AGAIAC 2026 / Biotope

#1191 The flowing water of Baiyun Mountain during summer when the river is in flood

Baiyun Mountain, Guangdong, China

pan gang • China hefei, China

4 rank

The flowing water of Baiyun Mountain during summer when the river is in flood

Biotope Information

After a heavy summer downpour, a stream in the Baiyun Mountains of Guangdong, China, is filled with fallen leaves and branches. They bring vivid colors to the otherwise monotonous brook. Puntius semifasciolatus and Candidia albipinnis swim among the debris, seeking every chance for survival.

pan gang

hefei, China

Quick Stats

Style: Biotope
Size: 90x40x40 cm
Volume: 144 L (38.0 gal.)
Plant Species: 1
Fish Species: 1

Biotope Location

Baiyun Mountain, Guangdong, China (23.499616,113.172870)

Judges' Comments

I particularly enjoyed the vibrant green vegetation, which provides a refreshing contrast to the more muted, brown-toned habitats often seen in this category. The composition is natural and convincing, and the restrained number of fish feels appropriate. I also appreciate the representation of natural decomposition, although its implications for filtration and water quality are worth considering.

— Tai Strietman

As someone who grew up and lives in a region that experiences all four seasons, I really appreciate the concept of highlighting seasonal changes and exploring how a biotope may look following a weather event, such as rainfall. I think this is a particularly interesting approach to showcasing the dynamic nature of natural habitats. My recommendation would be to include additional photographs of the aquascape, particularly those showing how the livestock interact with and utilize the different spaces within the habitat. This would help tell a more complete ecological story of the biotope.

— Kapil Mandrekar

A beautiful and convincing recreation of a natural stream! I really like the composition and the excellent choice of native fish, particularly the white cloud mountain minnows, a species originally described from this very mountain. The combination of rocks, branches and vegetation genuinely feels like being transported underwater into a wild stream. My main criticism is the lack of depth in the composition. Despite the aquarium being 40 cm deep, it feels considerably narrower. A little more layering and perspective would have made an already lovely biotope even more immersive.

— Rodrigo Silva

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