>if you need someone to verify the fish you have now I can do this as well.
>There is nothing worse than a zoo with a tank full of hybrids!
Ok now, here's the thing. (I can hear the growns already!). I've
only been down here for about five months now, and as such don't pull a lot
of weight. The Aquarist who cared for this tank prior to me was not, how
should I say, big on "Biotope Authenticity".
I'm trying to change this (we've got Giant Goramys in with our
Arapaima for pete's sake!) but in this field, at least at the moment,
entertainment is still the big thing. Education is important, as many
zookeepers will tell you, but sometimes the decisions come down for other
reasons. Providing realistic displays is a personal vendetta of mine, and
I'm sorry to say it can be somewhat rare in zoos and aquariums.
I will admit that in this display we've got hybrids, mostly between
M. splendida and M. trifasciata. We've also got G. incicus in this tank
which I am well aware do not occur in Australia. Heck, elsewhere in the
building we've got albino Hooded cobras. (Sorry, I've got my hackles up
now).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'd love to see only
realistic biotopes depicted, I agree a tank full of hybrids is a sad, sad
thing (at these in a "educational facility". So maybe my request for help
was too narrow.
I'm going to go out on a limb here, and ask for the help of this
list to put together a truely realistic display on Australian fishes. Now,
remember I'm making no promises, but if I can swing it I try and revamp
this whole tank. The tank is, as I've said, approx. 300 gallons, and about
45cm deep (so a shallow square). I've got a small sandy shelf in the rear
1/6 of the tank which is generally submerged under 6cm of water.
I guess I'm trying to depict and Australian stream, but if you'd
like to dream outside this realm feel free. Obviously I can't liken this
tank to a specific stream, but perhaps Northern Australia would be a good
guide.
Ok, now the touchy part, if I can swing this past my bosses and
associate keepers I'll send everyone who contributes ideas a couple photo's
of the display and you can feel even more involved in the education of the
masses.
A word of warning though, beware the danger of turning a very enjoyable
hobby into a job! ;-)
Cheers,
Alex
asaunders at mho.net
Denver Zoo, Denver,CO
Any fish is a good fish
(especially with a little butter)