbow Fish likes to be in groups, hanging out in grassy riverbanks.
Bala Shark
What is a Bala Shark?
The Bala Shark can grow to be a large fish, usually about a foot long. They like to swim together in groups. You can identify it by their long silvery body with black tipped fins
What does a Bala Shark eat?
Bala Sharks aren't finicky eaters, though they do like to have an occasional snack of other fish.
Where does the Bala Shark come from?
Bala Sharks come from river basins in Malaysia and Indonesia, though they are rare in the wild.
Interesting facts about the Bala Shark:
- Bala Sharks are on the endangered species list in the wild.
- They can be startled easily, so no knocking on the tank sides, please!
- It likes to hang out in groups rather than alone.
- It is not actually a shark, though exhibits "shark-like" attributes.
Roseline Shark
What is a Roseline Shark?
The Roseline Shark, or Denison's Barb is a uniquely colored fish. The Roseline shark has a bright red stripe behind the eye, a black stripe that goes the length of the body and yellow tips on the tail. It is a medium sized fish, reaching sizes up to 6".
What does a Roseline Shark eat?
Roseline Shark aren't picky eaters so any fish food will keep them happy. They do prefer some live food from time to time.
Where does the Roseline Shark come from?
Roseline Sharks are found in the Achenkovil and Chaliyar Rivers of South India.
Interesting facts about the Roseline Shark:
- Roseline Sharks require lots of space, as they are quick and love to roam.
- Keep Roseline Sharks together as they can get picky on other fish if they do not have company.
Bosemani Rainbowfish
What is a Bosemani Rainbowfish?
The Bosemani Rainbow Fish is a medium sized fish, growing to 3 inches long. The males have a bluish purple head that fades in an orange-yellow tail
What does a Bosemani Rainbowfish eat?
Bosemani Rainbow Fish will eat about anything, from other fish, worms to algae. They aren't picky eaters so any fish food will keep them happy.
Where does the Bosemani Rainbowfish come from?
Bosemani Rainbow Fish are native to the Ayamaru Lakes in the central Vogelkop Peninsula, Irian Jaya.
Interesting facts about the Bosemani Rainbowfish:
- The males are brightly colored, whereas the females of the species are silvery.
- Bosemani Rainbow fish are shy in nature. The more you have in the tank, the more confident they are about swimming in the open.
Parkinson's Rainbowfish
What is a Parkinson's Rainbowfish?
The Parkinson's Rainbowfish is a uniquely colored fish. The colors go from a silvery blue up front to a rusty orange color towards the rear fins and body. It is a medium sized fish, growing up to 5".
What does a Parkinson's Rainbowfish eat?
Parkinson's Rainbowfish are omnivorous, requiring both live and vegetable foods.
Where does the Parkinson's Rainbowfish come from?
The Parkinson's Rainbow inhabits sandy streams and rivers in Papua New Guinea.
Interesting facts about the Parkinson's Rainbowfish:
- If the light hits the back end of the Parkinson's Rainbowfish, it can give off a fiery flash of color.
- Parkinson's Rainbowfish adapt well to tank conditions, provided they have playmates.
Bushynose Plecostomus
What is a Bushynose Plecostomus?
The Bushynose Plecostomus, also known as the Bristlenose Plecostomus can grow up to 6 inches long. Males of this species have a snout full of tentacles
What does a Bushynose Plecostomus eat?
Bushynose Plecostomus are omnivores (plant and meat eaters) but do prefer vegetable matter. They do like to eat algae off rocks and sides ofthe tanks.
Where does the Bushynose Plecostomus come from?
Bushynose Plecostomus are native to the Amazon River Basin.
Interesting facts about the Bushynose Plecostomus:
- Bushynose Plecostomus like to hide anywhere in the tank, so be on the lookout!
- It is actually a catfish.
Peppermint Plecostomus
What is a Peppermint Plecostomus?
The Peppermint Plecostomus is a medium sized fish, measuring up to 7 inches long. They have a sucker mouth and feed off the bottom of the tank.
What does a Peppermint Plecostomus eat?
Peppermint Plecostomus are omnivores (plant and meat eaters) but do prefer vegetable matter. They enjoy eating algae off rocks and sides of tanks.
Where does the Peppermint Plecostomus come from?
Peppermint Plecostomus are native to the Xingu River in Brazil.
Interesting facts about the Peppermint Plecostomus:
- Peppermint Plecostomus like to hide anywhere in the tank, so be on the lookout!
- The Peppermint Plecostomus is actually a catfish.
Gold Nugget Plecostomus
What is a Gold Nugget Plecostomus?
The Gold Nugget Plecostomus can be a rather large fish, getting up to 14 inches long. They have a sucker mouth and feed off the bottom of the tank. They can live together with other fish in the tank, but not with other Gold Nugget Plecostomus.
What does a Gold Nugget Plecostomus eat?
Gold Nugget Plecostomus are omnivores (eat both meat and plants) but prefer vegetable matter. They do from time to time eat driftwood, which they also use for shelter.
Where does the Gold Nugget Plecostomus come from?
Gold Nugget Plecostomus are originally from the Amazon River basin in South America.
Interesting facts about the Gold Nugget Plecostomus:
- Gold Nugget Plecostomus take a very long time to grow to their full size.
- They have been known to nibble on their driftwood homes.
Clown Loach
What is a Clown Loach?
TThe Clown Loach can be a rather large fish, getting up to 12 inches long, but it will take a while to grow to this size. They are social fish, and like to be around other clown loaches.
What does a Clown Loach eat?
Clown Loach will eat anything, from snails and worms to algae. They aren't selective eaters but they do prefer vegetable matter.
Where does the Clown Loach come from?
Clown Loaches are native to rivers and streams in the islands Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia.
Interesting facts about the Clown Loach:
- The Clown loach loves to hide in small places, as well as in groups.
- They can swim upside down or sideways on occasion.
- They love to play practical jokes! They will play dead on occasion.
- The Clown Loach will make clicking sounds with their teeth when they are excited about feeding.
Zebra Loach
What is a Zebra Loach?
The Zebra Loach is a small fish, measuring up to 3-4 inches long. They are social fish, and like to be around other zebra loaches. They should be kept in groups of 5 or larger.
What does a Zebra Loach eat?
Zebra Loach are carnivorous (meat eaters), so their diet consists of snails, worms and other protein sources.
Where does the Zebra Loach come from?
Zebra Loaches are native to rivers and streams in Southern India.
Interesting facts about the Zebra Loach:
- The Zebra loach loves to hide in small places.
- They are energetic and can easily intimidate smaller fish.
Congo Tetra
What is a Congo Tetra?
The Congo Tetra is a bright, iridescent fish, with colors ranging from blue to red to yellow and back to blue running the full length of its body. They are a small fish of about 2-3 inches, you will find them hanging out in groups.
What does a Congo Tetra eat?
Congo Tetras will eat just about anything, so life in the aquarium suits them just fine.
Where does the Congo Tetra come from?
Congo Tetras come from the Upper Congo basin of Central Africa.
Interesting facts about the Congo Tetra:
- Congo Tetras like to be in groups with other Congo Tetras.
- They have long, flowing fins on their body.
Farlowella Catfish
What is a Farlowella Catfish?
The Farlowella Catfish, has many nicknames, including the Stick or Twig Catfish. It can grow rather large, getting up to 8 inches long. You'll see them sticking to the side of the glass mostly in the aquarium.
What does a Farlowella Catfish eat?
Farlowella Catfish are omnivorous, but prefer vegetable and plant matter.
Where does the Farlowella Catfish come from?
Farlowella Catfish come from the Orinoco, Paraná and Amazon Rivers of South America.
Interesting facts about the Farlowella Catfish:
- Despite their armored appreance, they are relatively fragile fish.
- The Farlowella Catfish developed it's camouflage because it hides in sticks and debris at the bottom of rivers.
Sun Catfish
What is a Sun Catfish?
The Sun Catfish is a hardy fish, with a dark spot on either side and "whiskers" around the mouth. As bottom feeders, you may find them hanging out at the bottom of the tank, where they hide out until dark.
What does a Sun Catfish eat?
Sun Catfish will eat just about anything, from other fish, worms to algae. They aren't fussy eaters so any fish food will keep them happy.
Where does the Sun Catfish come from?
Sun Catfish can be found in slightly muddy waters of rivers in Southwest India.
Interesting facts about the Sun Catfish:
- Mostly a nocturnal fish, which means he likes to do most of his swimming at night.
- Hides out under logs, branches and other obstacles within the tank.
Pictus Catfish
What is a Pictus Catfish?
The Pictus Catfish is a small (4-5 inch) fish with a silvery body with black spots. The Pictus Catfish tends to have long "whiskers". They also are good tank mates, only occasionally eating a small fish, and they are happy alone or combined with other Pictus catfish.
What does a Pictus Catfish eat?
Pictus Catish are omnivores, eating both plants and animals so they are happy with your normal variety of fish food. They tend to eat at night and wait for food to drift to the bottom before feeding.
Where does the Pictus Catfish come from?
Pictus catfish can be found in the Amazon River basin of Peru and Columbia.
Interesting facts about the Pictus Catfish:
- The Pictus Catfish can impart a venomous sting, which is painful, but not deadly to humans.
- They will eat small or young fish, but otherwise are passive and quiet.
Geophagus
What is a Geophagus?
The Geophagus can be a rather large fish, getting up to 11 inches long, but many are smaller. They work well with other fish in the tank, as long as there are no aggressive species, they will swim around all day long.
What does a Geophagus eat?
Geophagus will only feed on vegetable matter and small crustaceans that are on the bottom of the tank.
Where does the Geophagus come from?
Geophagus come from river basins in South America.
Interesting facts about the Geophagus:
- The Geophagus will take in a mouth of dirt and sift its food from this, spitting out any inedible pieces.
- They can live up to fifteen years!
Gold Barb
What is a Gold Barb?
The Gold Barb is small fish, measuring 2 – 2 ½ inches in size overall. They like to swim in groups with wide open spaces in the tank. They also need places to hide from time to time.
What does a Gold Barb eat?
Gold Barbs will feed on worms, flakes and other types of aquarium foods.
Where does the Gold Barb come from?
The Gold Barb can be found in the Red River Basin of Southeast China.
Interesting facts about the Gold Barb:
- The male Gold Barb is more colorful than the female. They have a red band that runs down their side.
- They tend to nip at other fishes long flowing tails.
Odessa Barb
What is a Odessa Barb?
The Odessa Barb is small, only reaching 1 ½ inches in size overall. They like to swim in groups with wide open spaces in the tank
What does a Odessa Barb eat?
The Odessa Barb will feed on worms, flakes and other types of aquarium foods.
Where does the Odessa Barb come from?
The Odessa Barb can only be found in Central Myanmar (Burma).
Interesting facts about the Odessa Barb:
- The male Odessa Barb is more colorful than the female. They have a red stripe that runs down their side and red eyes.
- If there are not enough Odessa Barb in a tank, they can get aggressive towards other fish. Otherwise they are calm.
Humphead Glassfish
What is a Humphead Glassfish?
The Humphead Glassfish is a medium sized fish, measuring up to 4-5 inches long. They should be kept in groups of one male to at least 7 females.
What does a Humphead Glassfish eat?
Humphead Glassfish are very fussy eaters and carnivorous (meat eaters). They will need live food for a time while they adapt to tank life. Afterwards they will eat worms and other meats.
Where does the Humphead Glassfish come from?
Humphead Glassfish are native to rivers and streams in Myanmar (Burma).
Interesting facts about the Humphead Glassfish:
- The lump on their head is actually an extension of their spine!
- Small fish are not safe around the Humphead Glassfish.
Gold Gourami
What is a Gold Gourami?
The Gold Gourami is a bright, yellow-orange hued fish with long ventral fins at the front of their body. A small fish of about 3-5 inches, they like to be either alone or in small groups.
What does a Gold Gourami eat?
Gold Gouramis in nature will eat plankton, worms and insect larvae. They will eat about anything, so they are very happy in an aquarium.
Where does the Gold Gourami come from?
The Gold Gourami are native to Asia, from India to the Korean Peninsula. They prefer to live in marshes, swamps and wetlands, but can live in other water environments.
Interesting facts about the Gold Gourami:
- Gouramis have extremely long feelers at the front of their body.
- They can be mean to smaller fish, but overall they are good aquarium fish.
Red Irian Rainbowfish
What is a Red Irian Rainbowfish?
The Red Irian Rainbow Fish is a medium sized fish, growing to lengths of 3-4 inches. The males are brightly colored, having salmon red scales across their entire body.
What does a Red Irian Rainbowfish eat?
Red Irian Rainbow Fish will eat just about anything, from other fish, worms to algae. They aren't picky eaters so any fish food will keep them happy.
Where does the Red Irian Rainbowfish come from?
Red Irian Rainbow Fish are native to Papua New Guinea.
Interesting facts about the Red Irian Rainbowfish:
- The males are brightly colored, whereas the females of the species are an olive green color.
- Without a female in the tank, male Red Irian Rainbow fish will start to dull in color.
About The Aquarium
- Length: 71 inches / Depth: 24 inches / Height: 25 inches.
- It holds up to 225 Gallons of water, plants and fish!
- In total, the tank weighs an astonishing 2129 lbs!
- It is a constant 78 degrees inside the tank.
- It undergoes 2 cleanings yearly.
- The tank is for freshwater fish. No ocean-goers here!
- The tank has an automatic feeder, so the fish get the right amount of food daily.
Special Thanks
Ran Anbar for donating the tank and the fish.
Rebecca Anbar for providing information on each fish.
The Anbar Family & Friends for generously donating the fish tank and fish. A very special thanks to Rebecca Anbar for collecting funds for this project!
Devin Kerr of DKerr Creative for designing and building the interactive fish aquarium.
