Oquorpahe

Hey Everyone
So- in short, I've been an aquarist for a few years, and in the bit of research I've done, I'm absolutely amazed that even though many species are harvested in the wild, usually because domestic breeding is difficult, almost no one knows much about their behavior in the wild. I cant think of any specific examples as far as species go, but it's weird to think that many aquarists try to imitate a specific ecosystem (biotope aquariums for example) but in many cases, almost nothing is known about these fishes behavior/habitat/all that implies. Anyway- just wondering what everyone else thought about this.
I write this because I'm starting a new tank, week 3 of (fishless) cycling and thinking about putting in some female bettas. Very beautiful and underrated fish I think , but in trying to find out more about them, SO LITTLE is known about them, and other fish have just as little info. crazy!

Beth1965

I completely know where you're coming from. I often wonder why I do some of the things I do for the fish that I have. I would like to think I'm creating what they want but really don't know that I am, I research what there is available, at least what I am able to find and go with that.
There is one member who I've paid attention to who pronounces more than once to remember that you are creating a living space for the fish not yourself.
Beth

soldieroffortune1974

I am 1 of them that attempts to immitate their biotype,natural habitat. Fortunately,I have had the pleasure of diving in several estuaries, rivers, and coast lines world wide. I see a view of something memorable and I try to immitate something like it in an aquarium. Sometimes I get it dead-on the 1st time, other times I'm not so lucky.

The tetras I have in my 55 gallon, I have dived in Brazil and seen them in the wild. Beautiful fish. The biggest mistake most people make with them is there's hardly any current,the Orinoco river is a fast running river, we couldn't hope to duplicate that current. So we do with what we have.

Beth1965

Thank you, you give me more reason to know that what I do for my fishies, isn't just for me. I can't stand the thought that it's only all for me.
Beth

soldieroffortune1974

Honestly, the way I see it....................

The fish are taken from their natural habitats, shipped days/weeks and in some cases months across the world, mixed together in deplorable tanks at the LFS all in hopes of a quick sale before they start dying off..............

So insert aquarists who enjoy fish keeping (such as myself) and doing the best you can for a terrible situation for the fish,not exactly taking them home ( in the wild), but hopefully providing the next best thing. To me and many others (though my friends and half my family believe I have a fish's brain) it's a passion. If I am going to do it, do it well provide the best care possible and have fun doing it.

Angela_96

The species I keep there are several people out there who have researched their natural enviroment. The book I call the "cichlid bible" wrote by Ad Konings is called "Malawi Cichlids in their Natural Habitat" very good book and recomended for anyone who keeps malawi cichlids.

I have my tanks set up "naturally" for my species.

I think that sucess with fishkeeping comes from using biotopes.

Oquorpahe

Oh man Soldieroffortune-- that would be awesome! I would love to go diving and be with the very fish I have in my aquarium. I'm sure its an amazing experience to view them in their natural habitat. One day when I become super rich (..haha-yeah right!) I would love to start spending a lot of time in the water researching various fish common in home aquariums. And yes, I totally agree; its all about creating the best living space for the fish. I enjoy getting a little lost in their world.

Anyway- glad there are a few people who are as interested in trying to keep things the best for our little aquatic buddies.

aquarist48

http://www.fishlore.com/Articles/bet...care-guide.htm
Above is a link to Beta Care....Best of luck with your new tank.
Congrats on the fishless cycle!