A biotope aquaria is an aquarium that is set-up to simulate a natural habitat. The fish, plants, water chemistry, and furnishings are similar to those that can be found in a specific natural setting.
Always check compatibility! Some species from a particular habitat are not suitable tankmates. For example, the Peacock Bass will eat small tetras since they are their natural food in the wild.
The biotope aquarium can be adapted by adding species from disparate areas that have similar water requirements.
Mongabay.com is the sole effort of Rhett A. Butler, who has taken the photos and written all of the content found on the site. If you find mongabay.com a useful resource I hope that you may consider making a contribution to help support the site. You can also assist by purchasing biotope books using links on this page.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ South American Whitewater River +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Giant Catfish Click to enlarge
Angelfish Biotope Click to enlarge
Freshwater Barracuda Click to enlarge
Freshwater Stingray Click to enlarge
Freshwater Stingray Click to enlarge
Freshwater Stingray Click to enlarge
Freshwater Stingray Click to enlarge
Arowana Click to enlarge
Arowana Click to enlarge
Piranhas Click to enlarge
Redtail Catfish Click to enlarge
Amazon Click to enlarge
Whitewater
rivers have a muddy brown color with little visibility because of the heavy sediment content.
In the main river, there are almost
no plants, and mostly large fish unsuitable for the aquarium.
Quiet backwater areas like oxbow lakes have more aquarium fish species, and greater plant life.
Whitewater rivers include the Amazon,
the Napo, and the Orinoco.
TANK:
The tank should be furnished with driftwood
and open swimming areas.
Use a fine gravel, or preferably, clay. Oxbow lakes typically have floating plants and reeds near the shoreline.
