Dimensions 87 × 31 × 26 cm
Title Strona river - A tributary of the Ticino river - Northern Italy
Volume 70L
Background white adhesive cardboard
Lighting 3 for neon T8
Filtration internal filter with sponge
Plants Callitriche stagnalis, Phalaris sp. (maybe Phalaris aquatica), Spirodela polyrrhiza (floating plant), two different unidentified mosses collected in the Strona river
Animals Squalius squalus (about 15 fry), Telestes muticellus (about 5 fry)
Materials all the material (stones, sand, woods) I collected on the bed of the Strona river
Additional Information The Strona stream is a tributary of the Ticino river, and is located in northern Italy, in the province of Varese. It is a small river, and is less than 20 km long. The initial stretch is very slow flowing and the water is slightly amber due to the presence of peat. The river originates from a swamp. The central section is medium flowing, the water is clearer and there are many aquatic plants, especially Callitriche stagnalis. The final stretch runs very fast, with rapids and small waterfalls in periods of heavy rain. A particularity that I have observed in this river is how Callitriche stagnalis grows, the plant often lives as an epiphyte on smooth stones and on plots of submerged woods. This is made possible by the formation of layers of soil and debris that cover the supports, giving suitable material to this plant for anchoring and growth. This is what I have tried to show in this aquarium. There are few fish in this river. But in spring some species of Cyprinids go up the river from the Ticino, and come here to lay their eggs. In the summer, therefore, many young fish are found in the Strona River, especially fry. The most present species are Squalius squalus, Telestes muticellus, Gobio gobio, Rhodeus amarus, Rutilus rutilus. Only juvenile specimens. Everything that is present in this aquarium was taken directly from the Strona river. As the aquarium is small, I entered only some fry, which remains, however, what can usually be observed in this river. At the end of the summer they will return to the river.
