Biotopes

Deep into Izabal Guatemala’s cattle farms, I found this jewel. A beautiful river in part of the Río Dulce National Park.  This is a natural reserve although it runs through private cattle farms mostly. People don’t usually fish in this river which is reflected in the size of the fish …

Cryptocoryne thwaitesii grows in the stable watershed that springs out from the deep forest. The natural growth method is very special and it is not growing in the whole stream, but it seems that a small number of plants are growing only in a very narrow range of meters below …

Technical Description: Mamberamo River West Papua. Dimensions of tank: Length 90cm x Width 60cm x Height 50cm Lighting: 1 x t8 grow bulb 1 x t8 sun bulb. Filtration: Eheim Canister Filter 2215. Hardscape: River rocks seasoned with algae. Substrate: Mixture of white sand and sharp river sand and small …

DuPuis Wildlife Management Area in an unnamed campground pond.  It is a freshwater natural pond. LAT: 27.00427 LONG: – 80.54443 Technical description:  Freshwater natural pond. The pond had superior clarity and no visible outlets to other bodies of water. The bottom of the pond was a silty mixture of sand and …

Technical Description: Blackwater Rio Atabapo aquarium biotope. Dimensions of tank: 110 x 55 x 60 cm Lighting: Spot spotlights LED 10W 2 pcs and T8 fluorescent tubes 2x18W Filtration:  Eheim Classic 2217 and Tetra ex 800 plus. Hardscape: Due to the fact that the river passes through the jungle there is a lot …

Brunei is a small nation within Borneo, neighboring Malaysia and the South China Sea.  The area is home to a jungle environment with rich biodiversity.  Betta macrostoma is one of these gems that inhabit the area. In a small tannin stained stream below a trickling waterfall Betta macrostoma can be found . Some …

We are journeying to Brazil, to the Rio Tapajos and Rio Jamanxim. Among the whitewater regions scattered in the rocks, we find our elusive target. The most popular of the Peckoltia genus, the Imperial Tiger or Leopard Frog pleco (Peckoltia compta L-134). They are quite popular for many reasons, namely color, …

This morning we travel to the Western coast of Australia, to the twin port cities of Dongara and Port Denison in the shire of Irwin. They are both sleepy crawfishing spots with small populations. Here locals all have a favorite creek to collect at so we follow a local. Among …

Today we travel to the verdant forests of Eastern Nigeria, following the meandering path of the Cross River and its associated systems. Dense rainforests envelop this area, the humidity creating mists and fogs. Here is one of the last bastions of Cross River Gorillas, only fully described in 2000, first …

Today we travel to Cilicap, Indonesia in Central Java. We have left civilization far behind. This is a dense rainforest area and guides are your best bet for finding our quarry. We trudge through the dense undergrowth, looking for a lower spot in the forest that might hold water from …