[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index][Index by Month]
Apisto Predators
I'm wondering if there's a reference detailing predatory behavior in Apisto
environments. I'd already considered a "true- to- biotope" tank when the Rio
Negro thread appeared, but with a slight "twist".
The greatest advantage to studying Apistogramma from a behavioral standpoint
is obviously their size - it enables a much larger sample within the
confines of available space. Since that's not problematic here, the next one
to solve is the "artificiality" of the study environment. Does the observed
response to a stimulus in the study represent natural or adaptive behavior?
If the behavior is adaptive, can the correct connections be made between
stimulus and response? That sort of thing.
The greatest advantage to performing volunteer work at the Aquarium is the
chance to compare notes on large tank maintenance.
Put those together with some experience and the real need to change
"biotopes" myself, and you get a place with a garage...
In addition to setting up my cultures again, I'd like to dedicate one of the
garage walls to a biotope tank. No, no - I only mentioned the Aquarium in
passing, I don't intend to rebuild it. I _would_ like a glass- fronted
plywood tank that's 2 feet square on the ends or so, but perhaps 8 - 10 feet
long - reminiscent of the "counter" tanks you see in some of the "old-
style" LFSs. Since it would be in a garage, where it could set out from the
wall rather than against it, I might even go to 3 feet wide with the extra
access.
Set it up, stock it with a specific Apisto, and some naturally- occurring
"dither / target" companions. Give everyone a fair amount of time to get
"established". Introduce a single predator.
Now, it's not too difficult to believe that even a large tank couldn't
support enough of a population of prey to feed an Oscar (thank god they
aren't part of the plan). But I'm wondering - how about one of the Dwarf
Pikes? One that would be as pretty well satisfied with a couple of Tetras a
week as it would a single Apisto.
That is, once it gets past the "kid in the candy store" stage...
-Y-
David A. Youngker
nestor10@mindspring.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com.
For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help,
email apisto-request@listbox.com.
Search http://www.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!