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Rawa Pening Swamp, Central Java, Indonesia
Indonesia, Central Java, Ambarawa, Sumurup
Rawa Pening is a beautiful swamp located in Ambarawa, Central Java, Indonesia. This natural wetland inspired the creation of a biotope aquarium, capturing its unique charm and ecological richness.
The swamp is home to a wide variety of fish species – one of my personal favorites is the striking headfish (Aplocheilus panchax). Spanning a vast area, Rawa Pening maintains a pristine and thriving ecosystem. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend visiting – its beauty will leave you amazed.
- Submitted by
- Arih Setyo Nugroho
- Approved by
- Heiko Blessin, Heok Hee Ng & Greg Martin
- GPS
- -7.2678995, 110.4428635
- Geographical region
- Southeastern Asia
- Drainage Basin
- Java Sea, east of Semarang
- River catchment
- Tuntang River
- Water body type
- Lake
- Water body name
- Rawa Pening
- Water body part
- Open water
- Water body course
- Water body: tributary of
- Stream
- Tributary name
- Ambarawa
Videos above and below water
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Water Chemistry
Water information
- Water type
- fresh-water
- Water color
- Clear water
- Water transparency
- Low
- Concentration of sediments
- Low
- Water temperature
- 28 °C
- Water flow/curent
- Slow
Chemical parameters
- pH
- 5.5
- Conductivity
- GH
- dGH
- KH
- dKH
- Dissolved Oxygen
Substrate in nature
- Sand
- Beige
- Pebble/Gravel
- Mixed
- Stone
- Brown
- Stone form
- Irregular
- Silt/Mud
- Brown
- Leaves
- Adundant
- Driftwood
- Few
- Submerged terrestrial vegetation
- Yes
Aquatic Biotope
- Date of collecting
- 24 December, 2024
- Collecting area
- Edge of reservoir
- Water depth
- 0,2m
- Air temperature
- 29 °C
- Sunlight
- Filtered/dappled sun
Environment
- Environment
- Affected by human activity
- Affected by human activity
- Deforestation
- Deforestation
- Initial
- Surrounding area
Rawa Pening Lake, located in Ambarawa, Central Java, Indonesia, lies about 32 kilometers from the center of Semarang. It is one of the largest natural lakes in Central Java and provides a crucial habitat for a variety of endemic flora and fauna.
As a typical tropical lake, Rawa Pening supports rich biodiversity. One notable species is the Javanese belida (Chitala lopis), whose conservation status has recently improved after being designated as a protected species due to previous overhunting.
Extended sunlight exposure has contributed to the rapid spread of water hyacinths (Pontederia crassipes), which now blanket large sections of the lake. While this invasive growth presents ecological challenges, it also offers refuge for many small fish species, helping them avoid predators.
- Underwater landscape
The underwater habitat of Rawa Pening Lake supports a wide variety of fish species, including Chitala lopis, Anabas testudineus, Aplocheilus panchax, and dwarf gouramis (Trichogaster fasciata).
These smaller fish rely on dense aquatic vegetation and submerged structures for protection from natural predators such as Channa striata and Channa limbata.
Fish list:
- Aplocheilus panchax (Aplocheilidae)
- Dermogenys pusilla (Zenarhopteridae)
- Trichopsis vittata (Osphronemidae)
Aquatic plant list:
- Pontederia crassipes (Pontederiaceae)
- Cyperus alternifolius (Cyperaaceae)
Terrestrial vegetation list:
- Cyperus alternifolius (Cyperaceae)
- Threats to ecology
Rawa Pening Lake is a natural lake that has stood as a silent witness since the time of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia. An old railway track, a remnant of that era, stretches across the lake and adds historical value, making Rawa Pening a popular educational tourism destination for visitors from across the country.
Comment by the expert
Heok Hee Ng: Inadequate description of the threats to this environment. As with many freshwater habitats in Java, I would expect pollution and the presence of alien invasives to be major threats.
Greg Martin: An effective biotope recreation.
