Post by pezerologo on Jun 6, 2015 13:34:04 GMT
Hi everyone !!
Through the next article we will discover the rich fish fauna of Europe for Freshwater Gobies are concerned. I think they are a big unknown to aquarists and unjustly as there are very attractive and interesting species as well as with a possible reproduction in captivity.
One issue that could influence that are not widely known is that they have a short life span, between one and three years depending on the species something else.
Unfortunately many of them are endangered due to habitat loss, modification of the channels, introduction of exotic species, pollution, etc.
The usual threats to different native species throughout the continent.
In some cases protection programs, captive breeding and restocking. In others I could not find the information and if there are people who keep these species and reproduces, it would be interesting to share cone other fans. This way if any mishap occurs in its natural habitat, there will always be individuals that provided by aquarists, may serve to restock or to play through some conservation program.
This has occurred in various parts of the world, one that but I know it is one of the killifish living in the Iberian Peninsula, the fartet or Aphanius iberus.
Thanks to specimens he had collected an aquarist during drying of ponds for a construction site, with descendants of these fish many years later, we could repopulate a basin that had been recovered.
Another case in Cuba, in this case where much progress through the program Adopt a Manjuari, are put in the hands of hobbyists, fry the fish in a state of extinction.
These aquarists will keep them until sexual maturity for about two years, will learn about them in contact with other aquarists Island share their experiences.
It was also observed various aspects of their maintenance in captivity and the information meets a database.
After this time, they return to the organization that handles adoptions, who played in the semi-wild conditions.
A few examples in my humble opinion, should be emulated elsewhere, where there are species to be protected and in turn committed aquarists.
That is why at first many of the species that we see are not common in aquariums and other turn is prohibited their capture and possession.
We also find some that may not so much today, but a few decades ago were quite known among local hobbyists.
Although initially try all these species to inhabit our aquarium, it is a hypothesis and do not want the impression that I'm promoting the capture of protected species, even less.
I am among those who believe that to preserve something before we need to know and if copies of these fish were put in the hands of highly professional and acquaintances throughout Europe aquarists, be reproduced, it would be written about them through forums or social networks and we would learn to appreciate what we have.
Also if these fans when playing these species provide half of any program aimed at their preservation and part of the other half to share with other fans responsible, these species will be extended, no extract of nature to be necessary and creating a bank species will grow.
On too many occasions that ecosystems are protected and where legally you can hardly pick up a leaf, to the authorities if they take their portion not shake the pulse to pass a highway, high-speed train, a dam or what they have to pass though destroy the ecosystem that once protected.
It is for this kind of things you need to find a balance and allocate a certain number of copies for maintenance in captivity if any disaster happens as I said above, whether natural or caused by human hand.
On our trip to Europe seeing the different species of freshwater gobies, we will see some very threatened by extinction living in habitat and others who fortunately live in wild places and initially with stable populations.
Gobiidae gobies of the family after prosper Oceans, they began to conquer fresh water, first through estuaries, mangrove swamps and deltas to reach a niche where they prospered and sometimes endorsed, mountain streams.
Not just inhabiting these water bodies and can be found in such extreme places such as Lake Eyre in Australia reaching almost entirely dry, leaving only a few ponds.
Only a few species can live in these hypersaline waters, extreme changes in temperature and a minimum presence of oxygen dissolved in the water, the Chlamydogobius eremius goby is one of them.
One of its most notable features is the ability to have a vacuum with their pelvic fins to be attached to any surface or substrate in places where there is power.
This allows for example to fry some species, on his return from the sea to freshwater habitats are able to overcome waterfalls up to 350 meters to reach your destination.
Quite a challenge for these tiny fish and more knowing the fact that not fed up to their new home in small mountain water courses.
Normally they are spawning substrate although there were genera or species that spawn in caves or among the vegetation.
Their diet is varied composed mainly of shellfish, algae, plants, and fish fry or small.
Also they will not hesitate to devour the stakes of larger species, showing some courage sometimes suicidal.
Also they take advantage of carrion from different sources that appears at the bottom.
The success of gobies evolutionarily speaking been imitated by other families of fish, finding species with a body shape similar well as habits among characins (Characidium sp.), Cyprinids (goby sp.) And cichlids (Eretmodus sp.).
As for the so-called sleeper gobies of the family Eleotridae have left aside to avoid too long article and I think that can be addressed in another article dedicated to them.
We will see some species of freshwater gobies, of about 50, we can find in Europe.
Not all are strictly freshwater and find abundantly in brackish and sea water.
We can clearly distinguish these gobies mainly in three geographical groups, one around the Adriatic Sea, one in the banks and tributaries of the Caspian, Azov Sea and the Black Sea.
The latter group is found in the adjacent area of the Balkans. We can also divide this group into three clearest, species that live exclusively in fresh water, they live in brackish environments, and marine normally support all three.
Being so adaptable, they support a wide range of temperatures (4 ° C-30 ° C), pH (6.5-8.5) and equally pure fresh water or seawater
The most interesting species for the aquarium are found in the knipowitschia, Economidichthys, Pomatoschistus or padogobius genres.
Unfortunately they have a short life expectancy, and even reproduce naturally very productive way, I have found few reports about their reproduction in captivity.
After meeting these species, I will present several examples of aquariums, designed to simulate biotopes they inhabit, still feeling the requirements and characteristics of the different genres of freshwater gobies Europe.
I should note that I have overlooked the larger species to the detriment of the smaller, I understand they are better candidates for live domestic aquariums.
Species: Babka gymnotrachelus
Distribution: Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine
Habitat: lakes, rivers and their tributaries, estuaries
Food: Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and polychaetes
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 16 cm
Comments: Introduced in several river systems in northern Europe where it is not native
Species: Benthophiloides brauneri
Distribution: Bulgaria, Romania and Russia
Habitat: in fresh or brackish water, preferably in deep areas with little or no current.
Food: chironomid larvae, crustaceans and gastropods.
Reproduction: Among Juilo and August spawning between 30 and 40 eggs, of a relatively large size.
Size: Male Female 7.2 cm 5.1 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of about a year.
Species: Benthophilus casachicus
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and Volga River delta
Habitat: estuaries and coastal areas of the Caspian Sea
Food: No data, presumably as other members of its kind.
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 7.6 cm M
Species: Benthophilus durrelli
Distribution: Russia, Sea of Azov in Taganrog Bay and the Don River Basin
Habitat: in fresh or brackish water, on sandy bottoms with abundant empty shells of various mollusks.
Food: Mollusks and Crustaceans
Reproduction: between May and August spawn under an empty shell, both dying shortly after.
Size: 6.6 cm Macho
Observations: It has a life expectancy of about a year.
Species: Bentophilus granulosus
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and in some sections of the river Volga
Habitat: brackish water or preferably with a minimum salinity.
Food: Mollusks and Gasteropods
Reproduction: Few data on it
Species: Benthophilus leobergius
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and the Volga river
Habitat: Preferably in brackish water, also in sweet and more rare in sea water.
Search areas with little current, mud or sand bottom and never at a depth of 10 meters.
Food: Invertebrates, mainly mollusks but also Crustaceans
Reproduction: Between April and October, the female lays eggs in two batches and dies shortly thereafter. The male watching the sunset and dies 3 or 4 weeks later.
Size: 10 cm
Species: Benthophilus macrocephalus
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and the Volga River delta
Habitat: In sandy or silt funds mouths and estuaries. It also extends along the coast and into the rivers.
Food: Mollusks, minnows, worms and crustaceans.
Reproduction: During the breeding season lasts from April to July, form groups until finally the chosen partner is removed under an empty shell to spawn.
Size: Male 11.6 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of about a year.
Species: Benthophilus magistri
Distribution: Russia, Ukraine, Azov Sea and Caspian Sea
Habitat: In rivers freshwater or slightly brackish, mostly on clay background.
Food: Crustaceans, larvae of chironomids and mollusks.
Reproduction: They place the eggs under empty shells, both parents died soon after.
Size: 8.5 cm
Observations: Their life expectancy is about one year.
Species: Benthophilus nudus
Distribution: Romania, Ukraine, the Black Sea and the Danube River delta
Habitat: Prefers low-lying areas of the rivers, near the mouths in brackish water. In muddy areas with empty shells.
Food: larvae of chironomids, amphipods and molluscs.
Reproduction: Between May and August on empty shells spawn in two or three parts. Parents die shortly after spawning and other representatives of the genre.
Size: Male 15.6 cm
Observations: invasive species in some places
Species: Benthophilus stellatus
Distribution: Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Ukraine. Sea of Azov, Black and Caspian Sea.
Habitat: shallow areas in estuaries, lagoons and rivers never many kilometers from the mouth.
They are found mainly on clay substrate.
Food: molluscs, crustaceans, insect larvae and fish
Reproduction: occurs between May and June dying soon after the female, the male will live but a few weeks more.
Size: Male Female 13.5 cm 11 cm
Species: Caspiosoma caspium
Distribution: Romania, Russia, Ukraine. Black Sea, Caspian Sea and Sea of Azov.
Habitat: In rivers and estuaries at depths between 2 and 8 meters
Food: invertebrates, algae and rotifers
Reproduction: No data.
Size: 5 cm
Observations: Species little known and researched, although abundant inhabited.
Species: Economidichthys pygmaeus
Distribution: Endemic to Greece
Habitat: Various bodies of water with little current, with a background of detritus and abundant aquatic vegetation.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates, mostly of amphipods and copepods.
Reproduction: More than 600 eggs are placed in a cavity, they are cared for by the male.
The female can spawn several times during the season that lasts only from March to April.
The eggs hatch in a day probably as in the species E. trichonis.
Here they are always kept on the merits while consuming the viteleno sack.
Size: Male Female 5.1 cm 5.8 cm
Observations: Both copies die shortly after spawning completion time.
Species: Economidichthys trichonis
Distribution: Greece, endemic Lake Trichonis
Habitat: In areas with lots of aquatic vegetation, living in groups between plants
Food: invertebrates, mainly cladocerans and larvae of mussels of the species Dreissena polymorpha
Reproduction: Spawning takes place in a cavity, mainly on gravel, but can also use empty shells diverse plant material.
Eggs (between 0.6-0.7mm) hatch after one day and in one setting can lay up to 2,000 eggs.
Larvae are kept on the surface. near shore and once they have absorbed the viteleno sack down to the bottom.
Size: Female Male 3 cm 2.7 cm
Notes: The mature female is approximately 1.8 cm, the smallest vertebrate in Europe to reach sexual maturity.
Endangered due to habitat loss due to agricultural water extraction from Lake Trichonis
Species: Knipowitschia Croatica
Distribution: Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Neretva river and lake Bacina
Habitat: karstic springs of clear water, lakes, streams with low flow as well as small rivers.
In areas with dense aquatic vegetation and low presence of predators.
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates and larvae captured near the bottom.
Reproduction: In cavities under rocks, empty shells or different plant material. The male defends the eggs
Size: 4.7 cm
Observations: Species in danger due to the threat of pollution, eutrophication, introduction of alien species and extraction of water in several of only 10 known locations.
Their life expectancy is less than two years.
Species: Knipowitschia goerneri
Distribution: Greece, endemic to the island of Corfu
Habitat: Springs sweet and clear as well as small streams that drain into lakes waters.
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates
Reproduction: No data, although it is likely to be hiding spawners as other representatives of the genre knipowitschia.
Size: 2.2 cm
Comments: Unfortunately other species endangered due to pollution and the extraction of water in their habitats.
Species: Knipowitschia milleri
Distribution: Endemic to Greece
Habitat: In the lowlands, in slightly brackish water, preferably stuck, clear, temperate, with abundant submerged vegetation and sandy or muddy bottom.
Food: chironomid larvae as well as small crustaceans.
Reproduction: It reproduces between February and April, the fry are free swimming and only after a while down at the bottom.
Size: 2.6 cm
Comments: Another species whose life expectancy is no more than two years
It is on the red list of endangered species.
-Picture Guidance, I have not found another one specimen of this species alive-
Species: Knipowitschia montenegrina
Distribution: Endemic of Montenegro, river Moraça
Habitat: In low current backwaters of the river as well as in ponds left in the gravel runway flood zone, it grows with the floods.
The fund is composed of pebbles covered with sediment and filamentous algae.
Food: invertebrates that can capture your tiny mouth as well as larvae of chironomids
Reproduction: Not available, but we can assume that will be similar to other species of this genus.
Size: 2.8 cm
Remarks: very little information of this kind, hopefully soon ichthyologists study this interesting species.
Species: Knipowitschia mrakovcici
Distribution: Croatia, Krka River system, Lake Visovac.
Habitat: Ponds and lakes, in shallow areas with extensive vegetation and little pressure from predators.
Food: Tiny invertebrates and larvae in relation to the size of your mouth
Reproduction: No data but possibly other representatives of the genre.
Size: Male Female 3.2 cm 2.8 cm
Remarks: Endangered due to the progressive contamination of its habitat, from coastal cities of the lake.
Species: Knipowitschia panizzae
Distribution: Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro
Habitat: Areas with a maximum depth of 50 cm and abundant vegetation in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and springs
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates and larvae
Reproduction: During the breeding can be made placed every 10 or 15 days. Bivalve eggs placed the species under Cerastoderma.
The male defends the start.
Size: 5.5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of less than two years life.
With this kind have been developed studies have determined that the male chooses a more ornate before a larger female.
In Italy was introduced to Lake Trasimeno and coastal lagoons Tirrenia
Species: Knipowitschia punctatissima
Distribution: Croatia, Greece, Italy, Po River, parts of Veneto and Emilia Romagna.
Habitat: springs and small streams densely vegetated, with a background of sand or gravel and a constant temperature
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates that captures on or near the bottom.
Reproduction: Spawning takes place between February and July, males tend sunset while females perform various placed during the season.
The eggs are placed under empty shells, plant matter or pebbles.
Size: 4.5 cm
Remarks: Endangered due to the extraction of water in their habitats that does cause desiccation.
In the region of Emilia Romagna in Italy, only inhabits a spring.
Species: Knipowitschia radovici
Distribution: endemic to Croatia, more specifically of the basin of the river Neretva, Norin, Hutovo Biato wetlands and lagoons of the delta.
Habitat: karst springs, streams and small rivers.
Adults living in areas of current, in the deepest parts up to 5 meters. But youth living in backwaters between vegetation, where they are easier to catch food.
Food: Tiny invertebrates and larvae.
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 2.8 cm
Comments: It is very sensitive to environments with multiple predators and to the introduction of exotic species.
Species: Knipowitschia thessala
Distribution: Greek province of Thessaly, the river system Pineios
Habitat: A few springs of clear waters, pebbles and rocks substrate.
Food: Small invertebrates
Reproduction: N/D
Size: Male Female 4.4 cm 4.3 cm
Comments: In danger due to pollution and habitat degradation
Species: Padogobius bonelli
Distribution: Croatia, Zrmanje and Krka river, Slovenia, Italy, and Amaseno rivers Magra, Po river basin, Venice lagoon, Switzerland
Habitat: In streams and small rivers with moderate to strong and on a background of pebbles of various sizes running.
It also can be found in lakes, preferably in areas with extensive aquatic vegetation.
Feeding: Invertebrates
Reproduction: between April and July when the temperature rises from 20 degrees, spawn between rocks, empty shells and aquatic plants.
The male defends the eggs may reach emit audible sounds.
Size: Male Female 8.6 cm 7.5 cm
Comments: Although a species considered invasive in some areas of Italy and abundant in multiple streams in the Apennines, mostly population is in danger due to pollution and habitat destruction
Territorial Species claimed to other congeners your small space.
Species: Padogobius nigricans
Distribution: Italy, Arno River basins, Tiber river and Ombrone.
Habitats: Areas with little current and near or on the edge of areas with dense aquatic vegetation.
Food: Mostly benthic invertebrates
Reproduction: Like other European gobies spawn between or under rocks, empty shells and aquatic plants.
The male guards the eggs even to make sounds if needed to ward off potential predators.
Size: Male Female 7 cm 12 cm
Observations: At condition of vulnerable due to habitat destruction and increased pollution.
Species: Pomatoschistus canestrini
Distribution: Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Neretva basin, Slovenia, Italy, Po River Delta
Habitat: In areas of low flow in rivers, lakes and lagoons. On sandy or clay.
Food: invertebrates like worms and amphipods.
Reproduction: adhesive eggs are deposited between rocks, empty shells or leaves of aquatic plants.
The male guards the perimeter and guards the eggs.
Size: 5.5 cm
Comments: Introduced in Lake Trasimeno in Italy
Species: Pomatoschistus montenegrensis
Distribution: Albania, Montenegro, Moraça River Basin, its tributary, the Zeta river and Lake Skadar.
Habitat: Shallow waters of rivers and lakes in areas with gravel substrate covered with filamentous algae or sediment where it seeks shelter at minimum risk. Also in ponds left in the rocky riverbed in the flood zone.
Food: Small invertebrates and larvae captured near the bottom or algae.
Reproduction: In Lake Skadar breed between March and July and occurs with other representatives of the genre.
Size: Male Female 3.2 cm 2.4 cm
Species: Ponticola constructor
Distribution: Russia, western tributaries of the river Kuban, some parts of the coast of the Black Sea
Habitat: Only in preference for freshwater mountain streams with fresh water and some current.
Food: N/D
Reproduction: They spawn in cavities between the rocks at the bottom and the male guards the eggs.
Size: 20 cm
Species: Ponticola kessleri
Distribution: Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine
Habitat: fresh or brackish but with very low salinity, in rocky areas or vegetation water.
Food: Shellfish well as small gobies
Reproduction: Between March and May spawn on rocks, empty shells and aquatic plants, and the male takes care of the set.
Size: 22 cm
Comments: This classified as commercial fishing and consumed in different parts of their range.
Species: Ponticola rhodioni
Distribution: Russia, Black Sea, Kuban River basin
Habitat: fresh or brackish water.
Food: N/D
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 14 cm
Species: Proterorhinus nasalis
Distribution: Ukraine, Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea
Habitat: fresh and brackish in areas with lots of rocks in the background or extensive vegetation water.
Normally in backwaters or classes with little current.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates that captures in the background.
Reproduction: between April and August spawn in deep cavities, the male guards the eggs while the female can produce several put in one season.
Size: 9 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of less than two years life.
Species: Proterorhinus semilunaris
Distribution: Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Ukraine
Habitat: stagnant or low flow in estuaries or small water courses slow waters in lowland areas.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates that captures near the bottom
Reproduction: They spawn in cavities between April and August.
The male cares for spawning.
Size: 12 cm
Remarks: Very invasive species that apart from large areas in Europe, this colonizing North America, it is suspected that arrived in the storage pools in merchant ships ..
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Species: Proterorhinus tataricus
Distribution: Crimea, endemic river Chornaya
Habitat: Lives in backwaters or areas with moderate current within the channel of the main channel.
Food: N/D
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 9.2 cm
Comments: Its distribution is limited to a section of 25 km of the river, which suffers from extraction of water for irrigation coming to dry at several points.
It is at risk of extinction and hopefully take steps to avoid it.
Marine species that tolerate freshwater
Species: Gobius paganellus
Distribution: Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Iberian Peninsula, United Kingdom, Romania, Ukraine
Habitat: A shallow and rocky coastline.
Food: polychaetes and small crustaceans that traps near the bottom.
Reproduction: Between January and June, spawn in small caves as well as empty shells or stones, always in the ceiling.
The male protects the start until hatch.
Size: 12 cm
Observations: sedentary and their life expectancy is around ten years.
Species: Knipowitschia caucasica
Distribution: Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Russia, Ukraine.
Habitat: Marino enters freshwater although at a depth between 0 and 2 meters in lakes, estuaries and lakes in areas with lots of vegetation.
Food: small crustaceans and chironomids, larvae also Mejillones.
Reproduction: Beaten eggs on the roof of a cave.
Size: 5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of two years.
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Species: Knipowitschia longecauda
Distribution: Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, in parts of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea.
Habitat: Mainly in shallow areas with background composed of sand and always close to marginal or submerged vegetation.
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates that captures near the bottom.
Reproduction: spawning are hiding and lay eggs on the roof of a cavity under rocks, plant material or bivalve molluscs or shells.
The male guards the place with a lot of dedication.
Size: 5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy as other representatives of his younger two years genre.
Species: Pomatoschistus
marmoratus
Distribution: Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Habitat: Brackish though mostly hypersaline marine and even at depths up to 20 and 70 meters on mostly sandy substrates.
Food: small crustaceans and larvae of chironomids
Reproduction: From March to mid-September. Eggs 1mm to 0.6 mm are placed under rocks or empty shells.
Size: 8 cm but usually not exceed 5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of two years.
Species: Proterorhinus marmoratus
Distribution: Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Czech Republic, Romania
Habitat: It lives in brackish water, and although it can live in both environments, preferred to avoid the fresh water or seawater.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 11.5 cm
Examples of Aquarium for Freshwater Gobies from Europe
Over the next examples, let us know how should be the characteristics of aquariums, based on the characteristics of their biotopes, suitable for receiving such species.
I remember that many of them for their fragile situation, you can not keep them in captivity, or the capture in their habitats.
Will include them in the examples, as they are still hypothetical examples of how they should be maintained properly in captivity.
Moreover some of them are not at risk or protected in some way.
They take advantage of different ways, as food for the population in places where it is distributed, or as bait for anglers to catch larger species
Others have been introduced and are expanding, I do not know like this the legislation in each place for maintenance in captivity of these species.
What I mean is that it depends on each country or even each province that legislation be changed, which is why these samples are included in all species described above.
Also need to pay attention to that but sometimes this assembly recommended for a certain number of species not mean you can include all the Aquarium example.
We should choose a consistent number of them and whether it is preferable not to overdo the number of copies.
Planted Aquarium for Small Species
Size: Recommended from 60 liters, but in the near to 100 liters in size, we may keep a greater diversity of species and also a greater number of copies.
Form: Preferably low, wide and about a meter long.
Filtration: As a large number of assembly plants, and the role biotope much current does not flow, we must pay attention to use filter.
On the one hand it should effectively do their jobs without creating great turbulence in the water.
An external filter with adjustable flow or a backpack or waterfall with sufficient volume, it is the recommended option.
Lighting: Many of the selected plant species have high light requirements so it is important to study this aspect.
T8 fluorescent tubes, being usual easily find adequate spectrum for plants. The LED screens are also recommended but we must pay attention to its power and capacity. With proper lighting we will get a lush growth of different plants.
Parameters: As European species suffering from different conditions during winter and summer.
They have a great adaptability and support changes in the physiochemical water conditions.
In one of its biotopes parameters that are collected they are:
Temperature: 10 ° C - 20 ° C
Dissolved Oxygen: 0.3-14mg / 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
Decoration: We start with a base substrate enriched for different species of plants can develop their roots properly.
On it we can put fine sand or gravel, as well as small pebbles, it is more indifferent and our aesthetic taste.
We plant the fastest growing plants in the back and sides.
In the center we place the small and medium-sized generating such a small lawn. At the front we leave clear to observe the evolution of gobies in the foreground space. Some branches, leaves and also some larger pebbles help us to create points of visual interest. Gastropod shells or mollusks, will serve to seek shelter and a place some species to spawn.
Maintenance: Water changes weekly, also prune the fastest growing plants and remove leaves in disrepair.
Fish Species: Economidichthys pygmaeus - Economidichthys trichonis - Knipowitschia caucasica - Knipowitschia croatica - Knipowitschia goerneri - Knipowitschia milleri - Knipowitschia mrakovcici - Knipowitschia panizzae - Knipowitschia punctatissima - Knipowitschia radovici
Food: Small invertebrates preferably alive, Artemia, Daphnia, chironomid larvae, Grindall, copepods, Anguililla Vinegar as well as tiny gastropods.
We can make a slurry to freeze which would include shrimp and mussels in a high percentage. They accept flake food or pellet form some species, but preferably not only feed them dry food. We can vary your diet using frozen foods.
Plant species: I divided the plants can use this design in two different lists. On the one hand we have that we can find in the area of the Adriatic, particularly in the Lake Trichonida in Greece, where they come several fish aquarium in this example. In the second list are some aquatic plants introduced in Europe, many popular in the aquarium and can also be found in these fish habitats along.
Aquatic plants that can be found in their habitats
Sagittaria sp. -Myriophyllum spicatum - Ceratophyllum demersum -Potamogeton pectinatus - Ranunculus trichophyllus - Najus marina - Nasturtium officinale - Lemna minor - Ludwigia peploides -Nymphaea alba - Nitella sp.
Aquatic plants introduced in Europe
Ammannia senegalensis - Azolla filiculoides - Azolla caroliniana - Blyxa japonica - Cabomba caroliniana - Ceratophyllum demersum - Ceratophyllum submersum - Ceratopteris thalictroides - Cryptocoryne crispatula - Egeria densa - Eichornia crassipes - Eleocharis parvula - Elodea canadiensis - Gymnocoronis spilanthoides - Heteranthera rotundifolia - Heteranthera zosterifolia - Hydrilla verticiliata - Hygrophila polysperma - Lagarosiphon major - Lemma minor - Lilaeopsis carolinensis - Ludwigia grandiflora - Myriophyllum aquaticum - Najas guadalupensis - Nuphar japonica - Nymphaea alba - Nymphaea lotus - Nymphaea mexicana - Nymphaea malabarica - Nymphaea rubra - Ottelia alismoides - Pistia stratiotes - Pontederia cordata - Rotala indica - Rotala macrandra - Rotala rotundifolia - Sagittaria graminea - Sagittaria latifolia - Sagittaria platyphylla - Sagittaria subulata - Sagittaria sagittifolia - Salvinia auriculata - Salvinia natans - `Spirodela polyrrhyza - Trapa natans - Utricularia gibba - Vallisneria nana - Vallisneria spiralis
Others Species: Melanoides tuberculata, Physa sp. Planorbis sp., Theodoxus fluviatilis, Unio sp., Atyaephyra desmaresti, Athyaephyra rosiana, Atyaephyra strymonensis, Atyaephyra thyamisensis
Notes: Include some sort of system to add Co2 is highly recommended to promote a splendid plant growth
Sandy aquarium / Estuaries and rivers
Size: 200 liters
Form: To achieve a greater area in the background, you should be low and wide, with enough height on 30 cm.
Filtration: We recommend an external filter if good capacity and may not generate much power. Although not large species or go to have a large number of copies, it is always best to use a good team in aquariums where there are many plants.
Lighting: This time we do not overdo it, in this case fish fish behavior would have a more withdrawn. T8 fluorescent tube with a lesser extent throughout the aquarium, or LED bulbs strategically located parts leaving half light, are the most recommended options that will give us a nice aesthetic effect of gloom.
Parameters: Temperature: 4 ° C - 22 ° C - pH: 7.0 - 8.5 - Salinity:> 3 ppt
Decoration: A sandy bottom (you can use the well-washed beach), as well as a good amount of mollusk shells scattered around the aquarium.
A group of plants in the back, simulating the beginning of a vegetation area.
Some rocks or boulders distributed with space between them, will help to delineate small territories.
The rear glass can darken in some way by a sheet or even paint. With dark background will highlight the image of a shady place and stand out even more different fish on the substrate.
Maintenance: Water changes weekly, paying attention to efficient fund siphoning allow us to maintain acceptable levels of nitrites and ammonia.
Fish Species: Benthophilioides brauneri - Benthophilus casachicus - Benthophilus durrelli - Bentophilus granulosus - Benthophilus leobergius - Benthophilus magistri - Caspiosoma caspium - Pomatoschistus canestrinii - Proterorhinus semilunaris - Knipowitschia longecauda
Food: Although accepted dried food, it is preferable to include in your diet various invertebrates and gastropods. We can use frozen food will find in any gardening store and even prepare a slurry to freeze us with vegetables and high in shrimp and mussels.
Plants Species: Ceratophyllum demersum - Ceratophyllum submersum - Ranunculus trichophyllus - Najas marina
Other Species:
Palaemon sp., Unio sp., Melanoides tuberculata, Physa accuta, Planorbis corneus
Comments: We will add a small amount of salt (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of coffee)
We recommend the installation of a cooler for a temperature of 10 ° C lower wintering
Aquarium from a Rolling Stones River
Size: 120 liters
Form: As for other Gobies is preferably greater width and length than height.
Thus space to delimit their territories gained.
Filtration: The role habitat usually consists of current and clear water, which is why we install filtering equipment that meets their work.
Optionally we can add another point outlet using a circulation pump or an internal filter.
Likewise, the filtration system that mimics the flow of a river using a Power Head, PVC pipe and sponge is highly recommended.
If we put a second point we must locate current so that together with the output of the filter are pointing in a similar direction.
So we get a distribution of the unidirectional current as in the central channel of rivers and streams.
Lighting: Many of the species that inhabit these streams boulders, usually nibble on algae for food.
With the right lighting, the right algae will grow. t8 fluorescent tube 25w or other systems with fewer watts but efficient, will be a suitable choice.
Parameters: Temperature: 4 ° C - 18 ° C - pH: 6.5 - 7.8
Decoration: We will place a layer of fine sand or river of between 3-5 cm, on it place a layer of pebbles 5-8 cm in diameter. On these points in more we will form small caves.
On the front we leave a gap with sand and pebbles size just a few cm in diameter.
Near the exit of the filter will plant some copies of Ranunculus sp. or Vallisneria sp. to extend their leaves carried by the current as in their habitats.
Maintenance: weekly water changes of 20% of the aquarium volume, and even more frequently but in smaller amounts. Sifonaremos paying attention to the gaps between the boulders of the fund, it can build decaying matter in those places.
Fish Species: Knipowitschia thessala - Padogobius bonelli - Padogobius nigricans - Proterorhinus nasalis - Proterorhinus tataricus - Gobius paganellus
Food: Like other Gobies have a preference for invertebrates, dried food also accept that we will vary with quality frozen. It is also recommended the preparation of a slurry which can introduce vegetables, white fish, prawns and mussels.
Plant Species: Ranunculus trichophyllum - Vallisneria nana - Vallisneria spiralis
Other Species: Melanoides tuberculata - Physa acuta - Gyraulus sp. - Theodoxus fluviatilis - Limnea sp. - Planorbis sp.
Remarks: By mimicking this aquarium a river with running water, it is advisable to add an oxygenator or alternatively a venturi system at the outlet of the filter.
Aquarium to Flood Pond in Rocky Channel
Size: 30 - 40 liters
Form: The biotope that will mimic ponds are left in the flood area with wide, covered with boulders channels. It is therefore not necessary to raise more than just a few centimeters in height.
There are currently some landscaping oriented aquariums whose characteristics are suitable for such assemblies.
In case you can not get them we can choose to order or make a custom aquarium.
It is possible to construct glass or acrylic, looking a bit by the network find lots of tutorials in several languages that will help us in the work.
Filtration: We need a filter that is able to keep the water in good condition and yet do without creating excessive current.
A sponge filter powered by an oxygenator, or even a small circulation pump with low flow and comply with the work of making a mechanical filtration.
Another option is to install a small outside filter, its output will post a glass diffuser or the like widely used in landscaping to reduce the rate of return.
Lighting: These environments often suffer seasonal ponds strong insolation, this promotes the growth of various algae, including filamentous that is where they find shelter small Gobies that inhabit them.
Knowing this, we move to the aquarium with enough power to light.
Due to the small size of the aquarium, it should not cost us do with any of the more common systems.
Parameters: As usually end seasonal ponds dried or engulfed by a flood, can give extreme conditions.
In order to maintain a temperature between 18 ° C and 22 ° C, with a pH of 6.5-7.5, they are suitable for the selected species.
Decoration: After placing a layer of river sand as a base, cover the bottom with small boulders, of various shapes, colors or tones, as well as sizes for gaps between them and beneath them are generated.
If we have the will filamentous algae in the central part where extending iran if the conditions are right.
Failing that we can use some kind of moss, which can also fulfill the purpose of providing shelter and a place to rest.
Cladophlora will place several small algae in different places of the aquarium, these algae are known for their ability to filter water various substances.
Maintenance: weekly water changes of 20% or even something more volume aquarium they compel maintain a good water quality.
We go cutting filamentous algae or moss if too much stretching as can cover the entire aquarium.
Also regularly clean up algae glasses to observe in detail our guests tiny.
Fish Species: Knipowitschia montenegrina - Pomatoschistus montenegrensis
Food: Tiny preferably living invertebrates such as Artemia, Daphnia, gastropods or crustaceans.
We can add frozen food, provided that we have prepared to suit the size of your mouth.
Plants Species: Vesicularia dubyana - Fontinalis apyretica - Algas Filamentosas - Cladophlora sp, Lemna minor
Other Species: Melanoides tuberculata, Limnea sp., Gyraulus sp., Theodoxus fluviatilis - Atyaephyra desmaresti
Remarks: A special aquarium for fish special, we approached with care and patience to observe the aquarium these fish in all its glory.
Aquarium for Big Species
Size: 300 liters
Form: As in the previous examples and in most aquariums Gobies, height sacrifice to win a larger area in the background, with a wide and long aquarium.
Filtration: As larger species is advisable to install an external filter with sufficient capacity. We can choose to place two smaller careful not to create excessive current.
Lighting: If we exceed it is likely that some species have a retracted behavior and some unnatural colors.
As are species that inhabit background and several meters deep, they are accustomed to living in an atmosphere of gloom.
It is therefore advisable to place points of light at various points leaving others darkened. We will achieve bulbs, small screens or lights.
A recommended option are the LEDs for low power consumption and attractive light.
Parameters: Temperature: 4 ° C-22 ° C - Ph: 6.5-8.5 - Salinity: > 5 ppt
Decoration: sandy areas will alternate with others of pebbles and boulders. We will spread along the bottom multitude of empty shells of molluscs and some intricate root or branches that will give a very natural look.
Create caves sufficient to enter the larger species size, we can perform using coconuts, average pot or a curved piece of tile.
If we opt for something more natural to you we relizarlas slate rocks for example, taking care that they are well established and no sharp edges.
Maintenance: With changes in about 20% of the aquarium volume every week, as well as a good siphoning get free water to maintain a cumulative substances.
Fish Species: Babka gymnotrachelus - Benthophilus leobergius - Benthophilus macrocephalus - Benthophilus nudus - Benthophilus stellatus - Padogobius nigricans - Ponticola constructor - Ponticola kessleri - Ponticola rhodioni - Proterorhinus semilunaris - Gobius paganellus - Proterorhinus marmoratus
Feeding: Food live preferably in this case is not so important so small also they consume snails, shrimp, worms or minnows. We can also prepare a slurry to freeze later which will include mussels, shrimp, white fish and a piece of beef heart or liver.
Being voracious species willingly accept the various common foods like dried scales / flakes or granules.
Plants Species: Ceratophyllum demersum - Ceratophyllum submersum, Najas marinus
Other Species: Melanoides tuberculata, Planorbis corneus, Physa accuta, Limnea sp, Palaemon serratus
Comments: We provide sufficient hiding places for all copies, and who like to retire to a shelter. Other species may become so buried sand layer should be several centimeters thick.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article fills a gap that existed on freshwater gobies of Europe and its interest in maintaining aquariums.
Encourage them to answer that always appreciated or discuss any question or doubt.
Likewise if you've fallen down here Animate chance to register for the forum where every day we try to learn something new.
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
www.ittiofauna.org
Biotope Aquarium Example: Submerged Meadow, Lake Trichonida, Greece - Pezerologo - Biotope Aquarium Forum
Phylogenetic placement of the European sand gobies in Gobionellidae and characterizacion of gobionellid lineages ( Gobiiformes: Gobiodei) - Christine E. Thacker
A new West Balkanian sand-goby ( Teleostei: Gobiidae) - P. J. Miller and R. Sanda
Morphology, Feeding, and Reproduction of the Round Goby, Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas), in the Danube River Basin, Yugoslavia - Predrag Simonovic, Momir Paunovic and Srdja Popovic
New Record of Neogobius fluviatilis (Pallas, 1814) (Gobiidae) in the Danube River Basin ( Serbia) - Vesna Djikanovic, G. Marcovic and S.Skoric
Mediterranean Endemic Freshwater fishes of Italy - Pier Giorgio Bianco
Orsinigobius milleri n. sp., a new species of freshwater goby of W-Greece (Pisces: Gobiidae) - Harald Ahnelt and Pier Giorgio Bianco
Freshwater fish habitat science and management in Greece - D. C. Bobori, P.S. Economidis and E.G. Maurakis
A new species of Knipowitschia (Gobiidae) from Dalmatia, Croatia - Marcelo Kovacic
The status of the Freshwater Gobiid, Knipowitschia mermere Ahnelt, 1995: distribution, ecology and threats - Gulnaz Ozcan
Review of the Distribution of the Family Gobiidae (Pisces) in the Bulgarian Danube Tributaries - Velislav Y. Zarev, Apostolos I. Apostolou, Boris K. Velkov, Milen V. Vassilev
Reduction of scales and head canals in Pomatoschistus canestrinii (Ninni, 1883) (Teleostei, Gobiidae) - Bjorn Stelbrink and Jorg Freyhof
Escape from the Ponto-Caspian: Evolution and biogeography of an endemic goby species flock ( Benthophilinae: Gobiidae: Teleostei:) - Matthew E. Neilson and Carol A. Stepien
Threatened freshwater fishes and molluscs of the Balkan - EuroNatur Report
The shallow water gobiid assemblage of the Venice Lagoon: abundance, seasonal variation and habitat partitioning - S. Malavasi, A. Franco, R. Fiorin, P. Franzoi, P. Torricelli and D. Mainardi
Male lagoon gobies, Knipowitschia panizzae, prefer more ornamented to larger females - Matteo Pizzolon, Maria B. Rasotto, Carlotta Mazzoldi
Habitat Characteristics of Two Endangered Gobies in the Venice Lagoon - Anita Franco, Stefano Malavasi, Ricardo Fiorin, Matteo Zuccheta and Patrizia Torricelli
Transfaunazioni invasive nel distretto ittiofaunistico tosco-laziale: prove di composizione territoriale e alimentare tra Padogobius nigricans e Padogobius bonelli - Massimo Mecatti, Manuela Gualtieri and Katia Gattai
Distribuzione di Knipowitschia panizzae (VERGA, 1841) (Osteichthyes, Gobiidae) Nelle zone umide costiere del Parco Regionale della Maremma (Toscana) - Massimiliano Marcelli, Paolo Fastelli and Flavio Monti
Presenza di Knipowitschia panizzae (VERGA, 1841) (Osteinchthyes, Gobiidae) in un bacino de acqua dolce della provincia di Grosseto (Lago dell`Accesa,Toscana) - Massimiliano Marcelli, Marco Porciani and Giacomo Radi
European Red List of Freshwater Fishes - Jorg Freyhof and Emma Brooks
Two new sympatric Knipowitschia spacies (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from a eastern Mediterranean coastal lake--examples of different dispersal patterns? - Harald Ahnelt
Status of Gobiid Ichthyofauna in Bulgaria: Taxonomical, Conservative, Ecological and Social Aspects - Milen Vassilev, Apostolos Apostolou, Boris Velkov, Petya Ivanova, Marina Panayotova, Dobrin Dobrev and Luchezar Pehlivanov
Alien aquatic plant species in European countries - A. Hussner
Revision of the freshwater genus Atyaephyra (Crustacea, Decapoda, Atyidae) based on morphological and molecular data - Magdalini Chistodoulou, Aglaia Antoniou, Antonio Magoulas and Athanasios Koukouras
The Biology of Gobies - Robert A. Patzner, James L. Van Tassell, Marcelo Kovacic and B.G. Kapoor
Freshwater Fishes and Lampreys of Greece, an Annotated Checklist - 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:
Handbook of European Freshwater Fishes - Maurice Kottelat and Jorg Freyhof
Through the next article we will discover the rich fish fauna of Europe for Freshwater Gobies are concerned. I think they are a big unknown to aquarists and unjustly as there are very attractive and interesting species as well as with a possible reproduction in captivity.
One issue that could influence that are not widely known is that they have a short life span, between one and three years depending on the species something else.
Unfortunately many of them are endangered due to habitat loss, modification of the channels, introduction of exotic species, pollution, etc.
The usual threats to different native species throughout the continent.
In some cases protection programs, captive breeding and restocking. In others I could not find the information and if there are people who keep these species and reproduces, it would be interesting to share cone other fans. This way if any mishap occurs in its natural habitat, there will always be individuals that provided by aquarists, may serve to restock or to play through some conservation program.
This has occurred in various parts of the world, one that but I know it is one of the killifish living in the Iberian Peninsula, the fartet or Aphanius iberus.
Thanks to specimens he had collected an aquarist during drying of ponds for a construction site, with descendants of these fish many years later, we could repopulate a basin that had been recovered.
Another case in Cuba, in this case where much progress through the program Adopt a Manjuari, are put in the hands of hobbyists, fry the fish in a state of extinction.
These aquarists will keep them until sexual maturity for about two years, will learn about them in contact with other aquarists Island share their experiences.
It was also observed various aspects of their maintenance in captivity and the information meets a database.
After this time, they return to the organization that handles adoptions, who played in the semi-wild conditions.
A few examples in my humble opinion, should be emulated elsewhere, where there are species to be protected and in turn committed aquarists.
That is why at first many of the species that we see are not common in aquariums and other turn is prohibited their capture and possession.
We also find some that may not so much today, but a few decades ago were quite known among local hobbyists.
Although initially try all these species to inhabit our aquarium, it is a hypothesis and do not want the impression that I'm promoting the capture of protected species, even less.
I am among those who believe that to preserve something before we need to know and if copies of these fish were put in the hands of highly professional and acquaintances throughout Europe aquarists, be reproduced, it would be written about them through forums or social networks and we would learn to appreciate what we have.
Also if these fans when playing these species provide half of any program aimed at their preservation and part of the other half to share with other fans responsible, these species will be extended, no extract of nature to be necessary and creating a bank species will grow.
On too many occasions that ecosystems are protected and where legally you can hardly pick up a leaf, to the authorities if they take their portion not shake the pulse to pass a highway, high-speed train, a dam or what they have to pass though destroy the ecosystem that once protected.
It is for this kind of things you need to find a balance and allocate a certain number of copies for maintenance in captivity if any disaster happens as I said above, whether natural or caused by human hand.
On our trip to Europe seeing the different species of freshwater gobies, we will see some very threatened by extinction living in habitat and others who fortunately live in wild places and initially with stable populations.
Gobiidae gobies of the family after prosper Oceans, they began to conquer fresh water, first through estuaries, mangrove swamps and deltas to reach a niche where they prospered and sometimes endorsed, mountain streams.
Not just inhabiting these water bodies and can be found in such extreme places such as Lake Eyre in Australia reaching almost entirely dry, leaving only a few ponds.
Only a few species can live in these hypersaline waters, extreme changes in temperature and a minimum presence of oxygen dissolved in the water, the Chlamydogobius eremius goby is one of them.
One of its most notable features is the ability to have a vacuum with their pelvic fins to be attached to any surface or substrate in places where there is power.
This allows for example to fry some species, on his return from the sea to freshwater habitats are able to overcome waterfalls up to 350 meters to reach your destination.
Quite a challenge for these tiny fish and more knowing the fact that not fed up to their new home in small mountain water courses.
Normally they are spawning substrate although there were genera or species that spawn in caves or among the vegetation.
Their diet is varied composed mainly of shellfish, algae, plants, and fish fry or small.
Also they will not hesitate to devour the stakes of larger species, showing some courage sometimes suicidal.
Also they take advantage of carrion from different sources that appears at the bottom.
The success of gobies evolutionarily speaking been imitated by other families of fish, finding species with a body shape similar well as habits among characins (Characidium sp.), Cyprinids (goby sp.) And cichlids (Eretmodus sp.).
As for the so-called sleeper gobies of the family Eleotridae have left aside to avoid too long article and I think that can be addressed in another article dedicated to them.
We will see some species of freshwater gobies, of about 50, we can find in Europe.
Not all are strictly freshwater and find abundantly in brackish and sea water.
We can clearly distinguish these gobies mainly in three geographical groups, one around the Adriatic Sea, one in the banks and tributaries of the Caspian, Azov Sea and the Black Sea.
The latter group is found in the adjacent area of the Balkans. We can also divide this group into three clearest, species that live exclusively in fresh water, they live in brackish environments, and marine normally support all three.
Being so adaptable, they support a wide range of temperatures (4 ° C-30 ° C), pH (6.5-8.5) and equally pure fresh water or seawater
The most interesting species for the aquarium are found in the knipowitschia, Economidichthys, Pomatoschistus or padogobius genres.
Unfortunately they have a short life expectancy, and even reproduce naturally very productive way, I have found few reports about their reproduction in captivity.
After meeting these species, I will present several examples of aquariums, designed to simulate biotopes they inhabit, still feeling the requirements and characteristics of the different genres of freshwater gobies Europe.
I should note that I have overlooked the larger species to the detriment of the smaller, I understand they are better candidates for live domestic aquariums.
Species: Babka gymnotrachelus
Distribution: Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine
Habitat: lakes, rivers and their tributaries, estuaries
Food: Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and polychaetes
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 16 cm
Comments: Introduced in several river systems in northern Europe where it is not native
Species: Benthophiloides brauneri
Distribution: Bulgaria, Romania and Russia
Habitat: in fresh or brackish water, preferably in deep areas with little or no current.
Food: chironomid larvae, crustaceans and gastropods.
Reproduction: Among Juilo and August spawning between 30 and 40 eggs, of a relatively large size.
Size: Male Female 7.2 cm 5.1 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of about a year.
Species: Benthophilus casachicus
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and Volga River delta
Habitat: estuaries and coastal areas of the Caspian Sea
Food: No data, presumably as other members of its kind.
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 7.6 cm M
Species: Benthophilus durrelli
Distribution: Russia, Sea of Azov in Taganrog Bay and the Don River Basin
Habitat: in fresh or brackish water, on sandy bottoms with abundant empty shells of various mollusks.
Food: Mollusks and Crustaceans
Reproduction: between May and August spawn under an empty shell, both dying shortly after.
Size: 6.6 cm Macho
Observations: It has a life expectancy of about a year.
Species: Bentophilus granulosus
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and in some sections of the river Volga
Habitat: brackish water or preferably with a minimum salinity.
Food: Mollusks and Gasteropods
Reproduction: Few data on it
Species: Benthophilus leobergius
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and the Volga river
Habitat: Preferably in brackish water, also in sweet and more rare in sea water.
Search areas with little current, mud or sand bottom and never at a depth of 10 meters.
Food: Invertebrates, mainly mollusks but also Crustaceans
Reproduction: Between April and October, the female lays eggs in two batches and dies shortly thereafter. The male watching the sunset and dies 3 or 4 weeks later.
Size: 10 cm
Species: Benthophilus macrocephalus
Distribution: Russia, Caspian Sea and the Volga River delta
Habitat: In sandy or silt funds mouths and estuaries. It also extends along the coast and into the rivers.
Food: Mollusks, minnows, worms and crustaceans.
Reproduction: During the breeding season lasts from April to July, form groups until finally the chosen partner is removed under an empty shell to spawn.
Size: Male 11.6 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of about a year.
Species: Benthophilus magistri
Distribution: Russia, Ukraine, Azov Sea and Caspian Sea
Habitat: In rivers freshwater or slightly brackish, mostly on clay background.
Food: Crustaceans, larvae of chironomids and mollusks.
Reproduction: They place the eggs under empty shells, both parents died soon after.
Size: 8.5 cm
Observations: Their life expectancy is about one year.
Species: Benthophilus nudus
Distribution: Romania, Ukraine, the Black Sea and the Danube River delta
Habitat: Prefers low-lying areas of the rivers, near the mouths in brackish water. In muddy areas with empty shells.
Food: larvae of chironomids, amphipods and molluscs.
Reproduction: Between May and August on empty shells spawn in two or three parts. Parents die shortly after spawning and other representatives of the genre.
Size: Male 15.6 cm
Observations: invasive species in some places
Species: Benthophilus stellatus
Distribution: Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Ukraine. Sea of Azov, Black and Caspian Sea.
Habitat: shallow areas in estuaries, lagoons and rivers never many kilometers from the mouth.
They are found mainly on clay substrate.
Food: molluscs, crustaceans, insect larvae and fish
Reproduction: occurs between May and June dying soon after the female, the male will live but a few weeks more.
Size: Male Female 13.5 cm 11 cm
Species: Caspiosoma caspium
Distribution: Romania, Russia, Ukraine. Black Sea, Caspian Sea and Sea of Azov.
Habitat: In rivers and estuaries at depths between 2 and 8 meters
Food: invertebrates, algae and rotifers
Reproduction: No data.
Size: 5 cm
Observations: Species little known and researched, although abundant inhabited.
Species: Economidichthys pygmaeus
Distribution: Endemic to Greece
Habitat: Various bodies of water with little current, with a background of detritus and abundant aquatic vegetation.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates, mostly of amphipods and copepods.
Reproduction: More than 600 eggs are placed in a cavity, they are cared for by the male.
The female can spawn several times during the season that lasts only from March to April.
The eggs hatch in a day probably as in the species E. trichonis.
Here they are always kept on the merits while consuming the viteleno sack.
Size: Male Female 5.1 cm 5.8 cm
Observations: Both copies die shortly after spawning completion time.
Species: Economidichthys trichonis
Distribution: Greece, endemic Lake Trichonis
Habitat: In areas with lots of aquatic vegetation, living in groups between plants
Food: invertebrates, mainly cladocerans and larvae of mussels of the species Dreissena polymorpha
Reproduction: Spawning takes place in a cavity, mainly on gravel, but can also use empty shells diverse plant material.
Eggs (between 0.6-0.7mm) hatch after one day and in one setting can lay up to 2,000 eggs.
Larvae are kept on the surface. near shore and once they have absorbed the viteleno sack down to the bottom.
Size: Female Male 3 cm 2.7 cm
Notes: The mature female is approximately 1.8 cm, the smallest vertebrate in Europe to reach sexual maturity.
Endangered due to habitat loss due to agricultural water extraction from Lake Trichonis
Species: Knipowitschia Croatica
Distribution: Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Neretva river and lake Bacina
Habitat: karstic springs of clear water, lakes, streams with low flow as well as small rivers.
In areas with dense aquatic vegetation and low presence of predators.
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates and larvae captured near the bottom.
Reproduction: In cavities under rocks, empty shells or different plant material. The male defends the eggs
Size: 4.7 cm
Observations: Species in danger due to the threat of pollution, eutrophication, introduction of alien species and extraction of water in several of only 10 known locations.
Their life expectancy is less than two years.
Species: Knipowitschia goerneri
Distribution: Greece, endemic to the island of Corfu
Habitat: Springs sweet and clear as well as small streams that drain into lakes waters.
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates
Reproduction: No data, although it is likely to be hiding spawners as other representatives of the genre knipowitschia.
Size: 2.2 cm
Comments: Unfortunately other species endangered due to pollution and the extraction of water in their habitats.
Species: Knipowitschia milleri
Distribution: Endemic to Greece
Habitat: In the lowlands, in slightly brackish water, preferably stuck, clear, temperate, with abundant submerged vegetation and sandy or muddy bottom.
Food: chironomid larvae as well as small crustaceans.
Reproduction: It reproduces between February and April, the fry are free swimming and only after a while down at the bottom.
Size: 2.6 cm
Comments: Another species whose life expectancy is no more than two years
It is on the red list of endangered species.
-Picture Guidance, I have not found another one specimen of this species alive-
Species: Knipowitschia montenegrina
Distribution: Endemic of Montenegro, river Moraça
Habitat: In low current backwaters of the river as well as in ponds left in the gravel runway flood zone, it grows with the floods.
The fund is composed of pebbles covered with sediment and filamentous algae.
Food: invertebrates that can capture your tiny mouth as well as larvae of chironomids
Reproduction: Not available, but we can assume that will be similar to other species of this genus.
Size: 2.8 cm
Remarks: very little information of this kind, hopefully soon ichthyologists study this interesting species.
Species: Knipowitschia mrakovcici
Distribution: Croatia, Krka River system, Lake Visovac.
Habitat: Ponds and lakes, in shallow areas with extensive vegetation and little pressure from predators.
Food: Tiny invertebrates and larvae in relation to the size of your mouth
Reproduction: No data but possibly other representatives of the genre.
Size: Male Female 3.2 cm 2.8 cm
Remarks: Endangered due to the progressive contamination of its habitat, from coastal cities of the lake.
Species: Knipowitschia panizzae
Distribution: Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro
Habitat: Areas with a maximum depth of 50 cm and abundant vegetation in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and springs
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates and larvae
Reproduction: During the breeding can be made placed every 10 or 15 days. Bivalve eggs placed the species under Cerastoderma.
The male defends the start.
Size: 5.5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of less than two years life.
With this kind have been developed studies have determined that the male chooses a more ornate before a larger female.
In Italy was introduced to Lake Trasimeno and coastal lagoons Tirrenia
Species: Knipowitschia punctatissima
Distribution: Croatia, Greece, Italy, Po River, parts of Veneto and Emilia Romagna.
Habitat: springs and small streams densely vegetated, with a background of sand or gravel and a constant temperature
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates that captures on or near the bottom.
Reproduction: Spawning takes place between February and July, males tend sunset while females perform various placed during the season.
The eggs are placed under empty shells, plant matter or pebbles.
Size: 4.5 cm
Remarks: Endangered due to the extraction of water in their habitats that does cause desiccation.
In the region of Emilia Romagna in Italy, only inhabits a spring.
Species: Knipowitschia radovici
Distribution: endemic to Croatia, more specifically of the basin of the river Neretva, Norin, Hutovo Biato wetlands and lagoons of the delta.
Habitat: karst springs, streams and small rivers.
Adults living in areas of current, in the deepest parts up to 5 meters. But youth living in backwaters between vegetation, where they are easier to catch food.
Food: Tiny invertebrates and larvae.
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 2.8 cm
Comments: It is very sensitive to environments with multiple predators and to the introduction of exotic species.
Species: Knipowitschia thessala
Distribution: Greek province of Thessaly, the river system Pineios
Habitat: A few springs of clear waters, pebbles and rocks substrate.
Food: Small invertebrates
Reproduction: N/D
Size: Male Female 4.4 cm 4.3 cm
Comments: In danger due to pollution and habitat degradation
Species: Padogobius bonelli
Distribution: Croatia, Zrmanje and Krka river, Slovenia, Italy, and Amaseno rivers Magra, Po river basin, Venice lagoon, Switzerland
Habitat: In streams and small rivers with moderate to strong and on a background of pebbles of various sizes running.
It also can be found in lakes, preferably in areas with extensive aquatic vegetation.
Feeding: Invertebrates
Reproduction: between April and July when the temperature rises from 20 degrees, spawn between rocks, empty shells and aquatic plants.
The male defends the eggs may reach emit audible sounds.
Size: Male Female 8.6 cm 7.5 cm
Comments: Although a species considered invasive in some areas of Italy and abundant in multiple streams in the Apennines, mostly population is in danger due to pollution and habitat destruction
Territorial Species claimed to other congeners your small space.
Species: Padogobius nigricans
Distribution: Italy, Arno River basins, Tiber river and Ombrone.
Habitats: Areas with little current and near or on the edge of areas with dense aquatic vegetation.
Food: Mostly benthic invertebrates
Reproduction: Like other European gobies spawn between or under rocks, empty shells and aquatic plants.
The male guards the eggs even to make sounds if needed to ward off potential predators.
Size: Male Female 7 cm 12 cm
Observations: At condition of vulnerable due to habitat destruction and increased pollution.
Species: Pomatoschistus canestrini
Distribution: Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Neretva basin, Slovenia, Italy, Po River Delta
Habitat: In areas of low flow in rivers, lakes and lagoons. On sandy or clay.
Food: invertebrates like worms and amphipods.
Reproduction: adhesive eggs are deposited between rocks, empty shells or leaves of aquatic plants.
The male guards the perimeter and guards the eggs.
Size: 5.5 cm
Comments: Introduced in Lake Trasimeno in Italy
Species: Pomatoschistus montenegrensis
Distribution: Albania, Montenegro, Moraça River Basin, its tributary, the Zeta river and Lake Skadar.
Habitat: Shallow waters of rivers and lakes in areas with gravel substrate covered with filamentous algae or sediment where it seeks shelter at minimum risk. Also in ponds left in the rocky riverbed in the flood zone.
Food: Small invertebrates and larvae captured near the bottom or algae.
Reproduction: In Lake Skadar breed between March and July and occurs with other representatives of the genre.
Size: Male Female 3.2 cm 2.4 cm
Species: Ponticola constructor
Distribution: Russia, western tributaries of the river Kuban, some parts of the coast of the Black Sea
Habitat: Only in preference for freshwater mountain streams with fresh water and some current.
Food: N/D
Reproduction: They spawn in cavities between the rocks at the bottom and the male guards the eggs.
Size: 20 cm
Species: Ponticola kessleri
Distribution: Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine
Habitat: fresh or brackish but with very low salinity, in rocky areas or vegetation water.
Food: Shellfish well as small gobies
Reproduction: Between March and May spawn on rocks, empty shells and aquatic plants, and the male takes care of the set.
Size: 22 cm
Comments: This classified as commercial fishing and consumed in different parts of their range.
Species: Ponticola rhodioni
Distribution: Russia, Black Sea, Kuban River basin
Habitat: fresh or brackish water.
Food: N/D
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 14 cm
Species: Proterorhinus nasalis
Distribution: Ukraine, Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea
Habitat: fresh and brackish in areas with lots of rocks in the background or extensive vegetation water.
Normally in backwaters or classes with little current.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates that captures in the background.
Reproduction: between April and August spawn in deep cavities, the male guards the eggs while the female can produce several put in one season.
Size: 9 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of less than two years life.
Species: Proterorhinus semilunaris
Distribution: Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Ukraine
Habitat: stagnant or low flow in estuaries or small water courses slow waters in lowland areas.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates that captures near the bottom
Reproduction: They spawn in cavities between April and August.
The male cares for spawning.
Size: 12 cm
Remarks: Very invasive species that apart from large areas in Europe, this colonizing North America, it is suspected that arrived in the storage pools in merchant ships ..
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Species: Proterorhinus tataricus
Distribution: Crimea, endemic river Chornaya
Habitat: Lives in backwaters or areas with moderate current within the channel of the main channel.
Food: N/D
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 9.2 cm
Comments: Its distribution is limited to a section of 25 km of the river, which suffers from extraction of water for irrigation coming to dry at several points.
It is at risk of extinction and hopefully take steps to avoid it.
Marine species that tolerate freshwater
Species: Gobius paganellus
Distribution: Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Iberian Peninsula, United Kingdom, Romania, Ukraine
Habitat: A shallow and rocky coastline.
Food: polychaetes and small crustaceans that traps near the bottom.
Reproduction: Between January and June, spawn in small caves as well as empty shells or stones, always in the ceiling.
The male protects the start until hatch.
Size: 12 cm
Observations: sedentary and their life expectancy is around ten years.
Species: Knipowitschia caucasica
Distribution: Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Russia, Ukraine.
Habitat: Marino enters freshwater although at a depth between 0 and 2 meters in lakes, estuaries and lakes in areas with lots of vegetation.
Food: small crustaceans and chironomids, larvae also Mejillones.
Reproduction: Beaten eggs on the roof of a cave.
Size: 5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of two years.
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Species: Knipowitschia longecauda
Distribution: Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, in parts of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea.
Habitat: Mainly in shallow areas with background composed of sand and always close to marginal or submerged vegetation.
Food: It feeds on small invertebrates that captures near the bottom.
Reproduction: spawning are hiding and lay eggs on the roof of a cavity under rocks, plant material or bivalve molluscs or shells.
The male guards the place with a lot of dedication.
Size: 5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy as other representatives of his younger two years genre.
Species: Pomatoschistus
marmoratus
Distribution: Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Habitat: Brackish though mostly hypersaline marine and even at depths up to 20 and 70 meters on mostly sandy substrates.
Food: small crustaceans and larvae of chironomids
Reproduction: From March to mid-September. Eggs 1mm to 0.6 mm are placed under rocks or empty shells.
Size: 8 cm but usually not exceed 5 cm
Observations: It has a life expectancy of two years.
Species: Proterorhinus marmoratus
Distribution: Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Czech Republic, Romania
Habitat: It lives in brackish water, and although it can live in both environments, preferred to avoid the fresh water or seawater.
Food: It feeds on invertebrates
Reproduction: N/D
Size: 11.5 cm
Examples of Aquarium for Freshwater Gobies from Europe
Over the next examples, let us know how should be the characteristics of aquariums, based on the characteristics of their biotopes, suitable for receiving such species.
I remember that many of them for their fragile situation, you can not keep them in captivity, or the capture in their habitats.
Will include them in the examples, as they are still hypothetical examples of how they should be maintained properly in captivity.
Moreover some of them are not at risk or protected in some way.
They take advantage of different ways, as food for the population in places where it is distributed, or as bait for anglers to catch larger species
Others have been introduced and are expanding, I do not know like this the legislation in each place for maintenance in captivity of these species.
What I mean is that it depends on each country or even each province that legislation be changed, which is why these samples are included in all species described above.
Also need to pay attention to that but sometimes this assembly recommended for a certain number of species not mean you can include all the Aquarium example.
We should choose a consistent number of them and whether it is preferable not to overdo the number of copies.
Planted Aquarium for Small Species
Size: Recommended from 60 liters, but in the near to 100 liters in size, we may keep a greater diversity of species and also a greater number of copies.
Form: Preferably low, wide and about a meter long.
Filtration: As a large number of assembly plants, and the role biotope much current does not flow, we must pay attention to use filter.
On the one hand it should effectively do their jobs without creating great turbulence in the water.
An external filter with adjustable flow or a backpack or waterfall with sufficient volume, it is the recommended option.
Lighting: Many of the selected plant species have high light requirements so it is important to study this aspect.
T8 fluorescent tubes, being usual easily find adequate spectrum for plants. The LED screens are also recommended but we must pay attention to its power and capacity. With proper lighting we will get a lush growth of different plants.
Parameters: As European species suffering from different conditions during winter and summer.
They have a great adaptability and support changes in the physiochemical water conditions.
In one of its biotopes parameters that are collected they are:
Temperature: 10 ° C - 20 ° C
Dissolved Oxygen: 0.3-14mg / 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
Decoration: We start with a base substrate enriched for different species of plants can develop their roots properly.
On it we can put fine sand or gravel, as well as small pebbles, it is more indifferent and our aesthetic taste.
We plant the fastest growing plants in the back and sides.
In the center we place the small and medium-sized generating such a small lawn. At the front we leave clear to observe the evolution of gobies in the foreground space. Some branches, leaves and also some larger pebbles help us to create points of visual interest. Gastropod shells or mollusks, will serve to seek shelter and a place some species to spawn.
Maintenance: Water changes weekly, also prune the fastest growing plants and remove leaves in disrepair.
Fish Species: Economidichthys pygmaeus - Economidichthys trichonis - Knipowitschia caucasica - Knipowitschia croatica - Knipowitschia goerneri - Knipowitschia milleri - Knipowitschia mrakovcici - Knipowitschia panizzae - Knipowitschia punctatissima - Knipowitschia radovici
Food: Small invertebrates preferably alive, Artemia, Daphnia, chironomid larvae, Grindall, copepods, Anguililla Vinegar as well as tiny gastropods.
We can make a slurry to freeze which would include shrimp and mussels in a high percentage. They accept flake food or pellet form some species, but preferably not only feed them dry food. We can vary your diet using frozen foods.
Plant species: I divided the plants can use this design in two different lists. On the one hand we have that we can find in the area of the Adriatic, particularly in the Lake Trichonida in Greece, where they come several fish aquarium in this example. In the second list are some aquatic plants introduced in Europe, many popular in the aquarium and can also be found in these fish habitats along.
Aquatic plants that can be found in their habitats
Sagittaria sp. -Myriophyllum spicatum - Ceratophyllum demersum -Potamogeton pectinatus - Ranunculus trichophyllus - Najus marina - Nasturtium officinale - Lemna minor - Ludwigia peploides -Nymphaea alba - Nitella sp.
Aquatic plants introduced in Europe
Ammannia senegalensis - Azolla filiculoides - Azolla caroliniana - Blyxa japonica - Cabomba caroliniana - Ceratophyllum demersum - Ceratophyllum submersum - Ceratopteris thalictroides - Cryptocoryne crispatula - Egeria densa - Eichornia crassipes - Eleocharis parvula - Elodea canadiensis - Gymnocoronis spilanthoides - Heteranthera rotundifolia - Heteranthera zosterifolia - Hydrilla verticiliata - Hygrophila polysperma - Lagarosiphon major - Lemma minor - Lilaeopsis carolinensis - Ludwigia grandiflora - Myriophyllum aquaticum - Najas guadalupensis - Nuphar japonica - Nymphaea alba - Nymphaea lotus - Nymphaea mexicana - Nymphaea malabarica - Nymphaea rubra - Ottelia alismoides - Pistia stratiotes - Pontederia cordata - Rotala indica - Rotala macrandra - Rotala rotundifolia - Sagittaria graminea - Sagittaria latifolia - Sagittaria platyphylla - Sagittaria subulata - Sagittaria sagittifolia - Salvinia auriculata - Salvinia natans - `Spirodela polyrrhyza - Trapa natans - Utricularia gibba - Vallisneria nana - Vallisneria spiralis
Others Species: Melanoides tuberculata, Physa sp. Planorbis sp., Theodoxus fluviatilis, Unio sp., Atyaephyra desmaresti, Athyaephyra rosiana, Atyaephyra strymonensis, Atyaephyra thyamisensis
Notes: Include some sort of system to add Co2 is highly recommended to promote a splendid plant growth
Sandy aquarium / Estuaries and rivers
Size: 200 liters
Form: To achieve a greater area in the background, you should be low and wide, with enough height on 30 cm.
Filtration: We recommend an external filter if good capacity and may not generate much power. Although not large species or go to have a large number of copies, it is always best to use a good team in aquariums where there are many plants.
Lighting: This time we do not overdo it, in this case fish fish behavior would have a more withdrawn. T8 fluorescent tube with a lesser extent throughout the aquarium, or LED bulbs strategically located parts leaving half light, are the most recommended options that will give us a nice aesthetic effect of gloom.
Parameters: Temperature: 4 ° C - 22 ° C - pH: 7.0 - 8.5 - Salinity:> 3 ppt
Decoration: A sandy bottom (you can use the well-washed beach), as well as a good amount of mollusk shells scattered around the aquarium.
A group of plants in the back, simulating the beginning of a vegetation area.
Some rocks or boulders distributed with space between them, will help to delineate small territories.
The rear glass can darken in some way by a sheet or even paint. With dark background will highlight the image of a shady place and stand out even more different fish on the substrate.
Maintenance: Water changes weekly, paying attention to efficient fund siphoning allow us to maintain acceptable levels of nitrites and ammonia.
Fish Species: Benthophilioides brauneri - Benthophilus casachicus - Benthophilus durrelli - Bentophilus granulosus - Benthophilus leobergius - Benthophilus magistri - Caspiosoma caspium - Pomatoschistus canestrinii - Proterorhinus semilunaris - Knipowitschia longecauda
Food: Although accepted dried food, it is preferable to include in your diet various invertebrates and gastropods. We can use frozen food will find in any gardening store and even prepare a slurry to freeze us with vegetables and high in shrimp and mussels.
Plants Species: Ceratophyllum demersum - Ceratophyllum submersum - Ranunculus trichophyllus - Najas marina
Other Species:
Palaemon sp., Unio sp., Melanoides tuberculata, Physa accuta, Planorbis corneus
Comments: We will add a small amount of salt (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of coffee)
We recommend the installation of a cooler for a temperature of 10 ° C lower wintering
Aquarium from a Rolling Stones River
Size: 120 liters
Form: As for other Gobies is preferably greater width and length than height.
Thus space to delimit their territories gained.
Filtration: The role habitat usually consists of current and clear water, which is why we install filtering equipment that meets their work.
Optionally we can add another point outlet using a circulation pump or an internal filter.
Likewise, the filtration system that mimics the flow of a river using a Power Head, PVC pipe and sponge is highly recommended.
If we put a second point we must locate current so that together with the output of the filter are pointing in a similar direction.
So we get a distribution of the unidirectional current as in the central channel of rivers and streams.
Lighting: Many of the species that inhabit these streams boulders, usually nibble on algae for food.
With the right lighting, the right algae will grow. t8 fluorescent tube 25w or other systems with fewer watts but efficient, will be a suitable choice.
Parameters: Temperature: 4 ° C - 18 ° C - pH: 6.5 - 7.8
Decoration: We will place a layer of fine sand or river of between 3-5 cm, on it place a layer of pebbles 5-8 cm in diameter. On these points in more we will form small caves.
On the front we leave a gap with sand and pebbles size just a few cm in diameter.
Near the exit of the filter will plant some copies of Ranunculus sp. or Vallisneria sp. to extend their leaves carried by the current as in their habitats.
Maintenance: weekly water changes of 20% of the aquarium volume, and even more frequently but in smaller amounts. Sifonaremos paying attention to the gaps between the boulders of the fund, it can build decaying matter in those places.
Fish Species: Knipowitschia thessala - Padogobius bonelli - Padogobius nigricans - Proterorhinus nasalis - Proterorhinus tataricus - Gobius paganellus
Food: Like other Gobies have a preference for invertebrates, dried food also accept that we will vary with quality frozen. It is also recommended the preparation of a slurry which can introduce vegetables, white fish, prawns and mussels.
Plant Species: Ranunculus trichophyllum - Vallisneria nana - Vallisneria spiralis
Other Species: Melanoides tuberculata - Physa acuta - Gyraulus sp. - Theodoxus fluviatilis - Limnea sp. - Planorbis sp.
Remarks: By mimicking this aquarium a river with running water, it is advisable to add an oxygenator or alternatively a venturi system at the outlet of the filter.
Aquarium to Flood Pond in Rocky Channel
Size: 30 - 40 liters
Form: The biotope that will mimic ponds are left in the flood area with wide, covered with boulders channels. It is therefore not necessary to raise more than just a few centimeters in height.
There are currently some landscaping oriented aquariums whose characteristics are suitable for such assemblies.
In case you can not get them we can choose to order or make a custom aquarium.
It is possible to construct glass or acrylic, looking a bit by the network find lots of tutorials in several languages that will help us in the work.
Filtration: We need a filter that is able to keep the water in good condition and yet do without creating excessive current.
A sponge filter powered by an oxygenator, or even a small circulation pump with low flow and comply with the work of making a mechanical filtration.
Another option is to install a small outside filter, its output will post a glass diffuser or the like widely used in landscaping to reduce the rate of return.
Lighting: These environments often suffer seasonal ponds strong insolation, this promotes the growth of various algae, including filamentous that is where they find shelter small Gobies that inhabit them.
Knowing this, we move to the aquarium with enough power to light.
Due to the small size of the aquarium, it should not cost us do with any of the more common systems.
Parameters: As usually end seasonal ponds dried or engulfed by a flood, can give extreme conditions.
In order to maintain a temperature between 18 ° C and 22 ° C, with a pH of 6.5-7.5, they are suitable for the selected species.
Decoration: After placing a layer of river sand as a base, cover the bottom with small boulders, of various shapes, colors or tones, as well as sizes for gaps between them and beneath them are generated.
If we have the will filamentous algae in the central part where extending iran if the conditions are right.
Failing that we can use some kind of moss, which can also fulfill the purpose of providing shelter and a place to rest.
Cladophlora will place several small algae in different places of the aquarium, these algae are known for their ability to filter water various substances.
Maintenance: weekly water changes of 20% or even something more volume aquarium they compel maintain a good water quality.
We go cutting filamentous algae or moss if too much stretching as can cover the entire aquarium.
Also regularly clean up algae glasses to observe in detail our guests tiny.
Fish Species: Knipowitschia montenegrina - Pomatoschistus montenegrensis
Food: Tiny preferably living invertebrates such as Artemia, Daphnia, gastropods or crustaceans.
We can add frozen food, provided that we have prepared to suit the size of your mouth.
Plants Species: Vesicularia dubyana - Fontinalis apyretica - Algas Filamentosas - Cladophlora sp, Lemna minor
Other Species: Melanoides tuberculata, Limnea sp., Gyraulus sp., Theodoxus fluviatilis - Atyaephyra desmaresti
Remarks: A special aquarium for fish special, we approached with care and patience to observe the aquarium these fish in all its glory.
Aquarium for Big Species
Size: 300 liters
Form: As in the previous examples and in most aquariums Gobies, height sacrifice to win a larger area in the background, with a wide and long aquarium.
Filtration: As larger species is advisable to install an external filter with sufficient capacity. We can choose to place two smaller careful not to create excessive current.
Lighting: If we exceed it is likely that some species have a retracted behavior and some unnatural colors.
As are species that inhabit background and several meters deep, they are accustomed to living in an atmosphere of gloom.
It is therefore advisable to place points of light at various points leaving others darkened. We will achieve bulbs, small screens or lights.
A recommended option are the LEDs for low power consumption and attractive light.
Parameters: Temperature: 4 ° C-22 ° C - Ph: 6.5-8.5 - Salinity: > 5 ppt
Decoration: sandy areas will alternate with others of pebbles and boulders. We will spread along the bottom multitude of empty shells of molluscs and some intricate root or branches that will give a very natural look.
Create caves sufficient to enter the larger species size, we can perform using coconuts, average pot or a curved piece of tile.
If we opt for something more natural to you we relizarlas slate rocks for example, taking care that they are well established and no sharp edges.
Maintenance: With changes in about 20% of the aquarium volume every week, as well as a good siphoning get free water to maintain a cumulative substances.
Fish Species: Babka gymnotrachelus - Benthophilus leobergius - Benthophilus macrocephalus - Benthophilus nudus - Benthophilus stellatus - Padogobius nigricans - Ponticola constructor - Ponticola kessleri - Ponticola rhodioni - Proterorhinus semilunaris - Gobius paganellus - Proterorhinus marmoratus
Feeding: Food live preferably in this case is not so important so small also they consume snails, shrimp, worms or minnows. We can also prepare a slurry to freeze later which will include mussels, shrimp, white fish and a piece of beef heart or liver.
Being voracious species willingly accept the various common foods like dried scales / flakes or granules.
Plants Species: Ceratophyllum demersum - Ceratophyllum submersum, Najas marinus
Other Species: Melanoides tuberculata, Planorbis corneus, Physa accuta, Limnea sp, Palaemon serratus
Comments: We provide sufficient hiding places for all copies, and who like to retire to a shelter. Other species may become so buried sand layer should be several centimeters thick.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article fills a gap that existed on freshwater gobies of Europe and its interest in maintaining aquariums.
Encourage them to answer that always appreciated or discuss any question or doubt.
Likewise if you've fallen down here Animate chance to register for the forum where every day we try to learn something new.
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
www.ittiofauna.org
Biotope Aquarium Example: Submerged Meadow, Lake Trichonida, Greece - Pezerologo - Biotope Aquarium Forum
Phylogenetic placement of the European sand gobies in Gobionellidae and characterizacion of gobionellid lineages ( Gobiiformes: Gobiodei) - Christine E. Thacker
A new West Balkanian sand-goby ( Teleostei: Gobiidae) - P. J. Miller and R. Sanda
Morphology, Feeding, and Reproduction of the Round Goby, Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas), in the Danube River Basin, Yugoslavia - Predrag Simonovic, Momir Paunovic and Srdja Popovic
New Record of Neogobius fluviatilis (Pallas, 1814) (Gobiidae) in the Danube River Basin ( Serbia) - Vesna Djikanovic, G. Marcovic and S.Skoric
Mediterranean Endemic Freshwater fishes of Italy - Pier Giorgio Bianco
Orsinigobius milleri n. sp., a new species of freshwater goby of W-Greece (Pisces: Gobiidae) - Harald Ahnelt and Pier Giorgio Bianco
Freshwater fish habitat science and management in Greece - D. C. Bobori, P.S. Economidis and E.G. Maurakis
A new species of Knipowitschia (Gobiidae) from Dalmatia, Croatia - Marcelo Kovacic
The status of the Freshwater Gobiid, Knipowitschia mermere Ahnelt, 1995: distribution, ecology and threats - Gulnaz Ozcan
Review of the Distribution of the Family Gobiidae (Pisces) in the Bulgarian Danube Tributaries - Velislav Y. Zarev, Apostolos I. Apostolou, Boris K. Velkov, Milen V. Vassilev
Reduction of scales and head canals in Pomatoschistus canestrinii (Ninni, 1883) (Teleostei, Gobiidae) - Bjorn Stelbrink and Jorg Freyhof
Escape from the Ponto-Caspian: Evolution and biogeography of an endemic goby species flock ( Benthophilinae: Gobiidae: Teleostei:) - Matthew E. Neilson and Carol A. Stepien
Threatened freshwater fishes and molluscs of the Balkan - EuroNatur Report
The shallow water gobiid assemblage of the Venice Lagoon: abundance, seasonal variation and habitat partitioning - S. Malavasi, A. Franco, R. Fiorin, P. Franzoi, P. Torricelli and D. Mainardi
Male lagoon gobies, Knipowitschia panizzae, prefer more ornamented to larger females - Matteo Pizzolon, Maria B. Rasotto, Carlotta Mazzoldi
Habitat Characteristics of Two Endangered Gobies in the Venice Lagoon - Anita Franco, Stefano Malavasi, Ricardo Fiorin, Matteo Zuccheta and Patrizia Torricelli
Transfaunazioni invasive nel distretto ittiofaunistico tosco-laziale: prove di composizione territoriale e alimentare tra Padogobius nigricans e Padogobius bonelli - Massimo Mecatti, Manuela Gualtieri and Katia Gattai
Distribuzione di Knipowitschia panizzae (VERGA, 1841) (Osteichthyes, Gobiidae) Nelle zone umide costiere del Parco Regionale della Maremma (Toscana) - Massimiliano Marcelli, Paolo Fastelli and Flavio Monti
Presenza di Knipowitschia panizzae (VERGA, 1841) (Osteinchthyes, Gobiidae) in un bacino de acqua dolce della provincia di Grosseto (Lago dell`Accesa,Toscana) - Massimiliano Marcelli, Marco Porciani and Giacomo Radi
European Red List of Freshwater Fishes - Jorg Freyhof and Emma Brooks
Two new sympatric Knipowitschia spacies (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from a eastern Mediterranean coastal lake--examples of different dispersal patterns? - Harald Ahnelt
Status of Gobiid Ichthyofauna in Bulgaria: Taxonomical, Conservative, Ecological and Social Aspects - Milen Vassilev, Apostolos Apostolou, Boris Velkov, Petya Ivanova, Marina Panayotova, Dobrin Dobrev and Luchezar Pehlivanov
Alien aquatic plant species in European countries - A. Hussner
Revision of the freshwater genus Atyaephyra (Crustacea, Decapoda, Atyidae) based on morphological and molecular data - Magdalini Chistodoulou, Aglaia Antoniou, Antonio Magoulas and Athanasios Koukouras
The Biology of Gobies - Robert A. Patzner, James L. Van Tassell, Marcelo Kovacic and B.G. Kapoor
Freshwater Fishes and Lampreys of Greece, an Annotated Checklist - 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:
Handbook of European Freshwater Fishes - Maurice Kottelat and Jorg Freyhof