While keeping fishes in aquaria designed around their natural habitats has become increasingly popular in recent years there are as yet few sources of reliable information upon which to base such a project. For this reason it was a pleasure to read a new book by Rune Evjeberg and Kai Qvist which deals with various biotopes in the diverse country of Mexico.
The authors travelled through half-a-dozen states during 2008, recording GPS co-ordinates, water parameter details and listing fish species found at each locality as they went. They also managed to achieve some stunning underwater photography which provides a fascinating insight for aquarists interested in setting up an aquarium for Mexican fishes. Highlights include the famous Media Luna system in San Luis Potosi and beautiful cenotes (limestone sinkholes) and lagoons in Quintana Roo. Fish species recorded include many endemic to the country with a particular focus on members of the family Poeciliidae. In total 23 biotopes are featured accompanied by close to 400 colour photographs.
Details of aquatic plant species, substrate-type and other points of interest are also included, and additional sections focus on work being undertaken by the CICHAZ (Centro de Investigaciones Científicas de las Huastecas "Aguazarca") and HALCP (Hobbyists Aqua Lab Conservation Project) at the University of Morelia, plus a special chapter on the endemic Goodeid subfamily Goodeinae. Following publication the authors set up a non-profitable website www.freshwater-biotopes.org where registered customers can purchase the book and make contributions to the HALCP project. The latter was set up in 1998 by English aquarist Ivan Dibble, among others, and is dedicated to the conservation and study of endangered Mexican fish species.
Rune and Kai already have plans for a second instalment and are returning to Mexico in April 2010. Future plans include a trip to the Río Negro for a third book and development of new partnerships with conservation programs in Mexico and beyond. We think their project is a superb initiative and over time hope to offer support in one way or another. In the meantime please visit their website or community page here at SF where you'll find details about how to order the book plus some useful links.
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