About the Ajamaru Lakes
The Ajamaru Lakes are located near the Bird's Head Peninsula in West Papua. This area has two main lakes, Lake Ayamaru and Lake Hain. Greemakolo is the nearest village. Locals are known as the Ajamaru people, a sub-tribe of the Maybrat people. Lake Ayamaru has warmer water than Hain. Deep holes in the lakes connect to underwater caverns. Both lakes have clear blue water due to rich materials in the water.
Endemic Fishes of the Ajamaru Lakes
Four fish species are found only in the Ajamaru Lakes. These include the Ayamaru Lakes rainbowfish, Boeseman's rainbowfish, the Vogelkop blueye, and Hoese's goby. Of these four fish, only Boeseman's rainbowfish is commonly found in aquariums. Unfortunately, the Ayamaru Lakes rainbowfish is critically endangered, while Boeseman's rainbowfish and Hoese's goby are endangered.
Creating an Ajamaru Lakes Biotope
To set up a biotope like this, you'll need river sand, native plants, and rocks. A large tank (at least 200 litres) is required, as the rainbowfish can grow quite large. Place larger rocks in the background and smaller rocks and plants in the foreground. Audouinella is a native plant that can be used. For a community tank, you can include any of the four endemic fish.
Maintaining Your Biotope
Maintenance is similar to other aquariums. Test water parameters monthly, clean the tank regularly, and so on.