Post by pezerologo on May 31, 2015 20:34:30 GMT
Hi everyone !!
In our next article we will see another example of biotope in Europe.
For the aquarium, we could say that most European species are quite unknown, removing three or four that are something else such as the Gasterosterus aculeatus, Phoxinus phoxinus, usually Cobitis taenia or some killifish Aphanius species.
We will be seeing through different articles, which in old Europe have very interesting species, some with very restricted distributions and most at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.
This time we will travel to Greece where I discovered that there are very interesting freshwater species (about 110), and some of them very good candidates to live in aquariums. One of the most notable is the smallest freshwater species in continental Europe, Economidichthys trichonis you know later.
It is recalled that such examples are not always designed to be ridden by the "average" amateur. Many institutions choose to show these native species in Itinerant or permanent exhibitions in public buildings and private institutions. It's a great way to see the wildlife around us and it is well known that when we discover and we marvel at the animals around us, we strive to conserve more. This especially applies to children, because if we grow from children educated in the respect for the environment and nature, no greater than correcting bad habits.
Lake Trichonida (λίμνη Τριχωνίδα in Greek) is the largest natural source of Greek territory.
It has an area of 98 km2, a distance of 19 km length and less than 2 km wide, with a maximum depth of 58 m, which makes it also the deepest lake in Greece. It is located 15 meters above sea level and a few kilometers from the well. It is part of the Acheloos river basin that flows into it.
Surrounded by mountains giving it a microclimate, it is a paradise for birds and for the year are more than 200 species that can be observed there. Many use it as a resting place on their long and tiring migrations.
It is a beautiful place to appreciate the colors of the Mediterranean climate, especially at sunset when the sky is filled with a mix of colors.
It is also rich in highlighting various endemic plant species, underwater plant species are also varied and plentiful.
Let's see the different physicochemical parameters of the lake water during the year, as the data provided are highly variable, can be clearly observed seasonal differences in them.
Temperature: 10 ° C - 29.7ºC
Dissolved oxygen: 0.3 to 14 mg / l
Ph: 7.37 - 8.55
Conductivity: 247.5 - 398.2 uS / cm
Transparency: 4 - 13 meters
NH2: 0-0058 mg / l
NH4: 0-0035 mg / l
Average annual rainfall: 1000 mm
The composition of the soil on the coast is the area of interest is in a rocky coastline largely sandy areas with aquatic plants thrive. In its most flat area a flood zone where riparian vegetation submerged passes some weeks is given.
The most interesting species are found near vegetation, usually the highest diversity is found where different environments such as sandy areas come together, with lots of vegetation and in turn groups of rocks that provide shelter for bottom species.
Obviously this habitat which will be transferred to the aquarium.
We'll see a selection of different plants that can be found in the lake.
Floating or Submerged Plants
Sagittaria sp.
Myriophyllum spicatum
Ceratophyllum demersum
Potamogeton pectinatus
Ranunculus trichophyllus
Najus marina
Nasturtium officinale
Lemna minor
Ludwigia peploides
Nymphaea alba
Nitella sp.
Riverside vegetation
Cyperus longus
Paspalum paspaloides
Algae
Cladophlora sp.
As you can see there are a variety and many of them should not cost us get them. If our trade confidence not locate, on the website of the Danish company Tropica Plants, you will find an amazing variety.
Like other lakes in the world has a rich diversity of invertebrates highlighting gastropods Theodoxus fluviatilis species, Radix auricularia, Viviparus viviparus, Planorbis carinatus, clams of the species Dreissena polymorpha, and Pisidium pictorum, Unio sp., Likewise found other to form microinvertebrates part of the diet of fish; Asellus aquaticus, Tubifex tubifex, Daphnia sp or Gammarus longispina , Daphnia hyalina and Bosmina longirostris.
The biotope aquarium to simulate this lake has to be large, although smaller species, there must be enough room to prevent fights over territory or predation. A size from 300 liters preferably wider than the recommendation is high, but as always can be adapted to a smaller size and a smaller amount of a specific species or aquarium.
An external filter of proven quality ensured us water in excellent condition, we must not forget to perform weekly water changes, that different aquarium inhabitants thank us.
Lighting is important in this example as between different plant species that inhabit the lake there are some with high light requirements. That is why we get closer to 0.5 w / l. Thus also other plant will feed algae, some of which are consumed by fish.
If we live in a temperate zone omit heater, keeping well at room temperature.
Co2 is optional add this assembly is highly recommended as due to the large number of plants there will be, with his addition will bring this gas to the plants, take delight him with a spectacular growth.
For the decoration we start with a substrate layer enriched for the correct development of the roots of plants. We will cover it with a layer of sand or fine gravel light tone.
Several piles of rocks, about the size of a fist and even some major help to find small species crevices and caves for rest and shelter. We place them on the sides and in the center, a few feet apart from each other.
At the rear we will plant growing profusely looking to get these copies spread and get barely see the rear window.
In the same way on the sides we will locate plants that help create an authentic aquatic orchard as can be found in the lake.
Small pebbles surrounding rocks, as well as some branches or leaves help achieve a natural look, Also we add some empty shells of molluscs.
Having known as it should be this biotope aquarium Lake Triconida, we will see the fish that inhabit some very interesting.
Atherina boyeri with 20 cm of maximum size, it is the most abundant species in the lake. But a candidate for the aquarium, is one of the great predators of larvae in the lake. It has a wide distribution in Europe with several subspecies.
Salaria economidisi is endemic to this lake and was recently classified, after years of misidentifications and freshwater blenny.
Reaches a maximum size less than 7 cm and live near the shore on a depth between 0 and 2 meters. Prefers areas with extensive vegetation and sandy bottom.
It is territorial defending a small territory from its congeners and feeds on insects and crustaceans that is captured in the background.
Its reproduction occurs between May and June and their larvae are planktonic.
(I could not find a picture of a live specimen of this species)
We will know the fish freshwater smaller Europe, we can say without fear of contradiction that has a longer name its maximum size.
Economidichthys trichonis reaches a size of 3 cm males with females somewhat smaller. It is a goby that lives in areas where abundant aquatic vegetation is found. Among the leaves and branches, we can usually find in abundant number. Larvae feed on tiny invertebrates that are captured between plants and near the ground.
During the breeding season begins in February and lasts until May, in small caves and crevices placed more than 2,000 eggs per couple. The larvae spend their first weeks on the surface by feeding microplancton survive and return to the background.
Another species endemic to this lake, very interesting for its maintenance in the aquarium and we hope that adequate protective measures are taken.
Another goby quite unknown to aquarists European freshwater area, and I believe unfairly when everything that comes in Southeast Asia seems spectacular. The Economidichthys pygmaeus is one of those species that can make you change your opinion. It is distributed in the west of Greece including some islands. Reaches a size slightly greater than 5 cm. Living in areas with abundant vegetation and shallow. It feeds on invertebrates that is captured by the fund, has a short life cycle and spawns about 600 eggs.
Knipowitschia cf. Caucasica is another Gobio distributed by the Eurasian region. Reaches a maximum size of 5 cm and although not extensive, you can find numerous examples. It supports wide variations in water, in salinity, temperature and other factors. It feeds on small crustaceans, larvae of clams, invertebrates and chironomid larvae. The eggs are deposited on roofs of cavities under rocks, plant material such as leaves or twigs and even empty shells.
The loach Cobitis trichonica with its small size of 5 cm 8 cm male and female, but to remind us Khulis known that other representatives of the genre as spined loach. It is endemic to the Acheloos River basin including Lake Trichonida.
Another species prefers areas with vegetation and little current as well as shallow. It has a short life and reproduction occurs near the vegetation where the eggs placed between fine leaved plants.
It is a species that is in danger due to the extraction of water in their habitats.
Pseudophoxinus stymphalicus with its 12 cm in size may not be a great candidate for this aquarium, especially if we are going to focus on smaller species.
Anyway it feeds on invertebrates and plants and has a peaceful behavior. It is endemic in Greece but has a relatively wide distribution.
It has an expectancy of less than three years life, interestingly other species in the lake.
And with this we have finished the article on an example for mounting a Biotope Aquarium to Meadows Submerged of Trichonida Lake in Greece.
As you can see, without leaving the strip of warm global temperatures also we find interesting species and aquatic ecosystems and species variety.
I hope you have enjoyed reading it, if you have any questions suggestions or questions do not hesitate to ask.
Animate and participate in the forum where every day we try to learn something new.
Gr3tings !!!
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
www.ittiofauna.org
Lago Trichonida
Trophic state evaluation of a large Mediterranean Lake utilizing abiotic and biotic elements – George Kehayias and Evangelia Doulka
Salaria economidisi, a new species of freshwater fish from Lake Trichonis, Greece, with comments of variation in S. Fluviatilis ( Teleostei: Blenniidae ) – M. Kottelat
Early development of Pseudophoxinus stymphalicus (Cyprinidae) from Lake Trichonis, Greece
Freshwater Fishes and Lampreys of Greece - Barbieri R., Zogaris S., Kalogianni E., Stoumboudi M. Th, Chatzinikolaou Y., Giakoumi S., Kapakos Y., Kommatas D., Koutsikos N., Tachos, V., Vardakas L. & Economou A.N.
In our next article we will see another example of biotope in Europe.
For the aquarium, we could say that most European species are quite unknown, removing three or four that are something else such as the Gasterosterus aculeatus, Phoxinus phoxinus, usually Cobitis taenia or some killifish Aphanius species.
We will be seeing through different articles, which in old Europe have very interesting species, some with very restricted distributions and most at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.
This time we will travel to Greece where I discovered that there are very interesting freshwater species (about 110), and some of them very good candidates to live in aquariums. One of the most notable is the smallest freshwater species in continental Europe, Economidichthys trichonis you know later.
It is recalled that such examples are not always designed to be ridden by the "average" amateur. Many institutions choose to show these native species in Itinerant or permanent exhibitions in public buildings and private institutions. It's a great way to see the wildlife around us and it is well known that when we discover and we marvel at the animals around us, we strive to conserve more. This especially applies to children, because if we grow from children educated in the respect for the environment and nature, no greater than correcting bad habits.
Lake Trichonida (λίμνη Τριχωνίδα in Greek) is the largest natural source of Greek territory.
It has an area of 98 km2, a distance of 19 km length and less than 2 km wide, with a maximum depth of 58 m, which makes it also the deepest lake in Greece. It is located 15 meters above sea level and a few kilometers from the well. It is part of the Acheloos river basin that flows into it.
Surrounded by mountains giving it a microclimate, it is a paradise for birds and for the year are more than 200 species that can be observed there. Many use it as a resting place on their long and tiring migrations.
It is a beautiful place to appreciate the colors of the Mediterranean climate, especially at sunset when the sky is filled with a mix of colors.
It is also rich in highlighting various endemic plant species, underwater plant species are also varied and plentiful.
Let's see the different physicochemical parameters of the lake water during the year, as the data provided are highly variable, can be clearly observed seasonal differences in them.
Temperature: 10 ° C - 29.7ºC
Dissolved oxygen: 0.3 to 14 mg / l
Ph: 7.37 - 8.55
Conductivity: 247.5 - 398.2 uS / cm
Transparency: 4 - 13 meters
NH2: 0-0058 mg / l
NH4: 0-0035 mg / l
Average annual rainfall: 1000 mm
The composition of the soil on the coast is the area of interest is in a rocky coastline largely sandy areas with aquatic plants thrive. In its most flat area a flood zone where riparian vegetation submerged passes some weeks is given.
The most interesting species are found near vegetation, usually the highest diversity is found where different environments such as sandy areas come together, with lots of vegetation and in turn groups of rocks that provide shelter for bottom species.
Obviously this habitat which will be transferred to the aquarium.
We'll see a selection of different plants that can be found in the lake.
Floating or Submerged Plants
Sagittaria sp.
Myriophyllum spicatum
Ceratophyllum demersum
Potamogeton pectinatus
Ranunculus trichophyllus
Najus marina
Nasturtium officinale
Lemna minor
Ludwigia peploides
Nymphaea alba
Nitella sp.
Riverside vegetation
Cyperus longus
Paspalum paspaloides
Algae
Cladophlora sp.
As you can see there are a variety and many of them should not cost us get them. If our trade confidence not locate, on the website of the Danish company Tropica Plants, you will find an amazing variety.
Like other lakes in the world has a rich diversity of invertebrates highlighting gastropods Theodoxus fluviatilis species, Radix auricularia, Viviparus viviparus, Planorbis carinatus, clams of the species Dreissena polymorpha, and Pisidium pictorum, Unio sp., Likewise found other to form microinvertebrates part of the diet of fish; Asellus aquaticus, Tubifex tubifex, Daphnia sp or Gammarus longispina , Daphnia hyalina and Bosmina longirostris.
The biotope aquarium to simulate this lake has to be large, although smaller species, there must be enough room to prevent fights over territory or predation. A size from 300 liters preferably wider than the recommendation is high, but as always can be adapted to a smaller size and a smaller amount of a specific species or aquarium.
An external filter of proven quality ensured us water in excellent condition, we must not forget to perform weekly water changes, that different aquarium inhabitants thank us.
Lighting is important in this example as between different plant species that inhabit the lake there are some with high light requirements. That is why we get closer to 0.5 w / l. Thus also other plant will feed algae, some of which are consumed by fish.
If we live in a temperate zone omit heater, keeping well at room temperature.
Co2 is optional add this assembly is highly recommended as due to the large number of plants there will be, with his addition will bring this gas to the plants, take delight him with a spectacular growth.
For the decoration we start with a substrate layer enriched for the correct development of the roots of plants. We will cover it with a layer of sand or fine gravel light tone.
Several piles of rocks, about the size of a fist and even some major help to find small species crevices and caves for rest and shelter. We place them on the sides and in the center, a few feet apart from each other.
At the rear we will plant growing profusely looking to get these copies spread and get barely see the rear window.
In the same way on the sides we will locate plants that help create an authentic aquatic orchard as can be found in the lake.
Small pebbles surrounding rocks, as well as some branches or leaves help achieve a natural look, Also we add some empty shells of molluscs.
Having known as it should be this biotope aquarium Lake Triconida, we will see the fish that inhabit some very interesting.
Atherina boyeri with 20 cm of maximum size, it is the most abundant species in the lake. But a candidate for the aquarium, is one of the great predators of larvae in the lake. It has a wide distribution in Europe with several subspecies.
Salaria economidisi is endemic to this lake and was recently classified, after years of misidentifications and freshwater blenny.
Reaches a maximum size less than 7 cm and live near the shore on a depth between 0 and 2 meters. Prefers areas with extensive vegetation and sandy bottom.
It is territorial defending a small territory from its congeners and feeds on insects and crustaceans that is captured in the background.
Its reproduction occurs between May and June and their larvae are planktonic.
(I could not find a picture of a live specimen of this species)
We will know the fish freshwater smaller Europe, we can say without fear of contradiction that has a longer name its maximum size.
Economidichthys trichonis reaches a size of 3 cm males with females somewhat smaller. It is a goby that lives in areas where abundant aquatic vegetation is found. Among the leaves and branches, we can usually find in abundant number. Larvae feed on tiny invertebrates that are captured between plants and near the ground.
During the breeding season begins in February and lasts until May, in small caves and crevices placed more than 2,000 eggs per couple. The larvae spend their first weeks on the surface by feeding microplancton survive and return to the background.
Another species endemic to this lake, very interesting for its maintenance in the aquarium and we hope that adequate protective measures are taken.
Another goby quite unknown to aquarists European freshwater area, and I believe unfairly when everything that comes in Southeast Asia seems spectacular. The Economidichthys pygmaeus is one of those species that can make you change your opinion. It is distributed in the west of Greece including some islands. Reaches a size slightly greater than 5 cm. Living in areas with abundant vegetation and shallow. It feeds on invertebrates that is captured by the fund, has a short life cycle and spawns about 600 eggs.
Knipowitschia cf. Caucasica is another Gobio distributed by the Eurasian region. Reaches a maximum size of 5 cm and although not extensive, you can find numerous examples. It supports wide variations in water, in salinity, temperature and other factors. It feeds on small crustaceans, larvae of clams, invertebrates and chironomid larvae. The eggs are deposited on roofs of cavities under rocks, plant material such as leaves or twigs and even empty shells.
The loach Cobitis trichonica with its small size of 5 cm 8 cm male and female, but to remind us Khulis known that other representatives of the genre as spined loach. It is endemic to the Acheloos River basin including Lake Trichonida.
Another species prefers areas with vegetation and little current as well as shallow. It has a short life and reproduction occurs near the vegetation where the eggs placed between fine leaved plants.
It is a species that is in danger due to the extraction of water in their habitats.
Pseudophoxinus stymphalicus with its 12 cm in size may not be a great candidate for this aquarium, especially if we are going to focus on smaller species.
Anyway it feeds on invertebrates and plants and has a peaceful behavior. It is endemic in Greece but has a relatively wide distribution.
It has an expectancy of less than three years life, interestingly other species in the lake.
And with this we have finished the article on an example for mounting a Biotope Aquarium to Meadows Submerged of Trichonida Lake in Greece.
As you can see, without leaving the strip of warm global temperatures also we find interesting species and aquatic ecosystems and species variety.
I hope you have enjoyed reading it, if you have any questions suggestions or questions do not hesitate to ask.
Animate and participate in the forum where every day we try to learn something new.
Gr3tings !!!
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
www.ittiofauna.org
Lago Trichonida
Trophic state evaluation of a large Mediterranean Lake utilizing abiotic and biotic elements – George Kehayias and Evangelia Doulka
Salaria economidisi, a new species of freshwater fish from Lake Trichonis, Greece, with comments of variation in S. Fluviatilis ( Teleostei: Blenniidae ) – M. Kottelat
Early development of Pseudophoxinus stymphalicus (Cyprinidae) from Lake Trichonis, Greece
Freshwater Fishes and Lampreys of Greece - Barbieri R., Zogaris S., Kalogianni E., Stoumboudi M. Th, Chatzinikolaou Y., Giakoumi S., Kapakos Y., Kommatas D., Koutsikos N., Tachos, V., Vardakas L. & Economou A.N.