bam Demanding level

#5691 Unnamed spring in Laguna Seca, Durango, Mexico

Sponsored by
Educated by Nature

Mexico, Durango, Guanacevì, Huerta Santa Cecilia

The aquarium represents a small pond next to the main spring of Laguna Seca, since Characodon is endemic to the Mexican federal state of Durango. The species name is derived from the Latin verb “audere”, which means “to dare”, with the adjective “audax” and the meaning “bold” or “daring”, referring to the aggressive behavior of this fish.

It historically occurred in the springs and creeks along the Río La Sauceda, the name of the headwaters of the Río Mezquital, and the subsequent section of this river named Río El Tunnel above the Saltito Falls about 10km NNW of the town Nombre de Díos. We know of seven different subpopulations of Characodon audax:

  • El Toboso subpopulation
  • Los Pinos subpopulation
  • Laguna Seca subpopulation
  • El Garabato subpopulation
  • Río La Sauceda subpopulation
  • Pino Suarez subpopulation
  • Victoria de Durango subpopulation

The last one is regarded extinct.The species disappeared from part of its original range. IUNC status Endangered/Declining.

All information as well as pictures and videos were personally obtained from Dr. Michael Köck from Vienna’s “Haus des Meeres” the main coordinator and founder of the website Goodeidworkinggroup.com and one of the leading experts on the Goodeidae species in the world.

Submitted by
Miran Župevc
GPS
24.4713058, -104.6262970
Geographical region
Central America
Drainage Basin
Mezquital River
River catchment
Nazas river
Water body type
Pond
Water body name
Citlalli
Water body part
Pool
Water body course
Source
Water body: tributary of
Pond
Tributary name

Videos above and below water

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
Fresh water
Water color
Clear water
Water transparency
Medium
Concentration of sediments
Low
Water temperature
16-25 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
7.9
Conductivity
GH
KH
12 mg/l
Dissolved Oxygen

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date
Aquarium decoration

Stones are red lava stones of different sizes, which can also be found in the natural habitat. The sand was bought in a store and is sand for terrariums. I used it because I liked both the color and the granulation. The twigs at the bottom were collected in nature. The stones are stacked that there are crevices where fish find refuge and territories and also hiding places for fry.

Aquarium equipment

The filtration is an air driven HMF filter that provides good mechanical and biological filtration at low water flow.

Fish care

I keep the fish in good condition with quality dry and especially live food, Daphnia, Bbs, Microworms, they also feed on algae and biofilm that is created on stones. Cold water is extremely important for these fish, in winter they need water below 20°C for at least two months. These fluctuations are extremely important for their health. Water temperatures above 26°C can be fatal for this species.

Fishes:

  • Characodon audax “Laguna Seca” (Goodeidae)
Plant care

Algae don’t need special care.

Aufwuchs:

  • Algae
Water care

Clean and cold water is vital for these fish, as for most fish that live in springs. I change the water once a week up to 80%, I do not use any chemicals to prepare the water, luckily we have very good tap water.

Dimensions

Length
80 cm
Depth
40 cm
High
40 cm
Volume
128 L

Substrate in aquarium

Sand
Orange
Pebble/Gravel
Beige
Stone
Reddish
Stone form
Irregular
Silt/Mud
Reddish
Leaves
No
Driftwood
None
Submerged terrestrial vegetation

Bibliography

  • All information as well as pictures and videos were personally obtained from Dr. Michael Köck from Vienna's "Haus des Meeres" the main coordinator and founder of the website Goodeidworkinggroup.com and one of the leading experts on the Goodeidae species in the world.

Sitography

→ Goodeid Working Group