ON OUTDOORS: NATIVE FISH CAN MAKE A NICE AQUARIUM

Who can remember when they were young not being mesmerized by an aquarium? Whether the sound of gurgling water or the rhythmic movement of fish, the calming effect of an aquarium is unquestionable.

As intriguing as aquariums were to me, I remember them having exclusively tropical organisms. It seemed to me that exotics required a lot of care and a strictly controlled environment to thrive. I often wondered why native species were not kept in aquariums, so I began keeping natives many years ago.

Missouri is blessed with a rich and diverse fish fauna comprising more than 215 species. They are as varied, and many are as beautiful, as any of the exotics sold in the aquarium trade. Because our native fish have adapted to an environment that may sometimes be harsh or has been disturbed, they are better suited to aquariums than many of the exotics that come from a more stable environment.

Another reason many may find native fish a good choice for a home aquarium is that one can collect the fish from a local stream. The feeling that one can find native fish, identify them, and care for them in their own home is very satisfying.

Capturing native fish does not require any special permits or gear. One only needs to possess a valid Missouri fishing license to possess 100 non-game fish. Missouri endangered and threatened species can not be collected and game species can only be taken by hook and line or as regulations permit.

The primary gear to collect native species suitable for home aquariums is the seine. A seine is a rectangular-shaped, small-meshed net tied to large poles on each end called brails. Seining usually involves two people working together to corral fish into an area where they can be trapped and pulled from the water in the net.

Seines can be purchased in just about any size. For the typical amateur fish enthusiast, a seine measuring 10 feet long and 5 feet high with 3/16-inch mesh and no bag will adequately capture most small fishes in shallow pools.

Many of Missouri's small fish, especially the darters, minnows, and madtoms, make excellent aquarium specimens. The young of large species, like catfishes, gars, and sunfishes, are often docile and interesting but quickly outgrow a small aquarium.

Darters are some of the more beautiful fishes in North America. Many darters, especially males during the breeding season, are brilliantly colored with splashes of orange, red, green, and blue on the fins and over the body. Most of the darters are docile and perch upon objects in the tank displaying their colors. The widespread orangethroat and rainbow darters are especially calm and attractive in aquariums.

The johnny darter and logperch, also widespread in Missouri, tend to be a little nervous, but will become accustomed to living in an aquarium over time. Darters prefer live food, but most species can be conditioned to eat frozen brine shrimp and other manufactured fish foods.

There are nearly 70 species of minnows living in Missouri. Many are rather plain and do not have the brilliant colors of the darters. Minnows also tend to be busy and move frequently back and forth across the tank. However, some minnows, such as the southern redbelly dace are beautiful and do quite well in an aquarium.

The widespread bluntnose minnow, red shiner, and redfin shiner also take well to an aquarium. Red shiners are a little territorial and often chase off other fish in their corner of the tank. Stonerollers, also widespread species, usually do poorly in an aquarium because they eat algae, which is not readily available in most aquariums. Minnows will eat dry fish food and brine shrimp, making them very easy to keep.

Madtoms are small members of the catfish family and are found over the entire state. All nine madtom species make good to excellent aquarium specimens. Madtoms are secretive, however, and are usually seen only at feeding time or at night. They spend most of their time hidden under objects in the aquarium. Most madtoms are uniformly colored, but some such as the widespread slender madtom, has dark-fringed fins. Others, such as the Ozark and brindled madtoms have crossbars over their backs and may appear mottled. Madtoms are voracious and will eat just about anything.

Besides the intrinsic value of keeping native species in an aquarium, there is also great scientific value. For example, many of our native species live in places that are difficult to study and direct observations are not possible. In particular, scientists have learned a great deal about reproductive behavior and spawning events simply by observing natives kept in aquariums. Indeed, several amateur fish collectors have discovered behaviors unknown to science. Perhaps someday that someone may be you!

To learn more about Missouri's fishes, obtain a copy of the Fishes of Missouri published by the Missouri Conservation Department. To learn more about native fish collecting and aquarium design, visit the Web sites for the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA) and the Native Fish Conservancy (NFC) at www.nanfa.org and www.nativefish.org.

Robert Hrabick is a fisheries research biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation.