Rivers make up a large portion of the World’s freshwater and support copious amounts of life both in, and around their waters. They are very important for many different environments all around the world, acting as the lifeblood or arteries for whole biomasses. Rivers come in many different forms, sizes, and gradients, from fast flowing mountainous streams and brooks, to the larger slower meandering flood plain rivers like the Nile.

The Riverine aquarium however focuses on those systems where water current is fast and vigorous, with species that have adapted to such conditions. Many common fish specimens seen in the hobby today are in fact greatly current oriented, and prefer the cooler more highly oxygenated waters. An aquarium depicting the torrent and structures of a river is the best way to see species such as Danios, White cloud minnows, Rainbowfish, certain Catfish, and more, act in their more natural behavior, as they would in their native waters. The riverine tank gives a sense of activity and urgency, and is a sharp contrast to the more tranquil planted setup.