Post by pezerologo on May 1, 2015 0:33:02 GMT
Hi everyone !!
Today we travel to Chinese soil, more specifically to one of its islands to find an interesting biotope with popular species, which is a recently rediscovered one.
Hainan is both the smallest province and the largest island administered by China.
It has a size of 35,000 km2, similar to that occupied by Belgium in Europe and she nearly nine million people.
Its geography is similar to other islands in its size and location, with a central mountain range where streams flow into all directions. Because of its location it has a tropical climate, and ichtheology included within the area of Southeast Asia.
It has large areas of rainforest and coastal areas with mangrove forest.
The area of interest at this time is in the southern part of the island in the river basin Wanning, which runs 350 km before emptying into the sea, making it the longest of Hainan.
Throughout its course it receives tributaries of both sides and it is in these tributaries, located in the lower basin near the coast where we find the interesting habitat for our example.
These are small rivers or streams, which due to the flat terrain they have to save have a moderate current.
Circumstance that allows the growth of a diverse aquatic plant life.
They have a width between 30 cm and 400 cm depending on location and season. Its depth also varies between 20 cm and 60 cm at its deepest parts. The temperature ranges between 26 ° C and 29 ° C, pH 6.4, GH 20 and KH minor under 10.
His background is made of clear sand and small pebbles, with plenty of leaves that will accumulate at various points. Some branches fall into their margins and its bed can find some logs, but not in large amounts.
Containing lush riparian vegetation, highlighting the species Padanus gressitii with pointed leaves, which rise in all directions, falling water creates shelter places where small fry species and shelter.
Underwater when the right conditions are met, the plants cover almost the entire course, but is on the bank where we can find more copies.
These plants are very common species such as Blyxa japonica, Rotala rotundifolia, Ludwigia prostrata, Ceratopteris thalictroides and Limnophila sp. Of all the Blyxa japonica is the only way that only grows submerged, the others are found in the form also emerged.
The Jussiaea repens is found in floating manner and abundantly.
Ichthyofauna is composed of twenty species among which are the following:
Predators
-Anguilla marmorata -Clarias fuscus -Monopterus albus -Eleotris oxicephalus
-Glossogobius giurus -Anabas testudineus -Channa gachua -Channa maculata
Invasive
-Gambusia affinis -Oreochromis sp.
Ornamental
-Puntius semifasciolatus -Misgurnus anguillicaudatus -Rhinogobius sp. -Oryzias curvinotus
-Macropodus opercularis -Tanichthys albonubes
We will stop in the latter species, Tanichthys albonubes or White Cloud Mountain Minnow as it is commonly known. Although a common species in aquariums, shops, wholesalers and breeders to T. albonubes been declared extinct in the wild for over twenty years. With the coming of the new century have been making new discoveries of populations in different countries such as Vietnam, Hong Kong and various provinces of China.
A recently discovered this population on the island of Hainan, considered one of the most important and its importance is such that the authorities have decided to keep secret the exact location of this place, until they can take appropriate measures to protect it. An example to be followed by many countries, who are putting rich ecosystems on the brink.
One reason for this extreme caution, is that due to its limited distribution of its new population (just 1.5 km along the channel), the pressure of aquaristic market always looking for new species or populations, can cause too much pressure and disrupt the ecology of the species.
So for these reasons in our next assembly, we consider the Tanichthys albonubes star as aquarium fish.
Let's see how we can translate this into an aquarium.
The size chosen will depend largely on the type of selected species.
If we opt for a community aquarium with many species, we can suggest a size from 200 liters. With that size and even a little more different species find their place and can introduce greater number of individuals per species.
At a size of between 80-120 liters we can choose two or three different species of small size and assemble a small school.
To mimic the habitat of riparian vegetation, home to most of these small fish, we should plant profusely the back and / or side with species that have previously named.
Let the central and front cleared, placing in an area Terminalia leaves, Quercus, Fagus, etc. Pebbles, rock some small and scattered small branches completed the decor. We can plant some copies of Blyxa japonica in front, with its small size and attractive appearance, call the viewer's attention.
The ground may consist of nutritious substrate in the planted area, sand coated fine grain and light color.
The technical part begins with a filter, preferably outside and able to maintain safe water, adequate lighting selected plants and a heater to do their work efficiently and safely.
Water parameters are not overly important because species are very adaptable and can accept a wide range. We recommend a temperature above 26 ° C, a pH between 7 and about 6.5- KH and GH values that do not reach extremes.
A weekly water change of 10-15% of the total volume of the aquarium, it will serve us to keep the water in good condition and avoid accumulations of ammonia and other harmful substances.
As for the fish, I will name those who I believe are the most interesting. If you love large species can opt for a larger aquarium and choose one of the listed above.
Macropodus opercularis or who does not know this kind ever held?
Reaches a size of approximately 9 cm and other anabantids can breathe air from the surface. Playback is simple and supports a wide range of temperature and other parameters of the water.
They are territorial and relatively aggressive, especially among males. It would be best to keep a couple for aquarium.
Their diet is carnivorous and feeds on invertebrates as well as small fish, so if we choose them for the community aquarium, chances are preying on potential offspring appearing sporadically.
Puntius semiofasciolatus better known as schuberti, males can reach 7 cm, although aquarium usually not reach that size.
It feeds on insects, crustaceans and worms as well as debris that gets continually pecking at the bottom. Of peaceful behavior, like being in a group and reproduction possible, mostly occurring in the early hours of the day.
Oryzias curvinotus Like other rice or fish, is widespread and supports a wide range of temperature, salinity and other water parameters. Reaches a size of 4 cm They have a curious way of playing carrying eggs and then dropping the water surface.
In case you can not get this species is not common in the aquaristik circuit, we can choose to put another species of Oryzias being very similar, only the very purists may seem wrong.
Rhinogobius sp. Gobies this attractive species is widely distributed in tropical and temperate Asia, as well as for island systems of the Pacific Ocean.
They are heavy users of larvae as well as other invertebrates that we provide in the aquarium. With a size of 5 cm are ideal candidates for the lower area of the aquarium.
Tanichthys albonubes, the star of the aquarium to the end. This species is one of the most popular among aquarists. Easy maintenance and reproduction, behavior and flashy colors, low price and adaptability in our latitude allows you to live abroad for most of the year (or all). Who I'm sure has maintained that keeps good memories of it and will not have forgotten these small displays brightly colored fish.
I hope you have enjoyed reading and you enjoyed the article. Likewise encourage you to mount a Biotope Aquarium to Coastal Creek of Hainan and if you have fallen here by chance, register in the forum where we try to learn something every day.
Gr3tings !!!
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
-Atlas Mergus Vol. I&II
-A new freshwater Goby of Rhinogobius from Hainan Island, Southern China – Shiung Chen and Peter J. Miller
-Discovery of Tanichthys albonubes on Hainan Island, and Notes on its Ecology – Bosco Pui Lock and Xiang-lin
Today we travel to Chinese soil, more specifically to one of its islands to find an interesting biotope with popular species, which is a recently rediscovered one.
Hainan is both the smallest province and the largest island administered by China.
It has a size of 35,000 km2, similar to that occupied by Belgium in Europe and she nearly nine million people.
Its geography is similar to other islands in its size and location, with a central mountain range where streams flow into all directions. Because of its location it has a tropical climate, and ichtheology included within the area of Southeast Asia.
It has large areas of rainforest and coastal areas with mangrove forest.
The area of interest at this time is in the southern part of the island in the river basin Wanning, which runs 350 km before emptying into the sea, making it the longest of Hainan.
Throughout its course it receives tributaries of both sides and it is in these tributaries, located in the lower basin near the coast where we find the interesting habitat for our example.
These are small rivers or streams, which due to the flat terrain they have to save have a moderate current.
Circumstance that allows the growth of a diverse aquatic plant life.
They have a width between 30 cm and 400 cm depending on location and season. Its depth also varies between 20 cm and 60 cm at its deepest parts. The temperature ranges between 26 ° C and 29 ° C, pH 6.4, GH 20 and KH minor under 10.
His background is made of clear sand and small pebbles, with plenty of leaves that will accumulate at various points. Some branches fall into their margins and its bed can find some logs, but not in large amounts.
Containing lush riparian vegetation, highlighting the species Padanus gressitii with pointed leaves, which rise in all directions, falling water creates shelter places where small fry species and shelter.
Underwater when the right conditions are met, the plants cover almost the entire course, but is on the bank where we can find more copies.
These plants are very common species such as Blyxa japonica, Rotala rotundifolia, Ludwigia prostrata, Ceratopteris thalictroides and Limnophila sp. Of all the Blyxa japonica is the only way that only grows submerged, the others are found in the form also emerged.
The Jussiaea repens is found in floating manner and abundantly.
Ichthyofauna is composed of twenty species among which are the following:
Predators
-Anguilla marmorata -Clarias fuscus -Monopterus albus -Eleotris oxicephalus
-Glossogobius giurus -Anabas testudineus -Channa gachua -Channa maculata
Invasive
-Gambusia affinis -Oreochromis sp.
Ornamental
-Puntius semifasciolatus -Misgurnus anguillicaudatus -Rhinogobius sp. -Oryzias curvinotus
-Macropodus opercularis -Tanichthys albonubes
We will stop in the latter species, Tanichthys albonubes or White Cloud Mountain Minnow as it is commonly known. Although a common species in aquariums, shops, wholesalers and breeders to T. albonubes been declared extinct in the wild for over twenty years. With the coming of the new century have been making new discoveries of populations in different countries such as Vietnam, Hong Kong and various provinces of China.
A recently discovered this population on the island of Hainan, considered one of the most important and its importance is such that the authorities have decided to keep secret the exact location of this place, until they can take appropriate measures to protect it. An example to be followed by many countries, who are putting rich ecosystems on the brink.
One reason for this extreme caution, is that due to its limited distribution of its new population (just 1.5 km along the channel), the pressure of aquaristic market always looking for new species or populations, can cause too much pressure and disrupt the ecology of the species.
So for these reasons in our next assembly, we consider the Tanichthys albonubes star as aquarium fish.
Let's see how we can translate this into an aquarium.
The size chosen will depend largely on the type of selected species.
If we opt for a community aquarium with many species, we can suggest a size from 200 liters. With that size and even a little more different species find their place and can introduce greater number of individuals per species.
At a size of between 80-120 liters we can choose two or three different species of small size and assemble a small school.
To mimic the habitat of riparian vegetation, home to most of these small fish, we should plant profusely the back and / or side with species that have previously named.
Let the central and front cleared, placing in an area Terminalia leaves, Quercus, Fagus, etc. Pebbles, rock some small and scattered small branches completed the decor. We can plant some copies of Blyxa japonica in front, with its small size and attractive appearance, call the viewer's attention.
The ground may consist of nutritious substrate in the planted area, sand coated fine grain and light color.
The technical part begins with a filter, preferably outside and able to maintain safe water, adequate lighting selected plants and a heater to do their work efficiently and safely.
Water parameters are not overly important because species are very adaptable and can accept a wide range. We recommend a temperature above 26 ° C, a pH between 7 and about 6.5- KH and GH values that do not reach extremes.
A weekly water change of 10-15% of the total volume of the aquarium, it will serve us to keep the water in good condition and avoid accumulations of ammonia and other harmful substances.
As for the fish, I will name those who I believe are the most interesting. If you love large species can opt for a larger aquarium and choose one of the listed above.
Macropodus opercularis or who does not know this kind ever held?
Reaches a size of approximately 9 cm and other anabantids can breathe air from the surface. Playback is simple and supports a wide range of temperature and other parameters of the water.
They are territorial and relatively aggressive, especially among males. It would be best to keep a couple for aquarium.
Their diet is carnivorous and feeds on invertebrates as well as small fish, so if we choose them for the community aquarium, chances are preying on potential offspring appearing sporadically.
Puntius semiofasciolatus better known as schuberti, males can reach 7 cm, although aquarium usually not reach that size.
It feeds on insects, crustaceans and worms as well as debris that gets continually pecking at the bottom. Of peaceful behavior, like being in a group and reproduction possible, mostly occurring in the early hours of the day.
Oryzias curvinotus Like other rice or fish, is widespread and supports a wide range of temperature, salinity and other water parameters. Reaches a size of 4 cm They have a curious way of playing carrying eggs and then dropping the water surface.
In case you can not get this species is not common in the aquaristik circuit, we can choose to put another species of Oryzias being very similar, only the very purists may seem wrong.
Rhinogobius sp. Gobies this attractive species is widely distributed in tropical and temperate Asia, as well as for island systems of the Pacific Ocean.
They are heavy users of larvae as well as other invertebrates that we provide in the aquarium. With a size of 5 cm are ideal candidates for the lower area of the aquarium.
Tanichthys albonubes, the star of the aquarium to the end. This species is one of the most popular among aquarists. Easy maintenance and reproduction, behavior and flashy colors, low price and adaptability in our latitude allows you to live abroad for most of the year (or all). Who I'm sure has maintained that keeps good memories of it and will not have forgotten these small displays brightly colored fish.
I hope you have enjoyed reading and you enjoyed the article. Likewise encourage you to mount a Biotope Aquarium to Coastal Creek of Hainan and if you have fallen here by chance, register in the forum where we try to learn something every day.
Gr3tings !!!
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
-Atlas Mergus Vol. I&II
-A new freshwater Goby of Rhinogobius from Hainan Island, Southern China – Shiung Chen and Peter J. Miller
-Discovery of Tanichthys albonubes on Hainan Island, and Notes on its Ecology – Bosco Pui Lock and Xiang-lin