Biotope aquarium
An aquarium that faithfully replicates a specific natural habitat: flora, fauna, water chemistry and landscape of a specific geographical area.
Detailed explanation
The biotope favours geographical and biological accuracy. All species must come from the same geographic area.
An Amazon biotope includes amber water, sandy bottom with leaves, South American fish. A Lake Malawi biotope uses rocks, hard water and Malawi cichlids.
Biotope competitions evaluate scientific accuracy. It's an excellent approach for fish because the conditions replicate their evolutionary habitat.
Research is part of the fun: studying the ecology of a region and recreating it in miniature.