AGAIAC 2026 / Biotope

#1207 Indian floodplain Shallows of the Ganges

Floodplain Shallows, Ganges River basin, India.

Blake McQueen • Australia Perth, Western Australia, Australia

12 rank

Indian floodplain Shallows of the Ganges

About This Aquascape

The original goal for this aquarium was to observe how a young male and female Honey Gourami interact and mature together in a recreation of their natural habitat. But as the two gourami's matured into their natural colouration I noticed there was two males rather than a male and female pair. Even though the biotope had 2 males rather than a breeding pair, the behaviour was more interesting than I could have imagined. As peaceful fish they the two males generally coexist peacefully, occasionally they'd engage in a display of flaring fins or an "spar". Watching their coloration develop, their interactions change, and their individual territories emerge within the biotope habitat became far more interesting than the breeding behaviour I had originally hoped to observe.

Biotope Information

This 48 L biotope reconstructs a shallow, slow moving marginal zone of a small light flowing stream as apart of the Ganges. During periods of low water, these marginal habitats can become increasingly stagnant and isolated, with water stained by tannins released from fallen branches, leaf litter and other decomposing organic matter. The aquascape represents a sheltered microhabitat along the bank, where fallen terrestrial branches, leaf litter and large water-worn stones create a complex network of physical barriers. These structures provide sheltered areas and distinct territories for the labyrinth-breathing Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna).

Blake McQueen

Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Quick Stats

Style: Biotope
Size: 61x26x30 cm
Volume: 47 L (12.4 gal.)
Plant Species: 1
Fish Species: 1

Biotope Location

Floodplain Shallows, Ganges River basin, India. (24.588339,88.054390)

Judges' Comments

A beautiful, organic habitat for an unusual selection of fish. This is one of the entries in which the smaller aquarium size feels genuinely appropriate to the species and concept. The display is convincing and well executed; concealing the visible glass boundaries more effectively would make it even stronger.

— Tai Strietman

A beautiful and very natural-looking composition! The arrangement of branches, leaf litter and stones creates a convincing flooded habitat. However, the aquarium feels a little empty, as though something is missing. I would have loved to see more vegetation, particularly Vallisneria, and perhaps more vertical branches in the background to create additional depth and complexity. The honey gouramis are an appropriate choice, but I would have liked to see some of the other fish species sharing their natural habitat. I'm also not entirely convinced by the strong tannin staining, as these floodplain habitats are not typically so dark, although local conditions can vary. Overall, a lovely and thoughtful recreation with plenty of potential!

— Rodrigo Silva

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