Website design By BotEap.comMany of the largest freshwater fish in the world come from the huge water system in South America known as the Amazon. This river system is known for its huge catfish, man-eating piranhas, and even reptiles like alligators and anacondas. The Amazon River is the largest river drainage system in the world, covering more than 2.7 million square miles. It also accounts for a fifth of all freshwater river water in the world.

Website design By BotEap.comSo with all of that in mind, it’s no wonder many want to recreate this stunning river at home in their freshwater aquariums. A biotope, as we call it, is exactly that: a recreation of a specific geographic area at home. But where do you start?

Website design By BotEap.comIt is preferable to start with a large tank of at least 75 gallons. 100 gallons or more is great, and the general rule of thumb is the bigger the better. The reason for this is not just because a higher volume of water means a more stable ecosystem, but also because some of the more desirable fish species are larger in size and therefore require a larger aquarium.

Website design By BotEap.comThe substrate (gravel) should be sandy, with some rounded river rocks mixed in. The Amazon is known for its dense vegetation and many live plants are also recommended. There are many Amazonian plants available at most local pet stores in North America. Driftwood is also common in the Amazon, with many slender roots where fish can take refuge.

Website design By BotEap.comThe pH of water in the Amazon is generally slightly acidic, between 6.4 and 6.6, but you can have it closer to neutral (7.0) if you prefer. Many captive-bred fish are used to a more neutral pH than those harvested from their native waters. The temperature should be kept between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the water dGH (degrees of general hardness) should be on the softer side. The lighting should be dim, perhaps through the use of floating plants.

Website design By BotEap.comSo now comes the fun part, which is filling the aquarium with fish. We will not go into detail on how to properly add fish to the aquarium, or feed or breed the different species. We will just say that you should add the fish slowly and be sure to research the “cycle” system that creates a suitable biological ecosystem in your aquarium.

Website design By BotEap.comSome notable species for a small Amazon biotope aquarium (25 or more gallons) include:

• Neon Tetras and other small tetras
• Corydora species of catfish
• Apistogramma species of dwarf cichlids

Website design By BotEap.comSome notable species for a medium-sized Amazon biotope (55 or more gallons) include:

• Silver dollars
• Headstaders
• Cichlids such as Jack Dempseys, Severums or Angelfish
• Pictus catfish

Website design By BotEap.comSome notable species of large Amazon biotopes (over 80 gallons) include:

• Oscar or large South American cichlids (over 12 inches)
• Silver arowanas
• Lima shovel nose catfish

Website design By BotEap.comThere are also huge Amazonian fish like Pacus, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, Red Tail Catfish, and Peacock Bass (which are actually Cichlids and not true Bass). These fish require extremely large tanks and are best suited for public aquariums.

Website design By BotEap.comHere are some initial ideas for your Amazon biotope aquarium. Good luck and remember, research is key!