Lake Malawi Biotope Aquarium Setup

Lake Malawi Biotope

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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Lake Malawi
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Details on Lake Malawi can be found in the fish section on Lake Malawi cichlids.

ECOSYSTEMS:
Lake Malawi

WATER: pH 7.8-8.6, 6-10 dH, 72-82 F (23-28 C)

TANK:
Please see the description on Lake Malawi cichlids for details.

PLANTS:
Vallisneria is the only commercially available species, but Anubias and Java Fern are also suitable if the aquariast is willing to bend the biotope rules.

FISH:
Lake Malawi cichlids (Mbuna, Peacock cichlids, Others), Synodontis