Borneo hillstream, Sarawak
35th place in Biotope Aquarium Design Contest 2016
Belgium. Xavier Bourdet
Aquarium Volume: 160 L
Fish and invertebrates: Crossocheilus oblongus, Gastromyzon viriosus, Gastromyzon scitulus, Gastromyzon zebrinus, Gastromyzon ctenocephalus, Gastromyzon ocellatus
Plants list: Microsorum pteropus, Bucephalandra sp. Sekadau Green Wavy
Biotope description: This aquarium was set up based on the rivers of Sarawak, one of the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Which contains many rivers most of them fast flowing, with a bottom covered with stones. Although many claim there is only emersed vegitation, there are some plant species that are fully submersed most known about plant species are Cryptocoryne, but there are also reports of Microsorum and Bucephalandra growing submersed. As there is so few information to find about this type of biotope, i tried to make my own interpretation of the biotope by watching photos and videos. This biotope was set up to give Gastromyzon species the home they deserve, My layout consists of large river stones covered with algae to graze on and manzanita wood to replicate fallen tree branches. As my purpose was to make something biotope correct but different than your average hillstream.
Fish and invertebrates: Crossocheilus oblongus, Gastromyzon viriosus, Gastromyzon scitulus, Gastromyzon zebrinus, Gastromyzon ctenocephalus, Gastromyzon ocellatus
Plants list: Microsorum pteropus, Bucephalandra sp. Sekadau Green Wavy
Biotope description: This aquarium was set up based on the rivers of Sarawak, one of the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Which contains many rivers most of them fast flowing, with a bottom covered with stones. Although many claim there is only emersed vegitation, there are some plant species that are fully submersed most known about plant species are Cryptocoryne, but there are also reports of Microsorum and Bucephalandra growing submersed. As there is so few information to find about this type of biotope, i tried to make my own interpretation of the biotope by watching photos and videos. This biotope was set up to give Gastromyzon species the home they deserve, My layout consists of large river stones covered with algae to graze on and manzanita wood to replicate fallen tree branches. As my purpose was to make something biotope correct but different than your average hillstream.
Photo Gallery
Comments of the members of the jury of Biotope Aquarium Design Contest 2016
Gastromyzon is an inhabitant of cold streams and requires specific conditions. It seems that in this aquarium they feel at home. The hardscape was made with love. Perhaps it is too geometrically perfect for a biotope aquarium. The equipment is too noticeable.