NEWS 115
22
Nowadays you need to be really lucky to find
Chanchitos in the aquarium trade. Hardly
anyone keeps this up to 30 cm long species
(normally 10-15 cm) anymore.There are also
problems with the systematics. Until 1995
only two species of chanchito were known,
but currently there are 28 accepted by
science plus a few known to the aquarium
hobby but not yet unequivocally classified
scientifically. There are, however, a few
aquarists that have taken e.g. the small-
growing
Australoheros minuano
under their
wings, so that this and a number of other
species are available now and then.
A.
minuano
grows to barely 10 cm long and the
males become red or pink at spawning time!
Darters
Darters are little known in Europe.They are a
species-rich family that occurs exclusively in
NorthAmerica.All darters are relatively small,
with the majority growing no larger than 10
cm. One species,
Etheostoma oweni,
is
regarded as the most colorful fish of North
America! Darters are usually encountered in
runningwater,but they are readily adaptable
to still water and aquarium life. These fishes
are ideally suited to garden ponds with a
cascade feature. In addition very many
species are completely winter-hardy.
Unfortunately they are available only
extremely rarely,and then at excessively high
prices.But you should try them if you get the
chance! The individuals shown here were
recently imported to Jung's ornamental fish
farm fromOhio.
Darters are fairly peaceful among
themselves. They are bottom-dwellers that
feed predominantly on small invertebrates.
In the aquarium and garden pond they also
relish frozen foods. Interestingly, the brilliant
colors of some species can be seen only
when the fishes are viewed from below.This
is a protective measure against fish-eating
Etheostoma variatum
, courting male.
Etheostoma variatum
, female
Etheostoma camurum,
male
birds. When the males swim briefly in the
open water during courtship, the females
can nevertheless spot their stunning colors
at a glance. Darter females are basically
smaller and less attractively colored. The
majority of species lay in gravel, but the
splendid green E. zonale is a plant spawner.
Darters are interesting, gorgeous little
creatures that ought to be kept by more fish
fans!
Etheostoma zonale,
junges Männchen.
