Japanese dragonfish - Zacco platypus

The colorful and eye-catching dragonfish actually comes from Asian areas from Japan to China, Korea and Vietnam and is scientifically also called Zacco platypus (TEMMINCK & SCHLEGEL, 1846). In its native country, this attractive cold-water fish, which belongs to the carp family, is also called Oikawa, where it is a sought-after catch, especially among anglers. Especially during the mating season the dragonfish presents itself in splendid colors.

Even if the Dragonfish seems to be a bit reserved and not very active during the day at the beginning, it becomes very lively at sunset and "turns up the heat" - especially in the garden pond it can be observed very well, how it hunts under the water surface for approaching insects. But also in a well maintained cold water aquarium of at least 600 liters it can be kept very well, if this has a perfect water hygiene and is well filtered. Current is a must with this pretty comrade.

In the basic color the Zacco platypus appears silver, on its body with strikingly large scales is a blue cross band, which is drawn by vertical lighter lines. During the spawning season, especially the milters (the males) seem to just glow and shine. Its torpedo-shaped physique already indicates a fast swimmer. With a final size of up to 20 centimeters and an age of 6 years, they are reasonably long-lived members of the family, but this requires a period of frost, which is quite uncomplicated in the pond. However, the pond should have a depth of at least 80, rather 120 centimeters, so that it does not freeze over. This can be prevented quite well with outflow stones, also an ice free holder or a pond heater do a good job.

Dragonfish are schooling animals that draw their strength from the group. Therefore they should be kept in groups of 10-20 animals, so that they feel comfortable and can show their typical behavior. Depending on the size of the group, the aquarium should therefore be somewhat larger and have appropriate swimming space. A light gravel or sand substrate with dense planting in places is suitable, so that annoyed females or lower-ranking animals can retreat.

With other peaceful fish, which have similar water requirements, but also with the noble crayfish or the Galician swamp crayfish they can be well socialized. Snails, dwarf crayfish and shrimp are likely to be eaten by it and should better not be placed with it.

As omnivores, Dragonfish prefer to feed on approaching insects, which they prey on especially at dusk, but they can also be indulged with larger live foods and also floating food flakes for pond fish. Since they also eat soft clouds of filamentous algae, they are ideal health policemen in the pond and aquarium.