AGAIAC 2026 / Biotope

#1343 Childhood Nostalgia

Rawa Pening, Rawa Pening in Ungaran, Central Java, Indonesia .Freshwater, Rawa Pening, Ungaran, Central Java, Indonesia

Nurul Arofah • Indonesia Ungaran, Indonesia, Indonesia

7 rank

About This Aquascape

I created this biotope to evoke our childhood memories—searching for fish along the marsh's edge, the thrill of catching fish and aquatic creatures, and returning home with dirty clothes only to be scolded by Mom—before doing it all over again another day. I am sure many of you have experienced this too. I designed this biotope to mimic a natural marsh environment as closely as possible; I hope you enjoy it. It features *Cyperus rotundus*, *bugleweed*, and *Commelina diffusa*—plants I gathered from the marsh's edge—along with small pieces of wood, floating plants, and submerged dried leaves to create a natural look. It is also home to *Croaking Gourami* (*Trichopsis vittata*) and freshwater mussels (*Pilsbryoconcha*). The habitat represents an environment surrounded by peat soil and hills. Thank you, and please enjoy this simple creation.

Biotope Information

I created this biotope to mimic a swamp environment as closely as possible; I hope you like it. It features *Cyperus rotundus*, bugleweed, and *Commelina diffusa*—which I gathered from the edge of a swamp—along with a few small twigs. It also includes Croaking Gourami (*Trichopsis vittata*) and freshwater mussels (*Pilsbryoconcha*). The habitat type is characterized by surrounding peat soil and hills. Reference source: Wikipedia.

Nurul Arofah

Ungaran, Indonesia, Indonesia

Quick Stats

Style: Biotope
Size: 40x30x25 cm
Volume: 30 L (7.9 gal.)
Plant Species: 3
Fish Species: 4

Biotope Location

Rawa Pening, Rawa Pening in Ungaran, Central Java, Indonesia .Freshwater, Rawa Pening, Ungaran, Central Java, Indonesia (-7.293261,110.417754)

Judges' Comments

For me, this is the outstanding entry in the biotope category and my personal choice for first place. What makes it particularly impressive is how successfully the creator has recreated a complex and convincing natural habitat within such a modest space. Although the aquarium is relatively small, its dimensions feel entirely appropriate for the pair of fish being maintained. I particularly appreciate the inclusion of small freshwater molluscs, including mussels, which adds another dimension to the ecological representation. It is also wonderful to see a habitat with which the creator is personally familiar, and which has clearly inspired such a thoughtful and carefully observed display. The paludarium-style composition is especially effective, with both the submerged and emergent elements contributing to an authentic representation of the environment. The warm, yellow-tinted backlighting beautifully captures the character of the water, while the substrate and organic materials have been arranged with remarkable naturalism. Although the glass remains visible, the overall composition is so convincing that it is easy to imagine it disappearing, leaving a genuine cross-section of the natural habitat. The relationship between the above-water and underwater environments is particularly impressive. This display demonstrates that ecological authenticity, visual impact and appropriate animal husbandry do not necessarily require a large aquarium or an elaborate collection of fish. With just two fish and a relatively simple arrangement, the creator has achieved something exceptionally compelling. I would be delighted to encounter a display of this quality in a public aquarium or zoological collection. For me, it is the strongest biotope entry in the competition.

— Tai Strietman

This is a beautiful example of a paludarium. The planting is exceptionally well done, creating a wonderful sense of depth and dimension despite the aquarium's small size. I also appreciate the bold decision to incorporate mud into the scape. It can be challenging to work with, but in this case, it appears to have paid off beautifully, contributing to the natural appearance and overall authenticity of the habitat.

— Kapil Mandrekar

A lovely and incredibly natural-looking little aquarium! I really appreciate seeing croaking gouramis represented, and the shallow habitat with dense marginal vegetation is very appropriate for them. The emergent growth adds so much realism, and I particularly love the lighting in the background, which gives the impression of sunlight filtering through the vegetation. Despite its small size, the aquarium feels like a genuine piece of nature. Overall, a thoughtful and beautifully atmospheric recreation. Great work!

— Rodrigo Silva

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