"Natural" Aquascapes and Fish Behaviours

[Byron]

Most on this forum know I have extensively researched natural habitats because I believe an aquarium that provides as close a habitat as the fish are programmed by evolution to expect (and need most times) will result in fish that are more natural in their behaviours and thus healthier. Stress is significantly reduced simply by providing a natural habitat. "Natural" doesn't mean exact, but can be artificial so long as the natural element is satisfied.

I am always glad to see articles with photos that illustrate or explain this better than I am able, and I came across one such article this morning in the latest Amazonas newsletter. It is entitled Aquarium Musings: Bringing Out "The Best" in Aquarium Fish.

http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2017...campaign=2017_01_27+Amazonas&utm_medium=email

 

[NickAu]

Been saying that all along, While scaped manicured tanks look nice they benefit the human eye not the fish.

Kuhli Loaches are a good example, With lots of ground cover plants and leaf litter they are quite bold and explore the tank.

 

[AbbeysDad]

I agree... but I'd extend it to 'natural or better'. For example, I've seen video from the amazon and at times, in places, the water is so muddy/murky you couldn't see 6" ahead...I/we prefer crystal clear water in our tanks...as well as high quality/pure water in other respects.

I also agree that a tank with real plants and with modest (not harsh) lighting offers the best "almost natural habitat" for fish, even store bought, tank raised fish would benefit from [more] natural environment/eco-system. Similarly, I think fish born and raised in such environments will do better than others...although it's nearly never to late to improve a creatures living conditions!

Also, I'm currently using an LED light (Finnex Planted+ 24/7) in 24/7 mode that simulates a reddish sunrise -> midday sun -> reddish sunset, and blueish moonlight - adding yet another dimension to a nearly natural habitat.

 

[cooledwhip]

I agree. I personally own boesemani rainbows. I keep them in a pretty small tank, 45 gallons. There is very little side to side swimming space, It's about the size of a 20 tall or a 10 gallon cube in width and depth... I've been told many times it's bad for rainbows which it is, but the "scape" of the tank, the massive plant cover, hiding spots, numerous cave structures, driftwood protection, low light, and no fertilizers make the fish really happy and less stressed about the small tank.

I'm not saying you can put an oscar in a 5 gallon or anything, but tank dimensions aren't super important if the tank is setup naturally.

The boesemanis and corydoras in here spawn on a regular basis, and the coloration of my boesemanis is better than any picture I've seen online.

 

[Byron]

I agree. I personally own boesemani rainbows. I keep them in a pretty small tank, 45 gallons. There is very little side to side swimming space, It's about the size of a 20 tall or a 10 gallon cube in width and depth... I've been told many times it's bad for rainbows which it is, but the "scape" of the tank, the massive plant cover, hiding spots, numerous cave structures, driftwood protection, low light, and no fertilizers make the fish really happy and less stressed about the small tank.

I'm not saying you can put an oscar in a 5 gallon or anything, but tank dimensions aren't super important if the tank is setup naturally.

The boesemanis and corydoras in here spawn on a regular basis, and the coloration of my boesemanis is better than any picture I've seen online.

Stress to fish can be caused by a great many factors. While I agree that providing plant cover, low light, no additives and such can avoid stress, there are still other considerations. We used to read that if fish spawned, all must be well, but this is misleading too.

This species mentioned, Melanotaenia boesemani, attains over 4 inches for males and over 2 inches for females. They are fairly active swimmers. A 2-foot tank (the basic high 20g you mentioned is 24 inches in length) is just not sufficient room for this species to be at its best, meaning thriving. This is like keeping a racehorse in your bedroom, and because it is well fed and looks OK, it must be--but it certainly is not thriving.

Fish have evolved to function best in a very specific environment. "Environment" with respect to an aquarium includes water parameters, water volume, tank dimensions, aquascaping, numbers of the species, and other species in the tank. Each of these do affect the fish's physiology and health. This species cannot possibly be "at its best" in such a small swimming space. It needs at least a 4-foot tank.

I have a group of Congo Tetra which are about the same size, and probably a bit less active swimmers. They are in my 4-foot 90g, and I cannot even imagine them in my 3-foot tank, much less something smaller still. These aspects of a fish's requirements are not something we can ignore or change, and we must accept that if we are to provide the best environment for a species.

Byron.

 

[AbbeysDad]

Of course, you're quite right Byron. Sadly many fish (and animals) are confined in spaces much too small for them to thrive. I'm thinking now of a tiger I once saw in a cage, pacing nervously back and forth. A sure sign he was far from content in his confined space.

In some regards though, I think the hobby has somewhat muddied the water (pls forgive the analogy) when it comes to some wild fish requirements vs. tank raised fish. An example that comes to mind is the angel fish. In the wild, angels school in soft, somewhat acidic waters, often with a fair amount of wood (tannin's). But many of the angel's in the hobby were bred and raised in tanks for generations with various water chemistry. For fish raised in somewhat hard, alkaline water it would be as much a shock to put them in soft, acidic water as the reverse for the wild angel.

Regardless, it is sad, if not inhumane, to have fish in a bowl or some of these small nano tanks. I almost get angry seeing betas in the pet store in those tiny little bowls! ... And likewise for over crowding a tank with too many fish, or tanks that don't get the maintenance they need for good fish health.
Whew, I better stop lest this turns into the rant of the week!