Spain, Alicante
Biotope aquarium with Aphanius iberus created for the preservation and reproduction of the species in collaboration with Pinoso’s Environmental Department for the later release in the original habitat.
This aquarium is an exact reproduction of the natural habitat, decorated with material collected in the site.
This Aphanius iberus aquarium set-up is relatively new, occupied by 1 male and 1 female. The fish spawned once and the female laid eggs, which were eaten. Soon will be introduced 2 more females to guarantee the breeding.
The plants Samulus floribundus and Chara vulgaris collected in the natural habitat thrive pretty well in the aquarium.
The temperature of the water in the biotope in January ranges from 6°C to 12°C and can drop to minimum frost temperatures. While in the aquarium the fishes stay at the constant room temperature around 17-20°C constant that can drop to 15°C.
Alexey Malyshev: The biotope itself resembles a bit of a scape. The scenery is somehow artificially arranged. Little natural organic matter.
Philippe Chevoleau: It’s a real pleasure to see a biotope aquarium dedicated to Aphanius iberus. Mostly when everything is perfect regarding the keeping of this fish. Very impressive!
You setted up a quite small aquarium, with only 50 liters. But you placed just 4 specimens in it, so it is perfectly balanced… of course! You also setted up this tank in order to breed this endangered species. This is absolutely perfect and helps the biotope aquarium getting its good reputation.
The only minor defect is the lack of background in the tank. Possibly some stone arrangements (even behind the aquarium, if not inside) could have made the difference, hiding the room behind we can see by transparency. Of course, this is not so bad and doesn’t impact much on the very good feeling I have to discover such a project.
Congratulations! And also a big thank you to make us know more on this endangered species. I look forward to hearing more about this specific biotope aquarium in the future and, of course, about Aphanius iberus.
