#10386 Neyyar Dam, Neyyar River Basin, Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date

May, 2026

Aquarium decoration

Stones with similar colour, texture, and shape to those found in the Neyyar River were selected to construct the hardscape of the aquarium. Rounded rocks and pebbles of different sizes were carefully arranged to imitate the natural rocky streambed observed downstream of Neyyar Dam during the summer low-water season.

A large piece of driftwood was added to represent submerged roots and fallen branches commonly found along tropical river margins, while also providing shaded areas and shelter for the fish. The substrate consists of coarse sand, gravel, and small stones arranged irregularly to recreate the natural structure of a stream bottom. Leaf litter and small twigs were added to simulate organic material accumulated in calmer areas of the river.

The central open area was intentionally maintained to resemble shallow pools that form between exposed rocks during periods of reduced water flow. The aquarium uses minimal planting because the original habitat is characterised mainly by exposed stones, woody debris, and sparse marginal vegetation rather than dense aquatic plant growth.

Earth-toned materials were selected throughout the layout to reflect the natural appearance of tropical rocky streams in the southern Western Ghats. Water movement and open swimming space were key elements of the design, creating a calm stream-like environment suitable for native and regionally associated fish species such as Haludaria fasciata and Pseudetroplus maculatus.

The overall composition aims to reproduce the visual character and ecological structure of a seasonal tropical stream ecosystem from Kerala in a natural and realistic way.

Fish:

• Haludaria fasciata (Cyprinidae) – 4
• Pseudetroplus maculatus (Cichlidae) – 10
• Lepidocephalichthys thermalis (Cobitidae) – 3

Aquarium equipment

Filtration: SunSun HW-3000 canister filter with fine filtration mesh and ceramic rings used as biological filtration media.

Fish care

The fish were collected from the biotope, and water parameters were adjusted to closely replicate their natural environment. The fish are fed with live foods such as mosquito larvae to maintain a natural feeding behaviour similar to that found in the wild.

Plant care

Water care

The filter condition is regularly checked, and water changes are performed only when necessary to maintain stable water quality.

Dimensions

Length

120 cm

Depth

50 cm

High

50 cm

Volume

300 L