Aquascaping in India

Aquascaping in India refers to the art and practice of designing and maintaining underwater landscapes within aquariums across the Indian subcontinent. This art of blending creativity and ecology, has become popular since the early 2000s, with hobbyist communities, public aquariums and exhibitions.[1]

History

Inspired by Japanese and European trends, aquascaping in India began to develop in the early 2000s, driven by easier access to imported supplies. Hobbyists drew inspiration from artists like Takashi Amano, creating nature-style and biotope aquariums that mimic natural habitats.[2][3][4]

Applications of aquascaping in India

By 2009, Indian aquarium enthusiasts had begun adopting nature-style aquascaping, moving beyond traditional fishbowls. Reports noted the use of carbon dioxide injection, imported lighting and filtration, and scavenger shrimp to maintain ecological balance, with regular partial water changes keeping upkeep manageable.[5] By the early 2020s, aquascaping in India had grown into a recognised creative pursuit, with hobbyists investing in advanced filtration, enriched substrates and specialised lighting, reflecting a shift from casual fish-keeping towards an art-driven practice.[6]

Public engagement

Namma Bengaluru Aquarium in Bengaluru reopened in 2024 and put up themed aquascaping galleries which display underwater landscapes. The initiative also offers workshops, along with the availability of plants and supplies.[7]

Integration into architecture

Aquascaping techniques have also been applied in architectural projects in India. The Pool Yard House in Panchkula, Haryana (2017), included a glazed pool wall developed with aquascaping expertise as part of its residential landscape design.[8]

Notable people

Several people have advanced aquascaping in India:

  • Abhik Mazumdar – A Delhi-based aquascaper, Mazumdar designs biotope aquariums that recreate natural ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove estuaries, for private residences and corporate spaces.[4][9]
  • Devagya Uikey – Winner of the Biotope Aquarium Contest (BAC) 2023 in the Southern, Western & Central Asia category, Uikey was the first Indian to win in this region, recognised for his authentic recreation of a natural aquatic habitat.[10]

Events and workshops

Aquascaping workshops have become a regular feature at national pet expos.[11][12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Bhandari, Prakash (4 January 2014). "Aquarium hobby trends in state, boosts ornamental fish farming". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  2. ^ Mukherjee, Madhumita & Pradeep, H.. (2012). AQUASCAPING AND TRADE IN INDIA
  3. ^ Agrawal, Radhika (20 August 2021). "The quiet rise of aquascaping in Indian cities". Hindustan Times. [1].
  4. ^ a b Sengupta, Durga (11 April 2004). "Mermaids, Anyone?". Business Today. [2].
  5. ^ "Sea at home!". Bangalore Mirror. 23 June 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  6. ^ Suvarna, Prajwal (27 February 2021). "A hobby that doubles up as serious art". Deccan Herald. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  7. ^ Fathima, Iffath (22 December 2024). "Aquascaping blooms in Namma Bengaluru Aquarium". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  8. ^ "One of a kind! Pool Yard House". EPCANDI. 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  9. ^ "One of a kind!". EPC & I. Northern Lights Communications. n.d. Retrieved 17 August 2025. Pool Yard House, designed for an elderly couple … Project Name: Pool Yard House. Location: Sec–7, Panchkula, Haryana, India. Built up area: 496 Sq. Mt. Completed in: 2017. Principal Architect: Ar. Badrinath Kaleru.
  10. ^ "Craft a Unique Indian Biotope Aquarium: A Beginner’s Guide". Aqua Matsya. [3].
  11. ^ cite news |last=Fathima |first=Iffath |title=Aquascaping blooms in Namma Bengaluru Aquarium |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/aquascaping-blooms-in-namma-bengaluru-aquarium/articleshow/116544791.cms |work=Bangalore Mirror |date=22 December 2024 |access-date=8 August 2025
  12. ^ "Aquascaping Workshop at PETEX India". [4].
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