principles of ornamental fsheries (a brief overview) Journal

Principles of Ornamental Fisheries (a brief overview)

Famous-cole A.O, Animashaun S.O, Shittu A.J, Fasasi A.O, Oyedele M.O

Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos state University, Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

1.1. INTRODUCTION

Over the years, Nature has provided man with a vast variety of admirations, despite the need for

work; man has usually found time to get refreshed and rejuvenated by several works of nature; one

of those notable admirations is Ornamental Fish. The popularity of the aquatic hobby has grown

steadily over the years as people look to bring a little piece of nature into their homes. Aquariums

offer an amazing way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of aquatic life. Regardless of its size,

an aquarium can become a decorative focal point in any environment. The large variety of

aquariums, cabinets and equipment in the market today provide an unlimited amount of options,

ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Ornamental fisheries is a branch of fisheries that studies, cultures, and breed aquatic resources

such as aquatic plants and fishes for experimental purpose, public display, beautification, and other

purposes. The interest in ornamental fisheries by fish farmers, and by public is due to their aesthetic

values from which the name ‘ornamental fisheries’ is derived. Dictionary wise ornamental means

something of great value, precious, aesthetic; it could mean jewel or treasures.

Ornamental fisheries and aquaculture are related. Both, help in conservation of aquatic resources.

Vast amount of fish species in the wild have been over-exploited due to unregulated fishing

practices and the use of destructive fishing methods. Consequently, most of the fish species in

the wild have become extinct. Then, the need for conservation of the few species available arises

and this lead to the practice of aquaculture and ornamental fisheries.

In addition, ornamental fisheries bring to retreat aquatic resources to new environment which

simulates their natural habitat in terms of water chemistry, weather, climate, and intensive

nutrition. This concept leads to setting up what is known as aquarium.

An aquarium meaning a place / tank / pool / container of water where the collection of aquatic

resources e.g. fish, tortoise, plants etc. are kept because of their aesthetic values for either scientific

study or beautification purpose, and other purposes. Aquaria are of kinds and types based on their

purpose of construction and water chemistry respectively. Aquaria are designed in diverse

forms this is based on the choice of the aquarist and the demand of the hobbyist. A vivid difference

between aquarium designs and construction of aquarium exists.

Aquarium designs are the plans or intensions of the aquarist on the forms in which the aquarium

will take or look, while aquarium construction is the building up of an aquarium with materials

such as plastics/ glasses/ and fibres. This makes the plans, intensions of the aquarist accomplished/

realized/ incorporated. When aquaria have been designed, constructed and stocked and stocked

with fish or plants. There is further need for maintenance to upkeep, sustains, and conserves the

aquatic resources stocked.

CHAPTER TWO

2.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF AQUARIUM SPECIES

Species are differentiated from each other mostly by physical appraisal and biological differences.

There are three different types of environment for aquarium species namely freshwater aquarium,

brackish water aquarium and marine water aquarium fish species. Aquatic plants are used to give

the aquarium a natural appearance, oxygenate the water, and provide habitat for fish, especially

fry and for invertebrates. Some aquarium fish and invertebrates also eat live plants. Hobbyists use

aquatic plants for aquascaping of several aesthetic styles.

Most of these plants are found either partially or fully submersed in their natural habitat. Although

there are a handful of obligate aquatic plants that must be grown entirely under water, most can

grow fully emersed if the soil is moist.

A vast number of aquatic species have successfully adapted to live in the freshwater aquarium

examples include Birchirs and Reedfish, Catfish, Characins and Characiformes, Cichlids,

Cyprinids, Darters, Killifish, Gobies, Live bearers, Labyrinth and Loaches, Puffer fish, Rainbow

fish, Neotropical electric fish, Spiny eels e.t.c. Aquatic plants species include Acorus calamus,

Alisma gramineum e.t.c

Brackish water aquarium species include Cyprinidontiformes, Catfish, Puffer fish, Gobies and

Cichlids. Aquatic plants found in brackish are mainly mangroves.

Most marine flora and fauna are still yet to be documented to their vast numbers and diversity,

examples are, Angelfish (large and dwarf), Anthias, Bass and Groupers, Basslets and Assessors,

Batfish, Blennies, Boxfish and Blowfish, Butterfly fish, Cardinal fish, Chromis, Clownfish, Dart

fish, Damselfish, Dragonets, Eels, Frog fish, Goat fish e.t.c. Marine algae are classified under

plants though they are technically protists e.g Red Macroalgae, Mangroves and Seagrasses.

CHAPTER THREE

3.1. SOME SELECTED SPECIES OF AQUARIUM ANIMALS

COPPERBAND BUTTERFLYFISH

Figure 1: Copper band butterfly fish

Range / Habitat

Occurs in the Western Pacific from the Andaman Sea to the Ryukyu Islands and Australia. Found

along rocky shores, coral reefs, estuaries and on silty inner reefs. This species is common on coral

reefs. Its preferred depth range is 3-82 feet (1-25 m).

Physical Characteristics

Readily identifiable by its distinctive coloration and long snout. Body is silvery-white with three

broad vertical, orange to copper-colored bars. A narrower copper bar on the head passes through

the eye. Black spot at the base of the second dorsal fin and a thin black bar on the caudal peduncle.

Grows to 8 inches (20 cm) in length.

Diet / Feeding

Diet consists primarily of benthic invertebrates. Sometimes used to control Aiptasia, a common

nuisance anemone species, in an aquarium.

Reproduction / Growth

Forms pairs during breeding and is believed to be monogamous. Larval and juvenile stages have

similar marking to the adult, but lack its long snout.

Conservation Status

“Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Additional Information

Encountered singly or in pairs. Forms pairs during breeding and is believed to be monogamous.

Life span is about 10 years. Larval and juvenile stages have similar marking to the adult, but lack

its long snout. The long snout is an adaptation for feeding on benthic invertebrates in crevices and

holes. Considered difficult to keep in a home aquarium. Other common names include “beaked

coral fish” and “copper-banded butterfly fish.”

CORAL BEAUTY ANGEL FISH

Range / Habitat

Occurs in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa through French Polynesia to Lord Howe Island in the

South Pacific. Found in lagoon and seaward reef slopes in rich coral areas. Commonly at depths

of 30 to 148 feet (9 - 45 m).


Coloration is predominantly orange with purple barring. Barring and spotting may make individual

appear fully purple. Can be very pale in deep water. A short and deep lateral body shape with a

compressed cross section and a terminally-positioned mouth. Commonly grows to 3.9 inches (10

cm) long.

Diet / Feeding

Diet consists of algae.


Appears individually or in small harems of 3-7 individuals.

Conservation Status



Also called “two spined angelfish.”

GREEN SEA TURTLE

Figure 2: Image of a green sea turtle

Range / Habitat

Occurs all over the world in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean

Sea. Found in tropical and subtropical waters, often in coastal areas and around remote ocean

islands.


The carapace, or upper shell, of the green sea turtle is light to dark brown in color with a creamy

underside, or plastron. The carapace is often blotched or streaked with olive or other shades of

brown. Its skin is cream to yellow in color. This turtle has a relatively small, rounded head. Green

sea turtle fat is greenish in color. Its vegetarian diet is believed to be the reason for this. Averages

in weight from 300 to 500 lbs. (135–160 kg) and reaches approximately 3 feet (1 m) in length.

Hatchling is about 2 inches (5 cm) long and weighs 0.05 ounces (25 g). Unlike land turtles, a sea

turtle is unable to tuck its head and legs into its shell, making it vulnerable to sharks, the sea turtle’s

only natural predator.

Diet / Feeding

Diet consists of sea grasses and algae. This species is the only herbivorous sea turtle. Young turtle

feeds on pelagic vegetation.


The female turtle returns to the same beach (known as “natal beaches,”) every two to four years to

make a nest and lay eggs. Nesting season varies by location, but generally falls during the summer

months. During nesting season, the female emerges from the water at night and drags her body up

the beach to dig a nest for her eggs. Once she reaches an area on the beach well above the high

water line or into the dune face, she digs a hole by scooping sand with her rear flippers. After

depositing the eggs, she covers them with sand, smoothing the area with her body to disguise the

location of the nest from predators such as raccoons. Female then returns to the sea. Eggs incubate

for approximately two months. Hatchling is active as soon as it breaks out of its egg. Emerges

from the nest, after days of digging its way up through the sand, and makes its way to the ocean.

During this period, the tiny turtle is vulnerable to ghost crabs, birds and other predators. Once in

the water, hatchling swims out to the nearest floating mass of sargassum weed and spends the first

portion of its life there feeding, growing and drifting with the currents. Mating season in

southeastern U.S. is April through July, with turtles nesting in late June through early September.

Typical clutch size commonly ranges anywhere between 75 to 200 eggs. “Lost years” is the period

of time between hatching and the turtle’s return to coastal waters as a juvenile. The newly hatched

turtle will often spend its first 3 to 7 years in floating mats of sargassum seaweed.

Conservation Status

“Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.


The term “green” in its name is due to the fact that the turtle’s subdermal fat is green. Of hard-

shelled sea turtles, this species is the largest. Passes entire life in the ocean, save for hatching and

nesting events. Spends much of its time floating at the ocean’s surface. Lifespan in human care

averages 75 years.

KING ANGEL FISH

Figure 3: Image of king angel fish

Range / Habitat

King angelfish occur in the tropical Eastern Pacific from the Sea of Cortez to Ecuador and Peru,

including the Galapagos Islands. Adults are found in clear water on rocky reefs and in coral areas

at depths from about 13 to 98 feet (4 – 30 m). Juveniles hide in reef crevices and seldom venture

far from cover. They also may be encountered in tide pools.


Adult king angelfish is a mottled dark blue-gray color with a white bar extending from the dorsal

fin to the level of the pectoral fin, tapering at its lower end. The fan-shaped caudal fin is orange-

yellow, as are the pectoral fins. Juvenile has a different color pattern than the adult, displaying a

brown and orange body with narrow vertical blue bars on its sides and blue margins on the dorsal

and anal fins. It also has a blue bar behind the eye. Adults can reach about 14 inches (35.6 cm) in

length.

Diet / Feeding

King angelfish feeds during the day on sessile invertebrates and algae, and most frequently preys

on sponges. It also consumes plankton.


Reproduction takes place in late summer, with spawning occurring daily throughout the lunar

cycle. This species pair-bonds during spawning season and the female defends its territory

aggressively.

Conservation Status

“Not Evaluated” on the IUCN Red List.


Occurs alone, in pairs (usually during breeding season) or in aggregations with other king angelfish

or sometimes with Cortez angelfish (Pomacanthus zonipectus). Juvenile king angelfish exhibit

cleaning behavior. Also is called the “Passer angelfish."

PORKFISH

Figure4: Image of porkfish

Range / Habitat

Porkfish occurs in the Western Atlantic from Florida to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and

the Caribbean Sea. It is abundant in Florida, especially the Florida Keys. It is considered an

introduced species in Bermuda. Found in shallow inshore waters over reefs and rocky bottoms at

depths from 6 to 65 feet (2 - 20 m). Juveniles are common on seagrass beds.


Porkfish is a deep-bodied fish with a blunt snout, thick lips and a small mouth positioned low on

the head. Body is bright yellow-gold with two conspicuous black bars on the head and front part

of the body. There are alternating blue and yellow stripes on the upper part of the body and whitish

with yellow stripes below. The fins are yellow. Adults can grow to 14 inches (36 cm) in length

and weigh 2 lbs. (900 gm). Young porkfish do not have black bars, but do have a large dark spot

near the base of the caudal fin.

Diet / Feeding

Feeds at night on a variety of invertebrates, such as mollusks, echinoderms, annelids, and

crustaceans.

Conservation Status

“Not Evaluated” on the IUCN Red List.


Porkfish is a member of the grunt family (Haemulidae), which is characterized by the ability to

make grunting sounds using its pharyngeal teeth and swim bladder. Young porkfish can be reared

in human care and is a popular aquarium fish as it removes ectoparasites from other fish. This

species relatively unafraid of divers and can often be closely approached. In Florida, porkfish drifts

in large inactive schools over reefs in the daytime and disperses to feed at night. It is usually found

alone or in small groups throughout the rest of its range. The porkfish is a good game fish for light

tackle, but has been linked to ciguatera poisoning.

SANDBAR SHARK

Figure 5 : Image of sandbar shark

Range / Habitat

Sandbar shark is a coastal-pelagic species, common in tropical and warm temperate waters

worldwide. Occurs in the Western Atlantic from Cape Cod south to Argentina, including the Gulf

of Mexico, the Bahamas, Cuba and parts of the Caribbean. In the Eastern Atlantic it ranges from

Portugal to equatorial Africa, including the Mediterranean. It is present in scattered locations in

the Indo-Pacific from Eastern Africa and the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands. It also occurs in the

Eastern Pacific in the Galapagos and Revillagigedo islands. This shark is essentially a coastal

shallow-water shark that is seldom seen at the surface. It can be found offshore over the continental

shelf and around islands, typically at depths between about 60 and 200 feet (20-65 m).

Occasionally, it moves into the adjacent water to depths of over 900 feet (280 m) during migrations

(see below). Often found in bays, river mouths and harbors with smooth substrate. It avoids coral

reefs and other rough-bottom areas. This shark will not ascend rivers into fresh water.


Sandbar shark has a stout body with a moderately long, rounded snout and a large first dorsal fin.

This shark exhibits countershading; it is gray-brown to bronze on the back and flanks, and white

underneath. The tips and margins of the fins are sometimes darker than the rest of the body.

Typically, sandbar shark is about 6 feet (2 m) in length and weighs 100 to 200 lbs. (45 to 90 kg).

The size record for this species is just over 8 feet (2.5 m) and 260 lbs. (118 kg). Females are usually

heavier than males.

Diet / Feeding

This species is an opportunistic feeder preying on bony fishes, smaller sharks, rays, cephalopods,

gastropods, crabs and shrimp. Feeds throughout the day, but is more active at night.


Mating takes place from May to June in the Northern Hemisphere and from October to January

south of the Equator. Females often carry deep scrapes and lacerations inflicted by aggressive

males. Sandbar shark is viviparous, nourishing embryos in her uterus via a placental sac. Gestation

lasts 8 to 12 months depending on geographic location and the mother gives birth to 6 to 13 pups.

Litter size varies by region. Females breed every other year. Birthing occurs in shallow water

nursery grounds where the pups are protected from larger sharks, particularly the bull shark, which

is known to prey heavily on small sandbar sharks. Bays and estuaries on the U.S. coast between

Delaware and North Carolina are common sandbar shark nurseries. The juveniles remain in or near

the nursery for 9 or 10 months and then form schools that move into deeper water. They return to

the nurseries during warmer months. These migrations cover much shorter distances than those of

the adult. The juveniles repeat this movement pattern until they are about five years old when they

follow the wider migration pattern of the adults.

Conservation Status

"Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List.


Sandbar shark is the most abundant shark in the Western Atlantic. Populations along the U.S. East

Coast undertake extended annual migrations, moving south for the winter and returning north as

coastal waters warm up. The southward migration is made in large schools, typically composed

only of males. The females appear to migrate alone. Seasonal migrations also have been reported

in some populations along the Southeast Coast of Africa. Migrations are made in deep water, well

below the usual depths which the sandbar shark occupies. Ocean currents play an important role

in these migrations, which scientists believe cover long distances. This species is an important

component of shark fisheries. It is caught for its meat, oil and skin, as well as for its fins (for shark

fin soup). It also is used for Chinese medicine. Sandbar shark populations in the Western North

Atlantic have been severely overfished both commercially and by sport fishermen. The species

appears to be recovering since the U.S. began tightly managing the fishery under a management

plan implemented in 1993.

YELLOW TANG

Figure 5: Image of yellow tang

Range / Habitat

Occurs in the Pacific from Japan to Hawaii. Also seen off the coast of Florida in the Western

Atlantic. Found in coral-rich tropical waters at depths of about 1-266 (1-81 m).


Coloration is a bright yellow, though at night changes to a darker and more subdued yellow with

a visible white lateral line. Characterized by long snout and large dorsal fin. Maximum length of

7.9 inches (20 cm).

Diet / Feeding

Diet consists primarily of algae. Also feeds on macroalgae such as seaweed and occasionally eats

types of zooplankton. Plays a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems by preventing algae from

overtaking corals.


Spawns around the full moon in batches throughout the year, though mostly from March to

September. Female releases about 40,000 eggs. Clear larvae are planktonic, eventually making

way to coral reefs and crevices.

Conservation Status



Appears singly or in loose groups. Juvenile can be territorial. A diurnal species. Moves from place

to place during the day. Rests alone at night in coral crevices. Though coloration appears bright to

humans, it is negligibly different from the color of coral at common depths. Uses a scalpel-like fin

defensively.

PALETTE SURGEONFISH

Figure6: Image of palatte surgeonfish

Range / Habitat

Occurs in the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Line Islands, north to southern Japan, south to

the southern Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Samoa. Also seen throughout Micronesia

and from the Gilbert Islands (Kiribati), Mariana Islands and Mascarene Islands. Relatively

uncommon and highly localized throughout most of Micronesia. Reef-associated species occurring

at depths ranging from about 6.6-131 feet (2 - 40 m). Adult encountered in loose aggregations near

the bottom over current-swept terraces of seaward reefs. Juvenile and sub-adult typically appear

in groups in clear reef areas or channels where there is substantial current. In addition, the juvenile

is typically secretive and found near or within Acropora coral thickets.


Easily recognized by its bright blue coloration with distinct black markings. Has a yellow tail with

black upper and lower margins. As with all surgeonfish, this species has sharp spines on both sides

of the caudal peduncle (i.e., where the caudal fin joins the fish’s body). The spines are mildly

venomous in this species. Can grow to 10 inches (26 cm) in length.

Diet / Feeding

Diet consists of zooplankton and benthic algae.

Conservation Status



People should use extreme caution when handling this fish. The spines on either side of the caudal

peduncle may cause deep puncture wounds leading to infection. The only species in its genus.

When alarmed, it will wedge itself tightly among the coral branches, making it easy for divers to

collect. A popular and hardy aquarium fish.

GARIBALDI

Figure 7: Image of garibaldi fish

Range / Habitat

Garibaldi damselfish occurs in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Monterey Bay in California to

southern Baja California and Guadalupe in Mexico. A reef-associated fish, found in clear water,

often near crevices, small caves, and occasionally in kelp at depths to 98 feet (30 m).


Garibaldi is about 12 to 14 inches (31–36 cm) in length. It is the largest of the damselfish. The

most distinguishing feature is the bright orange color of the adult. A juvenile is red-orange with

bright iridescent blue spots on the body and blue edges on the fins. This species has a small, narrow

mouth and an oval shaped body.

Diet / Feeding

Feeds on a wide range of invertebrates including worms, anemones, sea stars, shrimp, sponge and

small shellfish.


A fiercely territorial fish, and will attack larger animals that threaten its eggs. The male will select

a home territory that includes a feeding area, a protective hole, and a nesting site. It will protect its

territory year round. The female also will establish a home range but does not defend it with the

same vigor as the male. One of the most interesting things about the garibaldi is its courtship and

mating behavior: In the early spring, the male will prepare a nest by removing small animals and

cleaning out the debris from a small area of a red algae bed. When the nest is ready, he will work

hard to attract females with swimming displays. If the female is enticed to stay, she will release a

trail of eggs, which stick to the algae nest. The male then fertilizes the eggs and chases away the

female so that she won’t eat the eggs. He will continue to clean and guard the eggs until they hatch

with no assistance from the female. A female can lay between 50 to 1000 eggs, which incubate for

2 to 7 days until they emerge into transparent, 1/6-inch hatchlings. Several females may spawn in

the same nest and each female may lay eggs in several nests.

Conservation Status

“Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. In 1995, the California Legislature placed a

moratorium on garibaldi collecting for either sport or commercial purposes.


Garibaldi is the official marine fish of the state of California. Garibaldi is solitary in nature and

does not school. It is most active during the day and generally retreats to a protected spot at

night. When disturbed, a garibaldi can emit an audible thumping sound. Life span may be up

to 17 years, but closer to 12 years is more common.

JAPANESE SPIDER CRAB

Figure 8: Image of Japanese spider crab

Range / Habitat

Japanese spider crab occurs on the seabed in the Pacific Ocean around Japan. Found at depths of

160 to 2,000 feet (50 – 600 m). Prefers to inhabit the vents and holes of the deeper parts of the

ocean.


Japanese spider crab gets its name from its resemblance to a spider. It has a rounded body covered

with stubby projections and long slim legs. The species has been known to grow up to 12 feet (3.7

m) across. Its body will grow to about 15 inches (37 cm) wide and the animal can weigh up to 44

lbs. (20 kg). Male is larger than the female and has larger claws.

Diet / Feeding

Japanese spider crab is an omnivore, consuming both plant matter and animals. Sometimes acts as

a scavenger, consuming dead animals. Some are known to scrape the bottom of the ocean floor for

plants and algae, while others pry open the shells of mollusks.


Female carries the fertilized eggs attached to her abdominal appendages until they hatch into tiny

planktonic larvae. During the larval stage the young crab looks nothing like its parents. It is small

and transparent with a round, legless body and usually drifts as plankton at the surface of the ocean.

Conservation Status

"Not Evaluated" on the IUCN Red List.


This crab is one of the largest known arthropods (i.e., the group of animals that includes crabs,

shrimp, insects, spiders and horseshoe crabs). It is difficult for fishermen to catch the giant

Japanese spider crab because of the depth at which it is found, so the species is not widely exploited

commercially. However, it is considered a rare delicacy in Asia. This species belongs to the

Majidae family, which is known “decorator crabs." This group of crabs will pick up small

anemones, pieces of sponge or other benthic animals and cement them to the top of their carapace

(shell). This provides the crab with natural camouflage that protects it from predators.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1. SOME SELECTED AQUARIUM PLANTS

Alisma gramineum

Figure 9: Image of alisma gramineum

Alisma gramineum is a small aquatic plant in the water- plantain family. It has several common

names including narrow-leaf water-plantain, ribbon-leaf water-plantain or ribbon-leaved water-

plantain, and grass-leaved water-plantain. It grows in mud or submerged in shallow fresh or

brackish water in marshy areas.

Description

The leaves and tiny purple-tinted white flowers may be submersed or not. When the flowers grow

underwater they are cleistogamous, meaning they stay closed and self-pollinate. When the flowers

grow above water they open. The leaves above the surface are stiff and wide, but submerged leaves

are ribbon-like. The fruit is a ring of dry nutlets. Reproduction is by seed or from division of the

corm.

Distribution

Alisma gramineum is widespread across temperate and subarctic portions of Asia and Europe and

North Africa from France and Libya to China and Yakutsk. It is reported from much of Canada

from British Columbia to Quebec, as well as most of the western United States plus New

York,Vermont and Virginia. This is an endangered and protected species in the United Kingdom.

Azolla pinnata

Figure 10: Image of azolla pinnata

Azolla pinnata is a species of fern known by several common names, including feathered mosquito

fern and water velvet. It is native to much of Africa, Asia from China to Japan, India and the

Philippines, and parts of Australia. It is an aquatic plant, its frond floating upon the surface of the

water. It grows in quiet and slow-moving water bodies, because swift currents and waves break up

the plant.

This is a small fern with a triangular frond measuring up to 2.5 centimeters in length which floats

on the water. The frond is made up of many rounded or angular overlapping leaves each 1 or 2

millimeters long. They are green, blue-green, or dark red in color and coated in tiny hairs, giving

them a velvety appearance. The hairs make the top surface of the leaf water-repellent, keeping the

plant afloat even after being pushed under. A water body may be coated in a dense layer of the

plants, which form a velvety mat that crowds out other plants. The hairlike roots extend out into

the water. The leaves contain the cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae, which is a symbiont that fixes

nitrogen from the atmosphere that the fern can use. This gives the fern the ability to grow in

habitats that are low in nitrogen.

The plant reproduces vegetatively when branches break off the main axis, or sexually when

sporocarps on the leaves release spores. It is present in New Zealand as an introduced species and

an invasive weed that has crowded out a native relative, Azolla rubra. It is a pest of waterways

because its dense mats reduce oxygen in the water. The weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus is used as

an agent of biological pest control to manage Azolla filiculoides , and it has been found to attack

A. pinnata as well. Rice farmers sometimes keep this plant in their paddies because it generates

valuable nitrogen via its symbiotic cyanobacteria. The plant can be grown in wet soil and then

plowed under, generating a good amount of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. The plant has the ability to

absorb a certain amount of heavy metal pollution, such as lead, from contaminated water. It is 25-

30% protein and can be added to chicken feed.

Eriocaulon spp

Figure 11: Image of eriocaulon spp

Eriocaulon is a genus of about 400 species commonly known as pipeworts, of monocotyledonous

flowering plants in the family Eriocaulaceae . The genus is widely distributed, with the centers of

diversity for the group occurring in tropical regions, particularly southern Asia and the Americas.

A few species extend to temperate regions, with ca. 10 species in the United States, mostly in the

southern states from California to Florida, and only two species in Canada; China has 35 species,

also mostly southern. Only one species (E. aquaticum) occurs in Europe, where it is confined to

the Atlantic Ocean coasts of Scotland and Ireland; this species also occurs in eastern North

America and is thought to be a relatively recent natural colonist in Europe. In the Americas,

Eriocaulon is the only genus in its family that occurs north of Florida. They tend to be associated

with wet soils, many growing in shallow water, in wetlands, or in wet savannas like flatwoods. In

wet soils, their abundance appears to be related to water levels, fire frequency, and competition

from other plants such as grasses. Experiments have shown that they are weak competitors

compared to many other wetland plant species.

Some species can persist as buried seeds during unfavorable conditions. The scientific name is

derived from Ancient Greek εριον, erion , meaning 'wool', and, caulos , meaning 'stalk'. The species

are mostly herbaceous perennial plants, though some are annual plants; they resemble plants in the

related families Cyperaceae (sedges) and Juncaceae (rushes), and like them, have rather small,

wind- pollinated flowers.

Thalassia testudinum

Figure 12: Image of turtlegrass( thalassia testudinum)

Thalassia testudinum, commonly known as turtlegrass, is a species of marine seagrass. It forms

meadows in shallow sandy or muddy locations in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Description

Thalassia testudinum is a perennial grass growing from a long, jointed rhizome that may be buried

25 centimeters (9.8 in) deep in the substrate but is more usually found 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) below

the surface. Some nodes are leafless but others bear a tuft of several erect, linear leaf blades. These

are up to 30 centimeters (12 in) long and 2 cm (0.8 in) wide and have rounded tips. The flowers

grow on short stalks in the axils of the leaves and are greenish-white, sometimes tinged pink, and

are followed by seed pods.

Distribution and habitat

Turtle grass is found growing in meadows in calm shallow waters throughout the Caribbean Sea

and the Gulf of Mexico and as far north as Cape Canaveral in Florida. Extensive meadows can be

formed on muddy sand, coarse sandy and clayey seabeds, especially those with a calcareous

content. This grass favours high-salinity waters with low turbidity such as calm lagoons. It cannot

grow in fresh water but some growth is possible at a salinity of 10 parts per thousand. The plant's

preferred range is 25 to 38.5 parts per thousand with a temperature range of 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86

°F). It is found from low-tide mark down to depths of 30 metres (98 ft) depending on water clarity.

It often grows in meadows with other seagrasses where it is the climax species.

Reproduction

Turtle grass can reproduce both vegetatively and by sexual reproduction. The main propagative

method is by increase in length of the rhizomes. This mainly takes place in spring and early

summer but can happen at any time of year and results in an increase in the size of the turtle grass

bed. It has been found that where plants have been damaged mechanically, such as by the

propellers of boats, the cut ends of rhizomes are unable to grow and holes may develop in the turtle

grass meadow. Unusually for the marine environment, turtle grass is a flowering plant. In the

spring and early summer, many turtle grass plants produce small flowers at the base of the leaves.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Fruits develop in two to four weeks and became

detached and float away after about eight weeks. The seeds are viviparous, and can start new

patches of seagrass, but it is thought that the main method of reproduction is vegetative.

Anubias gigantia

Figure 13 : Image of anubias gigantia

Anubias gigantea is a species belonging to the Aroid genus Anubias . It was first mentioned by

Auguste Chevalier in 1920, based on material that he had collected in Guinea. The formal

description followed in 1939 by John Hutchinson .It is closely related to A. afzelii , basically only

differing from that species by the form of the leaf- blade.

Synonyms

The following names are synonyms of A. gigantea: A. gigantea var. tripartita Chevalier, 1920 and

A. hastifolia var. robusta Engler , 1915.

Distribution

A. gigantea is known from West Africa, including the countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone , Liberia

, Ivory Coast, and Togo.

Description

A. gigantea has large arrow-shaped leave blades that can be up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 14 cm (6

in) wide. The leaf stems are slightly shorter till up to 2.5 times longer than the blade. The leaves

are set on a creeping and rooting rhizome that is 1–3 cm thick. The spathe is 3.5–8 centimetres

(1.4–3.1 in) long and has a 14–60 centimetres (5.5–23.6 in) long peduncle. The spadix is up to 9

centimetres (3.5 in) long and slightly longer than the spathe, so that the tip slightly protrudes from

it. The upper part is covered with male flowers, of which the 4-6 stamens are fused into synandria

, with the thecae on its sides. The lower part of the spadix is covered with female flowers that are

reduced to the ovary and stigma.

Ecology

The plant is semi-aquatic and grows mostly on rocky places at the banks of rivers or in the riverbed.

It flowers from February to April.

Cultivation

This plant grows best when only partially submersed and not crowded by other plants and is most

suited for the paludarium, but can also be used in larger aquariums, where it grows very slowly. It

does not require much light. It prefers a temperature range of 22-26 °C. It can be propagated by

dividing the rhizome, but seed- propagation is not difficult either.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.1. BENEFITS OF AQUARIUM SPECIES

Plants are the underwater trees of aquatic ecosystems. In addition to natural décor, plants provide

vital functions for aquariums as well. In planted aquariums, instead of trying to keep the fish happy,

the focus shifts to keep the plants happy. If the plants are happy and growing, fish will thrive.

Some benefits of aquarium plants include:

1. Filtration

While HOB (hang on back) filters and canister filters provide good mechanical and biological

filtration, plants provide a unique kind of filtration. Plants can absorb and remove all types waste

created by fish, excess food, decaying materials, and even heavy metals.

In addition to this filtration, plants also create additional surface area for beneficial bacteria to

grow on. This provides additional biological filtration.

Figure 14 : PLANTED TANK FILTER

Mechanical filters can lose effectiveness over time if not cleaned properly, but plants will continue

to act as good filters as long as they’re growing. The overall quality of water in aquariums is higher

if plants are growing in it.

2. Aeration

Instead of placing airstones and airpumps into aquariums which aren’t aesthetically pleasing,

plants can provide adequate amounts of oxygen in aquariums while absorbing carbon dioxide

released by livestock.

Figure 15 : AERATION BY THE MEANS OF PHOTOSYNTHENSIS

Plants can do this because they perform photosynthesis. During this process, plants absorb

nutrients, light, and carbon dioxide to release oxygen as a by-product.

3. Algae repellent

Algae growth is a common problem in aquariums and difficult to deal with without plants. Algae

grow due to excess nutrients and light in aquariums. To combat the growth of algae, plants can be

used to out-compete algae for nutrients.

Figure 16: ALGAE REPELLENT

The more plants there are in an aquarium, the less likely you will see algae growing in that

aquarium. In fact, if an aquarium is in balance, where the plants are growing well, very little

maintenance is required.

4. Fish home/territory

Sometimes certain species of fish can be very territorial. Plants allow different species of livestock

to coexist by providing cover and protection.

Some types of fish even breed and lay eggs on the leaves of the plants. With the presence of plants,

the ratio of number of fish per gallon is greatly increased.

Figure 17: PLANTED FISH TANK

With all of these benefits provided by plants in aquariums, it doesn’t make sense to have a

freshwater aquarium without plants.

principles of ornamental fsheries (a brief overview) Journal

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