Designing an enclosure for Banded Archer Fish in captivity involves several critical factors to accurately replicate their natural brackish water mangrove ecosystems. Key considerations include maintaining pristine water quality by closely monitoring parameters like temperature, pH, and salinity, ensuring these matches their natural habitat to support the fish’s health (Lawrence et al., 2021).
The spatial design of the enclosure should provide ample vertical space for their unique prey-targeting behaviour, with sufficient height above the water to safely accommodate their feeding activities. The environment should also be complex and enriched, mimicking natural structures like mangrove roots and incorporating elements like variable water flow and live plants to reduce stress and promote natural behaviours (Lawrence et al., 2021). Additionally, integrating interactive feeding mechanisms that simulate natural food acquisition can enhance the archer fish’s predatory skills and overall well-being.
3.1. Suitable enclosure design
3.2. Suitable water parameters
3.2.1. Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Maintaining an optimal temperature range of 26-29°C is crucial as it influences metabolic rates and overall health (Islam et al., 2017). Additionally, DO (dissolved oxygen) levels should be kept between 3.5-4.5 mg/L to ensure adequate oxygen supply for respiration.
3.2.2. pH and Salinity:
The pH of the water should be maintained between 7.2 and 8.5 to match the slightly alkaline conditions found in their natural brackish water habitats. Salinity levels should be carefully managed, ideally around 8 ppt, as this is conducive to health and stress minimization in archer fish (Kadarini, 2015)
3.2.3. Ammonia and Nitrite Levels:
Ammonia and nitrite levels must be kept minimal (less than 0.1 ppm) to prevent toxicity. High levels of these nitrogenous wastes can lead to stress and increase susceptibility to diseases.
3.2.4. General Hardness and Alkalinity:
General hardness and alkalinity should be controlled to prevent sudden pH changes and provide essential minerals for physiological processes. Levels should ideally match those found in their natural mangrove environments, where these fish are typically found.
3.3. Importance of Water Quality
Maintaining these water parameters is not just about survival but ensuring the fish thrive in captivity. Proper water conditions help in regulating the fish’s biological processes, including growth, reproduction, and immune system functionality. Studies have shown that optimal water conditions significantly contribute to the health and longevity of captive fish, affecting their growth rates, breeding success, and resistance to diseases
3.4. Life Support Systems and Monitoring
Maintaining the health and well-being of Banded Archer Fish (Toxotes jaculatrix) in captivity necessitates a sophisticated life support system that emulates their natural habitat
3.4.1 Filtration and Water Quality Control:
Key to the health of Banded Archer Fish is maintaining clean and stable water conditions. This requires two main types of filtration;
- Biological Filtration uses beneficial bacteria to convert harmful ammonia into safer substances like nitrate, preventing toxic build-up that can be detrimental to the fish.
- Mechanical Filtration helps remove physical particles from the water, preventing the accumulation of organic matter and maintaining the clarity and quality of the water. Together, these filtration systems help sustain a healthy environment for the fish by mimicking the clean, flowing waters of their natural habitat.
3.4.2. Temperature and Salinity Management:
The tropical nature of Banded Archer Fish means they thrive in warm waters. Thus, precise control of water temperature is critical, ideally between 26-29°C. Temperature fluctuations can stress the fish, affecting their immune system and overall health. Additionally, since these fish are native to brackish waters, maintaining the correct salinity around 8 ppt is crucial. Salinity regulators and careful monitoring are necessary to emulate the natural water conditions of their habitats effectively.
3.4.3. Advanced Monitoring Systems:
Implementing modern technologies such as IoT-based sensors can revolutionize the maintenance of life support systems for Banded Archer Fish by providing real-time data on critical water parameters including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. This continuous monitoring and automated management help ensure the health and longevity of the fish in captivity (Joseph, 2022).
3.5. Construction Materials
The health and cleanliness of Banded Archer Fish in captivity are significantly influenced by the design and materials of their enclosures. Non-corrosive materials like stainless steel, high-grade plastics, and glass are ideal for their non-toxic, durable, and easy-to-clean properties, essential for maintaining water quality and preventing disease (Lafontaine & Leggett, 1987). Enclosure layouts should mimic natural habitats with vertical structures and varied depths to reduce stress and promote natural feeding behaviours. Advanced, accessible filtration systems are crucial for water cleanliness, ensuring the enclosures remain hygienic and the fish healthy.
3.6. Layout Design Considerations
The layout and design of enclosures for Banded Archer Fish should closely replicate their natural mangrove and estuarine habitats to support their unique feeding behaviours and social interactions. Incorporating both vertical and horizontal structures, varied water depths, and shaded areas can promote natural behaviours and simplify waste management, enhancing overall hygiene (Lawrence et al., 2021).
Design features like compartmentalized areas facilitate the management of social structures without stress, while ensuring all parts of the tank are accessible for easy cleaning and maintenance. Essential to enclosure hygiene are non-porous surfaces and sophisticated filtration systems that handle biological, mechanical, and chemical contaminants, maintaining optimal water quality and health for the fish. These elements are crucial for preventing disease and ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the habitat systems.
3.7. Health and Safety of visitors and staff
3.7.1. Visitor Safety
- Visitor Interaction Zones: The design of visitor interaction areas, such as viewing platforms and touch tanks, must prioritize safety. These zones should be designed with barriers that prevent accidental falls into the enclosures and ensure that all interactions with water are controlled and safe (Sahrmann et al., 2016).
- Universal Design: Accessibility is another critical aspect. Enclosures should adhere to Universal Design principles, ensuring that they are accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. Features such as wide, barrier-free pathways, ramps instead of stairs where possible, and clear signage help ensure safety for all visitors, reducing the risk of injury.
3.7.2. Staff Safety
- Maintenance Access: Enclosure design must facilitate easy and safe access for maintenance activities. This includes the incorporation of non-slip surfaces, adequate lighting, and easily accessible emergency exits. Ensuring that staff can safely access and exit the enclosure in an emergency is crucial for preventing injuries.
- Ergonomic Design: The enclosures should be designed considering ergonomic principles to minimize the physical strain on staff during feeding, cleaning, and medical examinations of the fish. Adjustable platforms that allow staff to work at comfortable heights and angles can significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
- Air Quality and Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in indoor aquarium settings to prevent the buildup of harmful gases and ensure a healthy breathing environment for both visitors and staff. The design should include efficient air exchange systems that filter and replace the air regularly.