╨╧рб▒с>■  79■   6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ье┴Y ┐▌bjbjєWєW -:С=С=▌      ]ТТТТТТТжжжжж ▓ ж ╢╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩─╞╞╞╞╞╞$╡ЇйВъТ╩╩╩╩╩ъPТТ╩╩╩PPP╩.Т╩Т╩─жжТТТТ╩─PtP─ТТ─╩╛ А1╖ └п┐жж°X─Pump up the Power Fish Robert Rice Robertrice@juno.com There are a certain percentage of Aquarist out there that love power . The Have the best Power equipment, the most lights and keep the baddest fish they can find. Well this article is for you. See I must ashamedly admit I have kept a single fish Power tank and loved it. Power tank , whatТs a power tank ? A Power tank is a single Super Predator Fish , a Mess of plants, some Huge Lights, and a power filter. When its feeding time itТs a bit of a cross between WCW wrestling and the Discovery channel. As most of the Power fish will only eat live foods. So we dump in Goldfish, bait minnows or whatever we come across and WHAM the Super Predators leap into action. Scales flying all around as they attack their dinner. Then its over and they go back to their stealth positions awaiting their next victims. The Power fish usually draw big money at the pet stores. Piranhas, Snakeheads, Oscars , Jaguar Cichlids and the like seem to always sell out. So there is a strong demand for the power tank fish. Sadly Many folks dump these Powerfish into their local waterways when they get tired of feeding them or they out grow their tank. This has led to infestations in the deep south that are a serious threat to our local species (see http:/nativefish.interspeed.net for details) . ThatТs a real black eye for all of us. So donТt release your unwanted fishes EVER. Now Back to the Power Fish. Their needs are simple a sturdy tank, a lid , as they will leap out in search of prey, a good light system , basic cover plastic plants , logs and the like and a GOOD power Filter. ThatТs it. Your good to go. Now comes your biggest choice , do I take those Pretty Oscars, Those Ugly Snakeheads or those menacing looking Piranha ? Decisions, decisions well I have a suggestion pick none of the above. ThatТs right pick none of the above. Instead go get a fishing license and catch you a Powerfish. You see in North America some of the most fascinating Powerfish on the planet reside. As a matter of fact over 10% of the worlds fish species live in North America so it should be no surprise that the Ultimate Power Fish is siting in pond just a little bit down the road. Not only will you get a Incredible Power Fish , but youТll get to do a little hook and line fishing. In most states a simple fishing license allows you to catch legal sized sportfish and keep them in a home Aquarium. They just count towards your creel limit. Which means every morning when you wake up that Largemouth in your living room is considered to be caught that day. So instead of being able to catch 7 Bass limit a day you could catch 6 for example as you have one already. Sounds easy and it is. However, double check with your states limits and laws when you buy your license. OK now IТve got you thinking. Local Power fish kinda like rooting for the home team good idea , but what ones really work in the tank. HereТs my favorite Native Power Fish in no particular order. The Basses : All of them if caught at a proper size (8 inches or less) Adapt well to domestic life. They will take pellets with a bit of training but love crayfish, small fish of all types and freshwater shrimps. I Have really enjoyed keeping Goggle eye, Largemouth, Shadow and Smallmouth Bass. I Highly recommend the Basses. The Crappies : Both the Black and White Crappies do well in a tank. Their Large Fins make them very attractive. They are durable and as with all the fish on this list supplemental heat is unnecessary. Live is necessary though. Try redworms , minnows, crayfish , goldfish or extras from your tropical tanks. Bowfin: A very unique and colorful fish well suited to domestic life. They are almost alien looking but are really American Made. They will only take live and frozen foods. Bowfins are extremely aggressive feeders so keep your hands away from the tank ! The Pickerels: The Pickerels are small forms of the Pike Family . I recommend the Redfin Pickerel (Esox americanus) it stays under 12 inches and is very colorful with its red fins. There is also a Chain Pickerel that gets a bit larger but is well suited to the tank. They will only take live food so keep that in mind. Otherwise they are a great Powertank Fish. So great In fact that they are my favorite Native powerfish. The Sunfishes: ThatТs right every Bream you take on hook and Line would make a great Powertank Fish. They are durable , colorful and most of them will take prepared foods. So whether itТs a Bluegill or a Longear the Sunfish they all are Powerfish. The Gar Family : I do not recommend the Gars as they quickly outgrow all but the largest tanks. They still however pop up annually in the pet trade . Do us all a favor and do not purchase them . Instead ask your store to carry Pickerel species. The Catfishes: With the diversity of the North American Catfishes why anyone would purchase a redtail cat is beyond me. Channel cats, Flathead Cats and all the bullheads do good in tanks. I recommend sticking with the bullheads though as they remain a manageable size their whole lives. With the Yellow Bullhead and Spotted Bullhead on the top of my list. Now that is by no means a complete list but it gives you good start. Any of these fish should however make a colorful , attractive Powertank . Just keep your hands and feet away from the tank when they are feeding ( . Until next time good luck and good fishing. For resources check into the following: Worms: Kazaries Worm Farm phn: 352-463-7823 They Take all major credit cards and offer 2 lbs. of (about 2,000) redworms delivered for $26.95. These are great pet food and composters of kitchen scraps. His quality is good and his prices great. Ask for the NFC special to get this price. PetersonТs Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes by Larry Page and Brooks M Burr. You can purchase off of the Native fish Conservancy Website @ http://nativefish.interspeed.net or check it out at your local library. Your State Department of Natural Resources. They have good books for sale on your local flora and fauna. So by all means check them out. 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