A biotope aquaria is an aquarium that is set-up to simulate a natural habitat. The fish, plants, water chemistry, and furnishings are similar to those that can be found in a specific natural setting.
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Malagasy Crayfish
According to Bradt 2001, six species of crayfish have been described in Madagascar, all of which are endemic. What makes this occurrence particularly interesting is crayfish are not present in Africa or India -- meaning Malagasy crayfish may have much older origins. Today crayfish are a vital source of protein to many in Madagascar.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Northern Madagascar Biotope Aquarium Setup
Ankarana Dry Forest Stream
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Madagascar's fish species are some of the most threatened on the planet. Habitat loss -- especially the conversion of native vegetation to rice paddies -- combined with horrendous erosion resulting from deforestation and the introduction of exotic species (especially Tilapia, Snakeheads, Mosquito fish) have devastated endemic species. Several of Madagascar's unique species are no longer recorded in the wild. The plight of Madagascar's fish species mirrors the degradation of its terrestrial habitats.
One of the most beautiful aquatic habitats I have ever seen was in Ankarana -- a stretch of dry forest in Northern Madagascar. The creek was shaded by a high canopy but richly endowed with gorgeous aquatic plants (shafts of sunglight penetrated the canopy). The substrate was fine sand and the banks of the stream were packed earth. At the time I didn't pay too much attention to the fish or aquatic vegetation as I was focused on the remarkable crowned lemurs and fascinating reptiles found nearby.
Sadly I do not have any pictures of this magnificent habitat -- it was among the rolls of film that got destroyed over the course of a very rough trip.
TANK:
Use silica (silver) or very fine gravel for the substrate. Lighting can be bright and the tank should be heavily planted. Driftwood can be used as desired. The water should be clear and have a slow to moderate current.
PLANTS:
The following plants are among those found in Madagascar: Aponogeton boivinianus, Aponogeton longiplumulosus, Aponogeton Madagascariensis [the plant has been so sought after that is have been depleted over its natural range (care tips, more info)], Aponogeton ulvaceus, Lagarosiphon Madagascariensis, Bacopa Madagascariensis, Hydrotriche hottoniifloria, Blyxa aubertii, and Cyperus alternifolius
Madagascar also has a number of brackish water species suitable for a brackish biotope tank and in some cases, a freshwater biotope as some of these species are also found in freshwater. Below are some of the species found in brackish habitats.
"endemic to northeastern Madagascar.
Found in small freshwater and slightly brackish brooks and creeks under forest cover prefers to live close to the sea Not a seasonal killifish"
Shark-repelling fishing gear in the works
(4/23/2008) Fishing gear that produces an electric field in sea water could help prevent sharks from becoming accidental bycatch, say scientists at NOAA.
Feds flood the Grand Canyon to save endangered fish
(3/5/2008) Federal government officials unleashed a flood of water from Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona to help restore the Grand Canyon's ecosystem which has suffered as a result of changes caused by the dam.
The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me.
