Central American Rocky Lake Biotope Aquarium Setup
BIOTOPE AQUARIA
A biotope aquaria is an aquarium that is set-up to simulate a natural habitat. The fish, plants, water chemistry, and furnishings are similar to those that can be found in a specific natural setting.
Always check compatibility! Some species from a particular habitat are not suitable tankmates. For example, the Peacock Bass will eat small tetras since they are their natural food in the wild.
The biotope aquarium can be adapted by adding species from disparate areas that have similar water requirements.
[Photos from various habitats/biotopes]
Freshwater fish species listed by country and ecosystem -- excellent resources for constructing biotope aquaria.
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Central American Rocky Lake
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Central America has several great lakes like Atitlan, Managua, and Nicaragua.
The lakes are rocky with hard, alkaline water.
The cichlids in these lakes are generally very territorial and aggressive and should not be combined in the same with peaceful species such as livebearers.
WATER:
7.5-8.2, 15-25 dH, 75-81 F (24-27 C)
TANK:
The tank should be furnished with large, sturdy rock structures.
The substrate can be fine gravel or sand.
There should be little water current.
PLANTS:
There are few plants in these lakes due to the hard water.
In the aquarium, live plants will be destroyed by the cichlids.
FISH:
Loricarids, Pimelodids, Livebearers, lake Cichlasomines.
Lake Nicaragua Cichlid Profile [with pictures]
Cichlids in Nicaragua: The Fishes [with pictures]