RE: Apisto Predators

["Ray McCaleb" <ray_mccaleb@oit.peachnet.edu>]

David,
Sounds like a great project. Years ago, in Florida, you could buy 1/2",
3/4", 7/8", and 1" marine plywood (no voids) in 4'x10' sheets. It was not
cheap, even then, but could be special ordered. This might certainly be a
cost effective alternative to glass. If available, the 10' sheet would
complete an 8' tank including the ends, or a 10' tank short the ends.
Basically all the glass that would be required would be for the front
viewing pane(s) and top cutouts for light(s). I don't know where you are
located, but if there is a custom boat yard within driving distance you
might check with them. Do keep us posted on the progress of this project,
please.

Ray

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-apisto@admin.listbox.com
> [mailto:owner-apisto@admin.listbox.com]On Behalf Of David A. Youngker
> Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 5:22 PM
> To: Apistogramma Mailing List
> Subject: 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
>
>
>
>
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