Amazon Whitewater Biotope Aquarium Setup





[Photos from various habitats/biotopes]

Freshwater fish species listed by country and ecosystem -- excellent resources for constructing biotope aquaria.

South American Whitewater River

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.

Amazon River, Orinoco

pH 6.8-7.1, 3-8 dH, 79-84 F (26-29 C)

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.

Sword plants, Water Lettuce, Duckweed, Riccia, Vallisneria

Oscars, Acaras, Eartheaters, Angelfish, Headstanders, Piranhas, Hatchetfish, Tetras, Pimelodids, Doradids, Loricarids, Corydoras

Large Whitewater River: Peru, Peru
Flooded Forest: Brazil, Brazil, Brazil, Brazil
South American Oxbow Lake: Brazil, Brazil, Peru, Peru, Brazil, Brazil.
South American Whitewater Creek: Peru, Peru, Peru.


Other Biotope Resources

More photos: