Post by pezerologo on Apr 28, 2015 22:58:52 GMT
Hi all !!
Lake Tanganyika ..... suggestive name when it comes to aquariums. He had postponed writing about this spectacular place, home to such popular fish such as Tropheus or shell-dwelling folk. The wait ended, I hope you like it.
Lake Tanganyika is the largest in Africa and the second largest in the world by volume of water. It is located in the Rift Valley and confined between the mountainous wall that surrounds him.
It extends along 676 kilometers in the North-South axis and in its widest reaches 80 km.
Its coasts bathe the countries of Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Zambia, Tanzania and DRC while grabbing much of it.
The lake covers an estimated 32,000 km2, with a coastline that spans 1800 km where the endemic cichlids are abundant in all ecosystems surface.
With an average depth of 570 meters and a maximum of 1,470 meters, it is not surprising that you name the Africa Inland Sea.
Regarding this controversy here has been many years since, naturalists to observe the similarities between some freshwater species such as crabs, snails, jellyfish or sponges thought that Lake Tanganyika was sometime connected to the ocean.
Today we know that this is not so, and if found similarities between species and other sea ago, is because they have followed a parallel evolutionary path.
Many rivers and streams flowing down from the mountains flow into the lake, we also find rivers where the lake empties, the biggest of them all is the River Lukuga that from the western part of the lake, runs 350 km to merge with other rivers in the Congo River basin.
Most lakes at some point of the year its waters become green algae broth, not so in the Lake Tanganyika maintaining crystal clear waters in much of its coastline.
Water parameters are bit variables in this case, a temperature of 26º-29ºC all year, a high pH between 8.5-9.0, Gh Kh 8th-12th and 15th-18th. The conductivity gives a figure of ~600 microsiemens. Salinity has a value close to 1,000
These conditions have led to several unusual species in freshwater bodies, have thrived here, the best known are the calcareous algae, crabs, jellyfish, sponges and snails virtually identical to those found in any ocean.
In its waters all a great diversity of Cichlids (250 species) as well as another 75 fish of various genres, highlighting Sheatfish, Killifish or freshwater sardines.
Its multiple habitats I selected the rocky coast in these varied species coexist and are usually maintained by fans.
The chosen biotope is located in the Southwest part in the coastline belonging to Zambia, more specifically Cape Kaku.
Cape Kaku is a small piece of land that juts out into the lake and that the characteristics of the topography of the coast, just a few meters down and the clarity of its waters make it a very special place for diving in an aquarium natural.
Near here is the Kasaba Bay, where wild catches eventually reach the shops around the world.
It is within the limits of Sumbu National Park, in a sparsely populated area of Zambia.
We could say without fear of contradiction, that is a heavenly place.
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As in other parts of the lake, here we find huge rocky outcrops, which like marine reefs are home to a diverse community of fish.
We also found piles of rocks zones of small and medium size where smaller species thrive exploit any crack to lay their eggs.
This is an easily imitable biotope aquarium and very attractive Let's see an example where we can keep a fish community, which lived and even some will now be played spontaneously before our watchful eye.
We start with the size of the tank. To maintain a diverse community of species, should not be less than 400 liters. It is more advisable something more preferably lower and wider for greater surface.
The decor to mimic this biotope the start placing styrofoam on the lower glass. Then we cover with sand, (a good choice is the one that sold for reef aquariums) and thus we will ensure that the weight of the rocks that we place, not cause cracks in catastrophic consequences.
These rocks are recommended to be better to simulate granite, geology and topography of the lakefront, with a size between 15 cm and 40 cm (without being bulky or heavy) the handing go around the aquarium. In the back we will place the larger, scattering the others in the central and side area. The idea is to create a multitude of nooks and crannies and small caves that will be liked by these cichlids of Lake Tanganyika.
On the front let sand cleared areas, with scattered pebbles and some snail shells (preferably marine) generate a space where we can watch the smaller fish.
The decoration should not approach the surface of the water, if we have placed in stages, the back should not rise more than half the height of the aquarium.
This would allow the species that swim in surface waters are all available space.
This would be a good example of decoration and a good concept with which we begin our rockscape.
In these aquariums it is highly recommended blue paint the back of the aquarium (outside !! !!) or place the paper, which sold for marine aquariums.
Adequate and even superior to what is necessary filtration is recommended in this case. Water conditions should be excellent for the proper maintenance of these fish.
You can combine different types of filtering, starting with a dry / wet bulky external filter, a filter fluid bed system or even some DIY.
Many aquarist placed two outdoor, recommended if you do not want to complicate filters with other methods.
We should not forget that to mimic the current raging here, recirculation pumps usually sold for marine aquariums, will be the best alternative.
Lighting should be intense and allows the growth of algae on the rocks and the shores of Lake Tanganyika. In this case to be respectable size aquariums, we opt for proven systems like Hqi, T5 or LED screens quality.
To keep the temperature stable quality heaters must acquire a good option termofilters sun outside. If we chose a standard heater must remember not to overdo in watts, as in the case of failure of the thermostat and can overheat the aquarium, which would have horrible consequences for our fish.
Frequent water changes are necessary to maintain the health of the aquarium, to have controlled the different parameters of the aquarium such as hardness or ph value in specialty stores sell a variety of products in the form of salts, resins or additives that help us greatly in this work.
Another interesting option for those who do not have the space or appropriate to set up a tank of this size circumstances, passes by choosing one of the species discussed below. An aquarium with a volume greater than 120 liters, and imitating the different aspects that I mentioned in the technical and decoration, Neolamprologus, Telmatochromis or Altolamprologus would be the most appropriate choice.
And after seeing the different aspects to mount this habitat of rocky coastline, we will meet the inhabitants.
Neolamprologus brichardi is and will be one of my favorite species of cichlids. Perhaps your color or shape are not as flashy as other species of this lake. But its simple reproduction, coupled with the dedication of the care of their children, and the involvement of youth in protecting the fry of the next generations. This superfamily the will appreciate at its best if the aquarium is large enough.
Its distribution is limited to several areas of the lake, but there sonde is their presence is abundant. Especially in the northern province of Burundi, hence its common name Princess of Burundi.
It reaches a size of about 9 cm and depending on their origin can have variable coloration patterns.
He likes to be close to the rocks and the aquarium, probably hogging the central area.
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The Neolamprologus caudopunctatus shell dweller is considered by some authors, but it is a hiding-spawning, which exploited either slit or hole where between entering and not others, including the shells. Why not keep it as we erroneously prairie dweller Neothauma shells sp., But as an inhabitant of rocky shores where we found the most.
The male may slightly exceed 6 cm, while the female is slightly smaller.
It has a peaceful behavior with the exception of the period of reproduction and likes to live in large groups.
Reproduction is possible although not as large as other representatives of their gender.
With a subtle but attractive color, it is a species that should not be missing in an aquarium of Lake Tanganyika, especially if we talk about the cost of Zambia where it is endemic.
A species that create an interesting contrast with earlier, and with whom he shares his taste for being close to the rocks, is the Telmatochromis bifrenatus. Cichlid an opportunist who will not hesitate to devour the eggs of species of cichlids much older than her and also copied to the shell-dwelling species, with which it shares habitat sometimes and spawn in the shells to ensure their offspring.
Reaches a maximum size of 9 cm and its color pattern with longitudinal marked line, draw the attention of amateur novice and the more experienced.
If the aquarium is large we can keep a group of these fish, preferably one male with several females.
In the middle / upper aquarium swimming tirelessly to see Cyprichromis leptosoma with its attractive electric blue and bright yellow coloration call our attention. Do not forget that sexual dimorphism in this species is very marked and females are almost gray. Why not leave to introduce copies of both sexes, because in this way we can see the interesting reproductive behavior.
Reaches a size of 14 cm and we will provide you with a strong current, we must not forget that there is a sea-like waves on the lake and below the surface large currents are created.
Altolamprologus calvus is a quiet, peaceful cichlid which has a peculiar anatomy, adapted to capture small prey into cracks and holes in the rocks. In turn, this flattened shape lets you hide from the many predators that abound in the lake. The males reach a size of 15 cm and females barely reach 10 cm.
If we decide to introduce this in our community aquarium fish, we have a couple of points in mind. One is that it is a very specialized small predator, to which we provide an appropriate diet. On the other hand if we want other species reproduce naturally in the aquarium, these fish fry percentage that can reach adults, down significantly. Reproduction is uncomplicated and spawn about 150 eggs at a time.
At first I was not going to suggest any kind of Tropheus having found no confirmation that they are in that particular point of the lake. However in nearby Kasaba bay, we found a beautiful variety of these fish. This is the Tropheus ilangi "Kasaba Bay" with the beautiful color of her body, a group of them called our attention.
We must remember if we opt for these fish, their diet consists of a high percentage of algae and have a very specialized diet. This means that we should pay close attention to the eating habits of their tank mates to prevent inadequate food affects the health of our Tropheus.
Reach a close to 13 cm in size and have an aggressive behavior especially with members of their own species or of similar size and shape. The best option is to imitate their habits in the wild and keeping one male with several females. They are mouthbrooders and should not be surprising that small fry, with the way their parents and appear briefly between the gaps that have formed between decoration.
Watching a group of this precious species, swimming in large aquarium, is easy to understand how is the fan favorite fish Rift Valley.
As you can see is a small sample of the fish variety that exists in the lake and at that particular point. I have selected the best adapted species in captivity, they are simple, frequent and fans from farms or maintenance.
As I mentioned earlier, we will select either species to enter and let us not take the time to decide for one of them.
It is our responsibility to offer the right conditions for proper growth and assure a long life expectancy.
Sometimes the low price of some animals, it seems that serves to make us forget that we have a life in our hands and we must ensure a life in conditions.
I hope you enjoyed the article on how to mount a biotope aquarium rocky coastline of Lake Tanganyika in its southwestern part.
You will not stay away disappointed if you decide tv aside and let him pass to an aquarium of this type.
Encourage them to answer or ask any question or doubt that you arose during the reading.
If you have fallen around browsing the network, encourage and register in the forum where we try every day to learn something new.
Gr3tings !!
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
-Atlas Mergus I&II
-Dr. Alex Jordan Tanganyika travels
-Cichlids of the Rift Lakes - Melanie L.J. Stiassny and Alex Meyer
-Phylogeographic Patterns in Populations of Cichlids Fishes from Rocky Habitats in Lake Tanganyika - Christian Sturmbauer, Eric Verheyen, Lukas Ruber, Axel Meyer.
Lake Tanganyika ..... suggestive name when it comes to aquariums. He had postponed writing about this spectacular place, home to such popular fish such as Tropheus or shell-dwelling folk. The wait ended, I hope you like it.
Lake Tanganyika is the largest in Africa and the second largest in the world by volume of water. It is located in the Rift Valley and confined between the mountainous wall that surrounds him.
It extends along 676 kilometers in the North-South axis and in its widest reaches 80 km.
Its coasts bathe the countries of Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Zambia, Tanzania and DRC while grabbing much of it.
The lake covers an estimated 32,000 km2, with a coastline that spans 1800 km where the endemic cichlids are abundant in all ecosystems surface.
With an average depth of 570 meters and a maximum of 1,470 meters, it is not surprising that you name the Africa Inland Sea.
Regarding this controversy here has been many years since, naturalists to observe the similarities between some freshwater species such as crabs, snails, jellyfish or sponges thought that Lake Tanganyika was sometime connected to the ocean.
Today we know that this is not so, and if found similarities between species and other sea ago, is because they have followed a parallel evolutionary path.
Many rivers and streams flowing down from the mountains flow into the lake, we also find rivers where the lake empties, the biggest of them all is the River Lukuga that from the western part of the lake, runs 350 km to merge with other rivers in the Congo River basin.
Most lakes at some point of the year its waters become green algae broth, not so in the Lake Tanganyika maintaining crystal clear waters in much of its coastline.
Water parameters are bit variables in this case, a temperature of 26º-29ºC all year, a high pH between 8.5-9.0, Gh Kh 8th-12th and 15th-18th. The conductivity gives a figure of ~600 microsiemens. Salinity has a value close to 1,000
These conditions have led to several unusual species in freshwater bodies, have thrived here, the best known are the calcareous algae, crabs, jellyfish, sponges and snails virtually identical to those found in any ocean.
In its waters all a great diversity of Cichlids (250 species) as well as another 75 fish of various genres, highlighting Sheatfish, Killifish or freshwater sardines.
Its multiple habitats I selected the rocky coast in these varied species coexist and are usually maintained by fans.
The chosen biotope is located in the Southwest part in the coastline belonging to Zambia, more specifically Cape Kaku.
Cape Kaku is a small piece of land that juts out into the lake and that the characteristics of the topography of the coast, just a few meters down and the clarity of its waters make it a very special place for diving in an aquarium natural.
Near here is the Kasaba Bay, where wild catches eventually reach the shops around the world.
It is within the limits of Sumbu National Park, in a sparsely populated area of Zambia.
We could say without fear of contradiction, that is a heavenly place.
As in other parts of the lake, here we find huge rocky outcrops, which like marine reefs are home to a diverse community of fish.
We also found piles of rocks zones of small and medium size where smaller species thrive exploit any crack to lay their eggs.
This is an easily imitable biotope aquarium and very attractive Let's see an example where we can keep a fish community, which lived and even some will now be played spontaneously before our watchful eye.
We start with the size of the tank. To maintain a diverse community of species, should not be less than 400 liters. It is more advisable something more preferably lower and wider for greater surface.
The decor to mimic this biotope the start placing styrofoam on the lower glass. Then we cover with sand, (a good choice is the one that sold for reef aquariums) and thus we will ensure that the weight of the rocks that we place, not cause cracks in catastrophic consequences.
These rocks are recommended to be better to simulate granite, geology and topography of the lakefront, with a size between 15 cm and 40 cm (without being bulky or heavy) the handing go around the aquarium. In the back we will place the larger, scattering the others in the central and side area. The idea is to create a multitude of nooks and crannies and small caves that will be liked by these cichlids of Lake Tanganyika.
On the front let sand cleared areas, with scattered pebbles and some snail shells (preferably marine) generate a space where we can watch the smaller fish.
The decoration should not approach the surface of the water, if we have placed in stages, the back should not rise more than half the height of the aquarium.
This would allow the species that swim in surface waters are all available space.
This would be a good example of decoration and a good concept with which we begin our rockscape.
In these aquariums it is highly recommended blue paint the back of the aquarium (outside !! !!) or place the paper, which sold for marine aquariums.
Adequate and even superior to what is necessary filtration is recommended in this case. Water conditions should be excellent for the proper maintenance of these fish.
You can combine different types of filtering, starting with a dry / wet bulky external filter, a filter fluid bed system or even some DIY.
Many aquarist placed two outdoor, recommended if you do not want to complicate filters with other methods.
We should not forget that to mimic the current raging here, recirculation pumps usually sold for marine aquariums, will be the best alternative.
Lighting should be intense and allows the growth of algae on the rocks and the shores of Lake Tanganyika. In this case to be respectable size aquariums, we opt for proven systems like Hqi, T5 or LED screens quality.
To keep the temperature stable quality heaters must acquire a good option termofilters sun outside. If we chose a standard heater must remember not to overdo in watts, as in the case of failure of the thermostat and can overheat the aquarium, which would have horrible consequences for our fish.
Frequent water changes are necessary to maintain the health of the aquarium, to have controlled the different parameters of the aquarium such as hardness or ph value in specialty stores sell a variety of products in the form of salts, resins or additives that help us greatly in this work.
Another interesting option for those who do not have the space or appropriate to set up a tank of this size circumstances, passes by choosing one of the species discussed below. An aquarium with a volume greater than 120 liters, and imitating the different aspects that I mentioned in the technical and decoration, Neolamprologus, Telmatochromis or Altolamprologus would be the most appropriate choice.
And after seeing the different aspects to mount this habitat of rocky coastline, we will meet the inhabitants.
Neolamprologus brichardi is and will be one of my favorite species of cichlids. Perhaps your color or shape are not as flashy as other species of this lake. But its simple reproduction, coupled with the dedication of the care of their children, and the involvement of youth in protecting the fry of the next generations. This superfamily the will appreciate at its best if the aquarium is large enough.
Its distribution is limited to several areas of the lake, but there sonde is their presence is abundant. Especially in the northern province of Burundi, hence its common name Princess of Burundi.
It reaches a size of about 9 cm and depending on their origin can have variable coloration patterns.
He likes to be close to the rocks and the aquarium, probably hogging the central area.
The Neolamprologus caudopunctatus shell dweller is considered by some authors, but it is a hiding-spawning, which exploited either slit or hole where between entering and not others, including the shells. Why not keep it as we erroneously prairie dweller Neothauma shells sp., But as an inhabitant of rocky shores where we found the most.
The male may slightly exceed 6 cm, while the female is slightly smaller.
It has a peaceful behavior with the exception of the period of reproduction and likes to live in large groups.
Reproduction is possible although not as large as other representatives of their gender.
With a subtle but attractive color, it is a species that should not be missing in an aquarium of Lake Tanganyika, especially if we talk about the cost of Zambia where it is endemic.
A species that create an interesting contrast with earlier, and with whom he shares his taste for being close to the rocks, is the Telmatochromis bifrenatus. Cichlid an opportunist who will not hesitate to devour the eggs of species of cichlids much older than her and also copied to the shell-dwelling species, with which it shares habitat sometimes and spawn in the shells to ensure their offspring.
Reaches a maximum size of 9 cm and its color pattern with longitudinal marked line, draw the attention of amateur novice and the more experienced.
If the aquarium is large we can keep a group of these fish, preferably one male with several females.
In the middle / upper aquarium swimming tirelessly to see Cyprichromis leptosoma with its attractive electric blue and bright yellow coloration call our attention. Do not forget that sexual dimorphism in this species is very marked and females are almost gray. Why not leave to introduce copies of both sexes, because in this way we can see the interesting reproductive behavior.
Reaches a size of 14 cm and we will provide you with a strong current, we must not forget that there is a sea-like waves on the lake and below the surface large currents are created.
Altolamprologus calvus is a quiet, peaceful cichlid which has a peculiar anatomy, adapted to capture small prey into cracks and holes in the rocks. In turn, this flattened shape lets you hide from the many predators that abound in the lake. The males reach a size of 15 cm and females barely reach 10 cm.
If we decide to introduce this in our community aquarium fish, we have a couple of points in mind. One is that it is a very specialized small predator, to which we provide an appropriate diet. On the other hand if we want other species reproduce naturally in the aquarium, these fish fry percentage that can reach adults, down significantly. Reproduction is uncomplicated and spawn about 150 eggs at a time.
At first I was not going to suggest any kind of Tropheus having found no confirmation that they are in that particular point of the lake. However in nearby Kasaba bay, we found a beautiful variety of these fish. This is the Tropheus ilangi "Kasaba Bay" with the beautiful color of her body, a group of them called our attention.
We must remember if we opt for these fish, their diet consists of a high percentage of algae and have a very specialized diet. This means that we should pay close attention to the eating habits of their tank mates to prevent inadequate food affects the health of our Tropheus.
Reach a close to 13 cm in size and have an aggressive behavior especially with members of their own species or of similar size and shape. The best option is to imitate their habits in the wild and keeping one male with several females. They are mouthbrooders and should not be surprising that small fry, with the way their parents and appear briefly between the gaps that have formed between decoration.
Watching a group of this precious species, swimming in large aquarium, is easy to understand how is the fan favorite fish Rift Valley.
As you can see is a small sample of the fish variety that exists in the lake and at that particular point. I have selected the best adapted species in captivity, they are simple, frequent and fans from farms or maintenance.
As I mentioned earlier, we will select either species to enter and let us not take the time to decide for one of them.
It is our responsibility to offer the right conditions for proper growth and assure a long life expectancy.
Sometimes the low price of some animals, it seems that serves to make us forget that we have a life in our hands and we must ensure a life in conditions.
I hope you enjoyed the article on how to mount a biotope aquarium rocky coastline of Lake Tanganyika in its southwestern part.
You will not stay away disappointed if you decide tv aside and let him pass to an aquarium of this type.
Encourage them to answer or ask any question or doubt that you arose during the reading.
If you have fallen around browsing the network, encourage and register in the forum where we try every day to learn something new.
Gr3tings !!
Sources
www.fishbase.org
www.wikipedia.org
-Atlas Mergus I&II
-Dr. Alex Jordan Tanganyika travels
-Cichlids of the Rift Lakes - Melanie L.J. Stiassny and Alex Meyer
-Phylogeographic Patterns in Populations of Cichlids Fishes from Rocky Habitats in Lake Tanganyika - Christian Sturmbauer, Eric Verheyen, Lukas Ruber, Axel Meyer.