Sentul Westjava Upstream – Dwarf Snakehead Habitat

_st place in Biotope Aquarium Design Contest 2022

Volume of aquarium: 110 Liters

Dimensions of aquarium: 80x40x35

List of fishes: Channa limbata, Barbodes binotatus, Macrobrachium sp.

List of plants: leaves, twigs and seeds of fallen and decaying pine trees

Description of Decorations and Substrate: The aquarium decorations were obtained by taking directly the ornaments in Channa limbata’s habitat, namely rocks, sand, wood, leaves and pine cones that fell and rotted in the water. Arranged as it looks like the original condition of its habitat

Description of Equipment: – Resun Powerhead Pump 6.5W 500L/H,
– 8 Watt Phillips lamp 20 cm White 800 lumens.

Water Parameters: – pH 6,5-7
– Temp 18°C
– Dissolve Oxygen 5 mg/L

Additional Info: Water changes are carried out every 10 days by replacing 30% of the water volume, the lights are turned on only during the day and turned off at night according to day and night conditions. The food provided is in accordance with the dietary needs as aquatic predators, namely insects, worms and small shrimp

Aquarium video:

Description of the Area Surrounding the Biotope: The environment around the habitat of Channa limbata has a cool tropical climate because it is a highland dominated by pine plants. Water comes from springs that flow into channels which are dominated by rocks and sand

Description of the Underwater Landscape of the Biotope: Channa limbata habitat is a small river that clearly has a steep slope angle so that the flow is quite swift. There are many little drops of water flow and some quiet corners where fish keep Channa limbata, waiting for prey, nesting and their young. Channa limbata’s habitat, namely rocks, sand, wood, leaves and pine cones that fell and rotted in the water.

Description of the Habitat Parameters: The water in Channa limbata’s habitat has cold temperatures ranging from 14-18 degrees Celsius. Stable pH between 6.5-7, rich in oxygen because the water flows quite fast and very clear because the water source comes from mountain springs

List of Fishes and Invertebrates Occurring in the Nature Biotope: – Channa limbata
– Barbodes binotatus
– Macrobrachium sp.
– Parathelphusa sp.

List of Plants Found in the Nature Biotope: Pine trees fern dominate the environment around the habitat stream

Threats to the Ecology of the Biotope: The habitat of Channa limbata which is the pilot location for this biotope design is the Mount Pancar area which has the status of a Nature Tourism Park. Namely a conservation area that is also used for recreational purposes. The activities of tourists, trade and passing vehicles are feared to have a negative effect on the stability of the Channa limbata habitat.

Sources of Information:
– Khoomsab K, Wannasri S, 2014. Biological aspects of channa limbata(cuvier, 1831) in ta bo – huai yai wildlife sanctuary, Phetchabun province, Thailand
– Ward-Campbell, B.M., Beamish, F.W. Ontogenetic changes in morphology and diet in the snakehead, Channa limbata, a predatory fish in western Thailand. Environ Biol Fish 72, 251–257 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-004-1744-9