bam Demanding level

Río Atabapo, Guainía, Colombia

Sponsored by

Colombia, Departamento de Guainía

This biotope aquarium represents the central flow of a blackwater river in the Amazon basin, particularly inspired by regions like the Atabapo River.

The setup simulates the open channel bordered by dense vegetation and tree roots on both sides. Submerged branches, palm fronds, and leaf litter cover the sandy substrate, creating natural shelters and releasing tannins that give the water its characteristic amber hue. Vertical roots and driftwood recreate the flooded forest margins, offering hiding places and visual barriers for the fish.

The lighting mimics dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. This setup provides a realistic habitat for species like cardinal tetras and dwarf cichlids, highlighting the beauty and complexity of Amazonian aquatic ecosystems.

Submitted by
Luis Sequeira
Approved by
Roberto E. Reis, Pablo C. Lehmann & Antonio Machado-Allison
GPS
3.5262356, -67.4127808
Geographical region
South America
Drainage Basin
Rio Orinoco
River catchment
Atabapo River
Water body type
River
Water body name
Atabapo
Water body part
Flood plain
Water body course
Lower course
Water body: tributary of
River
Tributary name
Atabapo River

Videos above and below water


Warning: Undefined variable $fish_parent in /home/biotopea/public_html/wp-content/themes/bap/content-bam.php on line 85

Warning: Undefined array key "additional_species" in /home/biotopea/public_html/wp-content/themes/bap/functions/bap-fields.php on line 349

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
fresh-water
Water color
Black water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
High
Water temperature
26.0 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
6.0
Conductivity
6
GH
125 mg/l
dGH
KH
10 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen
60 %

Aquarium information

Aquarium description

Set-up date
June, 2025
Aquarium decoration

This biotope recreates the central flow of the Atabapo River, a blackwater tributary of the Orinoco in the Amazonas region of Venezuela.

The aquascape simulates the open river channel bordered by tree roots and forest debris. Driftwood, leaf litter, and palm fronds cover the sandy substrate, releasing tannins that create the characteristic amber water. Vertical branches and root structures provide hiding spots and replicate the flooded forest edge.

The lighting is subdued to mimic the dappled sunlight filtered through the jungle canopy.

Fish species such as Apistogramma hongsloi and Paracheirodon axelrodi were carefully chosen to match the native fauna. The tank reflects a realistic Amazonian ecosystem in both layout and parameters, with soft, acidic water, low conductivity, and minimal plant life, staying true to its natural inspiration.

Aquarium equipment

Cascade filter 1800L/H, buckets including seachem’s matrix, activated carbon and filter for small sediments.

 

Fish list:

  • Apistogramma hongsloi (Cichlidae)
  • Paracheirodon axelrodi (Characidae)
Fish care

This aquarium recreates the Atabapo River, with various types of leaves and black wood, where the fish can hide as they please, maintaining a sustainable ecosystem thanks not only to the filtration but also to the elements used to maintain the correct parameters. Weekly water changes.

Plant care

No plants added underwater but Mosteras, I add potassium once a week.

Water care

The water is change every sunday 15% of it, using buffers to have the appropiate pH when added. Use Prime of Seachem to condition the water correctly.

Dimensions

Length
91 cm
Depth
46 cm
High
51 cm
Volume
189 L

Substrate in aquarium

Sand
White
Pebble/Gravel
White
Stone
Grey
Stone form
Roundish
Silt/Mud
None
Leaves
Adundant
Driftwood
Many
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
Yes