[palufreak]

Hello,
I would like (in the near futur) to start a set-up inspired by the Everglades in Southern Florida. I have a couple questions.

1. Is there a portion of the everglades that's freshwater, if not, I can scrap that idea for now until I'm ready to start a saltwater set-up.

2. If there is freshwater, are there even species of fish OR amphibians/reptiles other than the gator? If so, I COULD do a palu.

3. If there is fauna, are any of the fish species able to live in an aquarium (not bigger than 50G) or that resemble the species found?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[TedP]

The Everglades system is composed of freshwater. saltware and everything in between. The headwaters are technically in Central Florida. You'll find rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, estuaries and even saltwarer bays and flats. You'll see man made and natural examples of almost all of them.

There are all sorts of fish that can be kept in the average home aquarium. My favorite, the Flagfish is a beautiful, interesting native. They are a bit rough on plants, I've found but stay small andcan be bred in even modest tanks.

All sorts of killifish and topminnows are also foind in Florida as well as some smaller species of sunfish, like the Pygmy Sunfish.

You'll even find wild mollies.

And I have not even gotten into the introduced species you'll find throughout the system. Things like Mayan cichlids, plecos and oscars.

For reptiles and amphibians, there are all sorts of turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards... I'll let someone who knows a bit more about them specifically to make recommendations.

By the way, what is a palu?

 

[Francis Xavier]

I bet Orlando of green leaf aquariums could answer your question in depth.

 

[kuni]

I'd do a riparium with tall grassy plants in the back. That'll give you the correct feel.

Flagfish, ghost shrimp, pygmy killies - there are lots of options, especially for smaller tanks.

 

[kamikazi]

...gator?

 

[meowfish]

...gator?

+1

I suggest a secure lid.

 

[palufreak]

The Everglades system is composed of freshwater. saltware and everything in between. The headwaters are technically in Central Florida. You'll find rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, estuaries and even saltwarer bays and flats. You'll see man made and natural examples of almost all of them.

There are all sorts of fish that can be kept in the average home aquarium. My favorite, the Flagfish is a beautiful, interesting native. They are a bit rough on plants, I've found but stay small andcan be bred in even modest tanks.

All sorts of killifish and topminnows are also foind in Florida as well as some smaller species of sunfish, like the Pygmy Sunfish.

You'll even find wild mollies.

And I have not even gotten into the introduced species you'll find throughout the system. Things like Mayan cichlids, plecos and oscars.

For reptiles and amphibians, there are all sorts of turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards... I'll let someone who knows a bit more about them specifically to make recommendations.

By the way, what is a palu?

TedP:
Ok so freshwater is found in the Everglades...

For the Flagfish, I'll have to do some research since I've never heard of them... I'll get back to you on that

Are killifish and minnows common in the aquarium world? I do not want to spend a fortune on a fish!!

For reptiles and amphibians, I kinda knew those where there... I was looking more for a specific specie... Thanks anyways!

First of all, palu is short for Paludarium... It is a terrarium where both land and water can be found... These types of setups are good for newts, frogs, certain lizards, salamanders and other creatures that need water and land... There are several methods to creating these... If you have any questions, don't hesitate to PM me (my name is Palufreak afterall )

Francis: Ok thanks

Kuni: I've thought of a riparium... I still havent decide if I wanna go with an Aquarium, Riparium, Paludarium... I will choose my species first...

Kamikazi, Meowfish: Um.... NOOOO

Thanks everyone...

 

[hydrophyte]

Black mangrove would be a really good plant to include. It is too bad I can't ship plants across the border otherwise I could send you a couple of these propagules that I have here.

 

[TedP]

Oh! Palu!!! Duh! I thought it was some sort of animal.

You can find some Florida natives online and on auction sites.

There is some really neat habitat in the Everglades. A palundarium could feature root/wood to simulate mature mangrove roots with plants living on them. Bromilids come to mind.

Fiddler crabs can be seen on mud flats at low tide, rolling balls of sand. Tough to catch though!

Most of the turtle species get pretty big. I've seen softshell turtles with shells almost 2 feet long. Here is a good link with specific species:

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/reptiles.htm

Not all are native, however. But that makes it a bit easier to get species that COULD appear in the Everglades. I am not sure of the legality, but I usually get a few Cuban treefrogs in plants from Lowes or Home Depot. I've gotten 5-lined skinks from mulch piles. Hitchhikers are everywhere.

 

[palufreak]

Never heard of an animal called "Palu"

I checked the link and saw than the "green Anole" is in the list... They are inexpensive and small (kinda). I was wondering if they would work in a setup with water in the bottom and just thick branches (mini tree trunks) sticking out of the water with other small branches connecting them together and then convering em with vines and plants to create the illusions of trees... This would provide them with plenty of places to run and hide...
My only concerns are if they fall off, would they be able to get out (if provided with some kinda ramp or leaves in the water), or would they die?
Also, I have read that they come down of the trees at night to scavange for food and stuff, but if there is no true land area (only trees), would they be okay?
Thanks again