The natural habitat of flag cichlids
Unfortunately there are many fish species in our aquariums for which we can only source descriptions of their habitats and lifestyles and, if we're really lucky, a few underwater photos. On the JBL expeditions, even the underwater habitats are always documented on video. In the case of the flag cichlids, they are very diverse: these beautiful animals live between wooden roots and branches, often alongside altum angelfish, as well as between large stones and huge boulders. In the video, they can always be seen in a group of at least 5, but often significantly more. The largest group observed consisted of around 20 fish. Unlike in a shoal, the animals in a group know each other and form a social hierarchy. It was very interesting to observe the food intake, which mostly consisted of biofilms picked off sunken branches and off the ground. Cardinal tetras swimming around were never regarded as food. We also observed Altum angelfish, Cichla temensis, Heros, Satanoperca and Crenicichla in the same biotope as the flag cichlids. We also found various characin species.
JBL Expedition - Research & Adventure
Since 2001, the JBL research team has been organising expeditions to the home of aquarium and terrarium animals in order to learn more about their habitats and to be able to breed more species by optimising the aquariums and terrariums. This reduces the number of species taken from the wild, even though it has been proven that capturing the animals does not pose any threat to the populations. Biotope analyses include light measurements (lux, UV-A & UV-B and PAR value), water analyses (pH; KH, GH, O2, conductance, temperature, Fe, K, salt density & Ca & Mg in seawater), feeding trials, behavioural observations, nocturnal observations and documentation of the habitats in photos and videos. One to two years before the start of the expedition, JBL posts an advertisement for nature enthusiasts to participate, publicly on its homepage. There is a draw for all first-time applicants. In the event of cancellations, repeaters will then be considered. On the JBL expeditions there is a great opportunity to observe fish and invertebrates undisturbed in their biotopes while snorkelling. Of course, this is only possible in clearwater and blackwater. Whitewater, i.e. rivers often coming from the mountains, are usually unsuitable due to the low visibility. The itinerary is organised in such a way that each participant has as much time as possible to observe animals according to their area of interest. Indigenous people usually help to find the right fish locations, e.g. for altum angelfish or freshwater rays. Some expeditions are relatively inexpensive to organise, others are considerably more expensive due to complicated travel routes or a lack of infrastructure. JBL passes on the price of the trip without any surcharge from our travel agency partner to the participants. Almost everyone who has been on a trip before signs up for further expeditions. Everyone seems to have really enjoyed it...
The WILD NATURE AQUARIUM format
WILD NATURE AQUARIUM is a new format from JBL that presents the natural habitats of ornamental fish in small documentaries. We have received more and more enquiries as to whether it would be possible to prepare and publish the recordings of our JBL expeditions in a more comprehensive format. The result is now the new documentary series WILD NATURE AQUARIUM. From now on, at regular intervals, we will be presenting the biotopes and original habitats of a variety of fish species. Immerse yourself in the underwater world and learn some exciting facts about the ornamental fish you keep!
