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In these experimental aquaria we keep small inhabitants of Scandinavian lakes, rivers and marshes. Here is a selection of what you might find:
Grass Snake Natrix natrix Live near water. They are good swimmers, using their tongues to ”smell” out their prey, which consist mainly of frogs and fish. The grass snake is not poisonous, and can grow to a length of 1.3 m. Water Mite Hydracanina Adults are predators, but their young live as parasites on other water insects. There are over 200 species in Sweden. They may be red, blue or green in colour. Nymph Dragonfly Anisoptera Take up to five years to mature – on reaching adulthood they live no more than a few months. The nymph is not only a greedy predator but is also partial to cannibalism. |
Diving Beetle Dytiscidae Have adapted to a life in water, but are still able to fly. They are greedy predators, even attacking frogs and small fish. There are about 150 species in Sweden. Stickleback Gasterosteidae Both small and large Stickleback are commonly found in Sweden. They live in seawater as well as freshwater. The male builds a nest of plants, to which he entices different females. The females lay their eggs in the nest, and he fertilizes them. The male cares for the growing young. Large Stickleback grow to 5 cm. and Small Stickleback to 3,5 cm.
Weather Fish Noemacheilus barbatulus Are small predators living at the bottom of streams and brooks, feeding on shellfish, insect larvae and fish eggs. Being a threatened species, they are protected by law in Sweden. Horse Leeche Haemopsis Sanguisuga are often mistaken for being bloodsuckers. Horse leeches are monochrome and live off small insects, while their blood-sucking relatives are red-striped. |
