[Killietalk] Aphanius in a pond

["Martin Tversted" <tversted at email_dk>]

Hi all
I usual keep a very low profile on this list, but this particular topic is 
what I work with.
I breed serverel species of Aphanius and in my experience, pond keeping them 
is the only way in the long run.
Here in Denmark, Scandinavia, US zone 7, serverel species are hardy outside 
all year around, only protected from too much rain as this will pollute and 
change the water parameters.
The other problem from keeping them outside is predators in form of insect 
larvaes.

The "hardy" species are:
Aph. mento from Turkey
Aph. anatoliae all subspecies
Aph. danfordii
Aph. iberus
Aph. sophiae
Aph. villwocki
I usual bring in some pairs before winter but some are left outside.

Both because I enjoy them, and because they eat the insect larvaes, I keep 
the following species of turtles in my fish ponds:
Chrysemys picta belli
Emys orbicularis orbicularis
Chinemys (Mauremys) reevesii
Pseudemys nelsoni
Sternotherus odoratus
Clemmys guttata

In my experience it is rare that turtles eat fish, they need to starve in a 
long time or the fish needs to be sick. Ex I have a pair of south brasilian 
Cichlasoma protecting eggs and the turtles dont bother them at all. 
However, some species like Chelydra (snappers) and allies will eat fish, the 
same goes for softshells (Apalone). However, I kept adult softshells of the 
genus Pelodiscus succesfully with smaller livebearers. The same goes for 
scandinavian frogs althoug the tadpoles will eat the eggs. Larvaes from 
newts will prey on fish fry.

Martin Tversted
http://www.vildensky.com/
http://www.vildensky.com/vildensky_fishhouse.htm



Subject: Re: [Killietalk] Aphanius fasciatus
To: killifish discussion list <killietalk at aka_org>

I'm interested in keeping killies outside. My pools have frogs, snakes,
turtles and birds above. How do you keep them uneaten long enough to breed?
Thanks,
Wayne Morrow

George & Melanie wrote:

> I was fortunate enough to get two pairs of the Aphanius mento at the
> convention. Brought them home and put them in my 55 gal outside pool
> that we have set up for the birds.






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