U.S. Native Tank

Kazzy

Well, since you guys have shown me Aquabid (thanks....cough...) I now want to start a native tank...mainly for darters (love the greenside ones). Would LOVE to see anyone else's U.S. Native Tanks, especially those with darters :D

Mikaila31

why not just go catch some lol? Find what species are local to your certain area.

There were my rainbow darters I use to have they came from down the road ^_^. Gave them up when I got my kayak. See 100's of these guys in certain rivers around here.

Kazzy

So pretty! Yeah, I'll have to see if those are indigenous to my area. Thanks for the pics :D

Kazzy

Yes!!!! The Green Sided Darters (Etheostoma blennioides) are native to Tennessee, plus some others :D

Kazzy

Oh, how did you end up catching these? Was it pretty difficult?

Grimmjow

Those darters look awesome. Darters are some of the coolest fish out there, I just wish I had a place to get more since the 1 I have is kinda a fluke.

Mikaila31

If you have kids have them help, they will love it. Look for a moderate to fast small river to look for these guys. Shallower and wider the better. It will go better with more then one person. You need nets, large ones that can catch a 2" fish. I use large bug nets with metal handles. If you are alone you need 2 nets, only on if you are with someone else. These fish tend to move down stream when scared. The goal here is to out think the fish, not chase after it like an idiot. These fish sit on the bottom. Edge a net up stream as close as you can to them then just hold it there. Have the other net approach them going down stream, or your buddy. The goal is to run them into the net that is downstream of them(the closer you can get this net to them the more likely they are to swim into it. You need to be quick though, as soon as they realize its a dead end they will double back. Don't be depressed if you get small colorless fish. Juvenile darters are going to be easier then the adults. They will be kinda skittish in a tank at first. Wild caught fish take months to adjust and regain their awesome colors. Give lots of hidy places and they should be fine on bloodworms eventually. Make sure their tank has a lot of current, they like this. Don't worry about any flukes or external parasites you see. If you maintain clean water these will go away on their own.

Kazzy

Thanks! I know just the place to go.

trukgirl

Those darters look really cool!!

Kazzy

I love 'em! Very cute and colorful. Hopefully my 10 gallon will be cycled soon and maybe I can set up a tiny native tank in that and catch a few over the next two weeks.