Topic: North American Native Fishes

[NativeKeeper]

The term "native fish" can bring about visions of dull colored, olive-gray fish - usually found on the end of a hook as bait or as the catch. As a result, there is little interest in keeping natives as aquarium fish in this country.
European aquarists have prized North American native aquarium fish for many years. The increasing demand for these native jewels has created additional interest in our local populations of fish. The Europeans have always been known as excellent hobbyists - connoisseurs of rare and unusual fish - so our native fish fit right into the European hobby.

 
I started keeping natives about 5 years ago, after many years in the Hobby, and ever since my fascination has grown into a rather demanding hobby. I have, at times, had as many as 20 aquariums filled with various native species, and some part of just about every weekend is spent in some creek looking for more.

 
The aquarium for native fish does not have to be an elaborate setup, as a matter of fact some live plants, rocks and driftwood fit into their habitat very nicely.   Many species are very hardy,
 
The aquarium does not have to be heated unless it is exposed to harsh winter cold or a steady draft. The optimum temperatures for native fish are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The fish can withstand lower temperatures, but very few will survive temperatures above 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

 Other than temperature, there is not too much difference between the tropical aquarium and the native aquarium. Aquascaping is still your prerogative, but if you try to provide a suitable biotope for the fish, you will notice more comfort and less stress in your newly acquired specimens.

 
Native fish will eat just about anything. I have never had any problems feeding them. Even after two hours in captivity, wild Notropis will gobble down flake food.

Some of the more finicky species as in the case of darters, may require live foods such as blackworms and fruitflies. I would, however, try adjusting them to flakes and use live food as a treat or spawning conditioner,

 There are several ways to obtain native species for your tank. The most obvious is to collect them yourself. however there are captive breeders of these fish.

 Collecting can be an addictive sport once you learn the ropes and become more familiar with the natural history of the fish you want to keep. Ever since I started collecting native species in central Indiana streams, I have been "hooked" on his activity, and find nothing more relaxing than a day in the creeks streams and lakes collecting what-ever i find.
 
Before you set out to collect, sit down and skim through some magazines or books on native fish. There should be several different field guides available at the library or a book store. Talk to members of your local aquarium society. Some of them may have books on native species. Figure out what you want to keep in your tank.

The field guides should give you reference to possible collecting spots or at least what type of biotope the fish can be found in. You can utilize the description of the biotope and set out on your own in search of a suitable creek that may harbor the fish you are after. Once you have decided what you're going to look for, then there are a few items you must have. Some are optional, depending on your collecting experience.

 The very first thing that you must do before loading up the car or truck is to make sure that your plans are legal. Funny thing about the United States - no matter where you go or who you talk to, you end up with different rules or total misinformation. This simple fact has always caused me to verify the legality of collecting wherever I go.

 It is in your best interest to check in with the local department of natural resources (the agency name may vary from state to state) in your area and ask for a copy of the rules. You may also have specific questions of your own to ask. Do not be surprised, however, if the person behind the desk develops a blank look on his or her face. It may seem a bit strange to them that anyone would want to collect bait fish for an aquarium.

Here are a couple of the fish i keep,