What is the name of the first Scottish cowboy?

Hawkeye The Noo

What do you use to cut the Ocean?

A seasaw!   Boom! Boom!

With that I think I will let you get on with the rest of the Magazine and I hope you enjoy it. So, a very Happy Christmas to all our members and a great Fishkeeping New Year from your Editorial team, Ted and Stan.

Front cover picture: Lace Gouraml (Trichogaster leeri).

 CHAIR’S CHATTER                                            JULIE RUNDLE

Here we are with the Christmas Special Edition and what a cracker! I can’t believe how quick this year has gone and looking back over 2007 I think from our perspective we have a lot to be positive about.

As I said in my report at our AGM we are still going strong as we move into our 60^th year. However, it is not a time to sit back on our laurels ( or holly seeing as it’s Christmas …….. Ouch!) We all need to be thinking of keeping this society on the upward trend and moving it forward to attract new members into our midst.

I know it’s a time of change but I honestly believe it is for the good and that includes our new name “Plymouth Fishkeepers’ Society”.

I am really looking forward to another year as Chair and working with the new committee and all members not only to look back over 60 years and reminisce but also to build upon the changes we are making.    

Unfortunately, due to an unexpected holiday in December I am going to miss our Annual Presentation and Christmas Party. This is always a brilliant evening and I am sure this year will be no exception.

So I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and best wishes to you all for a great New Year.

Merry Fishkeeping to one and all.

 VISIT TO THE RED SEA (JULY 2006) PART 2                 RICHARD EVANS  

One of the most noticeable features of the Red Sea (especially where we were staying at the Reef Oasis Beach Resort) is how dedicated they are at implementing measures to protect the Coral Reef.  Although you are permitted to swim over the Reef, you are not allowed to touch it or disturb any of the inhabitants on it.  Any attempt to do so, is met with a very abrupt whistle from the wardens who call you over and explain why marine conservation is so important (and, yes, I was lectured on this point despite the fact that I told them that I was related to Jacques Cousteau!!!).  Most of the snorkelling and diving activity, therefore, takes place at the edge of the Reef where it drops away (often quite dramatically) into the ocean.  This is also one of the best places to observe the fish, especially some of the larger species.  The provision of a jetty which projects from the beach, across the Reef and into the ocean (as illustrated in photographs 14 and 15) is the simplest way of protecting the Reef and one which also permits you to watch the fish from above.  In fact, many fish will often congregate at the edge of the jetty, especially at night when the area becomes a haven for those species that are attracted to the overhead lights, such as lionfish.

Photograph 14 - Temple Reef

Photograph 17 provides a good example of where the Reef suddenly drops away into the ocean with a nice picture of a Crown Butterflyfish (Chaetodon paucifasciatus) swimming in open water.  It is quite noticeable in this picture how quickly the light intensity levels start to diminish once you descend beyond the first couple of metres.  Fortunately, from an amateur photographer’s point of view, most of the fish that I was interested in capturing on film (i.e. those that we come across in the aquarium trade) were to be found either close to the surface or on the Reef itself.

Photograph 17 - Crown Butterflyfish  

One fish that I was pleased to photograph was the Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon fasciatus - the fish shown in photograph 18).  I think the markings on this fish are quite unique, especially the black and white stripe which stretches from one side of the head to the other (hence, the name raccoon) and the red and yellow edging on the caudal fin.  It almost looks as if these markings have been hand painted.

Photograph 18 - Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish  

I have included another photograph of a Gibbus Parrotfish Terminal Phase (Scarus gibbus - the fish shown in photograph 19), because it provides a good example of the final colour phase associated with this species.  Throughout their development, many species of parrotfish undergo a series of different colour patterns (known as polychromatism) which is usually, but not always, associated with a change in sex from female to male.  As the juveniles mature they enter what is termed the "initial phase" colouration (an example of a Gibbus Parrotfish in "initial phase" colouration will appear in Part Three) which mimics the colour patterns of the female.  The males, as they change sex, then undergo a further change in colour variation which is known as the "terminal phase" colouration.  The fish shown in photograph 19 is portraying the vivid colour pattern of a male Gibbus Parrotfish which is quite different to the drab green and brown tones associated with the female of the species.

Photograph 19 - Gibbus Parrotfish Terminal Phase  

One of the most inquisitive fish that I came across on the Reef was the Masked Puffer (Arothron diadematus - the fish shown in photograph 20).  These fish always amuse me (due to their human-like characteristics), and are great to watch as they “bumble” around not swimming in any particular direction, but still managing to reach their destination.

Photograph 20 - Masked Puffer  

Photograph 21 shows a shoal of Desjardin’s Sailfin Tangs (Zebrasoma desjardinii) feeding on the Reef.  One minute everything would be relatively peaceful and quiet and then suddenly, without any warning, a huge shoal of these fish (several hundred) would descend upon the Reef in what could only be described as a frenzy of feeding activity.  Quite a remarkable thing to see, especially when the shoal first approaches the Reef in the form of a huge dark shadow which, on one occasion, I mistook for something out of “Jaws” (the movie) and made a hasty retreat for the shallows!!!

Photograph 21 - Desjardin’s Sailfin Tangs

The reason for including an overhead picture of a Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus - the fish shown in photograph 22) was because it shows how close to the shoreline some of the fish will venture regardless of the depth of water or lack of cover - factors that are often synonymous with the habitats of wild fish.  There were several groups of fish that exhibited similar behavioural patterns, including the butterflyfish, damselfish and parrotfish.  It is quite possible that many of these fish have become accustomed to swimming in close proximity to the shoreline and are not phased by people running in and out of the sea.  On the other hand, bearing in mind that the Red Sea boasts over 1,100 species of fish, more species than any other proportional body of water, it is not surprising how many ecological niches have developed within such a small area.

Photograph 22 - Picasso Triggerfish  

Photographs 23 and 24 are two of my favourite pictures, both of clams.  It is interesting to note in photograph 23 that the clam is situated on the edge of the Reef in slightly deeper water than was to be expected.  A number of corals have also colonised the outer shell of the clam making it look as if it is about to topple over into the depths below.  Photograph 24 shows a close-up of one of the more brightly coloured clams in a feeding position.  Could these colours really be improved upon, I doubt it!!!

Photograph 23 – Clam

Photograph 24 - Clam  

The last two photographs in this section provide good examples of some of the larger corals that are to be found on the Reef.  I think photograph 25 is a picture of a Brain Coral, but I am not sure which one.  Does anyone have any ideas?  Some of the corals were very well established, occupying large areas of the Reef and providing shelter for some of the more retiring species of fish  (as illustrated in photograph 26).

Photograph 25 - Brain Coral

Photograph 26 - Soft Coral

FOOTNOTE

More photographs to follow in Part Three, including a close-up of a Yellowtail Surgeonfish in full “photographic” display, an overhead shot of the Reef and a picture of a Gibbus Parrotfish “squaring-up” to the camera!!!

 BRITISH FRESHWATER SPONGES       JIMMY JOHNSTONE

This is the story of two freshwater sponges (Phylum: Porifera) found in British waters, the Pond Sponge (Spongilla lacustris) and the River Sponge (Ephydatia fluviatilis). They are found as encrusting masses on stones, plants, submearged roots of trees, or on the sides of canals or river locks. Normally they are a creamy white colouration, but takes on a green hue when algal cells of Chlorella are present.

When the colonies are large in late summer or autumn, the Pond Sponge tends to produce long finger-like outgrowths, unlike the River Sponge which is usually flatter.

Spongilla lacustris

Ephydatia fluviatilis

Steve also showed us the huge filtration systems that they have and explained how they worked for such a large aquarium. In this day and age much of the smooth running of aquariums like we have in Plymouth is down to technology and the highly sophisticated computer systems. It makes you wonder how some of the first aquariums managed to keep and maintain healthy systems.

For me the two areas which I found amazing were standing looking down into the two large tanks which included the shark tank. It was incredible to see the size of these tanks and to hear first hand from Steve the work that is put into the care and maintenance of these tanks and the fish and animals in them. Seeing the sharks from above was quite exciting and I was surprised at how large some of them really are.

The very popular Shark Exhibit

We were allowed to wander around the actual Aquarium and shop and it was great to sit, this time in front, of the large tanks and see the displays and watch the fish. I did notice that the children that were in the aquarium,were fascinated with all the exhibits and in particular by the sharks and the lone turtle, ( not in the same tank…. I hasten to add)!

The Sharks were not the only scary exhibits!

A beautiful open Clam

From the NMA we somehow found ourselves drawn to the Fisherman’s Arms where we had an excellent buffet lunch. It was nice to have an opportunity to sit, have a drink and chat. Some of the crew even managed to make this last until it turned dark!!      

All in all it was a very good way to spend a Sunday.  

Thanks to Steve Matchett and the NMA and to John Rundle for organising the visit and lunch.

A terrific picture of a Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and some great coral specimens, taken by Sue Sharp.

Photographs supplied by Sue Sharp and John Rundle.

 SPAWNING TRIGGERS                                 JOHN RUNDLE

While there are many fish that can be bred by hobbyists, there are also quite a few that we would like to breed but for some reason they just will not breed in our aquariums.  It is obvious that in their own native waters they do breed and on a regular cycle.  I am a big believer that given the conditions that will find the correct triggers these problem fish could be bred.

The word “trigger” has been used as long as I can remember to describe the specific factor or factors that cause the fish to spawn.  When I first started breeding tetras back in the 1960’s I was told that that I had to allow the early morning light enter my fish house to trigger them to spawn.   Now I know that this is not exactly true and I was in the early days breeding species of tetras that were classed as easy and now I know they would breed under any light conditions.

Over the years I have read many articles, books and scientific papers on the conditions that take place in the wild to “trigger” South American tetras to breed, and now know that there is more than just a special light regime to make these fish breed.

Because there is so much information around on this subject it would be impossible to cover all of it in an article such as this.  It is also fair to say that there is also just as much not known what makes many species of freshwater and marine aquatic animals breed.  In this article we will look at what some of these “triggers” are, and place them to certain fish, some you will know well and have probably kept.  

We do know that species of our tropical egglaying fish that have been bred in our aquariums for many years have lost some of the senses that work on using the “triggers”.  This is why we can virtually breed them anytime we wish; maybe this is why they are easier to breed?  A good example of this is the Glowlight tetra (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) and the Black Widow tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi).

 Glowlight Tetra Fry

SEASONS

All over the world species of aquatic animals have breeding cycles that are controlled by a season.  In the case of our South American characins and especially in the Amazon basin that straddles the equator, it has two rainfall regimes or seasons.  Most of the Amazon basin lies south of the equator, and in this portion the rainy season is generally from December to April or May.

So we know that the rainy season is the time for the fish to breed, but what is interesting many species of characins can produce eggs repeatedly over the course of the season.  Whereas it was once thought that they bred once on a kind of annual system.  I found a very good paper that looked at this in depth using the lemon tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) and classed it a “multiple” spawning fish.  It looked at how many times it spawned within a season and how long between each spawning activity.

Lemon Tetra

I must say that I have only noticed two species of characin that I have bred still with a seasonal breeding pattern that is the cardinal tetra and the red pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri).

Red Pencilfish

Red Pencilfish (Nannostomus mortenthaleri).

CONCLUSION

We have looked at one type of fish that is well known to fishkeepers and I hope that I have shed some light on what “triggers” our characins, in our tanks, to breed.  As I have said this is only a brief look at a very interesting subject.

REFERENCES:

Ecology of the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon) in the River Basin of the Rio Negro, Brazil.  By Rolf Geisher and Sergio R. Annibal.  TFH August 1987.

Transport of larval fish in the Amazon: C. A. R. Araujo-Lima and E. C. Oliveira.  Journal of Fish Biology 1998 (53)

The tempo of reproduction in Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis  with a discussion on the biology of ‘multiple’ spawning in fishes:  Austin Burt, Donald L. Kramer, Ken Nakatsuru & Carolyn Spry.  Environmental Biology of Fishes 1988 Vol. 22.

 A SUNNY DAY IN JUNE                                     JULIE RUNDLE

One Saturday in June a small band of merry fish keepers decided to hop in a mini bus and make our way to Chilworthy. Why? You may ask, this was the day of our barbecue at Di and Ray’s.

We had picked a great day, the end of June, the sun was shining birds were singing, bees were buzzing, girls in summer dresses, guys in shorts!!!! Sorry I will stop there as I am getting carried away, I will get back to how it really was.

It definitely was the end of June but someone had forgotten to tell the weather, it was grey and very very wet! It rained and there was not a summer dress in sight. Fleeces and wet weather gear was more like it. Anyway we are not easily put off and we were determined that we were going to have a barbecue, after all Di and Ray had put up a gazebo type thing to cover the cooking area.

When we arrived at Di and Rays we were welcomed by the nemo balloons at the gate and they were doing their best to stay hanging around in the wind and rain! I was amazed when I looked out into the garden as Di and Ray had not simply put up a small awning but a mini marquis. It was great, especially with the weather.

It did not take long before the mini marquis was full with all of us eating and drinking. There was another amazing event which involved the chefs. As is usual Andy and John Lovick were the Head Chefs, however, there was a new junior chef and one which I personally found quite disturbing! My Dad cooking……… never seen before…………. yes he was actually barbecuing beef burgers etc. To see him standing there with his cooking spatula was quite a sight to see, Gordon Ramsey eat your heart out!

 “SALMONELLA ANYONE”?

As is also usual on these occasions there was quite a bit of wine and beer tasting going on. By this time the rain had stopped and the weather took a turn for the better.     

I have to say that the weather did not in any way deter us from having another brilliant barbecue at Di and Rays.

Thanks must go to Diane and Ray for inviting us to their home and garden. Thanks also to Andy for organizing the mini bus.

Roll on next year’s barbecue!

 Plymouth Fishkeepers “al fresco”!