Biotope Information

The Maroni River flows through the Guiana Moist Forests ecoregion. It rises in the Tumuk Humak Mountains and forms the (disputed) border between France (French Guiana) and Suriname. It is also known as the Lawa in its upper reaches and as the Litani near its source. The Litani, Lawa, and Maroni have a total length of 612 km (380 mi). Two nature reserves are located in the estuary on the Surinamese side of the river, near the village of Galibi. These provide protection for birds and hatching leatherback sea turtles. The area where I created the biotope represents a small stream tributary flowing through a forested area. Water parameters are 27 degrees Celsius, 5.0-6.5 pH, 0-80 microsiemens, and 0-1 kH year-round. Fallen leaves and branches stain the water to a tea color, making it acidic and soft. I‘ve been following the Guyane Wild Fish page on Facebook for many years and was fascinated by the roseus tetras I saw there. I was captivated by the small rivers where they lived and their characteristics. I was impressed by the aquatic beauty I saw in the region and wanted to create such a biotope. The ground was light-colored fine sand, abundant dry leaves and dried botanicals, thin dry branches, and driftwood. A plan was given for the shoreline of a small stream. Deionized water was used to mimic the softness of the water in the area. This ensures 60 ppm TDS, 0 kh, 6.0 pH, and a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. The aquarium contains no NH3. I make regular measurements in the aquarium and perform water changes when organic load is detected. Referances: Ecosystem services in the Maroni river bassin - ECOSEO Project PDF (www.wwf.fr) https://www.oneearth.org/ecoregions/guianan-freshwater-swamp-forests/ https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/divers20-10/010012214.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Maroni-River-and-estuary-a-Location-of-the-Maroni-River-and-estuary-black-rectangle_fig1_342771715 [accessed 22 Sept 2025] https://www.facebook.com/guyanewildfish https://www.wwf.fr/sites/default/files/doc-2022-11/Ecosystem%20services%20in%20the%20Maroni%20river%20bassin%20-%20ECOSEO%20Project.pdf