General reminder

[jonv]

As this can be edited and added to or amended over time, I think in order to better serve all that ask about any particular species or assitance to sex a fish, PLEASE PROVIDE AT LEAST THIS INFORMATION:

1. Photo of fish in question or video.

2. If photo or video is not possible, a very detailed description should be given such as body length and shape, what was this fish sold as or advertised as, any fin arrangements, and color patterns noted.

Bike and I will do our best to ID the fish you need, and I do urge the use of photo or video first. Actually seeing the fish aids us better as there may be a unique feature about a fish that readily identifies it. Please include all details you feel are important.





Many thanks,

The EA Staff!

PS.

For your private viewing and casual scan information, the EA staff is in the process of building a library/data base of freshwater, and possibly in the future, salt water base of common to exotic fish kept in the aquarium hobby. Feel free to look over our information on any species we have listed, as well as offer suggestions for information addition or requests to have a species data sheet provided.

[murdock6701]

great article Jon! - short and sweet and to the point - ground rules are important and it makes our job easier!

[jonv]

Thank you Sir,

I saw on CF many times under a catagory they would list what was expected as a sticky header, and I think that's pretty useful. I might want to list this as read before posting, not sure, but I think we all, who will try to help solve the questions asked, need this basic information and of course if you think we could use something else, let me know chief.

[bikeguy33]

i think all that information we require is great to have....but some new members may get overwhelmed with all that info needed. very true, the more info the better....but we still have to encourage people with less knowledge to add what they can....even if it is completely incomplete. an educated guess is better than a member being to shy to ask....

[Carl]

Jon's basic information "form" is great and very useful, even more so for disease identification (for which these are really a must)

However bikeguy has a point, that we want encourage persons to ask away and then we can encourage or walk them through these important points Jon outlined.

Carl

[jonv]

I understand Mr. Bike's points, and Bike, if you have a suggestion on what to post as the sticky/header before posting, please let me know what you think might be better.

I think the information though is really what all of us are going to need to get an accurate answer. Like I was saying I pulled this general idea from CF but also based on trying to answer things like "My fish is blue and has black stripes, what is this cichlid?" on YA LOL In a case like that, I might not go for the tank size and readings unless they are asking how come they are doing this or that. If it's just sheerly an ID, pictures alone could probably work well.

[bikeguy33]

i agree there for sure Jon. and you are right about the info, but many don`t have test kits so even info like when a last waterchange was done and how large a change is important. we will be able to guesstimate many of the levels that way.

I say ask away....we have so many great minds on this sight, and so far with enough educated guesses i don`t think we have been wrong often.

now if someone has access to all of the above listed information,
that would be ideal.

[jonv]

Maybe you and I can find a way to segment this block into Fish ID and Fish Treatment? That way, if it's just an ID all we could worry about is a photo. I think probably what I listed first is more needed for treatment options? What you think my man?

[bikeguy33]

I agree completely. the more tank perameters the better. but as for ID`ing.....even a very good description is better than nothing...altho not as good as a pic. people just have to offer what they have i guess i am saying. the more info, the better chance we will be correct

[jonv]

Bike, feel free to modify the header sticky at any time as needed. You should have the ability to modify my post. Posted here and now, I got no problems with you modifying my input!! We a team!!