Yeah they really were cool. I did some googling and found that it is not recommended to collect darters when it's hot out. They get stressed too easily and usually die when you put them in an aquarium. Maybe I can wait till the weather cools down in the fall and try again?
...I just noticed your comment about rainbow darters and the rest.
I've had pretty good success with darters once they begin feeding (frozen brine shrimp are worth the extra money). Be careful of changes in temperature between the stream water and the tank. You probably know about "tempering" the water already, but it's a good idea to add tank water gradually to the darter's holding water rather than just dump them in.
Darters also do poorly with sunfish around. Unless they have a place to hide they get beat up pretty badly. Even with a place to hide, they're timid about coming into the open with the centrarchid bullies.
And yes, they'll be in better condition in a month or so.
Thanks for the advice Tim. I'm curious to see how agressive this pumpkinseed gets. He's certainly not bothered by the minnows in there with him, so maybe darters of the same size wouldn't bother him either. of course, I've only had him for a few days and it's likely he'll get more agressive and territorial once he feels settled in more.
I'm also hoping he'll eat some of these minnows... I asked the guy at the bait shop for 1 dozen and he scooped up over 4 dozen with his net and gave them all to me for the same price.
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Yes! Cool, species, that.
Yeah they really were cool. I did some googling and found that it is not recommended to collect darters when it's hot out. They get stressed too easily and usually die when you put them in an aquarium. Maybe I can wait till the weather cools down in the fall and try again?
Should work, Ben. Good luck with them!
Ben...
...I just noticed your comment about rainbow darters and the rest.
I've had pretty good success with darters once they begin feeding (frozen brine shrimp are worth the extra money). Be careful of changes in temperature between the stream water and the tank. You probably know about "tempering" the water already, but it's a good idea to add tank water gradually to the darter's holding water rather than just dump them in.
Darters also do poorly with sunfish around. Unless they have a place to hide they get beat up pretty badly. Even with a place to hide, they're timid about coming into the open with the centrarchid bullies.
And yes, they'll be in better condition in a month or so.
Thanks for the advice Tim. I'm curious to see how agressive this pumpkinseed gets. He's certainly not bothered by the minnows in there with him, so maybe darters of the same size wouldn't bother him either. of course, I've only had him for a few days and it's likely he'll get more agressive and territorial once he feels settled in more.
I'm also hoping he'll eat some of these minnows... I asked the guy at the bait shop for 1 dozen and he scooped up over 4 dozen with his net and gave them all to me for the same price.
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